APX 2 skate durability concerns?

[ChrisMolnar 14]

I know I'm probably not the only one, but is anyone else worried about the durability of the new eyelet system on the APX 2? In theory it is a good idea, the one piece molded design, but what happens if one of those eyelets pulls through? You can't just go and get a new eyelet put in and get on the ice the next day. You'd have to have the entire thing replaced.

[Monty22 835]

As with any new product, time and use will tell. Same with the holders. It's a risk the early buyer takes when new innovations are involved.

[jere26 5]

I don't think the lacing system will "pull through" or otherwise fail due to regular tightening of the laces. But can it take a hard shot without cracking or survive a few slices from Matt Cooke's skate blade? Time will tell, but I still think it's a great idea.

[DEATHTRON 19]

There's no eyelet to pull out. So you dont have to worry about that.

Zach

[t6lock 24]

yeah i didnt think there were eyelets when i saw them. it just looks like a one piece mold with tiny rectangles punched out. but ya if it were to break any other way im not sure how it would be fixed. i hope they sell em separately so i can put em on my x:60's :)

[DEATHTRON 19]

That wont be possible.

Basically, imagine your standard eyelet system, and take out the eyelets, and make the holes left from that durable and shaped. It is a pretty innovative way to get rid of a few extra grams.

Zach

[ChrisMolnar 14]

I'm aware that there are no eyelets to pull out, but nothing is indescribable. The material that they are made out of really isn't all that thick. To me it just seems like an idea that would be used to make the skates cheaper to produce, and the can slap some gimmick onto it and say "it transfers power better!" time will tell though, I guess. May just end up getting the standard eyelets put in instead of the new lacing system.

[flip12 723]

It may or may not be cheaper. I haven't seen APX2 in person, but in theory it could be a more durable material which could also be more expensive than what was previously used. It seems like it would have to be a different and more durable material since it doesn't sound like it has the rim reinforcement of the traditional eyelet.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

It won't happen.

The whole thing is injected plastic; same material as the holder. And it's thick.

The only thing that could potentially happen is that the stitching comes apart and the entire thing unravels...but it's double-stitched to the boot.

I will be doing my Initial Thoughts this weekend if time permits.

[leonzhu 7]

If you look at the video by Bauer you can see them doing some strength and durability testing on the eyelets, so I think they'll be okay. Will report back once I get a few playoffs games in with them.

https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=10151532242945480

[mckjim 2]

I just bought two pair of APX 2 skates for my high school age sons. I also bought two pair of LS 3 steel. I have never liked the fact that while profiling the fusion steel, you can see and or feel the glue begin to seep out when it gets a little hot. I had always used Step steel as a replacement and kept the fusion steel in their respective bags sharpened and wrapped in clear tape, just in case.

With the new Edge holder and steel, I am even more worried about breakage. Not that the steel or holder is bad, but that steel does break, and what is the chances of finding a local pro shop stocked with Edge steel? I will be installing the steel this week end and checking the stock profile before doing my own profiling. Hopefully the LS 3 steel holds an edge as well as the Step Steel. This is my first purchase of LS 3 steel.

[ChrisMolnar 14]

Mckjim, I have LS3 on my current APX and have had no issues with it. They seem to hold and edge as good as any other pair of steel that I've used. I like my skates really sharp and get them done probably 2-3 times a week when I'm skating everyday. They last forever, I've had mine for 2 seasons and there's still enough to go at least 1 more.

[nisselrm 22]

I wasn't aware you could mount ls3 steel in the new edge holder. Have they come out with an ls3 runner specifically for the ls edge holder?

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

Yes, all forms of steel are available in Edge.

Every shop that sells Bauer skates will have replacement Edge steel.

[mckjim 2]

Well, I bought the new Edge LS3 steel and put it in my sons APX'2s on Saturday. My kids love it. However, when I took the Fusion steel out of the size 8 skates, I saw that both pieces were bent considerably. These had only been sharpened, and had no more than 2 hours on them. For $850.00 skates, I don't think I should have to fix this. For that money, they shouldn't need it. Now, when placed in the Edge holder, the bend is less pronounced. I will take the steel back to the LHS here in the Detroit area and see what they say. I have never seen that type of bend and to both pieces before. When I replaced the Fusion steel with LS3 steel in the size 7.5 the Fusion steel was fine, I even put a square edge on it and no problems detected. What could cause both pieces of Fusion steel to bent like that?

[DEATHTRON 19]

Two imporperly mounted holders.

Zach

[sbecks72986 51]

I had fusions on my apxs and took a shot to the skate that hit directly on the steel n holder and the fusions bent so could be the holder or trauma to the steel but I've everyone I talk to about fusion had problems with there durability. I use just step for the last year and its great but with the edge holder I would stay with the ls2 or ls3. Ls3 is same size n shape as step. I'm thinking about having the edge holders put on my apx so I can change hollows on the spot without taking my skates off, I play at a lotta different rinks and they all have different ice conditions.

[jimmy 194]

Fusion is the absolutely worse steel ever made. Yes, it's light, but that's about it. It breaks easy, it bends easy and it is cheap orient steel. I suggest one go with the solid Bauer steel, much better.

[shooter27 117]

Any word if there is going to be a BlackEdge-type DLC steel for the edge holder?

[markush 12]

Would be highly interested to know about the blackedge steel for the new edge holder too!

And think many more also :)

[mckjim 2]

Took the new size 8 APX2's back to the LHS here in suburban Detroit. The Bauer rep will replace the Fusion steel, but it is on back order. No problem, I was taking it out anyway for LS3 steel. However, the LHS checked the brand new skates and the alignment is off on the new Edge holder, riveted to the skate. This is causing the new LS3 steel to be bent when installed. Waiting to hear back from the LHS and their Bauer rep as to the solution.

[mckjim 2]

Okay, kudos to Bauer. Their rep replaced my son's size 8 APX2'S today. Unfortunately, the LS3 Edge steel is now bent because of the poorly aligned holder. Bauer rep to replace the bent LS3 steel when available. The LHS here in Detroit has been fantastic. These things happen. But I must say the overal experience with both Bauer and the LHS has been as good as can be expected.

[Tyler Roy 86]

The shape of the steel needed to work with the edge holder is exclusive to Bauer. They made a point to say at a product meeting no aftermarket steel will work, no step or blackedge.

Any word if there is going to be a BlackEdge-type DLC steel for the edge holder?

[shooter27 117]

The shape of the steel needed to work with the edge holder is exclusive to Bauer. They made a point to say at a product meeting no aftermarket steel will work, no step or blackedge.

Understood that the shape is exclusive to Bauer, the question was really if Bauer would be coming out with it's own DLC based steel or not.

[Tyler Roy 86]

All I heard of was the LS2 LS3 and Fusion.

Understood that the shape is exclusive to Bauer, the question was really if Bauer would be coming out with it's own DLC based steel or not.

Thats what was mentioned at the product meeting and whats in the product books for this year...