Dangles83

I personally love the Mako II stick. Love the puck feel and stick load...the love is coming back for Easton twigs (assuming it is durable). Has anyone tried out the Mako II shoulders? Looks like a cool concept, but wanted to see if anyone liked it from experience.

Totally agree, I am selling my E700 cage, as though it looks slick, the bars are definitely distracting.

BAUER APX SKATES Model Specification Previous Models: CCM Tacks, Vapor XX, Vapor XXX, Vapor XXXX, Vapor x:60 Size: 9D Use: 1 year Fit The APX skates to me felt like slippers the first time I slipped them on my feet; baking them only increased the comfort level. The toe box has a bit more room depth-wise, but this did not have an negative impact. Coming from the Vapor line, there is the slightest bit more volume in some areas, but IMO the transition was unnoticeable as far as fit was concerned. As you have heard many times before, if you fit well into the Supreme line and find them comfortable, odds are you will not have an optimal fit into the APX. 9.5/10 Blade/Holder The Tuuk LS2 holders are very nice, but the steel took a little getting used too. Nothing drastic, more of a subtle difference, but got used to the feel after a few games or so. The angle of the skate is something you should be prepared for if coming from another manufacturer. Some people complain that they feel like they are leaning too far forward, but this is more a personal preference. When I switched from the more level CCM Tacks back in the day, the Vapors definitely felt strange, but once I was acclimated to the forward pitch, I was noticeable in my drive and acceleration. 8/10 Weight/Protection The skates are extremely light, which coming from the Vapor series, I had grown accustomed to. Again, they feel like slippers on your feet and do not impact the distribution of power in your strides. They are very lightweight skate and the protection they provide was not sacrificed. I have blocked many shots and have been hit in various areas of the boot and no real pain. The one area that does hurt is getting hit right in the tongue, just below the shin guards, but that is an area that is always vulnerable. 9/10 Durability I have been using these skates for a year and they have held up very well. Other than the normal nicks in the holders and scrapes along the boot, the structural integrity has been superb. It is important to not have a skate start breaking down after a short time of use and the APX skates will not disappoint you. 9/10 Conclusion Overall the APX skate is a fantastic skate, I recommend them to anyone in the market for new skates, but I would definitely try them on first. Everyone’s feet are different so it is important to try on a skate before making your decision. One con is that, like all top-end skates, they are extremely expensive. But if you are willing to shell out the money and the skates fit you well, then I would highly recommend the APX skate; it’s a top-end for a reason! 9.5/10 player reference: 6'0 / 165lbs / A League (3x/week)

WARRIOR WIDOW SE Model Specification Flex: 100 Pattern: Burrows (PM9) Finish: Nipple Grip Use: 30 games Aesthetics Although I tend to be a fan of the more simplistic all white or black look, I have to admit the graphics package on the blue special edition widow is fantastic. It is a very catchy color, but not overdone. 9.5/10 Blade/Stickhandling/Receiving Passes To me, the puck feel was slightly above average. It wasn’t that great dampened effect, but it wasn’t so hard either. It had an overall nice feel for stickhandling, but I felt that accepting passes was a little more difficult due to a “springier” blade. I admit, this is one area that I am really strict about so I may be tougher than others, but I am spoiled by the ONE95, so anything less will have an inferior rating. 7/10 Shaft/Flex The flex of the Window seems to be whippier than advertised. I would estimate that after cutting the Widow down about 3-4 inches that the flex feels to be about an 82-85. So if you are used to an Easton 85 or a Bauer 87, then I would go with the Widow in 100. The low kickpoint and dagger taper definitely makes a noticeable difference when shooting. The stick also feels a little larger than an RS or APX, but is still comfortable in the hands, especially with the nipple grip. 8.5/10 Shooting If you are used to a mid-kick stick then the Widow will take a little getting used to, but it is worth it. The release and power distribution is very nice with the aggressive taper near the blade. Snapshots and wristshots are quicker to get used to than slapshots, but again, once you hone your shot, you will be pleased. Again, I want to stress the importance of flex here…I would certainly try a higher flex than normal in this stick, especially due to the aggressive taper. 8/10 Weight and Balance The weight and balance of this stick was very nice. They added a longer shaft intentionally, but cutting that down did not make a noticeable difference in the balance of the stick. I would say the balance is of a top-tier stick and the weight is also right in line with comparable models. 9/10 Durability Here is the main problem...they just don’t seem to last that long. The blades seem to become compromised after a few weeks of use including softening and/or chips. I have also had one snap at the end of the hosel after 3 weeks. I still think Warrior has some work to do in strengthening their sticks, especially the blade. 6/10 Conclusion Overall I would say that the Widow is a nice stick with many nice features, most notably the graphics, balance and kickpoint. Unfortunately durability is a big hindrance here. For the hefty price tag I would expect a longer-lasting product. To be fair, I have heard of others who have been using their Widows for many months without any problems at all, so take it for what it’s worth. In my experience, they just don’t last as long as you would like. 7/10 player reference: 6'0 / 165lbs / A League (3x/week)

WARRIOR HUSTLER PANTS Model Specification Size: M Fit The Hustler pants are very comfortable, but definitely run larger than most pants. As a rule of thumb, if you are on the lower range of their waist scale, go to the size below. For example, I am a 32” waist and got the M, but they are definitely large on me, the small would be a more snug fit. Having said that, the roomy size was not a big problem as they do not restrict movement in any way. The leg zippers are also a nice touch if you wanted a bit more leg room while skating. 8.5/10 Protection The Hustler pants provide a great deal of protection, especially in the hips, thighs, lower back and coccyx (which I feel a lot of retail pants lack). Ever fall on your tailbone and have that extreme pain? I have and that’s why I specifically like pants that provide a great deal of protection in this area. I have blocked many shots and have endured much stick work and not once have I ever felt pain; superior protection from Warrior. 10/10 Weight The pants, although they run a bit larger, are not too heavy and do not seem to weigh you down or restrict your movement in any way. Actually they feel very nice on your body and have a good contour. 10/10 Durability I own 2 pair of Warrior Hustler pants and have been using them for the last 2 years and they are in excellent condition. The only damage per say is that one of the W buttons/rivets on the hang strap has come off, otherwise they are extremely durable. Dasherboard burns and slashes have not torn through the strong exterior of the pants. 9.5/10 Intangibles The mold resistant materials on the inside have been fantastic. I have CMM Pro tack pants that have developed mold issues in the past, but these materials are extremely efficient at preventing bacteria and mold. 10/10 Conclusion I love my Hustlers, I just wish the sizing was a bit more accurate. Other than that, they are a phenomenal pair of pants that are definitely worth the money. If you go custom, I would also recommend the beefed up plastics package and that is a nice addition. 9.5/10 player reference: 6'0 / 165lbs / A League (3x/week)

WARRIOR LUXE GLOVES Model Specification Size: 13” Fit Warrior’s Luxe gloves provide a more form-fitting feel than a traditional glove. I personally like a really snug fit in my mitts and the Luxe glove is pretty close to that; the Projekt gloves being the more contoured fit. They glove is extremely comfortable and allows for great mobility right out of the box. 9/10 Protection The Luxe glove provides pretty decent protection although I must say that I have been bruised/cut on my thumb a couple of times due to hard stick contact (which I don’t understand how that’s possible). Nothing too bad, but definitely have noticed a bit more pain when hit in the thumb as opposed to any other area on the glove. Having said that, the overall protection is decent, I just wanted to point out some areas of interest. 8/10 Weight The Luxe gloves are very lightweight and are quite conducive to stickhandling and maneuverability. They are easily up there with the lightest top of the line glove currently. 10/10 Durability I have 2 pair of Warrior Luxe gloves that I have been using for about 8 months and they are in excellent condition. The palms are still in great shape and no exterior rips or tears. A couple of threads have come loose in non-impacting areas, but that’s about it. 9.5/10 Intangibles The gloves are quite slick looking and provide for excellent maneuverability. 9/10 Conclusion Warrior continues to excel in the area of gloves and the Luxe is no different. If you are in the market for a durable, nice looking, form-fitting glove with excellent range of motion and soft palms, I would definitely check out the Luxe gloves! 9/10 player reference: 6'0 / 165lbs / A League (3x/week)

EASTON E700 HELMET Model Specification Size: M Cage: Yes and No Finish: Black Matte Fit Easton provides 2 internal ways of adjusting the fit of the E700; the height of the occipital base pad can be adjusted in three levels (upper, mid, lower) and there is an arm mechanism that can be set for a more forward or rearward fit. I am coming from the Bauer family 5500, 7500, 9500, 9900 where the fit was snug, but it tended to pinch my temples a bit and I would have a dull pain just from wearing it. The E700 does not have any pain points and fits pretty nicely, although I have had some players have hard time finding a perfect fit (where the one size is a bit too large and the next smaller size is a bit too small). I would also say that these helmets run slightly larger than other models, especially Bauer. 7.5/10 Protection From the lightweight feel of the helmet, you would definitely think that protection would be an issue, but this is not the case. I have taken several hard hits and this helmet certainly does its job. Easton has done an excellent job in providing a lightweight helmet with top-level protection. 9/10 Weight The weight of this helmet is practically immeasurable; it is extremely light which is why I was saying its protection could be brought under question. The helmet feels great on your head and does not feel like it adds any drag weight to your head while playing. 10/10 Durability The helmet has been holding up great, of course you get the normal wear and tear marks on the outside, but otherwise no complaints. 10/10 Intangibles The black matte helmet looks very slick and was getting a lot of compliments on the ice. Wearing the E700 feels like you’re wearing a hat instead of a helmet it is that comfortable. It is hands-down by far the most comfortable lid I have ever worn. The internal padding is so soft and does an excellent job at preventing sweat from dripping into your eyes. The padding can also be easily removed and washed, which is a nice touch. 10/10 Cage The Easton E700 cage looks very sleek with the gunmetal finish and smooth bars, BUT coming from Bauer’s TrueVision, I felt that the cage was very distracting; too dark and the thicker bars were too close to your face to the point where the bars were extremely noticeable. 5/10 Conclusion Easton has done an excellent job with this helmet and I would highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a new helmet. As soon as you try one on, you’ll be hooked. 9/10 player reference: 6'0 / 165lbs / A League (3x/week)

EASTON STEALTH RS Model Specification Flex: 100 Pattern: Cammalleri (PM9) Finish: Grip Aesthetics/Intangibles The overall look of the stick is very slick. The black and yellow contrast has a very nice visual appeal, although I do like the non-grip version's matte finish a bit more, but the grip version is still very nice. 9/10 Blade/Stickhandling/Receiving Passes This is one area where I tend to be pretty strict when testing out new sticks. Ever since the Bauer ONE95, I have been spoiled when it comes to the feel of the puck on the blade. The RS does a decent job here, but I would have expected a bit more of a puck-dampening feel. It's not that the feel is bad, but it just doesn't have the feel of being "one with the stick." I would say the RS is more of a stiffer/harder blade and that isn't conducive for receiving passes or stickhandling. 6.5/10 Shaft/Flex The flex of the RS feels true to the number printed on the shaft. I have certainly experienced sticks with higher flex profiles that are too whippy and the exact opposite, but Easton does a good job here with flex accuracy. The feel of the grip shaft is very nice, not too grippy, but certainly not nearly as smooth as the matte non-grip version. The shaft walls and corners feel nice in your hands and provide a comfortable experience. 8/10 Shooting One thing I noticed right away with the RS is the release. The release on this stick was definitely noticeable as the puck seems to pop off the blade. It didn't take me long at all to dial in the accuracy when using this stick for the first time, it was very responsive and delivered power through the shot. 8.5/10 Weight and Balance The weight of the stick was very nice, pretty much on par with many of the newer sticks on the market; it is not too heavy and not too light. What I was really impressed with was the balance of the RS. The balance of the RS was very good, not blade-heavy at all and the distribution of power felt even throughout the stick. Having used the S19, SE, ST and EQ50, I personally feel that the balance of the RS was the best of the bunch, with the EQ50 slightly behind. 9/10 Durability My 1st RS broke in half taking a one-timer after only about 4 games, so I have to say I was very disappointed; especially considering the price point. Up until that moment, the integrity of the stick appeared to be uncompromised. Luckily I had a 2nd RS in the holster and I have been using that quite a bit and so far so good; perhaps the 1st one was just a fluke. I have noticed that the tip of the blade has began to chip a bit and I tape my entire blade. I'm also a center and take a lot of draws so to be fair, the first signs of damage on most of my sticks is in that precise location. 6.5/10 Conclusion Overall I would say that the RS is a very good stick, possibly best in the Easton family (MAKO review coming), but not sure it is worth it's hefty price tag. Durability issues are a big red flag and when retail is $250, my expectations are a lot higher. Price aside, the stick is very nice. The areas to focus on are durability, puck feel and shooting. If you are willing to sacrifice puck-feel for shot power and equal power distribution, I would certainly recommend the Easton RS, but again, because of it's durability issues, the price tag may leave a lot to be desired. 7.5/10 player reference: 6'0 / 165lbs / A League (3x/week)