strosedefence34

I have noticed some Colleges are switching to CCM this year. Princeton, Penn State I think are the big ones. I saw the Penn State woman are still in Bauer.

I guess with just the regular Step I don't see it. I won't be able to try the Black or V as I am on Edge holders. I have my own Blackstone machine and prior to owning my own I worked in a shop (part of the reason I was on LS3 for so long was because I got it so cheap). I feel I am sharpening my Step just as much as my LS3. Again it's not Black or V so that could be why.

Unpopular opinion: I am not a fan of Step. I bought some XLST for my edge holders grant it this is uncoated but I just don't get the hype. I came from LS3 and I don't think these hold an edge any better than the LS3 I was on prior. Was looking to get into some Bauer Pulse TI when this steel is done. Please don't ban me from the board, leave the horse head out of my bed.

I'm bias towards Bauer. Helmet, gloves, pants, skates and stick are Bauer. Cage, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and shin pads CCM.

The 580 is pretty much identical to the 480. I tried a profile but it's not long enough. A large profile fits more like a medium 480/580 on me.

I wear a Large 580. I tried a Large Profile II and it was a little too short. The chin cup covered my mouth. I am not really a weight weenie just think since the 150 is so light compared to the 4500 a titanium black 580 would be a nice touch.

I decided to pick up a ReAkt 150. Only played once with it but honestly super impressed. Very light weight and fit great. No hotspots or anything. I'll miss the 4500 but we had a good run but it was time for something newer. My only complaint is that my 580 cage seems to weigh the helmet down a little. I need CCM to come out with a titanium 580 and I'll be set.

Everything you said it why I am considering it. It has been a few years since I purchased a new 4500 so maybe I will try it on and see how it fits and make a decision off of that.

I'd probably get the 150 if anything. The 85 looks like it has a similar if not the same shell design but I didn't see any to try on.

I’ve tried a V08 in the past. A size down from my Bauer. While the fit was fine just wasn’t for me. I’m leaning more towards keeping this one and figuring it out down the road when I need a new helmet. For me I just don’t like the idea that I’ll never be able to get another one at retail. I use pro stock gear but I’m not one to shy away from retail stuff either. I know these will be available as pro stock but I feel like as more and more people who grew up on newer tech enter the nhl it’s only a matter of time before Bauer stops making them completely.

Went to Pure Hockey and tried on a ReAkt 150. I really liked the fit and it felt pretty comfortable. I am going to think about swapping it out.

It's just very comfortable. I had a similar experience to @flip12. I was using a Bauer 5000 that didn't fit great and switched back in college to a 4500 back when it was branded Nike Bauer. I have just replaced them over the years as they either cracked or got warn out. I just got a new one for Christmas but with the news of them discontinuing it I may try on some of the newer helmets and return the one I got.

I mean I get it from bauer’s standpoint but man that’s a huge b disappointment

Just got a glimpse of the '23 Bauer catalog and noticed the 4500 is not in there. I am assuming that means they are being discontinued at retail?

CCM does. A friend of mine got custom Jetspeed FT2 I think that's what they were at least when CCM first started doing the retail customs. He had them add these fat ankle donuts for him.