Elite Oval Laces (waxed)

[AIREAYE 248]

Background : A new hockey lace product released by Elite Hockey, the Oval are the newest skate lace featuring a round or 'oval' profile. Available in both waxed and non-waxed, the Oval laces features thicker dimensions that maintain shape and prevents slippage. Having used traditional waxed laces all my life, I figured that I'd try this new product as well; trying to see if it makes any difference.

Performance : 10/10

Simply put, this lace was designed to be kept in place on your skate, keeping the level of tightness the same throughout the game and Elite definitely delivered in this department. The thicker dimensions of the lace, combined with the wax (and there was an ample amount of it) held it's position like no other product before it and the fact that it stays in its position is a bonus for those who partake in longer skating sessions who do not have the time/patience to retie their laces. I've gone 3+ hours of straight shinny without them losing any support/slippage. As a result of this, the skate boot maintains its support around your leg much better as well and for longer.

Durability : 8.5/10

The only problem I have with these laces is that they tend to twist and compress in areas of higher usage (for me, the 1st - 3rd eyelets from the top), which, over time, would definitely result in a disproportionally thinner skate lace, thus losing it's stability property. Although I have not yet experienced this, the possibility of these laces thinning out also adds to the possibility of experiencing lace-bite as a result of the same amount of pressure applied to a smaller area. This potential problem exists for all laces and the Ovals appear to be no exception. Other than that, absolutely no problems, be it broken aglets or feathering of the laces themselves. Solid.

Intangibles :

The wax version (which I've been using) are the most waxed laces I have ever encountered; much more grippier than Elite's traditional waxed offerings. This is an attribute desired by some while dislike by others; personal preference essentially. They\re not the prettiest laces out there, and that's some feedback that I've heard, but really, no one cares about how your skate laces look haha. Elite only offers these guys in 3 colors at the moment : black, white and yellow

Conclusion: A superb product. I'm not going to go back to regular laces after this :)