colins
-
Content Count
557 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
21 -
Feedback
0%
Posts posted by colins
-
-
4 hours ago, 60PlusWinger said:Because they are two totally different kick points.
I'm not sure I buy into this personally.
Nexus and Tacks are usually described as mid flex, and True's Smart Flex is not really marketed as low-kick, if anything it seems to be 'variable' flex whatever that is. Marketing more than anything I guess.
All I know is if you like the feel of a 75 Flex Nexus 1N or CCM Tacks 2.0, chances are you'll prefer an 85 Flex True A5.2 over a 75 Flex True A5.2.
The True feels/plays about a 10 flex rating lower than Bauer/CCM for these particular models. This is based only on my own personal experience with the sticks I've used and feedback from my two sons who have also used them.
Missing from photo - the 2 A5.2 75 Flex my youngest had at his practice tonight when I took the pic, and the 4 True A5.2 85 Flex, 1 75 Flex Bauer 2N and 1 75 Flex prostock Curry my oldest has with him playing Jr. A).
colins
-
2 minutes ago, Nicholas G said:How big of a player is he? It might just be that the boot cannot support him or his skating style. If he is playing high-level Junior A I would imagine him going through a pair of very high end skates each season.
About 5'11 190.
One pair a season I could live with. He only got 3 months out of these.
I'm buying a second pair now, and planning to get more intensive repairs on these so he'll have a spare. I'm going to get my local repair shop to drill out all the stamped eyelets and replace with brass. Should last the season then. Also going to get them to fill in the stretched eyelet hole with some extra reinforcements.
colins
-
24 minutes ago, shoot_the_goalie said:This. Simple answer without getting into the craziness of different brands, flex points, etc, etc. and making it overly complicated. If you like the A5.2 in 75, but it's too "whippy", just go up the next flex rating in that same line.
Yes the only flaw I read in his thought process was that 85 Flex A5.2 would be too stiff because he finds his Easton 85 stiff. That's all I was trying to point out in the end.
My son loved loved loved his 75 Flex Bauer 1N sticks. When they ran out and couldn't get another he tried a 75 Flex A5.2 and found it too whippy. He went up to the 85 A5.2 (all his Bauer and CCM sticks prior had been 75 flex) and found it just right.
I'm using a 75 Flex A5.2 now myself and find it whippy, which suits me fine for beer league. Slapshots and one timers I prefer a stiffer stick, but the 75 is good for snapshots and has a good feel overall.
colins
-
26 minutes ago, JR Boucicaut said:Done a complete eyelet swap, just haven't ever had it requested on a new set. It may be costly, but sounds like it's the way to go.
I do have a question, though. Typically, whenever I would see a CCM eyelet fail, it would get corroded then start chunking off. However, here's my question - how is it getting to the point that it's stretching the eyerow? Does he like an extra-tight skate? Is it a situation that the eyelet condition isn't paid attention to and he continues to use them after they've broken?
Perhaps try lacing outside-in? Different laces? It just seems that it is stressing the boot quite a bit.
I didn't get to see this one myself as he's away playing Jr A now and not at home but he does tie them tight. And as soon as corrosion and contact starts deforming the stamped/painted eyelets they break up and pull out.
The significant stretching looks to me like it came after the eyelet was repaired, and the new eyelet didn't grab enough material (smaller diameter than the CCM eyelet maybe?) and now the replacement eyelet has stretched the hole a lot.
The first two images above are dark but they show the eyelet hole after the original eyelet popped out and before the repair was made - maybe a little bit of stretch there from using them for a practice or two before he realized the eyelet was giving way.Certainly he doesn't check each individual eyelet before lacing up, that's for sure... and once the failure starts it just takes one tightening/skate on them to begin to mess things up. On his first gen Jetspeeds, just a section of the eyelet cracked off (about 1/4 of the circumference), and after that he tied them up tight and ripped the lace through the boot mid-practice once things started flexing. I wasn't expecting this to happen just over 3 months in on a $500 skate.
Here's a closeup, the missing eyelet on bottom, you can see the two above it are missing paint (corrosion) and the one above the missing one is deformed and on it's way towards failing like the missing one did. This is after just a little more than 12 weeks use. The brass eyelets do not suffer this same issue at all, they retain their shape and are good as new (both on his old first gen Jetspeeds and these new ones).
colins
-
My next move is to probably get him a new pair so I can take these somewhere else for more repairs (he skates every day with his team so can't have any downtime), and I'm considering drilling out all the CCM stamped/painted eyelets and replacing with Blademaster #65 brass eyelets. Is that crazy? Probably still cheaper than going for another skate that fits him as good as the Jetspeeds do.
Anyone ever do a complete eyelet swap on new skates? Is brass the way to go, or overkill? Any downside?
colins
-
Warranty claim has been denied. Skates were ordered online May 13th, received around May 20th. Eyelet popped out just a week or two after the 90 day warranty period (late August). We tried a repair on our own dime (from Doiron Sports Excellence - Saint John NB) but that failed too so I submitted a warranty claim to see if CCM could help out. Skates are less than 4 months old.
CCM has a problem with these eyelets for anyone that has sweaty feet. My son's feet (hyperhydrosis - extremely sweaty) caused them to fail in 3 months. Average person would no doubt get more use from them, I guess depending on how acidic your sweat is and how much volume of sweat your feet produce. We haven't found a maintenance strategy to deal with the problem, his skates are dried / hung up after every session, never left in the bag wet.
Boot and runner and steel are all still in practically brand new shape after 15 weeks use - but if you can't lace them you can't use them.
@BelangerJS - I don't know what your failure rate is at the factory, maybe cases like mine are rare and not worth pursuing from a business perspective.
However, if the failure rate is a concern and CCM is trying to address it, I have here a candidate for testing any trial fixes that you can suggest, and provide you some great real world use case. Hyperhydrosis affects an estimated 2-3% of the population, and I imagine the vast majority of players produce ample amounts of sweat per hour to strain these particular eyelets towards failure, it's just a matter of how long before they fail once exposed to sweat.
Off to buy more skates... <sigh>
colins
-
1 hour ago, Nicholas G said:It's likely they will replace the skates, though they might insinuate the issue is due to improper baking. In my experience anytime they see an eyelet like this that is the first response I see from CCM or Bauer. Its actually a pretty easy fix to sew more material there to strengthen it or to use an oversized eyelet.
Yes, that's what we did with his Jetspeeds (add extra material). You can see how his sweat eats away the stamped/painted eyelets, while the stronger brass eyelets hold up fine:
colins
-
1
-
-
Me again and another case of eyelets problems. Three month old CCM Jetspeed Control (Source for Sports SMU based off FT380 with upgrades - $500 CDN skate). Eyelet popped out. Took it to a repair shop, they replaced the missing eyelet plus two others that were damaged and about to give out. Unfortunately, the repair hasn't held up, the hole is stretched and the replacement eyelet is about to pop.
The skates were baked once and to the recommended temperature for the recommended duration. Laces were pulled away from the skate not straight up when tightening after baking. Not our first rodeo - zero percent chance the damage was due to improper heating.
You can see other eyelets are flaking (paint coming off and corroding) after just 3 months. Skates are always hung up to dry after every use.
CCM - please change your eyelets. CCM skates are great, my son tried to go Vapors X900s (previously had first gen Jetspeeds that also had eyelet issues) but the fit just doesn't work for him. The Jetspeeds fit perfect, if only the eyelets didn't fail so quick! The brass eyelets at the top and bottom hold up great, even after a full season of use on his original Jetspeeds - the CCM stamped/painted eyelets are weak and do not hold up.
My son's feet sweat a lot. But I'm sure he's not the only one - the CCM eyelets simply can't hold up to normal use on his feet.
I've filed a warranty claim. Unfortunately, until the eyelet material changes I feel this is going to just reoccur.
The failed repair:
colins
-
1
-
-
32 minutes ago, Nicholas G said:Yeah, I put him in a CCM Jetspeed Xtra Pro + II SMU and he loved them. They look to be very much the same skate as the Source for Sports model. In fact, to me, they look like a V2 of the previous generation Jet Speed Pro.
Awesome. I didn't realize Cyclone Taylor had that SMU. Very similar to the Source SMU but with a black tongue. I love that CCM gives retailers this option to build their own - really fills in the product options with a package that's at my personal sweet spot for cost vs. features. Incredible value from my POV.
colins
-
You need an 85 Flex A5.2.
In general I find True's flex ratings for the A5.2 series to be able 10 lower than equivalent Bauer (Nexus 1N) or CCM (Super Tacks 2.0). So a 75 True A5.2 plays like a 65 CCM/Bauer and the 85 True plays like a 75 CCM/Bauer. This is true for the original SBP series, I haven't tried the 2018 version yet.
The 85 Flex A5.2 feels very similar to a 75 Flex Bauer Nexus 1N at the same length when I've compared them on the ice side by side. It won't feel as stiff as an 85 Flex Easton.
colins
-
1
-
-
17 hours ago, Nicholas G said:I agree.
16 years old, 5' 9" and 165lbs. He is an excellent skater was actually drafted for the WHL. I would put him in a pair of True skates but he said they are too ugly. lol
He should seriously check out the Jetspeed Control skates then. They are very similar to first gen Jetspeeds (Speedcore 2 based FT380) with an upgraded tongue from the FT1 and outsole from the FT390. They also have the higher +2mm stainless runners. For $499 cdn.
It sounds like you work in a shop - but maybe not a Source for Sports though? That would make it tougher since these are a Source exclusive SMU. But if I'm him and I loved my first gen Jetspeeds, I'd try these on (go up half a size since sizing changed).
The CCM Jetspeed Senior Hockey Skate is a Source for Sports Exclusive model based on the CCM Jetspeed FT380 Hockey Skate. Our skate experts have upgraded several specifications to enhance the overall comfort and performance of the skate.
Source Exclusive Upgrades:
Upgraded Tritech White Felt tongue with Molded Lace Bite Protection from FT1
Upgraded Composite Outsole with Exhaust System from FT390
Upgraded CCM Speed Blade Stainless +2mm Steel
-
If he liked the 1st gen Jetspeed and he's not caught up in needing the top-model skate just for the sake of it being the top model, I'd try the FT380 (or FT390 - but the 390 might be stiffer since it uses Speedcore 3 instead of the Speedcore 2 in the first gen Jetspeed and FT380). Remember to go up half a size from his 1st gen Jetspeed as CCM changed their sizing between the first gen Jetspeed and the FT's.
My oldest son went from the first gen JetSpeed to a Jetspeed Control (which is a SMU based on the FT380 with some FT390 and FT1 upgrades). He tried Vapors but just couldn't get the same feel as the first gen Jetspeed. He did find it in the Jetspeed Control.
Other than ongoing eyelet issues with the Jetspeeds (I've written on this before several times - and yesterday his 4 month old Controls needed 3 eyelets replaced already) he loves them.
colins
-
1
-
-
I've recorded a lot of games from the stands. You can see some of them online on my youtube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/user/cjsutoob/videos
Some key things I've learned:
1. Use a quality camera. Arenas generally have poor lighting for video, and high contrast between the ice and players. Also very fast movement. You need a quality camera and you need to learn to use the white balance, gain and shutter speed controls to adjust for arena conditions. It's not that difficult once you do some experimenting. I use a 6 year old Canon Vixia HF-G10. It's small enough I can put it in my coat (winter) or shorts (summer) pocket.
2. I don't lug around tripods - if I had to do that I wouldn't record games to be honest. I just hold it in my hand, and I make smooth gradual movements as much as possible. I watch the game (not through the camera) and check my framing from time to time via the lcd screen. I don't zoom in and out excessively. The magic is afterwards - I upload the video to youtube and click 'stabilize' under their Edit options. It's kinda incredible how smooth the video is after the stabilization is done, considering no tripods or other tricks involved.
3. My camera is a bit long in the tooth now and is not a true 60fps camera - it can do 30fps@1080p or 60fps interlaced. If you use a high quality modern camera that can record 60fps@1080p the results will be so much better. I can instantly tell hockey video that is 60fps - it looks like you are viewing it live, instead of it looking like a video.
Any questions let me know - I'm no expert but I've shot enough games in enough different arenas now to have some ideas on what works and what doesn't.
colins
-
6 minutes ago, colins said:Anyone who grew up when Cooperalls first came out is going to have a completely different point of view than the one you express above.
colins
That said, I don't disagree with your conclusions w.r.t protection. The Warrior QRE girdle hasn't changed a whole lot from the Dynasty version. It's very nice and lightweight.
We (between myself and 2 sons) own a Dynasty girdle, NXG girdle, Super Tacks and CCM 7092 girdle. Of them all I think the 7092 is the best overall balance of comfort, fit, protection and cost.colins
-
On 7/30/2018 at 5:41 PM, Coldclay said:I bought the QRE Girdle a month ago when they first came out and returned/exchanged them for CCM Super Tacks girdle instead. The QRE girdle, in my opinion, is not really a girdle. It's basically a light weight pants (shell sold separately). To me, girdles are more of a wrap-around style with full adjustability. QRE girdle can not be 'unwrapped' from the front and wrap around your waist nor can you unwrap the thighs to adjust padding around your legs.
It's rather misleading to even call the QRE girdle a girdle... While the QRE girdle seems pretty well made, it's a pant/breezer style that you just slip on. My son has been wearing true girdles for a few years now and he obviously prefers the wrap-around feature, and when he saw the QRE girdle, he had no interest. He went from Bauer Supreme MX3 girdle to CCM Super Tacks (most adjustable girdle we have ever seen) and he likes the CCM girdle just fine.
Anyone who grew up when Cooperalls first came out is going to have a completely different point of view than the one you express above.
colins
-
2
-
-
The difference between a well fitting shell and a poorly shaped/fitted shell is night and day.
To JR's point, almost any will fit but the potato sack effect is real, and it sucks. Regardless of Brand/Label, ideally you want to be able to try them on over the girdle. When you find the one that's just right, you'll know it.
-
10 hours ago, EJB said:Funny, the pup is moving from CCM first generation Jetspeeds(290’s) to Supremes. I’m interested to see if she notices a difference, she notices everything. Her brother just goes meh, she’s all about everything. Tells me tape is different, sure in her head, but only wants one brand of tape.
Steel, pitch, don’t know and should be interesting to hear the report.
Jetspeed to Vapor would probably be a more natural move in terms of fit. Supreme's are going to have more volume than the Jetspeeds.
-
19 hours ago, Neo5370 said:I've occasionally seen pro-stocks at these following stores, but I'd def call ahead.
Monkey Sports (Hockey Monkey) in Norwood, MA - 20 mins from Foxboro.
H.A. Zwickers - Bedford, MA - 40 minutes.
Pure Hockey - Various locations throughout MA.
We're staying in Norwood just down the road from Hockey Monkey, so I'll check them out for sure.
Thx,
colins
-
1
-
-
I'm in Foxboro next week for the Jr. Chowder Cup. Are there any shops in the area with a good selection of pro stock sticks? The proshop in the Foxboro Sports Centre had a decent selection when we were there last year. Any other recommendations?
colins
-
15 hours ago, Dangle_Snipe_19 said:For next season I’m kind of unsure what level to play at. AAA isn’t an option and neither is Junior A. I could play Junior A if I’m drafted as an AP from either junior B or MAA. Your typical thought of junior B is a bunch of goons but around here we have a very skilled team that is one of the best in the province and I think I could make it. The other option is MAA which is another good, skilled option against kids more my age (16). Just unsure of which level to play at for next year and looking for advice! Thanks!
You didn't mention what kind of player you are or what you consider your strengths and weaknesses. But, assuming you're like most players who excel at one or two aspects of the game but need to work on one or two other aspects, I think the decision should always be about which of the two choices gives you the best opportunity to work on those weaknesses.
Let's assume you're a skilled forward but haven't really put up point totals to get your noticed as an OHL prospect yet. If moving up to Jr. B means you can play top 6 and get some time on a first or second PP unit, that sounds like a great opportunity. However, if you're going to be a 3rd or 4th liner and see limited minutes and maybe some PK time - you're not going to advance your game that way.
If a year in MAA means you get those top six minutes playing with other skilled players, and are put out there on the PP and in the final minutes when your team is pressing for the tying goal... that's going to be huge for your development. You'll get to experience that game in and game out and learn to carry that responsibility and expectation from your coaches and teammates. But if you've already done that at the MAA level and have nothing left to prove or to learn there, then look to move up against older/faster kids to keep challenging yourself.
Again, I don't know what type of player you are, but these are the kinds of questions you may want to consider when you make this decision. Hockey development is a marathon not a sprint - continue to play at the level that best advances your skillset and game, don't get caught up in jumping up a level too early just because you can - it can result in a lost year of development and slow you down from reaching your goal.
Development is not just about practicing skills during practice time - it's about using those skills with confidence in game scenarios consistently. That's what makes a good player into a great player that teams want to draft. You have to build that reputation one step at a time. It's impossible to build confidence from the bench. You need to be getting ice time during important moments of big games.
colins
-
2
-
-
22 hours ago, nutters said:I don't believe they have a retail store, but their equipment is usually less exspensive compared to other brands here (especially for canadian prices). Besides there is no shortage of stores in the Montreal area that have Sher-Wood gear on sale/clearance. Monkey Sports in DDO, Rousseau Sports in Laval ( they currently have a huge construction sale) and Hockey Supremacy in Candiac which may be the closest and have EK60s on their website for dirt cheap.
Hockeysupremacy also has True A5.2 SBP on now for $109.99 CDN (that's like $84 US) which is a steal.
-
11 hours ago, IPv6Freely said:Not so sure about that. The EK line was pretty good, well priced, and still didn't do especially well. I don't see the newer revisions of that line doing any better, especially if Canadian Tire is the only place you'll be able to get them.
Canadian Tire also owns FGL Sports (Sportchek and ProHockeyLife), so they cover a big piece of the hockey market in Canada.
colins
-
2
-
-
3 hours ago, Cavs019 said:@BelangerJS was this the case for pro stock boots as well?
I.e would a pro stock 2015 Jetspeed in a 7.5D/A be the same length as a pro stock 8D/A FT1- all else held constant??
Based on the info provided, that sounds like a safe bet. The 2015 Jetspeed line didn't change even though it was sold through 2016. The FT1's all had the new sizing.
colins
-
23 hours ago, JR Boucicaut said:The holders are chipped. Obviously you kept on hitting it there. It's not an "issue."
You put those skates through the ringer. It happens.
The holders don't look that bad to me in the pics. I think in the second pic he's pulling down a layer of the composite outsole that is flaking off, and the edge of it makes it look like the holder is chipped. I don't think it is.
Skates don't last 5+ years anymore. I was able to get all 3+ years of highschool/midget hockey and several years of rec hockey after that out of a pair of Daoust 501's. Now my son can't get more than one season out of a pair of top end skates.
colins
Stick and Flex
in Ice Hockey Equipment
Posted · Report reply
Appreciate your experience and not trying to take anything away from that. Have you used the A5.2 SBP in 75 and 85 Flex?
colins