EvilPepe

This may not help the OP because of size availability at that point in the junior sizes, but the 80k skates in the E width are significantly deeper than the D width. I can't comment on the most recent skates (launched in the past 18 months) in either Bauer or CCM, but the 80k E's are the deepest stock boot I've found since the 2014 Tacks (the last generation Nexus would probably be second).

Bauer, I'm guessing. The sales reps have been talking about this for months, and booking order documentation indicated the new "fit story" as they say (though I will confess to not having seen the actual order form as I don't deal with that anymore).

I only use the Coffey curve. I hate change.

One area that has the potential to be an "exception to the rule" when it comes to how people value customer service when they think they can get a better deal online is with figure skaters. You mentioned meeting with the local club - is it sizable? If so, don't overlook it. While the number of skates will invariably be lower than the number of hockey players, once you have their trust (in my experience), they tend to be loyal and expect to pay a little more for quality work.

Yep. There are no 2018 products with 37.5 in it, and I believe the agreement with the company that owns the material is about up. Some product that was using 37.5 has phased out already, the rest should be done next year I believe (after the current line of team wear has gone 3 years).

If you like the Bauer stuff with 37.5, scoop it up now - it isn't long for this world. I, personally, am also a big fan but it sounds like sales of it haven't been great and Bauer hasn't been able to get much attachment to the 37.5 feature. That said, I like the look of the new Vaughn offering, particularly because it seems like it will breathe better than most other integrated pad designs I've seen.

I haven't thought too hard about this, and I don't have as much skin in the game as I used to, but... At first blush I don't think this will have a huge impact on smaller retailers, at least, as online competition is nothing new, and Bauer is investing in initiatives that require an in-store presence (such as foot scanning for skates). They aren't likely to try and play by a different set of rules than what they set for retails regarding MAP and various promotions. The only two things I could foresee causing a problem (for the smaller retailer, at least), is if they decide to make a move on the team business and if they run into warehousing issues with their inventory such that it becomes more difficult to secure product outside of booking delivery windows.

Not for long - I believe there are going to be a couple max height options in the near future. The difference in rocker on the two blades is significant as well, I feel (with the p88 having a bit more).

I don't (personally) know of many Tampa fans that wouldn't agree that the officials were awful in the last game. I know they exist, I just don't associate with them.

AHHH interesting. I didn't think it broadcast its own network. That is certainly more viable, then. Thanks!

That's what I've been thinking about lately - a GoPro with wifi. The challenge would be that the primary rink I coach at has a very poor network. To date I've been using a budget samsung tablet on a tripod and hoping for the best.

Howdy folks. So, I chose to title this pretty broadly as it might lead to a more productive discussion and eventual resource for others. If a mod disagrees, I can change the title (can I? Maybe you can instead?). I primarily work with goalies, and like to make use of a tablet for immediate video feedback. The problem is, the camera's on tablets are generally crap unless you spend a decent amount of money (and risk a greater loss when the inevitable puck/body catches it). Does anyone else use some sort of video/screen set up on the ice or bench during practice and have any suggestions for something that A) can produce adequate video for viewing immediately, and B) doesn't cost an arm and a leg? Thanks.

Though I don't claim to be "up" on the most recent common models, most are going to print with ABS and PLA. For this purpose, ABS will hold up better than PLA, which can be more brittle when it is cold. I wouldn't say either is very rubbery. I have a printer but the most use it has gotten in the last two years is a toddler using it as a booster to try and get to a box of crackers. itslunchtime, can you get the file for this from your friend? Could be interesting to mess with.

I think as people get their head around not buying a CCM or Bauer skate, it becomes easier to ditch the holder (especially when they like the boot). Everyone we've put in the Step/VH/True holder has been pretty happy with them (granted it is a relatively small sample size).

Vaughn goal skates predate this particular agreement with Graf.

Give Sara at PAW a shout. I'm not sure if she does C/As, but if there is anyone who is sympathetic to your concern (and might be able to provide a solution) it would be her.

It's actually more up-to-date...I don't recall ever seeing the one you posted, actually. Interesting. The one I'm talking about is also about twice the length, hehe.

Since you mentioned No Rebounds... Steve McKichan released a pretty good .pdf guide to goaltending a few years back. It would be worth tracking down (it was free).

Having not really skated much in a year, finally got my schedule to the point where I could get on the ice once or twice a week. Picked up new player skates and twigs, and got new goal pads and gloves. Even adopted a new dog yesterday. Broke my damn ankle tonight chasing the fast *&%^$& down the street. Now have to contemplate selling the pads (which were only used once) to pay for the medical expenses as my deductible is somewhat high, and I'm shelved for a minimum of 8-10 weeks.

When brand new pads feel better on the first use than the previous set did on their fiftieth. Breaking stuff in is overrated.

Right. You know that and I know that, but the first time you show little (or not so little) Johnny's parent and they realize they have to stick their hand in there, you've lost them :P

Can't agree with this enough - I always tried to get travel parents to at least consider it. For $60ish they don't have to worry about closed pro shops, poor road sharpening, or the lack of FBV somewhere else. And while I'm usually the first to poke fun at Bauer's transition to Edge holders/steel, it has made it easier for many more to run with two sets of runners.

Here in a "non-traditional market" the ratio is reversed from what jimmy has noted - 80/20 favoring standard hollow. A big reason is availability and consistency, especially when it comes to those who travel a bit to other rinks and aren't good about being proactive in their sharpening upkeep.

Wait, so no more tape or prying off the magnet to reposition on the opposite side of the angle? Where's the fun in that? :P

Been a year since I could contribute to this thread as I thought I was done with working in a shop. Of course, the need for a part-time job comes around so guess where I am :P Said to a co-worker by the father of a new travel player: "I'm not so much worried about the helmet - the head is the hardest part of the body." Of all the reasons I've heard to NOT spend money on a decent helmet...just awesome.