JR Boucicaut

Foot shape: Wide forefoot, wide heel, small arch Coming from: Mission S500 This review actually started two years ago. I had field-tested a pair of Supreme 8090s for NBH back in September 2004. While the boot was great, there were a couple of issues that I had with it. One, coming from the Mission S500, which is a lower-cut boot, I felt that a lower-cut 8090 would've done the trick. Also, I experienced lace-bite issues. When I submitted the field-tester booklet back, I told them that a lower-cut boot and a better tongue would be the perfect skate for me. Here is the review in question: http://www.modsquadhockey.com/index.php?showtopic=2977 Flash forward to February 2006. After months of getting bits and pieces about the ONE90 from NBH, they agreed to get me a skate. After I asked them to include a 3mm heel lift (and a lower cut, but Chris stressed that it was the lowest NBH skate Light andever, and that I needed to trust him on this one) they were like "Just tell us what you want." I took the custom booklet, filled out the measurements and off we went. We ended up with a 10.25 EE/B left skate and a 10.5 EE/B right skate., #2 (retail) stiffness. Looks just like the retail version, however with a non-vented tendon guard, which I discovered later on from seeing other pro versions, is a pro makeup. Fit - While keep in mind that the skates are custom, it is pretty similar to the retail skate. The eyelet orientation is the same as the retail version. As far as the fit is concerned, the width/depth is essentially right between the Vapor and xx90 line. Granted, the heel dynamics are different than any skate on the market. When I got the pair I initially wasn't going to bake them, but Chris stressed to me that it is important to do it, and I did. Night and day...and they felt pretty good out of the box. You are essentially one with the skate. One of my concerns was the stiffness. Skating in a skate like the S500 for so long had soured me on stiffer skates. However, the way that the ONE90 flexes while you stride, it gives you the support you need and doesn't feel as if you have casts on your ankles. The skate volume, even at a custom, was not as deep as what I am used to as I've skated in much deeper boots (perhaps a bit too deep.) However, as the skate broke in, it began to wrap around my foot really well. NBH has gone with an ergonomic toecap and every size has a specific toecap size. No pain whatsoever on my toes and my callouses are now gone! I have had foot/arch problems with every skate I have worn - it is what it is. I tried Superfeet insoles in these, however, I did not like the way they felt. I went back to the composite-reinforced stock insoles and called it a day. Blade/Holder - If you look at my 8090 review, you would notice that I had all sorts of issues with the LS in terms of pitch. This time, by getting the 3mm heel lift, it gave me the forward lean I needed without grinding the toe down. As you guys know, the LS2 Power is a Lexan-reinforced holder - and you can definitely feel the stiffness that it provides. Also, the blade is slightly longer than years past. That took a couple of skates to get used to, but having the longer blade definitely helps when pushing off. Weight - At 750g at a size 8, the ONE90 is the lightest skate on the market. They honestly feel like nothing on your feet. The weight difference is highly noticeable - especially at the end of the skate. Protection - My preferred method of blocking shots is none. I tend to stay out of the way. Everyone who has skated with me has seen my backchecking...it'd be a miracle if I got to the defensive zone faceoff dots other than a faceoff! However, my first time out, I did take one on the skate which probably would've hurt like hell on the S500s. Didn't feel it. The tongue is very nice. It is rigid, but the shape allows for it to curve properly and sit right on top of your foot. The lace bite protector is something else though. It's really beefy and you can see where the laces dig into, yet keeps its shape and doesn't crease. I noticed Kolarik's skates' tongue was in good shape - worn a bit around the sides, but the lace bite protector was still prominent and intact. Durability - I am not one who is hard on my skates. I take out the soles and properly dry them out every time I skate. (Yes, guys, if you take care of your skates, they will not break down prematurely!) They have held up great. However, today, Chad Kolarik, who plays for the University Of Michigan, came into my shop for a sharpening. He had ONE90s with him - for about 7 months. I inspected the boots and they looked great for a pair of skates that went through almost a full NCAA Div 1 season. Conclusion - This is quite simply the best skate I have ever skated in. The first time I skated in them - and this is something that has really never happened to me - I was able to skate the entire session in them. Usually when I am breaking in skates, especially in a competitive session, I bring my old ones with me just in case. I was able to skate the first skates for the entire duration of the session. That told me a lot about what I was dealing with. As with all skates on the market, they are not for everyone. While I highly recommend these skates, it is imperative that you see a dealer and try them on before you buy. I understand that there is a lot of hype behind this skate, but skates should never be bought fit-unseen. Shout-Outs - Now, we've got to tie this back to the 8090. Maybe they listened to me? Regardless, NBH has truly addressed my wants/needs in a skate. Mad love goes out to Chris and the boys and girls over at NBH for giving me the opportunity to test this ahead of time. While talking to them, I explained that I had had foot/arch problems with every skate that I have had, including these. They offered to research the problem and see if they can solve it. I know I was railed initially by some MSH members, but I am just grateful to be a part of the process and would do it again in a heartbeat. Any questions, please ask in my Initial Thoughts thread, or DarkStar50s. 10/10

They have Skoal in England?

I like adidas...bought a set of conversions...they are sick...all black :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/edge27/IMG_1992.jpg THat one...looks like the holder is stressed and cocks to the right. Do you pronate?

Holder looks bowed to the right...are they new or old holders?

Nah, I don't know anything...

Mount looks off.

Well-said...and that's how we feel. We're trying to build relationships, not take you for as much as we can.

I wasn't there, but he did buy it.

No, I just scream at the kids. We had one break last week...an adult flexed a youth XXX Lite and plowed through it.

But the shaft actually unloads and follows through on the ice. On the store floor, it doesn't do that.

Agreed. I had some Graf models go up a few wks ago.

Yeah, but eBay is a different monster altogether.

He got hurt and has been busy. He promised to stop by once in a while.

That's nothing. Everyone knows the king of gloves is GekigangarIII. He hasn't posted in forever..l.

I hate that. I don't know how many times I've been tempted to just cut the damn laces. I have. $3 for laces, please!

They aren't really making them...there are NHLers using them, but in OPS form.

That is so cool, I always wanted a "natural" shaft. Do you know whose pattern you got? Of course I do.

How about this one? Lady calls me looking for a particular skate. A size 5 mind you...I tell her to bring her son in to be fitted...husband comes in and all he's talking about is Perani's and how some girl fitted her kid for a 5 XXX and a 5.5 RBK...(yes, exactly ) I tell him he needs a 4 RBK and a 4.5 XXX...offer to drive 20 minutes away to pick up the skate because they need it by 4:30 the next day, he says okay...I go and get it and call them...went back to Perani's and got the 4.5 from them...how about them apples?

Doesn't your husband read MSH? You might want to remove the part about hooking up with someone. ;) maybe he wont read this thread :D Michelle....You got some 'splanin to do... <_< Now we just need Mich to go "WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH"

You guys don't pay attention...the Ion doesn't fade to black...that's why I said "Ion." The shaft in the middle...is a stripped Metamorphic that was made after the stick was off the market. It has the same wrap as the current Mission sticks, not the dark green. It has measurements written on it as well as Metamorphic in Sharpie ink. As far as the blades are concerned, they matched my pattern to the pro database and came pretty damn close :)

Yes

Mission Intake Metamorphic Flyweights with new VDS blades Mission "Ion" standard shaft Easton Stealth CNT 85 Forsberg

I have not.

JR did you get a grip or non grip? When my friends and I went to the LHS, we coveted the CNT stealths, well the intermediate ones. Definetly a great looking stick. One kid on my team ended up buying one. The stick said it was a Forsberg pattern, but it looked more like a Lindros. I'm glad I didn't buy it, I hate Lindros patterns and love Forsberg/Modo's. Non-grip.