Custom Graf's - Outsole Options?

[Neo5370 132]

A few questions:

1. Does Graf offer a full carbon out sole? I seem to remember the original G series having one and that there was a quality control issue w/ those (separating from the boot) and am wondering:

a) if they still offer it (the out sole, not the G series) and

b) if so, was the separation issue due to an assembly defect or the out sole itself? Thanks!

2. Does Graf still offer a plastic/carbon hybrid out sole similar to the ones on earlier Bauer Supreme 5000/7000's as seen in this pic of Spezza;

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/player-jason-spezza-of-the-ottawa-senators-news-photo/52345809

3. What the heck is the texalite out sole anyway? I've seen the inside of a pair without the foot bed, and there is definitely a layer of carbon, but the out sole looks like plain old clear plastic. Is that accurate?

4. Are there any noticeable pros/cons to the above out soles compared to each other and a traditional plastic out sole or is just about appearances and marketing. Thanks!

[bunnyman666 445]

Texalite, a.k.a. Texalium is aluminium oxide sprayed onto fibreglass fabric, a.k.a. "white" carbon. It also came in colours (gold, blue, red, and I even saw green). It is generally used as a cosmetic layer, not unlike the crazy herringbone and plaid-looking cosmetic layers on sticks and other composite sports equipment.

I used to use this outer layer when I wanted flash on my composites.

[customskateworks 39]

Texalite and Texalium are not the same. You are correct about the Texalium, it's base is a woven fiberglass. Texalite is a type of plastic, nothing more. Graf does offer a full carbon outsole, I chose that option on my custom G75s. I've skated in them for 2 years and haven't had any separation issues whatsoever. Graf used to offer the carbon fiber/nylon outsole, but I'm unsure if it is still a custom option. The Texalite clear plastic is only used in the outsole and will not be visible from inside the skate. The carbon fiber you are seeing is the V2 carbon insole found in high end G-series skates. The boot quarters are glued and nailed (visible inside the boot) to the insole. Each boot is then sanded to smooth rough spots and nail heads. The Texalite (or other) outsole is then glued and pressed onto the boot with a hydraulic press.

[bunnyman666 445]

Texalite and Texalium are not the same. You are correct about the Texalium, it's base is a woven fiberglass. Texalite is a type of plastic, nothing more. Graf does offer a full carbon outsole, I chose that option on my custom G75s. I've skated in them for 2 years and haven't had any separation issues whatsoever. Graf used to offer the carbon fiber/nylon outsole, but I'm unsure if it is still a custom option. The Texalite clear plastic is only used in the outsole and will not be visible from inside the skate. The carbon fiber you are seeing is the V2 carbon insole found in high end G-series skates. The boot quarters are glued and nailed (visible inside the boot) to the insole. Each boot is then sanded to smooth rough spots and nail heads. The Texalite (or other) outsole is then glued and pressed onto the boot with a hydraulic press.

The more I thought of my answer, the more wrong I thought I may have been. Thanks for the clarification.

[arcsinice 6]

Graf's outer soles - boots are more than adequately stiff. If anything they, Graf, have not succumbed to the overly stiff über insanity that has metastasized itself like cancer (or liberal ideology) into hockey boots on the part of other manufacturers. My biggest complaint regarding today's boots - over the past decade - is that they have become too stiff quite often for most and one is best served when selecting the boot to choose a (supposedly) "lower" performance model that typically is a bit more flexible.

Flexation is a good thing as same works with the skater on a biomechanical basis. Case in point............... How many ultimately choose not to lace the top eyelet or top two because the boot is simply too stiff......? Answer......, many.

Graf can do many things on a custom basis, but you're best served so often to keep it simple and if anything request where necessary a change in volume, instep. toe box, etc. and leave the balanced engineering as is.

[laserrobottime 149]

Graf's outer soles - boots are more than adequately stiff. If anything they, Graf, have not succumbed to the overly stiff über insanity that has metastasized itself like cancer (or liberal ideology) into hockey boots on the part of other manufacturers. My biggest complaint regarding today's boots - over the past decade - is that they have become too stiff quite often for most and one is best served when selecting the boot to choose a (supposedly) "lower" performance model that typically is a bit more flexible.

Flexation is a good thing as same works with the skater on a biomechanical basis. Case in point............... How many ultimately choose not to lace the top eyelet or top two because the boot is simply too stiff......? Answer......, many.

Graf can do many things on a custom basis, but you're best served so often to keep it simple and if anything request where necessary a change in volume, instep. toe box, etc. and leave the balanced engineering as is.

How does that rant in any way answer his question?