Gefiltefish

Currently using the BC27 and BC14. Both are as blade/shaft combos (paired with Nasty R shafts). There are certain aspects I like of both curves and that Barkov Pro looks really nice. Certainly add me as a +1 for a blade or two. I recently ordered some BM19L4's as well and a couple of more shafts (sadly no more Nasty R's, but was told that the regular Nasty shaft is very similar if not identical). I must say that I am very happy with my Base blades and shafts so far.

Thanks for the reply. I am going to take a look at it to give the okay after we test fit 76mm. He is saying that the 80mm would require to dremmel through the entire outsole into the interior of the boot! I have heard that the RBZ ice outsole is very thin. Just wondering how the RBZ inlines fit 80mm. Guessing it has a tall chassis? Also thought about buying the Alkali ones that claim that no dremmel is needed. I have just never skated on anything other than a straight-80 Tour/Labeda. So HiLo scares me as does adding a ton of height and/or straight-76mm.

Anyone ever to a straight 80 conversion with RBZ ice boots? Buddy is doing the conversion and cannot get 80's to fit the front without massive shims. Chassis is a Labeda from some Tour Cobalt Q's. Debating between going with a straight 76mm set-up, adding the shims or just going HiLo... I've never skated on anything but a straight-80. Not sure if the Alkali chassis or newer Labeda chassis would help???

I splurged and got Surgeon 500 elbows and shins. They came in yesterday, but I have not had a chance to use them. I was real reluctant since I usually use very simple, mid-range protective gear. I am using Bauer Supreme One.6 (or older variations of the same model) right now.... The LHS I also use opted not to carry STX either, so I reluctantly had to order online. I just wanted to try something different and all the hype sold me. I will do a full write up after a month or so of use but here are some of my initial thoughts. Elbows: -Fairly lightweight for such a "busy" and protective pad. -Very flexible. You can literally ball them up in your hands! -A little tricky to get into. The comfort sleeve does its job once they are on (as does the grip print), but it takes some careful jostling to get in them. Reminds me a bit of my CCM V10's from years ago. -Very comfortable once on. Much less restrictive and noticeable than my current pads. -The straps are hardly needed. The 360 strap pretty much secures the slash guard. The strap on top just needs to be fastened so its out of he way. It secures nothing really. I bought a medium pad though and am between large/medium - so maybe the pad is slightly too small for me, which means the straps do very little. Shins: -First thing I noticed was the lack of any ridges on the pad. Odd. Never have seen that. Its pretty much a piece of curved plastic with no ridges. -Next thing I noticed is that it appears there is no gap between the exterior plastic shell and the interior foam. No "suspension" or anything like that. Again, odd. -Next up was putting them on. The 360 strap is magical, I love it. The lower calf-strap though seemed a little short though. It took a lot of effort to get it to connect to the velcro. I dont think I have huge calves either.I will say that it may stretch over time and right now these are about as secure as Fort Knox! No tape will be needed!!! -Next up was the liner. Its not made of fabric. Its made of a thick padded foam with a lot of mesh inserts. It is very hot though. And the exterior of the pad has minimal air vents. This worries me as I play roller. I am very concerned they may end up being too hot. If anyone wants any pictures or anything, let me know.... EDIT/Update: First game in the Surgeon 500 elbows and shins yesterday. Heat was not an issue with the shins. I felt no airflow difference between them and my One.6's. The Shins seem to run long though. Much more overlap on my skates than my Bauer 14" pads. Elbows were butter!

Reebok Ribcor Grip Flex: 100 and 85 (own both), both extended about 5 inches Curve: P46 Bergeron Height: 6' Weight: 270 Postition: roller Defenseman. Time-frame of use: Oldest stick is now about 5 months old. Recently Used Sticks (past 12 months): Reebok 20K, CCM RBZ, Warrior Covert DT2 Intro: To start, I am a ROLLER HOCKEY player, I want everyone to know that before they read too in-depth. I had been in Warrior or Easton sticks for years, but wanted to give the P46 pattern a try. I did so with a 20K and opted to upgrade to the Ribcor after a month or so using the 20K. I also want to say that I switched from 100 flex to 85 flex on my own accord. It was NOT because I felt the stick was too stiff (a common complaint for Reebok users). Aesthetics: I am very happy with the looks of the stick. The paint job is not flashy. Primarily black with some darker grey writing and lime-green graphics. The bottom of the stick has a white stripe as well. 10/10 Weight and Balance: This is a fairly light stick. Some think too light, but it feels like a good transition from my 20K (which I transitioned to from a DT2, which was also very light). If coming from a heavy stick, this may feel very light to you. I personally think its just right. Fairly well balanced as well. I think it is fairly even with the 20K in balance even though Reebok proves it is more blade-light. 10/10 Blade: If there was a single "downside" of this stick, it would be the stiff blade. I personally like a fairly rigid blade as I like to shoot and am not really a dangler (odd considering I play roller!). When catching a hard pass, the puck will bounce off the blade. Again, I am playing with a roller puck. Requires a little touch to catch it perfect. Good new is that I rarely feel any deflection when shooting. I do feel that a bit with the 20K, but that may because it is getting soft on me... 8/10 Shaft/Shooting: This is the call-out feature of the stick, and IMO - its not BS. Maybe I am drinking the cool-aid, but I do feel a bit of a better/quicker release on this stick compared to the 20K. I really notice a better shot on quick shots that I don't have time to lean into or wind-up. Qucik shovel shots or snappers seem better with this stick. When I do load the shaft up, it does not seem as noticeable. I think that may be my hand placement a bit though since they are usually outside of the "Optimal Loading Zone" as printed on the stick. I use a overly-long stick for my height and my final bottom hand placement is slightly above that zone. 9/10 Stickhandling and Passing: I am not a dangler, so I am not going to comment on the stickhandling moves. The only comment I have is that the stick allows me to make one-handed moves a bit easier than others I have used in the past. It might be me, it might be the stick. I can't tell. N/A Durability: I originally bought a lightly-used 100-flex and used that stick several dozen times before noticing any chips in the finish or blade. My new'ish 85 flexes are only used once a week and look brand new after about 5 uses each. I don't notice and other cracks in the blade or any internal issues. 9/10 Conclusion: Ever since my S19, I kinda got out of the "shooters" stick. I was using SE16's, Dolomites and Mako's before getting back into the DT2 and now the Ribcor. If you liked the S19 (IMO one of the best shooters stick ever), I think you will like the Ribcor. I am very happy with this stick. Yes, the blade is kinda stiff - but the shooting you get out of it makes up for it. Really hope Reebok/CCM continues this line and evolves the product for years to come. 9.2

Height - 5'11 Weight - 270 lbs Pad size - originally 13 inch, but then changed to 14 inch (both over the tongue) Level of play: Lower league roller hockey, 2-3 times per week. Fit - I had been using Bauer Pro Series pads. I was in them for well over 3 years. Before that, I had always used Reebok shin pads, which offered a fairly wide fit as well. I have been losing some weight lately and opted that the bulk of my pads should change too! haha. So I opted to try the Supreme line after I was left disappointed by the straping system on the Nexus line (Nexus would be the logical line to transition from Pro Series). I am a big fan of the wrap-around top strap offered on most Bauer shins (Nexus did not offer this). I was looking for a rather "basic" pad as I don't need and don't like the glitz and glamour of the high end Supreme models. I play roller, so even entry level shins will do the trick for blocking shots with that light puck. I started off by looking at the placement of the liners and overall wear on my old Pro Series. I saw that I placed the liner in a rather high position and had a lot of wear at the bottom of my old pads down by where it overlaps with the skate. My old pads were 14 inch, so I opted to try the 13 inch senior size with Supreme.... These ended up too small. Both length and volume. The pads ever stayed in place, I had to extend the calf strap and overal felt uncomfortable. So I did the right thing and went into my LHS to actually try pads on this time! Ended up with the same model in a 14 inch and have felt great since. I do not notice any comfort difference between these and the Pro Series. I find that the shell of the Pro Series is bulkier, but the interior of the two pads are the same. Straps feel great as is, no modification needed. While skating, I do notice a little more spring in my step and a little more mobility with these pads. Maybe I am drinking the cool-aid though? 9/10 Protection: This is a mid-range pad and coming from a very bulky/wide pad designed for ice defencemen - I notice the downgrade with the One.6. I like to block shots and when I block one with the shin, I feel it now. It doesn't hurt, but I feel it hit for sure. With the Pro Series, I could only hear it! haha. The knee part handles falls just fine and I have yet to take a puck or stick to the calf-wrap. 7/10 Weight - Fairly light. I like it. A lot lighter than my Pro Series. The online shops say the One.8 is lighter, but only by a few grams. I am pleased with the weight, which was one thing I was looking to lower coming from Pro Series. 10/10 Durability - Good so far. Its been about 2 months or so in my 14's and there is not a mark on them. 10/10 Intangibles - One thing I did not think of before buying is the thigh guard of the shin pad. The thigh guard is attached to the liner, so if you like to adjust the liner up/down in the pad, the high guard will either get longer/shorter as you adjust. Not a big deal for me as I find I am wearing these right in the middle so the thigh guard is properly placed. Conclusion - Good mid-priced pad. For someone who likes a more pro-like/no-thrills pad, give these a look. No goofy honeycomb padding, flexible ankles or micky-mouse garbage! 9/10

Height – 5’11’ Weight - 270 lbs Pad size – Large Previous elbow pads were Bauer Pro Series, which I had multiple pairs of that I used over the past 3-4 years. Before those I was using CCM V10. Use: 2-3 times per week for last 2 months Level of play: Lower level roller hockey Fit – I had been wearing my previous Bauer elbow pads in a medium size, but had to always extend the forearm strap for them to fit. Therefore I bought the large size when I changed to these Supreme pads. I feel that was maybe a mistake, but I am not counting that against the pad as it was my mistake. I prefer Bauer elbow pads because of the middle strap that I believe they call the Anchor Strap. This really secures the pad and allows me to keep the bicep strap and forearm strap a little looser. I find this middle strap to be a bit long (maybe its the size I got wrong). Therefore, I have to tighten the forearm strap a little tighter. I also feel that the elbow cap has a bit of a larger profile than I am used to. The pad swings around a bit when I fall or hit the pad on something. I find the pad to be very mobile though. I actually prefer a bit of a "bulkier" joint between the bicep and forearm parts of the bad. The One.8 and higher pads have a flimsy connection where as One.6 and lower have a more solid connection. The One.4 does not offer that middle Anchor Strap though, so One.6 was the pad that offered everything I liked. I have no movement issues at all. Very seemless transition from my Pro Series. 7/10 Protection: This is a mid-range pad and the protection level reflects that. The forearm guard has a little plastic, but nothing beefy. I have not taken a slash, but am sure I would feel it. The elbow cap itself is very hard plastic and protective for me, but not for others. I am not a dirty player though and have never gotten had my elbow contact another player in a harmful fasion. 8/10 Weight – The main reason I switched elbow pads from my Pro Series was to get into something lighter. These are very light pads.I believe they are the lightest ones in the Supreme line. By far the lightest elbow I have owned. 10/10 Durability - So far so good. Little bit of sweat stains on the exterior of the pad, but the liner is holding up as is the velcro. 10/10 Conclusion - Good lightweight pad that provides enough protection for a rec level player that isn't dirty. Try them on before buying is the only thing I will say! 9/10

Easton E700 Medium paired both Bauer 9900 cage and Bauer HDO Pro-Clip half-shield Fit - I find that this helmet fits my head great. I had previously used the CCM V08 and thought nothing would ever fit better than that until I tried on the E700. This is the first Easton helmet that has fit my head. I owned an S9 and bought it because I liked the way it looked (I was a newb). In the S9, I had to get an XL for it to even get on my head and it was still uncomfortable. I later tried on the S19 and that also did not fit regardless of size. I was pleased to find that the medium-sized E700 fit me perfectly. Only other helmet I have owned in a medium was the V08. 10/10 Protection - I thankfully have not had any major head impacts in the 2+ years I have had this helmet. N/A Weight - This has been and remains to be the lightest helmet on the market. You will be amazed the first time you use it. 10/10 Ventilation - I play roller hockey, so this is important to me. I personally have found that this helmet manages sweat great. It may be because of the ventilation, but I think its the removeable pads within the helmet. They do a great job of absorbing sweat. And they are easy to change while on the bench or between games. 10/10 Durability - I am very surprised that the exterior of this helmet has held up. I do put it in a helmet bag and am not rough with it. It shines just like new after well over 2 years of use. The interior of the helmet is in good condition as well. I remove the pads and wash it out with soapy water. The pads themselves do breakdown over time, but replacements are cheap. I have several sets of repalcement pads to interchange on the bench or between games. The only problem I ever had was with one of the wishbones on the back of giro adjuster. I broke one the day I bought the helmet when playing with the adjustment. Thnakfully the LHS allowed me to return it and gave me a new helmet since I had not used the helmet yet. 9/10 Conclusion - This is a keeper! For me; its a perfect fit, lightweight, still shines new and the repalceable pads mean you have a new fresh helmet all the time! I obviously suggest trying the helmet on to make sure it fits. If you find a size that works well for you, then buy it! You won't be disappointed. 9.75

Thank you. After looking at them closely, I can see why. I think a non-gentile wash cycle and the heat from the dryer may damage the graphics of the pant and the mesh parts as well. I think I will take your advice and wash them more sparingly and let them air dry. Thank you.

Got my Alkali RPD Comp pants yesterday, but due to traffic - I wasnt able to stop at home to grab the shipment before my games... I tried them on when I got home... The fit in the waist and upper area is perfect for me. I like the elastic in the back of the waistband and also like the belt system. It seems like it "grabbed" better than my current pants (Bauer Team/Mission A3). I do see what you are getting at Souldriver on the leg width. It took a little more effort to get the pant leg over my shin guards. And I wear small/anatomical shin guards (Bauer Supreme, 13 inch). They still got over though. Overall, I am happy with them just trying them on at home. They are very light and had good mobility. The crotch gusset seemed great for this pricepoint. One thing I am curious about that I am hoping Justin can answer... The tag on the pants says they should not be machine washed. I am curious why? Maybe all roller pants are like that, but I have been washing my current pants 2 times a week in the washer with no problems.

Gloves - haha, first thing I thought when I saw the APX2 was "Techniflex!" I am old enough to remember. Lindros made me buy a pair! Protective - good to hear that on the shin straps. The picture hides the top strap a bit and the description below still says 3-strap system - but doing the anchorstrap ala Pro Series and Supreme is great. The strapping system on the current Nexus 1000 shins made me not buy them and switched to Supreme. I really prefer that wrap-around anchorstrap with a single elastic strap around the calf.

My Alkali RPD Comp pants come in on Wednesday. First pant change for me in several years. I have been in Mission BSX/A3/Bauer Team (all the same pant essentially) for about 3-4 years. Was in Mission Soldier pants before that, so pretty much the same pant type for a long time now. I ordered a pair of the first Alkali pants to come out, but they were no where close to fitting me. I wear a large in Mission and their XL was even too tight in the waist! I am glad they changed their fit to be more "Mission-like". I will make sure to let everyone know how I like the Comp since Souldriver took care of the Max and Team... One thing I will say that I hate changing my gear up (except sticks!). I am have been in the same skates and gloves for about 3+ years, same helmet for 2+ years and just changed my elbows and shins for the first time since the last winter Olympics!

"Jack-of-all-trades" sticks are the best... Always felt that SE16's and Dolomites were the best (and the U+, non-CL for a while) in that department... I had been stocking up on those two types of sticks for a couple of years now. Really excited for the new Nexus to hit stick racks since the stick sounds ideal for me and Bauer makes my favorite curve (P106).

Got my fourth set of current-spec custom Warriors today (fifth pair overall). Pretty much replicating the ones I have on page 96 of this topic, but in 100% Classic rather than tufftek. Here are the specs: -14" Franchise normal (wide) -All black Classic. Logo is white with white outline. -Name embroidered on -Black mesh gussets -VA80 with Pro Pack -Nash palm -Kovalchuk Cuff -Black Assembly Thread Ordered March 8th. Arrived April 19th. Not digging the feel of the palm out of the box - but have yet to use them in a game. PS - sorry for the bad pic, my normal camera is out of battery...