JR Boucicaut

Stronger motor, faster RPM, easier maintenance (I've taken out heads out of machines and Blackstone is very easy to do), dressing the wheel is much easier (I remember you had to bust out a calculator to figure out ROHs on a Wissota) better holder (every click is calculated and it is lighter), better tabletop, and 30 lbs lighter. Give them a call, they will be more than happy to talk to you. They're technical guys over there. Tell them I sent ya.

These are 4" wheels so I don't have data on that, but I believe the number they were tossing around with the regular sized wheels was 1000-1200 prs on a wheel, and the Spinner was good for 4-5 wheels. The thing about it is that it barely takes stock off the wheel because the Spinner hits the wheel with the same pressure every time as it adjusts to the wheel speed.

Because you are getting a more efficient, professional-grade machine at around the same price point. It really doesn't take a rocket scientist to look at both machines and see which one is better, IMO.

I believe it's 45 lbs. Yes, the Spinner will come in different ROHs. You just plug in the one you want. There's no wrench needed, it's essentially a cartridge. Takes seconds to switch them.

Hopefully - as it stands right now the idea is to have the skate in MI. I just need a job so that I can have money again.

They do not. Liberty, Turbo and Spinner regular portables do.

It's a new market - these new portables are a more-economical option than the regular ones. The regular ones still have their place in the line. The X01 is for the Wissota-type user and the X02 is for a team who needs a lighter machine for travel. Notice also that the wheels are smaller - they are 4" wheels. I would LOVE to have a regular-sized Spinner portable with the radiusing equipment, but that's some major coin. The Spinner is a diamond on a bearing - it runs along the wheel when fed into it and stops by itself once the wheel is dressed. I do prefer my Quick Square to the Bat Gauge especially in a shop setting. Too many moving parts and I can see clumsy employees killing it.

Two prongs that make contact with the blade. No magnets.

Very - dressing the wheel is a cinch with Spinner. Obviously the physical/mental attributes to sharpening will be learned over time, but the machine is VERY simple to use.

I know we have been hinting at this for a few months now, but it is finalized and ready for pre-order. http://www.portableskatesharpener.com/ Two machines - one designated for "home" usage and the other for "team" usage. The X02 has a more robust motor for volume sharpenings, but the X01 will fit the bill perfectly for those who were considering a Wissota or something along those lines. Once I get a steady paycheck, I'm getting an X02 - things are going to be VERY interesting with Spinner and I need to be there when it's out

I assume its from Kevin Smiths, since thats the only place in burlington that sells hockey equipment other than dicks, did they have any one95's in the 100$ without warranty? Also, do you remeber if they had a good selection in the 100$ non warranty section, I'm think of going down there soon. Nothing in the non-warranty for one95's because their entire stock has the warranty stickers. I didn't really get a good look at the 100 section. Nothing really jumped out to me. They definitely have a good stock of the one95's though. Just because there is a warranty sticker does not mean it is honored by the factory. If they are claiming as such, I'd get it in writing just in case. Kevin Smith's will back it up. I have done a lot of business with them and have a very good relationship. I trust what they say about that sort of thing. I also believe that they would give me another stick if Bauer backed out. They are good people. Pro stock/college sticks do not carry warranties. NBH does not have it written on the bottom of the stick but you won't have much of a claim, I can guarantee you that.

OKAY I KNOW WE HAVE AUTO-RESIZE BUT SERIOUSLY PEOPLE, THIS IS GETTING OUT OF HAND. RESIZE YOUR PICTURES, PLEASE!

Well, I used to skate barefoot so it made it worse. What I had to do was cut up a tube sock, put it over my ankle and tape it down. This was before Bunga Pads.

That was a mod that I saw them doing at the factory in St-Jerome when I went there. Basically a few pros were getting cuts in their legs from the edges of the boot digging into their skin (a problem I used to have with Bauer skates and still have the scar) so sewing that softer foam on there makes it feel a bit better.

Next yr it goes to Bauer. Nike sold them.

I believe it had a ton of recalls and Oldsmobile not being around, may be hard to find parts. I've driven an Alero before though, it's a nice ride.

Kevlar palm on the 96? I know the 90s did.

If any doubt, put them in the freezer for a bit.

Why are you using the old ugly purple holders in stead of the 2.1's? yea i know there ugly they came with the skates. Im thinking they are prostocks, noticed the holes drilled in the bottem, so the pro probably ordered them like that. They are custom skates, the E is a dead giveaway. As far as the holders are concerned, NBH wouldn't put a copper rivet in the toe of ONE skate.

Yep, DSM. Also the Dodge Stealth and Mitsubishi 3000GT.

No, they were they same helmet with different logos. wait are they owned by the same business(es) because wouldnt that be illegal in some shape or form No, it wouldn't be. Back in the day the first-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse was also the Plymouth Laser and the Eagle Talon, all at the same time.

No, they were they same helmet with different logos.

Started as the Cooper. When BNH dissolved Cooper the helmet continued as a Bauer 3000 and a Nike 0004. 4000 came out with the dual density foam, then tweaked to the 4500.

Most likely their micro suede.

For the past two months I have been using a Nike/Bauer 9500 helmet. It is retail-spec. Fit - The shell shape is a 4500/5500 hybrid. It fits similar to a 5500 but comes down on the back of the head better. Tool-less adjustment as well as a new occipital bone lock mechanism which is much more comfortable than what came on the 8500. Having the VN in comfort areas (temples/behind the ears) as well as the flexible shell definitely enhances the fit of the helmet. 10/10 Protection - The 9500 uses a newer type of EPP named FXPP which disperses impact better than regular EPP. It also has VN in certain areas for comfort. Haven't taken any shots to the dome obviously but no reason to doubt protection. I'll leave that up to CSA/HECC. Weight - It's pretty light considering that the helmet is a dual-shell helmet, hence has more substance to it than other helmets. It feels robust, yet not particularly noticeable. 8.75/10 Durability - I haven't had any issues at all with the helmet. All of the gel pads have stayed in place for me. The blue logos have started to bleed however. 9.5/10 Intangibles - I'm a big fan on how it handles ventilation. That, coupled with the Therma Core pads which remove heat from the surface, makes it a cool-feeling helmet. The Occipital Lock 2.0 is a great feature that allows you to dial in the helmet nicely. The chrome logos are a nice touch, and simple. Very clean look. 10/10 Conclusion - I believe NBH did a very good job with the helmet - it isn't merely a new shell. It's got the features to back it up and technology that makes sense. The only drawback that I can foresee (which is stupid considering how much people pay for sticks and skates, especially when you're talking about your head) is the price. I think it's worth the price. Will the public? 9.75/10 Thanks goes out to those at NBH who made it possible for me to test the product early. I appreciate it.