malcb33

Here's my latest. Same skates as I'm using for ice, and with the heel riser, they're the same pitch as the I2 holders. Makes for an easy transition between the two.

I've got to say, I've been impressed with the 3D tongues. Yes, they are breathable, but for me, the true benefits are how they take up any negative space across the top of the foot and how squishy they are. The squishy 3D structure really helps decrease the pressure on the tendons across the top of my ankle during forward flex.

How do you see them as a costly investment? If you sign up for the I2 program, the steel and holders are basically the same cost as new steel. I was skeptical at first, but I really like the I2's and found they helped my skating and connection to the ice. I also use the R1 for roller and switch back and forth, and found this helps my transition between the two as well. I would love to see Marsblade work with Flare steel, as I think this combo would be unbeatable. I'm assuming Marsblade want to keep pushing their own steel, though, which is pretty good quality in its own right.

Great to hear! I might do just that, thank for you feedback.

I'd be interested to see what you think.

I typically just go with all the same durometer wheels, but I do think it’s beneficial having a harder wheel at the front, especially if you drag you toe when shooting, like me.

Thanks! Hopefully a retailer (Coast?) picks them up in Canada too.

I'm guessing you would need to rebake your skates if you add the 3D tongues? They seem fairly thick, but I assume they compress down.

Tricksters are a great option. Personally, I like a harder wheel at the front for pushing off on and softer at the back for grip, but each to their own...

@Marsblade - Any chance you could answer the couple of questions I had about being used for hockey and the weight, please? I am curious about giving these a go these as an R1 user.

Super helpful, thank you!

These look interesting They seem to be a part of the off ice line (0 series not R) but designed to work with the R1 upper and profile. I wonder if they would hold up to hockey? I definitely be interested in trying the lowers, but don’t want to buy the whole boot. @Marsblade what is the weight like of these lowers vs the R1’s?

No kidding… Buzz has been around for many moons (like myself) so I was asking for an estimate from his experience.

Thats cool, I didn't realize they did just lowers. I wonder why it's not an option on their website. My thought around just the lowers for a potential performance set, was that they would be more replaceable if durability were sacrificed for weight. Not that it's ideal, but people seem OK with $400 high-end performance sticks breaking after a few months, so I think there could be a market for performance/ competition frames.

Thanks for confirming, I appreciate it! When you say the CCM has a slightly lower lie, do you mean less than 0.25? Do they both play the same?