mojo122

True of the early days. My referencing is regard to the evolution of the Vapor name.

Granted the Hyperlite 2 skate only had a faint trace of red on the tongue but this skate has no red, which was always a Vapor trademark. Lower models have some red still.

Can't tell from those pictures whether or not there is significant creasing to the boot? Side picture would shed more light on that.

Not at retail. Check with a couple of pro shops to see if they may have one.

They do not come in a Fit 1. Websites are correct.

Can't speak for the original wheel for the 1st generation machines, but the commercial units have 3 different cross-grind wheels that cut a hollow as part of the process.

No...ProSharp AS 2001 is their profiling machine.

Not wearing ones with the retail graphics makes me think he's trying to fly under the radar and hoping that nobody notices he's not in a CCM.

Interesting to see Austin Matthews wearing Hyoerlite 2 skates recently.

What other "custom" skates have you had other than VH/True. Seem to remember you had a bunch of older Bauer high end skates over the years but don't remember if they were retail or custom? I've seen too many fit issues with Trues and advise those looking for a one-piece boot to go CCM. I've only had Bauer customs over the years, but if I was going to go with a one-piece skate I, myself, would be going with a JetSpeed. Maybe Buzz can weigh in as I believe he's had Mako, Bauer, and CCM customs.

Available in both the XF Pro and XF models. The Pro is just insanely stiff, possibly too stiff, and that coming from someone who likes stiff skates.

I would just add that updated models are driven more to the retail market than the pro level. Looking at sticks and skates ,we are now seeing tweaks to the top line models and not what I would call any groundbreaking. Take the Bauer X5 Pro and M50 Pro skates. Basically a reskinned 3X Pro and M5 Pro with the new PowerFly holders.

Interesting video on using 2 of the blade lifts originally designed for Bauer's CarbonLite runners to help round out the toe. Feathering the toe

This pant is strictly a retail only pant similar to say a CCM FT6 Pro or Bauer Hyperlite. Definitely not a beefy Pro Stock pant.

Catalyst Player Pant Not sure of the partnership details between True and Tackla, but this is a nice pant. Tackla fit and extremely light. It will be interesting to see how the durability is and how well it does at retail.