G.M.

Maybe the others aren't stupid. Quite possibly, they didn't have the funds at the time, no different than you. By your logic, if someone else would have bought the sticks, you would've been stupid.

12K! LOL

Well, I asked that since I ended up buying one from the only dealer that has it. The bottom line is that it was a SMU made specifically for that dealer, and not part of the product line for 2007.

I don't think they will raise prices enough to drive the CURRENT player away, although, most adults curtail buying anything new, other than sticks. It will be the parents bringing in new, youth players who will suffer. The sport, however, is already expensive enough for new players. Parents look at how much it costs to get their child outfitted for hockey, which if all new gear, buying the absolute cheapest of the cheapest, you'd be lucky to get in at under $200 ($225 plus tax would be realistic and I can break this down for anyone interested), plus whatever the fee to play, they look at it and say "is baseball, basketball, lacrosse, soccer any cheaper?" The answer to that is yes, and far cheaper at that!

Even better is when you are ON the machine sharpening a pair of skates. "WTF does it look like I'm doing, polishing the blade?" Anyways, as far as flexing goes, we hate it, but, fortunately enough, my store isn't large enough that I won't see/hear someone snapping a shaft. I have a sign over by the sticks and shafts "you break it, you bought it." It cut down on flexing the FIRST time a kid broke the stick and had to take it home with him. Lil' Johnny's mom wasn't too happy, but, I did give them their receipt. :D Since then, not one stick broken and far less flexing. The word got out quick on that one. Also, I have printed out every OPS manufacturer's warranty phone numbers on a piece of paper, along with how many days their stick is warrantied by the manufacturer. Stapled to that, without fail, is the receipt. On the "warranty sheet", we apologize in advance that we are not permitted by any of the manufacturers to replace a broken OPS, shaft or blade, and that they must contact the manufacturer listed. We have yet to be challenged on it. I guess we have been lucky. As far as "hockeyherb" goes, in my book, you're right. Many of us have complained about the 1800FACEOFF's, HockeyGiant's, HockeyMonkey's, ePuck, etc., but, we bring it upon ourselves in a lot of ways. However, the flip side of that, "hockeyherb", is that there is a large amount of frustration over how much this business has changed because of the Internet, and "why can't you replace this" when the product wasn't bought at my store, AND I'm the bad guy because of it! DarkStar50 has been in this business for MANY years. I am going on almost 15 years and the business has NEVER been harder than what it is today. Jimmy I cannot speak for, but, sounds like awhile as well. Many of these frustrations come out because how the customer treats us. Sure, it's a dog eat dog world and we need to adjust and change our businesses because of what the Internet has brought us. However, if you think things will be better with fewer retailers or buying direct, think again. Prices will go up when there are far less people to buy from. The sport is costly enough and there will come a day when the manufacturers may buck the current system and sell direct, which, a few have. When that happens, there will be far less people playing the sport because it will become far too costly for people to afford it. Hockey in the US is already termed as "an upper middle to higher class" sport. With regards to selling direct, take my stance on MiA. I have told and will continue to tell fellow store owners not to deal with them. They sell direct to the consumer. I need to protect my business and will continue to support those who support me. All the people on MSH that have their noses stuffed up MiA's ass, they think "OMG, I'm getting these, awesome gloves, great service, great price." YOU'RE GETTING RIPPED OFF!!! They are not only making the profit on what they would sell the gloves to a dealer for, they are making the dealer's profit to boot! How did you get a deal? If they were doing you such favors, you would be paying $120 instead of $179-189! One word for all of you...SUCKERS! I won't get into, what is my opinion (as well as others on MSH), their unethical way of STARTING their business, as well as trying to pass themselves off as "Made In America"! I have NEVER met a Canadian who wanted to be known in any way, shape or form as an American! More so for those from Quebec who, 9 times out of 10 think that they are far superior to everyone (and dead wrong for thinking it!). What comes around goes around boys. Let's see how far you make it. Enough out of me for tonight. Enjoy the NHL Trade Deadline.

Brand new. http://www.modsquadhockey.com/index.php?showtopic=17955

Plant?

Something like the old Cooper DuraSoft palm?

Digital gussets? That's a weird one. Usually, that would be digital palm as well.

JR or Justin, what are the lines at the finger tips? Is that some type of grip material? What are the wear properties of these pieces? I really like the look of the Helium gloves. Are custom options available through retail? Palm materials?

JR, Very nice looking gloves. Was the 750 your only option?