MLX Skates Now Available

[DarkStar50 679]

Upon taking a second look at how the holders are mounted to the boot, I have a problem with Philips head screws being used for that purpose. Ask any shop guy here about rusted Philips head screws on hockey helmets when it is time to take off a face mask. A few extra twists and the screw head is stripped with nothing left to try and get a grip to remove the screw. I'm sorry but could we have some hockey guys at MLX make a few suggestions before they go to market. Plus there is a weight equation added on this set up against traditional split rivets. It may be grams but for the weight whores, there is a difference.

I am only trying to point out what I see from the website info and pictures. Just adding food for thought............

[shifter 0]

Also adding on to what mlx has to say I checked out every category of the site and then came around protection and I was surprised to say that they brought out the injury issue about Malking and trying to cover up.. even though he returned to his X:60's

"If you were watching the game and saw Geno go down, you might have thought you were

witnessing the beginning of the end. In actuality, you were watching the MLX ice hockey

skate do exactly what it was designed to do—disperse the puck’s energy away from the

foot and keep players from being injured."

[stick9 890]

Upon taking a second look at how the holders are mounted to the boot, I have a problem with Philips head screws being used for that purpose. Ask any shop guy here about rusted Philips head screws on hockey helmets when it is time to take off a face mask. A few extra twists and the screw head is stripped with nothing left to try and get a grip to remove the screw. I'm sorry but could we have some hockey guys at MLX make a few suggestions before they go to market. Plus there is a weight equation added on this set up against traditional split rivets. It may be grams but for the weight whores, there is a difference.

I am only trying to point out what I see from the website info and pictures. Just adding food for thought............

One would hope they would use a better grade material than a helmet screw. Though I do agree, even an oxidized Phillips head can be a pain to remove. A high grade stainless Allen head would be a much better option.

On another note, curious as to why those in the biz are down on these, I thought the feedback after the chat session was pretty positive?

[Buzz_LightBeer 969]

Upon taking a second look at how the holders are mounted to the boot, I have a problem with Philips head screws being used for that purpose. Ask any shop guy here about rusted Philips head screws on hockey helmets when it is time to take off a face mask. A few extra twists and the screw head is stripped with nothing left to try and get a grip to remove the screw. I'm sorry but could we have some hockey guys at MLX make a few suggestions before they go to market. Plus there is a weight equation added on this set up against traditional split rivets. It may be grams but for the weight whores, there is a difference.

I am only trying to point out what I see from the website info and pictures. Just adding food for thought............

It's actually an 8-32 Torx bolt, that pic is from an earlier concept

[DarkStar50 679]

I still don't like it. I would prefer the option of a flat head screw, if only because after 30 years, I know hockey players don't take care of their skates, no matter how much they cost. Again, JMHO.

To answer stick9, I am not down on the product. As a shop equipment buyer my first instinct is to anticipate problems before they occur. This way if they do not happen, it's great. However, if they do, I have only myself to blame for not following my instincts and experience about a new product. Please understand that as a shop equipment buyer for any new product, my investment is much greater than the individual purchaser. I have a higher burden of risk. I would never buy a product without seeing it. One A-list vendor thought they could do that as recently as this year. I made sure the rep got me samples to see before committing to the new product. MLX is bringing a product to consumers with no opportunity to "touch and feel" before purchase. They are going direct to the consumer. There will be speed bumps along the way for both parties with the product. Just be prepared after investing $800 for that possibility and having to deal directly with MLX. If that holder breaks or that steel cracks, ............ " jeez, I hadn't thought of that."

[TBLfan 25]

I think a bigger issue would be lining up the holders correctly. It's a neat idea but I'm not soo confident in the hardware or the ease of the customers to center the holder accurately.

Easton does do custom skates but you pretty much need to know a rep.

[stick9 890]

Thanks DS, I suspected it had to do with the touch and feel aspect.

You do bring up a good point. With all that tech going into a skate, you have to assume there will be issues. Not being able to head to your local shop to address them would be a pretty big hassle. In addition to that, you could tweak your skate to the point where you think somethings wrong when it's just lack of knowing how to properly adjust it.

TBL - Love The Stig quote. Big TG fan myself.

[Led Head 0]

Im surprised these skates cost SO much. I thought I remebered reading somewhere that these skates were going to be reasonably priced. I suppose not. What bodes even worse for MLX is that you cant try them on to see how they feel on your foot before buying, as well as seeing how their sizes fit, cause not all manufacturers who say there skates are a size 8 are exactly the same size, they may differ slightly. But again I am really dissappointed at how expensive these skates are. I was maybe going to buy a pair, but like I said I cant try them on and they are really expensive. Oh well good luck MLX

[Demangone 0]

Im surprised these skates cost SO much. I thought I remebered reading somewhere that these skates were going to be reasonably priced. I suppose not. What bodes even worse for MLX is that you cant try them on to see how they feel on your foot before buying, as well as seeing how their sizes fit, cause not all manufacturers who say there skates are a size 8 are exactly the same size, they may differ slightly. But again I am really dissappointed at how expensive these skates are. I was maybe going to buy a pair, but like I said I cant try them on and they are really expensive. Oh well good luck MLX

How much did you think they were going to be? During the MLX chat, they mentioned that they would be comparatively priced with existing top of the line skates ie in the $600-800 range.

[Led Head 0]

How much did you think they were going to be? During the MLX chat, they mentioned that they would be comparatively priced with existing top of the line skates ie in the $600-800 range.

i dunno but like I said I remember reading somewhere that they were going to be reasonably priced, but I suppose I may have miss understood "reasonably" as being "inexpensive" where they probably meant "reasonably" as reasonably priced according to the top line skates out on the market already. So its probably my mistake either way I wont be buying these skates anytime soon.

[Drewhunz 3]

i dunno but like I said I remember reading somewhere that they were going to be reasonably priced, but I suppose I may have miss understood "reasonably" as being "inexpensive" where they probably meant "reasonably" as reasonably priced according to the top line skates out on the market already. So its probably my mistake either way I wont be buying these skates anytime soon.

Considering Gonchar's run nearly $2K, I wouldn't say $800 is so bad. THAT SAID, it's a tough pricepoint to break into the market with. ESPECIALLY without a retailer helping move product.

[ndlancer95 0]

I remember when we first heard of MLX (Dasc) everyone thought that there was a Wow factor to these skates. Now that there launched, I don't see that anymore. And who came up with the idea of only full sizes?

[Chadd 916]

I remember when we first heard of MLX (Dasc) everyone thought that there was a Wow factor to these skates. Now that there launched, I don't see that anymore.

As more information becomes available, the product becomes demystified. With facts replacing supposition, people are better able to judge the company and product.

Considering Gonchar's run nearly $2K, I wouldn't say $800 is so bad. THAT SAID, it's a tough pricepoint to break into the market with. ESPECIALLY without a retailer helping move product.

The early word was that retail skates would be very different from Gonchar's skates too. Who knows how they actually compare.

[ndlancer95 0]

That mustve been it. $800 is a crap load of money for a skate that may be as good as the One100 at $600

[ndlancer95 0]

That mustve been it. $800 is a crap load of money for a skate that may be as good as the One100 at $600

That mustve been it. $800 is a crap load of money for a skate that may be as good as the One100 at $600

[shotty 7]

wow. triple post.

MLX are "hand built", probably in north america. so that likely adds a considerable amount to the bottom line. my bet is bauer spent more money on research, development, materials and definitely marketing, however, their share of the market is dominant, so to compare the One100 to the MLX is like comparing apples to.... a new kind of apple no one's heard of grown in your uncle mario's back yard.

if MLX sells 750-1000 of pair of skates in the next year, they're probably happy, whereas One100 would need to sell tens of thousands to be considered a commercial success.

[shotty 7]

oh c'mon, you know that manufacturers that are bringing products like this to market have goals/expectations beyond reality, with no one around to ground them. they're probably expecting 1000 units.

what kind of dough do you think went into this project, 1/2 million? more?

[zachary 2]

As everyone else stated $800 for skates that are virtually unknown in feel and or review is kinda ridiculous but you have to remember they are all handcrafted(or so they say). If it wasn't for the steep price I would give em a try but I'll stick with my slightly cheaper 60s.

[Axxion89 32]

Most GOOD companies have realistic expectations based on market research, demand, and much more variables. I believe MLX is hoping their brand penetrates the market the first year or 2 and make enough sales to cover cost. After that then they would seek to flood the market with their products and make some $$$

[shotty 7]

Most GOOD companies have realistic expectations based on market research, demand, and much more variables. I believe MLX is hoping their brand penetrates the market the first year or 2 and make enough sales to cover cost. After that then they would seek to flood the market with their products and make some $$$

what is "realistic", to you? when a company spends six or seven figures designing and bringing to market a product like this, they expect "home run". trust me. if you want to grow your business in a sustainable fashion, you start with sticks and gloves.

[Chadd 916]

As everyone else stated $800 for skates that are virtually unknown in feel and or review is kinda ridiculous but you have to remember they are all handcrafted(or so they say). If it wasn't for the steep price I would give em a try but I'll stick with my slightly cheaper 60s.

Handcrafted carbon fiber skates can be really hit or miss. The guys at Kor claimed they were rejecting a huge percentage of skates and even the ones that passed would vary significantly from one to the next.

if you want to grow your business in a sustainable fashion, you start with sticks and gloves.

The people behind the product all have a background in skates. Last year they were saying retail was years away and that it wouldn't translate well to retail.

[Demangone 0]

what is "realistic", to you? when a company spends six or seven figures designing and bringing to market a product like this, they expect "home run". trust me. if you want to grow your business in a sustainable fashion, you start with sticks and gloves.

They don't necessarily expect "home run", they expect not to fail. This is the first product from a brand new company, give it about two years before the they can be considered a flop. Hopefully they've performed their due diligence before entering the market, but Mario has a lot of venture capitalist and investment buddies, so I'm sure that he's put a lot of thought into his involvement. Who knows what amount he invested, his association with the company definitely brings some legitimacy, but he could have only put in 100k or less.

[shotty 7]

Handcrafted carbon fiber skates can be really hit or miss. The guys at Kor claimed they were rejecting a huge percentage of skates and even the ones that passed would vary significantly from one to the next.

The people behind the product all have a background in skates. Last year they were saying retail was years away and that it wouldn't translate well to retail.

i understand that, they aren't in the hockey gear business, they are in the skate business. i'm sure brands like brooklynite and combat and even warrior would LOVE to have skates, but the fact is that you can't fake that category. you work up to it because thats where you're highest revenues and most notoriety come from. warrior will sell thousands of pairs of skates the first year they launch because people already believe in the brand. they've already been sold on it. boutique brands (especially one SKU brands) takes years and years and years to become profitable, and starting with a top-of-the-line, high price point skate is a great way to aim for the fences. they are leveraging their entire company on this one product right at the start because they are confident they are going to succeed. any company that wants to be "realistic" wouldn't go this route. they have mario as the backer and the face, plus not only experience and knowledge, but SUCCESS in their corner.

when someone thinks of an idea and goes through the painstaking process of making it happen, they usually think it's the best thing in the world. the "answer". if mario didnt believe it was going to make him richer, he would have said "call me when you've got sales in gloves and sticks". venture capitalists need to hear amazing numbers before they invest.

[hai karate 0]

I am interested in the skates as I have a narrow heel, high arch and almost always need an adjustment to the blade's alignment. If their claims are true, the boot is completely moldable and the blade can be aligned easily to my feet. However, not being able to try on or even see the skate before shelling out the $800 scares me. I would prefer a half size option too. Not to mention, paying the $40 restocking fee on skates that don't fit properly would annoy me since they "stand by our (their) skates %100." At least they will accept a return on a heated boot.

[johnpace2 0]

I sent them an email and they do have (or will soon) half sizes. I have no idea why it's not on the website though. I would have tried them if they were in the $400 ish range.... Email from them below:

Hi John,

Half sizes will be available.

Because the skates are so moldable, it creates a custom fit.

Thanks again for your interest in becoming an MLX Athlete.

TEAM MLX

For Skaters, By Skaters