Whats the story with the Mission L series?

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

I know thats a fairly vague header, but it seems like the S series came out, and is still holding its value pretty well, then the L series came out, and seemed like they were only out on the market for a reasonably short period then the new fuel line came out.

Or were they out longer but not so hyped?

Is there a reason the S series has held the value better than the newer line?

Just curious

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Um...the SuppleFit style skate was out since 2002. The L series came out in 2004. Both skates are in the Fuel line.

[Chadd 916]

After the merger, new ice skates are being designed in Canada. They wanted to change both lines at the same time, hence the short lifespan of the L7. Otherwise, the L series would have lasted for another year and only the S series would have changed for 06.

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

But looking around, the L series lost its value a lot quicker than the S series. I guess I was wondering was there a quality issue that devalued it, or was the S series just so good that its still a strong seller?

[Chadd 916]

Lost value in what way?

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Ahh..that's what you mean...

IMO - it just wasn't anything special.

The SuppleFit, which was a hard to sell skate because of one, it being Mission, and two, it being different, was something new and it made sense once people understood. When I used to sell them it was just a matter of getting them to put the boot on...lots of people refused. But once you got them to physically put it on, SOLD.

THe L7 was just a traditional skate.

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

Lost value in what way?

Price wise, the L 7s are on clearance more than the S-500's, and both were the top of the line for each series.

With the S series being introduces 2 years before the L series, I would have expected their price to fall to below the L series, but it hasn't happened, so was curious if there was a quality issue, or just the design of the S series that made it more appealing.

But I see from JR's post that the L series was a traditional skate and the S series was not,so that most likely explains it

[Chadd 916]

Lost value in what way?

Price wise, the L 7s are on clearance more than the S-500's, and both were the top of the line for each series.

With the S series being introduces 2 years before the L series, I would have expected their price to fall to below the L series, but it hasn't happened, so was curious if there was a quality issue, or just the design of the S series that made it more appealing.

But I see from JR's post that the L series was a traditional skate and the S series was not,so that most likely explains it

The S series was also at the end of the product cycle while there was an expectation that the L would continue for another year. Not to mention that the L series didn't sell very well at all. People who liked Mission skates, generally preferred the S series. Meanwhile people who wanted a vapor or vector bought those brands and never gave the L series much consideration. Hell, the S series are better than the Fuels, I don't blame the shops for charging more for them than the Ls.

[chippa13 1844]

I think the biggest mistake I've watched Mission make with their skate lines is their chronic renaming of updated product. Rather than take a page from the Bauer and CCM book and establish a line, Mission keeps changing the names of lines, sometimes when it is merely one upping an existing line. This, I think, has hurt Mission. They don't have any recognition.

[kosydar 0]

I think the biggest mistake I've watched Mission make with their skate lines is their chronic renaming of updated product. Rather than take a page from the Bauer and CCM book and establish a line, Mission keeps changing the names of lines, sometimes when it is merely one upping an existing line. This, I think, has hurt Mission. They don't have any recognition.

I quit paying attention to gear for the past year and I couldn't tell you what the top of the line Mission skate is. I could with Bauer and CCM though.

[DamnLocust 0]

I think the biggest mistake I've watched Mission make with their skate lines is their chronic renaming of updated product. Rather than take a page from the Bauer and CCM book and establish a line, Mission keeps changing the names of lines, sometimes when it is merely one upping an existing line. This, I think, has hurt Mission. They don't have any recognition.

Mission doesn't have the history of Bauer or CCM to back up their product. Also, they seem to try to draw in younger players, who are always looking for the newest, coolest, most different looking gear. The mindset started with roller equipment, and has transferred over to ice. more experienced players aren't as keen on getting the latest and greatest, they want consistency, and that comes from ccm/bauer/Graf in their lines of skates. Easton also had consistent skates until the synergy came out.

What Mission has done is change the way the manufacturers work, and has made them rethink a lot of their product. How long were Vapors styled the way that the Vapor 10s were? same goes for the CCM tacks. If you want the young kids buying your equipment (with their partents'money), you need to keep it fresh.

From what I understand, Mission put a lot of time, money, and effort into marketing the new fuel line, and maybe they'll actually stick with this one.

[chippa13 1844]

I think the biggest mistake I've watched Mission make with their skate lines is their chronic renaming of updated product.  Rather than take a page from the Bauer and CCM book and establish a line, Mission keeps changing the names of lines, sometimes when it is merely one upping an existing line.  This, I think, has hurt Mission.  They don't have any recognition.

Mission doesn't have the history of Bauer or CCM to back up their product. Also, they seem to try to draw in younger players, who are always looking for the newest, coolest, most different looking gear. The mindset started with roller equipment, and has transferred over to ice. more experienced players aren't as keen on getting the latest and greatest, they want consistency, and that comes from ccm/bauer/Graf in their lines of skates. Easton also had consistent skates until the synergy came out.

What Mission has done is change the way the manufacturers work, and has made them rethink a lot of their product. How long were Vapors styled the way that the Vapor 10s were? same goes for the CCM tacks. If you want the young kids buying your equipment (with their partents'money), you need to keep it fresh.

From what I understand, Mission put a lot of time, money, and effort into marketing the new fuel line, and maybe they'll actually stick with this one.

Sure, the Vapor line has changed over the last 10 or so years, but there has been a Vapor line for that long, going back to when the old Vapor 6 was the top skate. If someone says Vapor you know who makes it. A recognition has been created. Mission hasn't done that. Instead of updating lines every two years, they totally rename them. That is a marketers nightmare.

[duch 0]

I agree with you. If Mission sticks with the Fuel name for their line of skates it will make the recognition of the skate similar to the Tacks line in CCM or the Vapor line name for Nike/Bauer. Consistency and stability is important when you are selling goods to the public. It builds a trust in the famaliarity of the product name.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

If a company consistently make a great skate, you will develop trust in them. LOOK AT THEIR ROLLER HOCKEY LINE!

Mission's approach was different from the get-go - they would name certain features of the skates and carry them over to newer models. They were the first to stamp them on the boot and while it may have had a hokey name, people certainly remembered them.

It isn't like they are doing anything wrong - it is merely a different way of thinking/marketing - and it has worked for them at the RH level. Bottom line - everyone knows who Mission is, even in the ice line. It's just up to them to give them a chance.

[hockeymom 2]

I agree with you. If Mission sticks with the Fuel name for their line of skates it will make the recognition of the skate similar to the Tacks line in CCM or the Vapor line name for Nike/Bauer. Consistency and stability is important when you are selling goods to the public. It builds a trust in the famaliarity of the product name.

Fuel is also a good name, because it works on so many different levels. "It's got legs!"

Which, frankly, the S-series or L just didn't have longevity in the power of the brand name.

(But I wish the AG fit like the S-series, sorry, just had to add the whine)

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

I liked the original name for the L line..Evolution...damn Justin and his car...

[hockeymom 2]

I liked the original name for the L line..Evolution...damn Justin and his car...

I like that MUCH better than a meaningless "L"... but it has too many syllables. You just know people would abbreviate it to the "Evo"... better to have a name that means something and isn't going to be changed up.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Yeah, that is what it had on the side of the boot.

Regardless, i don't think having a strong line is what is "hurting" them. It's just another way of marketing their skates. They're used to being different.

[hockeymom 2]

Oh, another innovative thing Mission did that I don't feel they ever got enough credit for was developing a skate specifically for women. Women tend to have a narrower heel, broader mid-foot and are shorter from the ankle to base of foot then men.

It's a mid-range skate, (probably somewhere between an S-300 and an S-400 is my guess), which is where the majority of the women's market is.

Now if I had MY wish come true, they'd also offer it with all of the top line features too. Ahh well, maybe as the market develops they'll do that.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

The problem with them (as well as the other "women" gear) is that they were used to playing with the men's stuff for so long that they just didn't change.

[hockeymom 2]

The problem with them (as well as the other "women" gear) is that they were used to playing with the men's stuff for so long that they just didn't change.

Well, when you call it a "Betty" how are people supposed to take it seriously...LOL

You make a great point JR, I think the perception was "is this stuff as good as the men's stuff". Sad thing is, a lot of men would fit into these skates too, but no guy is going to wear a "woman's skate".

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

I absolutely loved the TPS women's shoulder pads. Great pad except for the boobie cups.

We used to allow guys try them on in my store then we'd walk up to them and be like "Great pad, huh?" then we'd cop a feel and honk...talk about embarrassment...

[Chadd 916]

(But I wish the AG fit like the S-series, sorry, just had to add the whine)

You're not the only one, that move cost them a lot of follow-up sales.

I had a lot of women that loved the S300 in this area. Since a lot of them fit into a junior skate, it was a really popular buy.

[Chadd 916]

I absolutely loved the TPS women's shoulder pads. Great pad except for the boobie cups.

We used to allow guys try them on in my store then we'd walk up to them and be like "Great pad, huh?" then we'd cop a feel and honk...talk about embarrassment...

I always liked the guys walking up with a Jill instead of a jock.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Oh yeah...then you point to the "FEMALE pelvic protector."