Question for JR

[Tom351 0]

I just picked up a pair of 03 Z-Airs and see why everyone complained about the blade hardware. The screws look weak. I am thinking about using some leftover Prolite screws, but the sleeve on the "female" bolt is a bit shorter than the Easton one. It is long enough to reach the other side of the holder but I am not sure about using these. What do you think?

Thanks,

TD

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

Honestly, I haven't tinkered with swapping bolts on Easton blades.

If worse comes to worse use helmet screws. Or - use lock washers. The ones that look like suns.

Maybe Easton has improved them for 04 - you might want to give CS a shout and ask for new hardware.

[joshy207 15]

Easton's 03 and 04 skate hardware seem to be the same, but they're a HUGE improvement over all previous models. You should check the screws when you first buy the skates, because they have a habit of coming loose quickly (don't think the factory gets them tight enough). Like any other equipment, though, you should make a habit of checking your skate blade screws on a regular basis.

[CBJ 0]

The best advice i can give you is check the screws every 2 or 3 skates to make sure they are still tight.

To the best of my knowledge the 03 and 04 hardware is the exact same....although i could be wrong. I've tried on the 04's but really didn't like the fit, compared to that of the 03's....so i havent really given them a second thought since. I have the 03 zair comps with the razor bladz ii still on. I just figured id wait until something went wrong before i thru tuuks on them.....to this point nothing major has....i do have to tighten the screws every so often though <_<

Now to actually answer your question, I've had to put prolite screws into eastons holders before. We were out of Easton screws (imagine that) and the prolite screws seemed to work fine... i've since seen the skates come back in with the prolite screws in them...however i've been told that they still have to check them frequently to make sure the screws arent coming lose.....so to sum up, you could put the prolite screws in, but chances are they arent going to be any better than eastons hardware.

Hope that helps.

-Brian-

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

The round lock washers should work like a charm. Only "problem" is that the teeth will embed itself in the holder. It's the same washer used on the back bolt of the PITCH holder.

You have to put them on the outer part of the holder, so holder -> washer -> bolt.

[Ryan 0]

The '03 and '04 hardware are exactly the same. I've been skating on the '03/'04 hardware for nearly 2 years now. Haven't had a single screw come loose, haven't had to use loctite or anything. The screws aren't weak and you shouldn't have any problems. I'd give them a chance before you make a decision on them.

[Tom351 0]

Ok, thanks guys, the screws were loose enough for the blade to "click" when I walked out for my second shinny with them. I will probably just keep re-torquing.

Maybe the screws loosen themselves quickly because of the blade flex in the middle?

[Dave 1]

JR, what about loctite? Will it work on this kind of screws? Maybe the tougher loctite (tougher than blue) will do the trick.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

BLue Loctite should work just fine. No need for the heavy-duty stuff.

[Cavs019 710]

worst case scenario just put tuuks on. They are miles better and for the most part maintenance free.