Xero117

I remember bauer and warrior made 70-75 flex intermediates but it's been awhile since I last saw them in stores. Another option might be to go prostock https://www.prostockhockey.com/player-sticks/?&search_query=player-sticks&filter=Flex_fq:[70 TO 79]&rows=20&start=0, there's Gaudreau 70 flex at 57" if you're a lefty.

Use a scotchbrite pad to sand off some of the grip material. My cousin did this to remove the grip entirely from his sticks (he preferred non grip sticks)

Sean Dhooghe is 5'3 so the 50 flex sorta makes sense

I had similar fitment issues as you did with the vapor lineup (tried on APX2 D width, no E or EE available) and the forefoot was way to narrow which reinforced my decision of sticking with the Supreme lineup since it fit well enough. I didn't like the changes from the One95 to the One.9 since it didn't wrap as well and the tongue was way too thick for my liking. As a replacement for the Makos, I was initially I was thinking of moving into the SuperTacks (1pc boot like the Makos, similar fit to Supremes) but the shop I went to suggested the FT1s being a closer fit to the Makos so I gave that a shot. Going from Makos to FT1's, the pitch is less aggressive and would probably match your current setup. Personally, I liked the forward pitch of the Makos and never had an issue skating on them even though I came from a more neutral pitch that the Supremes had. Once the FT2's release and if they have the same 90 day guarantee or if the shop has a demo program, I suggest giving that a shot and see how it goes. Definitely helped when coming to a decision for a future skate that could replace my Mako IIs.

I've taken the FT1s out for a few ice times (shops demo program for the skates). Both initial fit and after baking I still had a hotspot next to my pinky toe (toecap meets boot area) on both feet, though less so after baking. I really liked the heel lock and other than the hotspot I felt it fits similar to Mako II with how close the boot wrapped around my foot. Performance wise I definitely felt more powerful strides with the FT1 but that's probably due to my Mako IIs breaking down. I'm coming from One95s -> One.9 -> Mako m8 -> Mako II so I believe I'm supposed to be in a SuperTacks (wider forefoot) but when I tried them on it felt like I had more open space all over compared to the Mako/FT1 and wouldn't wrap as well even after baking. Hard to say without getting the SuperTacks baked but that wasn't an option where else the FT1s were. I still have 1 new pair of mako IIs but once that's a goner, I'd probably move onto FT1s when it goes on clearance or try on the SuperTacks/AS1 and see which feels better at the time.

Are they on par with mako 2 moldability and wrap?

DMT W7EFC Diamond Whetstones (Blue - Coarse & Red-Fine) with water. The prep: -Wipe down after sharpening -Wet the stone -Single sweep up and down with the whole stone to remove the rougher burs so I don't cut myself The hone: - I use the very edge to take off rest. - Middle finger underneath and thumb to hold it flat. Index finger as a support for the stone as I don't want to take off an edge by accident. - Short up and down motions while I move down the blade. If I wanted to really get all the burs out and make it really sharp, I'd use the green ultra-fine stone but the blue and red stones are good enough

Been in m8's for about 2 months (2-3 games/week) and they're still going strong. Coming from a D width one95 and one.9, fit easily into a D width m8 of same numbered size. The boot wraps very well and it's the best fitting skate I've been in because of that.

Got a decent deal on these 2 and couldn't pass on em Both 60 flex NH and P92 curve

IIRC int sticks use the same blade as sr just that the shaft is slightly smaller and in a lighter flex

My wish has finally been granted, a 60 flex stealth!

The backhand and thumb is packed with padding so it's really snug in that area. If that's the kinda fit you want then it'll be perfect for you. My hands are also tiny.