Alan

Just picked these up last Saturday. Best skates I have ever used, period. After Supreme 70s, G35's and Pro Tacks, I've finally found the best skate for me. I couldn't be happier. CCM Vector 08 - 8E I forgot to turn one of the skates to show the logo on the holders - they are Epros. I'm a little worried about durability though They are sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet skates!

WOW! The black holders really set off the look of that skate! It looks amazing !

My 2 sets of skates - just got the Pro Tacks in Today!! My Pro Tacks! My Grafs

Product: Graf Supra G-35 - Size 8.0 W Specs: 23 years old, 5'11", 150 lbs , Narrow heel, wide forefoot - On ice a couple of hours per week. Inroduction: I grew up playing competitive hockey wearing CCM Tacks. I stopped playing hockey after a hockey-related spleen injury and then a non-related knee injury in the summer. I skated every now and then, so I purchased a pair of CCM externo 20's for occasional use. After around 6 years of being out of the game, I got the familiar "itch" to start playing again. I purchased a pair of Bauer Supreme 70's and after a winter and summer season they still did not feel comfortable. The last few games that I wore them, I experienced a lot of pain in my heels and up the back of each calf. I was skating much slower than my ability allowed because of the pain. I was frustrated, so I ditched the Bauers and picked up a pair of Graf Supra G35's for a decent price! Fit: These skates felt great on my feet once I baked them. My ankles are locked firmly in place and they feel the way a proper fitting skate should feel on my feet. The aggressive pitch from the boot is extremely comfortable after getting used to it. The boot was a bit uncomfortable for the first game, but all other games afterward felt good on my feet. 9/10 Protection: The very first game with these skates, I ended up taking a shot off the foot. Didn't feel a thing. If it was my old Bauers, my foot would have been pretty tender afterward. The tendon guard is also thicker and more supportive than my Supremes. The boot feels lower cut (not sure if it is) but it still offers much more protection than any skate I have ever owned. 9/10 Weight: I think that these skates are a little heavier than the Supreme 70's, but it's almost impossible to tell the difference on the ice. My speed has improved dramatically compared to my Bauers, so weight shouldn't mean too much at all. Speed is all about fit and pitch. The "traditional" materials in this skate make it a little heavier but also more protective than the "newer" material skates. Maybe if these skates were a couple pounds heavier it would make a difference, but a few grams difference between the g35 and other brands does not mean anything. 10 /10 Blade/Holder: I never had a chance to try the cobra holder, as the Tuuk Custom + blade and runner was pre-installed on my skate. I have no complaints with the Custom+ as I have been most comfortable using this holder. I wanted to be on a more neutral stance, similar to the stance of my old CCM's that I am familiar and comfortable with. I did not like the LS2 holder on my Bauers. In my opinion, the C+ is one of the best holders on the market. 9/10 Durablity: Durability is usually an issue with the outsoles separating on these skates. My outsole has not separated. My LHS manager said that it was only with a few sizes that Graf had this problem with, and my pair of skates should be fine. If there is a problem with the outsole, he said that they would be glad to replace them at no cost to me. I'm not too worried at all. The boot on the skate has held up great as well so far. 9/10 Conclusion: Buy a pair of Grafs that fit your foot type and you will never go back to another skate. These are great skates that allow me to utilize all of my skating ability on the ice. Treat them well and they'll treat you well out there on the ice. A great skate. Overall Grade: 9/10

Helmet: Mission Intake with Cage (can't afford dental bills) Shoulder Pads: Sherwood Classic 5030. Light, flexible, amazing. Elbow Pads: Bauer 10's I think. They were extremely light and flexible. Pants: RBK 5k's Shin Pads: Bauer 10's. Very Light. Good for taking slashes, bad for taking pucks off the leg. Skates: Graf G35's with Custom +. Gloves: Bottom of the line RBK's. They were cheap , light and extremely flexible. Higher end gloves were too stiff. Sticks: TPS Response Rick Nash curve. It's a red wooden stick. I love it. I buy my equipment based on weight, flexibility and performance. I'm not big on blocking shots or anything so I just need stuff to help me move and be quick on the ice. I felt encumbered by some of the higher end equipment, and the lower end stuff felt much better.