dnoboy

I've been on Flare for years, what's the best guess on hollow comparison? If I'm a 1 1/2" on Flare, maybe around 1 1/4" on QCBlades?

I believe the updated boot is already in production? I received my custom boot this week (waiting on TUUKS to get installed) and it felt surprisingly light to me. Not much heavier than my 1X boot i'm quite certain.

Here's a possible untapped market... fairly cheap cost of living for So Cal as well. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2019/06/26/seattle-nhl-franchise-to-have-ahl-affiliate-in-palm-springs/39628193/

Good call, just ordered a roll. Expecting mine to arrive any day now.

Forecheck, backcheck, paycheck, crush sandos, crush bar down clappers boys.

I WOULD say Mira Mesa since it's pretty central to all rinks but that's where the only decent shop (Play it Again) is so I'm not sure. The shop inside the Mira Mesa rink is a joke these days though, very little if any gear and they lost their experienced repair dude from what I've heard. There's a new rink/Gulls training facility in Poway, about 5-10 miles north of Mira Mesa, which has a small shop in it as well. The Escondido rink has a VERY limited pro shop that's basically just a sharpening spot. If I was to look at opening a shop I'd probably look at something further south, perhaps the Clairemont or La Mesa (SDSU), closer to the 5, as anyone South of Mira Mesa has to go up North on the 15 freeway to Mira Mesa to even get a sharpen done. Theres a nice rink by State (KROC center) that has no kind of hockey store/sharpening in the vicinity that I know of.

I lived in Chandler (Phoenix) for a few years back 2006, moved there to play for the ECHL team, which went defunct the offseason before I was slotted to sign. Anyway, the only decent shop that was able to do any kind of repairs was Behind the Mask, there was a standalone store one off the main street close to the Chandler rink and one inside the rink. Pretty sure theyre both gone now though. Anyway there's a decent rink in Scottsdale and a lot of money in that area, I'd imagine there's a market to be explored there. Not sure if it would be profitable because So Cal but... have you looked into San Diego at all? 5-6 rinks here now and the only decent shop is a Play it Again. The Gulls are surprisingly popular here and boast the best attendance in the AHL from what ive been told. I've noticed a whole new slew of beginner hockey players at the rinks as well. Of course you have the OC giants an hour away so that might kill the market for a smaller shop here.

No it gets compressed by the plastic wrap. Here you go

Rob from TRUE has actually been in contact with me today. I asked if he'd clear up some things I've seen in forums. Regarding the difference between tan and dark liners: "-the standard True branded clarino liner vs. the old style tan clarino. The only difference is the colour. All material is exactly the same. If anything, the branded clarino is tested more durable." Regarding a tight or "Pro fit": "-for the tightest fit, when heat molding the skates, make sure that the store is following the newest heat molding instructions. This will remove all negative space in the boot. Really cinch in the heel area, this will eliminate the heel from moving during skating." And also included a video, which Im assuming is available to shop employees with fitting instructions including plastic wrapping the skates from mid foot to heel many times, with each time adding slightly more tightness to the boot. I believe it helps lock in the heel as well.

Thanks again Nicholas! Top notch dude right here

Not sure if this has been mentioned but I just got scanned and ordered Trues and apparently the Tan liner is no longer available to retail custom orders. The rep said its due to the cost of the tan liner... not sure why they wouldnt just make it a upcharge.

Anyone know if products like Sweet Stick or Edge Again work on Flare?

Might not be impressive Custom gear but damn you have a nice camera!