Spence4101

So I'm coming from a CCM U+ in 7.5, I've previously had Easton SE16's in a 9, both have fit me fairly well lengthwise, I tried on a mako in size 8.5 and it felt good, but the apparently dramatic change after baking/breaking down the skates that everyone is talking about makes me question it a little bit, how much will it really change?

Miken Mv-5 Radial Flex: 90 Curve: BP 23 (Drury Clone) Background Height: 5' 9" Weight: 150 Lbs Level of Play: Tier III Jr. A On Ice: 5-7 times a week Prior sticks used: Nike Bauer Vapor XXXX, Bauer One95, Easton Synthesis, Warrior AK-27, Easton S17, Bauer X:60, CCM U+ CL Aesthetics: The graphics on this stick could be classy and subtle if they just left it with the red logo with a primarily black still, however, the massive amount of random logos and designs on the shaft really distract from that "subtle" look that they half-heartily seem to go for. 5/10 Shaft: Because I got the radial version of this stick, the edges of the shaft are rounded similarly to the Vapor line of sticks, its also offered in a more boxy shaft with the standard mv-5, like the stealth cnt or s17 shaft shape. The grip on this stick is perfect to what I want from a grip coating, it's powdery in order to allow for hand movement along the shaft, but still with enough grip to get a good torque on the shaft while shooting. This is mainly personal preference but they offer both shaft shapes so there is some diversity in their line up. 9/10 Weight/Balance: This stick is quite heavy compared to other top of the line sticks, but it isn't very noticeable while on the ice. The balance shifts towards the blade heavy side a little bit but I put a wood end plug into it in order to dampen and make it less blade heavy and it worked quite well. 7/10 Blade/Feel: The feel of this stick is simply beautiful, the blade feels solid against the puck and gives a very good response without too much feedback. It is a stiff blade in general but mine has began to soften up a little bit, but this has been the case with most of the sticks I've owned. Stickhandling is effortless with this stick, I feel like I have more control of the puck than I had with other sticks, this rivals the feel of the One95 which was the best stick I've ever owned. 9/10 Shooting: Shooting with this stick is a pleasure, pucks rocket off the blade and the shaft torques perfectly for slap shots with the mid kick-point. My shot, especially my slap shot I believe are harder than my shot with previous sticks because this stick allows me to shoot lasers. This area is where the mv-5 really shines. 10/10 Durability: I've had this stick for a little over a month now and the shaft durability has been great, there isn't a single scratch on the thing, however, there is a small crack starting at the top of the blade which is pretty typical for a stick I've had for that long. The durability is decent, but not great compared to some other sticks. 7/10 Value: I received this stick for free and while using it I decided if I had not gotten it this way, I would not have paid full price for it ($200) because there are simply too many better sticks than this one in that price range. However, you can pick these up on sale at many retailers for about $150 which I believe is a pretty fair price for this stick. 7/10 Conclusion: Overall, the Miken Mv-5 is a decent stick for the sale price, and as a newer company they have produced a decent product, but until they improve the quality of their stick, they will not be able to compete with the top brands in any way. There are many sticks in the price range of the Miken Mv-5 (full price) that preform and feel much better, and that is why ultimately, this stick comes up short.

The pro-stock totalones look so much better than the retails just because of the absence of the "max-sorb" logo on it... I don't know why companies are coming out with gimmicks showing the technology in the equipment (eq50 stick, totalone gloves, X:60 gloves)

Personally I think It'd make sense to have a "fitting fee" that would be waved if the product was purchased... If this is what you guys are referring to anyway, don't mind me.

nice pick up drew ps, classic BL line.

Are you practicing at all with their NA team this year Krev?

Helena? You make the team?

Update: Helmet: RBK 6K w/Oakley Straight Cut or CCM fm480 Gloves: Portland Winterhawks Pro-Stock CCM Pro Tacks - great protection Sticks: 2 piece X:60 w/easton se16 blade, 2 One95's, Vapor XXXX, Unlabled shaft w/rbk 5k blade, CCM U+ Cl Shoulders: Bauer Pro Defender - Best Shoulders ever. Period. Shins: Bauer Pro Defender - Same as above, absolutely solid. Elbows: Bauer vapor XXXX - great mobility as well as protection. Pants: CCM V08 w/easton team shell - Great protection, but still very mobile. Skates: CCM U+ Pro Reloaded w/ls2 holders - Amazing fit, lightweight

Helmet: RBK 6k w/ white ccm fm480 cage Shoulder: Bauer 6000 Elbows: NBH Vapor XXXX Pants: CCM Vector 8.0 Shins: NBH Supreme 70 Skates: Easton SE16 Gloves: NBH Supreme One90 Sticks: NBH Winter Hawks Pro Stock One95 87 flex. NBH Vapor XXXX 67 Flex. Mission Unlabeled shaft 90 flex with rbk 5k blade.

but is there is on the bottom of the boards? <_<

Hell no. The rinks are too cold up here for that. Except for Everett. That place is a sauna. Puget sound/Tacoma. sooo cold

Helmet: RBK 6k - good vents and light Cage: nbh 5500 - good vision Shoulder: bauer 6000 - light and protective Elbow: nbh vapor XXXX - stays in place, and protective Gloves: nbh supreme one90 - good mobility Pants: CCM 08 - like a tank Shins: nbh supreme one70 - protective but crack easily Skates: Rebellion Pro 5510 w/ tuuk custom+ blade holders instead of graph cobra's - can't feel a thing when hit with shots Sticks: nbh vapor XXXX nbh supreme one95 mission unlabeled shaft w/ RBK 5k blade

Blacked Out Rebellion Pro 5510 Skates With Tuuk Custom + Blade Holders