Winter Wars West

[sdcopp 1]

Got to swing by and check out some of the action and booths at WinterWars West this last weekend. Alkali, Revision and Labeda had booths on one side with Tour and Mission on the other side. It was really nice to check out some gear I've only seen online. I figured I'd throw out some observations/opinions for those who are in the same boat

Alkali - It was great to get a chance to meet and talk to Justin in person. Joe Cook, Jay Russell and Stephen Campbell were all there as well, and it's always nice to see when all of a company's reps are so personable and approachable. The CA9 stick is definitely in my future. I'd compare the weight and balance to Warrior Dolomites, which I'm currently using, with a nice matte finish and great slightly concave shaft shape. Really impressed that the price is only $150 and it could easily be a $180 stick. For anyone who plays any decent amount outdoors the CA3 stick should be a consideration. It is a little blade heavy with the ABS blade, but not bad considering it's an ABS blade on a composite shaft.

The CA5 glove is a super light glove and a lot of bang for the buck at a $60 pricepoint. The pants all look good, but the CA3 pant really hits a spot I was looking for. I need a pant for when I'm coaching practices or going to the outdoor rink and not wanting the odd tan patch between the bottom of my shorts and the top of my tendon guard, and the CA3 is the perfect built pant for both. It's basically a mesh gym short type material with reinforced knees. The CA9 skate is obviously a product I have become familiar with, and the rest of the skates are all good quality products as well. The CA5 really impressed with for the pricepoint as well.

Revision - Tyler and Nabeel were both there, and another example of people who are totally approachable and great to talk to. Nothing really new out of Revision for this weekend, but they did say something big was coming so we'll all have to wait and see. I did get to finally handle a Viceroy stick, and another great looking and feeling product. If there had been an ATM on the premises at the rink one would've been going home with me, and definitely another product in my future. The glossy finish wasn't as slick as I thought it would be, so a pleasant surprise.

Labeda - I didn't spend much time at the Labeda booth, but there was a crowd there as well for a lot of the few hours I was at the tourny. While I know a lot of guys who like Labeda wheels, they just aren't the product for me. Good to see all the kids having a great time at the booth

Mission - Mission's booth seemed unmanned for the bit I was there, but all the products were on display. It was the first time I got to see the T9 glove, and it's a super nice glove for $120. Despite being a leather outer it's a real soft feel inside the glove and extremely flexible.

Tour - Tour had the usual display of the skates and pants, but were also showing off some of the team custom gloves. I'm not sure what the out material was on the Lionheart customs from the Mudcats team was, but it was a super nice feeling material. Chad Siebel was there, and looked like he was having entirely too much fun.

State Wars had their own booth with apparel and were yet again great guys who were super easy to walk up and talk to.

Even though I couldn't get a team together for the Senior division and I'm not quite there in age to play Masters, it was a great experience heading up there and just checking the event out. There was a good energy in the building and some good games being played on both rinks. I sure wouldn't mind seeing if we couldn't get some MSH members together for a team for future events like this.

A big thanks to all the vendors for being at events like this and helping to make it a good experience for all.