JimmyTheDriver 36 Report post Posted December 18, 2015 I woulden't call it a spending spree, but once a year, I head to my parents for XMAS, right next to a Hockey Giant and Total Hockey. This year, I have $800-1k to spend on equipment, namely new skates and a stick. I don't replace either very often so its honestly pretty stressful, albeit exciting, to go get both.Skates - Currently in Vapor X7.0. Fit like shit. I can hardly tie them across the top of my foot or it cramps, and the skate is a half size too short so my toes jam the front. I'd like to get into something other than a Vapor. Based on reading, Mako II, Supremes, or Jetspeeds seem to all be contenders. At 32 and not feeling any younger, I am truly tired of skates that hurt. I need to get this right. VH doesn't interest me for whatever reason. Between the models listed, any reason to not just go with the one that fits? Any significant differences that play into them other than fit?Stick - Fav stick ever was a Nike/Bauer one90 from like 6 years back, Since I have used a Total One, NXG, APX2, and currently a first gen Tacks. Only one of that batch I hated was APX2, likely because the low kick really threw me off. I enjoy a soft puck feel mid kick stick. Mostly wrist/snap shots. Very few slappers. Short list is Ultra Tacks or Nexus 1N. Mostly just because I know how they feel, within reason, and am too scared to get away from it. Ultra Tacks turns me off a bit as I can't play with grip, and had to sand/paint my current stick... putting the 1N in the lead. Anywho - not sure if I have a major pressing question, or am just airing out my thoughts. For some of you this happens often, but for us mere hockey mortals, who think about these purchases all year, it can be stressful!-Jim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cosmic 178 Report post Posted December 18, 2015 As long as they fit, then Mako II will likely be most comfortable (I hear Mako M8 is so close you cannot tell the difference, but I have not tried, if you wanna save $200 for something else). I am hitting 40 soon and value comfort, as you seem to, and would not swap my Mako IIs for anything (except maybe Mako III or whatever the next edition will be).I have not tried it yet, but I have only heard great things about the puck feel with the True A6.0 and A5.2. So, this is my next stick (A6.0 blades on A6.0 and A4.5 shafts). I have not tried other mid kick sticks yet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimmyTheDriver 36 Report post Posted December 18, 2015 "True" huh? I haven't read much about them. Wonder if either shop will have them out for sale, or even better,in the demo booth at Total Hockey. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
althoma1 575 Report post Posted December 18, 2015 The Makos are very comfortable if they fit well and are baked properly, but you can't really be sure of the fit until you bake them. Try to go to a store that will let you bake them before purchasing them.The original Tacks stick had great feel when I tried one at a Msh event. You might be able to find one of those on clearance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimmyTheDriver 36 Report post Posted December 18, 2015 The Makos are very comfortable if they fit well and are baked properly, but you can't really be sure of the fit until you bake them. Try to go to a store that will let you bake them before purchasing them.The original Tacks stick had great feel when I tried one at a Msh event. You might be able to find one of those on clearance.Does a retail Hockey Giant allow that? Thats who has my size range in stock for tomorrow. 9.5 shoe, not sure yet what Mako size that would be... 8 or 8.5. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MThockeydad 469 Report post Posted December 18, 2015 Get fitted and buy the skates that fit. Doesn't seem like there's as much of an advantage to buying a stick in person unless they have a clearance rack. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NJPhil 19 Report post Posted December 18, 2015 Does a retail Hockey Giant allow that? Thats who has my size range in stock for tomorrow. 9.5 shoe, not sure yet what Mako size that would be... 8 or 8.5.Easton has a 30 day fit guarantee with the Makos, even if you have to buy them to be baked you can return on the spot and use the credit for another pair. I would hope the would bake the skates for you though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
althoma1 575 Report post Posted December 18, 2015 Does a retail Hockey Giant allow that? Thats who has my size range in stock for tomorrow. 9.5 shoe, not sure yet what Mako size that would be... 8 or 8.5.No idea if HG allows that, but it couldn't hurt to ask. If they realize you're a serious buyer then hopefully they'll do that for you.As far as the sizing, you'll be able to try on various sizes in person, but your foot measurements or the size of your current Vapors (that are a half size too tight) would be more relevant. With that said, the Mako boxes recommend size 8 for a 9.5 shoe...I know because I wear 8EE in Makos and have the box, however; I actually wear 10W dress shoes and 10 or 10.5 running shoes. I could actually cram my foot into 7.5EE Makos, but my toes are pressed right against the cap instead of brushing like they are in the 8EE (after baking and breaking them in).So getting measured and fit properly is ideal, but if you end up with a salesperson who doesn't seem that knowledgeable on fitting (some are great and some aren't) then trying on a 7, 7.5 and 8 would be a good start - then when you have it narrowed down to one or two sizes you could ask to have them baked before purchase. If they won't do that then you could always buy them anyway if you're pretty sure about the sizing and use the 30 day Easton guarantee NJPhil mentioned if they don't work out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimmyTheDriver 36 Report post Posted December 18, 2015 Thanks for the Mako advice! I wasn't sold on them but it sure seems like they are getting the most hype in here over Jetspeed and Supreme MX3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NiCnoK 61 Report post Posted December 18, 2015 I think once you try the Mako's on you'll see why. I was in the MX3's before I got mine, but those MX3's went straight to ebay after I put on the Mako Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimmyTheDriver 36 Report post Posted December 18, 2015 I think once you try the Mako's on you'll see why. I was in the MX3's before I got mine, but those MX3's went straight to ebay after I put on the MakoNot sure why I'm surprised to hear that, the Mako skate thread has been in the front page since I started browsing the ice section of the forums years ago.Can't wait to try them tomorrow. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iceman8310 109 Report post Posted December 18, 2015 Not sure why I'm surprised to hear that, the Mako skate thread has been in the front page since I started browsing the ice section of the forums years ago.Can't wait to try them tomorrow.try them outsent you a message as well Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NiCnoK 61 Report post Posted December 18, 2015 Not sure why I'm surprised to hear that, the Mako skate thread has been in the front page since I started browsing the ice section of the forums years ago.Can't wait to try them tomorrow.Yeah, Easton should sponsor this site, 'cause that thread convinced me to buy a pair of skates I would never have otherwise given a second look at. That said, I haven't regretted it for a second. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimmyTheDriver 36 Report post Posted December 18, 2015 Any thoughts on the 1N as top-tier mid kick stick these days? It reads as an excellent stick, but I haven't seen too much in the way of reviews.I loved the Total One series for a long time, but fell out of love on my last, the NXG. The kick just never felt right, and the "Vintage" model had no texture when ended up driving me nuts. My current gen 1 Tacks isn't bad, but definitely also not love.-Jim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
x-axis 44 Report post Posted December 18, 2015 The best bit of advice I can give you is to go in with an open mind and clean slate. Forgot reviews or what is perceived as best. Try on everything. Touch everything. Mess with everything.Since it is right next to your parents do it over a couple days before you pull the trigger and buy, especially if they have a shooting room. No expectations. Act like you are 14 again and just have fun playin with shit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cosmic 178 Report post Posted December 19, 2015 Hockey giant let me bake when I went ther a couple years ago. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimmyTheDriver 36 Report post Posted December 20, 2015 The Makos were/are ridiculous. I tried MX3, Tacks, Grafs, Vapor 1x, Jetspeed, then Makos. That was the end... Sent them straight to the oven to bake and paid. Never felt anything like them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
start_today 778 Report post Posted December 20, 2015 It's a little late now, but what city are you in? If I'm spending $1000 on equipment, I'd rather try to find a smaller shop with competent staff who knows what they are doing, than a big sprawling store that cares primarily about the volume of customers processed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimmyTheDriver 36 Report post Posted December 20, 2015 It's a little late now, but what city are you in? If I'm spending $1000 on equipment, I'd rather try to find a smaller shop with competent staff who knows what they are doing, than a big sprawling store that cares primarily about the volume of customers processed.I hear you. Unfortunately that ship sailed about 6 hours ago at a Hockey Giant offering 20% off everything in the store. Virginia Beach is my city, where all we have is "play it again sports" selling low level skates. Drove to Northern VA. Total Hockey and Hockey Giant.I'm not angry I got Mako 2s and a top model stick for 800 and some change. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
