TRUE TF9/TF7 skates

[Sniper9 529]

19 hours ago, Leif said:

Thanks. This sounds like the upper half of the toe cap is is not mouldable, unless punched out, but the lower half is. 

The upper half/top is just plastic. As in the top. Any area that encompasses your feet and edges of your toes has carbon. 

Edited January 23 by Sniper9

[Sniper9 529]

17 hours ago, krisdrum said:

My kid cracked the heels in his Cat9s.  True replaced them with a receipt and photo evidence.  It was super easy.  I've had no issues with my TF9s.  Granted he is on the ice 5-7 days a week.  I am 1, if I am lucky 2.  

And as someone who has had foot issues since I started skating a few years back, the Trues are by far the most comfortable skates I've worn.  Not even close.  

My cat pros are a year old and I play 1-2x a week. I see a small crack on one of the heels and um keeping an eye on it. I'm not sure if it's something that just fails on its own form urinal wear or from repetitive contact like the odd slash, puck, or even hitting your heels against something on the bench. It seems totally random how it happens. True addressed this issue with the cat pros by adding an additional layer of carbon to the stock shell. 

Hopefully it is addressed with the hzrdus line but I think it's too early to tell as it's just been released and not sure how many they've actually sold to get a good sample size. I'm not sure if anyone on this forum has even pulled the trigger on the hzrdus. 

As for me sadly, it looks like I'm done with true skates after my current pair. Combination of durability issues and poor esthetics (I saw leaked pics of the new catalyst skates 🤮) has really put me off. 

 

[pgeorgan 76]

On 6/17/2023 at 6:25 PM, PuckItAll said:

Although I'm also not sure if current Bauer stuff are on the same quality level as those a few years back either. 

I've seen this myth parroted around before. Ignore it. 

[VegasHockey 1280]

2 hours ago, Sniper9 said:

My cat pros are a year old and I play 1-2x a week. I see a small crack on one of the heels and um keeping an eye on it. I'm not sure if it's something that just fails on its own form urinal wear or from repetitive contact like the odd slash, puck, or even hitting your heels against something on the bench. It seems totally random how it happens. True addressed this issue with the cat pros by adding an additional layer of carbon to the stock shell. 

Hopefully it is addressed with the hzrdus line but I think it's too early to tell as it's just been released and not sure how many they've actually sold to get a good sample size. I'm not sure if anyone on this forum has even pulled the trigger on the hzrdus. 

As for me sadly, it looks like I'm done with true skates after my current pair. Combination of durability issues and poor esthetics (I saw leaked pics of the new catalyst skates 🤮) has really put me off. 

 

What is "urinal wear"?

[pgeorgan 76]

2 hours ago, Sniper9 said:

As for me sadly, it looks like I'm done with true skates after my current pair. Combination of durability issues and poor esthetics (I saw leaked pics of the new catalyst skates 🤮) has really put me off. 

Tried to tell you. 

[VegasHockey 1280]

7 minutes ago, pgeorgan said:

Tried to tell you. 

I like the 2024 Catalyst skate design. Best looking retail skate they have ever made.

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:968e037d-fb71-4110-ba3d-4778ab89e1d1 

[flip12 712]

1 hour ago, VegasHockey said:

I like the 2024 Catalyst skate design. Best looking retail skate they have ever made.

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:968e037d-fb71-4110-ba3d-4778ab89e1d1 

I like the look of the pants. The new Catalyst tendon guard looks like a step in the right direction. The Catalyst tongue and cosmetics remind me of CCM, especially the silver heel spur from the 70K-80K vintage.

[IPv6Freely 2092]

3 hours ago, VegasHockey said:

I like the 2024 Catalyst skate design. Best looking retail skate they have ever made.

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:968e037d-fb71-4110-ba3d-4778ab89e1d1 

Totally agree. Some of the best on the market too, imo.

[Sniper9 529]

3 hours ago, pgeorgan said:

Tried to tell you. 

I never argued those points. Our disagreement was on fit and comfort and mold ability 

[Sniper9 529]

3 hours ago, VegasHockey said:

I like the 2024 Catalyst skate design. Best looking retail skate they have ever made.

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:968e037d-fb71-4110-ba3d-4778ab89e1d1 

Thanks for the catalogue. How is that rivet replaceable for the t guard when it's covered up?

I stand corrected with regards to looks. The 9x4 looks pretty good. The picture I saw were for the 7x4. I think the blue looks hideous imo. Not a fan of colors around any eyelets/facing. Looks tacky to me. 

So what's going on with the "pro" being a custom tailored fit. What's going to be the custom tailored for the catalyst? Same as the 9x4 but same process at the current catalyst pro?

[Westside 232]

4 hours ago, VegasHockey said:

I like the 2024 Catalyst skate design. Best looking retail skate they have ever made.

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:968e037d-fb71-4110-ba3d-4778ab89e1d1 

Interesting look with the back heel leather material being added. I, personally, think the current Cat Pros are the best looking skates True has ever made, but the new 9x4 don’t look terrible. Granted, I’m not a fan of all the branding (like the giant Neurofit+ on the back and sides) or the unnecessary embellishments on the toe cap/lace facing, but at least they’re no longer yellow. The name on the other hand is pretty brutal. Do we really need ‘x4’ on every skate? 

Will be curious to see how well the new ‘plastic base shell insert’ works in holding rivets more securely and prevent them from disintegrating so quickly.

[Leif 161]

Thank you for the various replies. I went in today, tried a TF9 size 7R, and it was a nice fit, but too big allowing for baking. They don’t have stock for size 6 unfortunately, so that is not an option. I tried the 6.5W and 6.5R again, and based on comments here, opted for the 6.5R which had a better heel lock, and felt shorter albeit rather tight either side of my forefoot. He did a 2 minute bake, and that made a big difference, so I went for a full bake, and yes the width does accommodate. After baking they feel snug, lengthwise my right foot is nearly touching the toe cap. Getting them on is not easy, I had to turn my foot outwards as recommended here, and then gently work it in. 

He said to lace the top two eyelets after putting the skates on. Honestly I cannot do that, even though he slightly flared the tops. I will leave the top eyelet laced, the second not laced (as per my other skates), as I can get them on like that. Apparently I shouldn’t use them for at least 24 hours, preferably 48. 

They came with a 1/2” grind, so I changed down to a 3/4”. 

These are selling quite well, I know at least 3 people who bought a pair from this shop. It seems odd to sell top end non custom skates at about half price. Presumably they were not selling well, or they want to get True known in the marketplace to increase brand awareness. 

Edited January 27 by Leif
Added model name

[flip12 712]

1 hour ago, Leif said:

Thank you for the various replies. I went in today, tried a 7R, and it was a nice fit, but too big allowing for baking. They don’t have stock for size 6 unfortunately, so that is not an option. I tried the 6.5W and 6.5R again, and based on comments here, opted for the 6.5R which had a better heel lock, and felt shorter albeit rather tight either side of my forefoot. He did a 2 minute bake, and that made a big difference, so I went for a full bake, and yes the width does accommodate. After baking they feel snug, lengthwise my right foot is nearly touching the toe cap. Getting them on is not easy, I had to turn my foot outwards as recommended here, and then gently work it in. 

He said to lace the top two eyelets after putting the skates on. Honestly I cannot do that, even though he slightly flared the tops. I will leave the top eyelet laced, the second not laced (as per my other skates), as I can get them on like that. Apparently I shouldn’t use them for at least 24 hours, preferably 48. 

They came with a 1/2” grind, so I changed down to a 3/4”. 

These are selling quite well, I know at least 3 people who bought a pair from this shop. It seems odd to sell top end non custom skates at about half price. Presumably they were not selling well, or they want to get True known in the marketplace to increase brand awareness. 

Are you talking about the TF series?

[Leif 161]

21 minutes ago, flip12 said:

Are you talking about the TF series?

Yes, TF9. Will edit post. 

[Sniper9 529]

3 hours ago, Leif said:

Thank you for the various replies. I went in today, tried a TF9 size 7R, and it was a nice fit, but too big allowing for baking. They don’t have stock for size 6 unfortunately, so that is not an option. I tried the 6.5W and 6.5R again, and based on comments here, opted for the 6.5R which had a better heel lock, and felt shorter albeit rather tight either side of my forefoot. He did a 2 minute bake, and that made a big difference, so I went for a full bake, and yes the width does accommodate. After baking they feel snug, lengthwise my right foot is nearly touching the toe cap. Getting them on is not easy, I had to turn my foot outwards as recommended here, and then gently work it in. 

He said to lace the top two eyelets after putting the skates on. Honestly I cannot do that, even though he slightly flared the tops. I will leave the top eyelet laced, the second not laced (as per my other skates), as I can get them on like that. Apparently I shouldn’t use them for at least 24 hours, preferably 48. 

They came with a 1/2” grind, so I changed down to a 3/4”. 

These are selling quite well, I know at least 3 people who bought a pair from this shop. It seems odd to sell top end non custom skates at about half price. Presumably they were not selling well, or they want to get True known in the marketplace to increase brand awareness. 

They're selling for a discount bc they are a few years old and discontinued. Although they were trues top end retail line when they first came out, I'd argue they don't really have the gimmicky features of Bauer and ccm top end skates. That said, true does seem to be a couple hundred bucks lower than Bauer and ccm in general. I'm sure this will change after they get a bit more exposure at the retail level. 

[Leif 161]

1 hour ago, Sniper9 said:

They're selling for a discount bc they are a few years old and discontinued. Although they were trues top end retail line when they first came out, I'd argue they don't really have the gimmicky features of Bauer and ccm top end skates. That said, true does seem to be a couple hundred bucks lower than Bauer and ccm in general. I'm sure this will change after they get a bit more exposure at the retail level. 

As far as I know Bauer and CCM don’t do such big reductions on clear out, hence my surprise. Gimmicky features do seem to be a feature of hockey kit. 

[VegasHockey 1280]

5 hours ago, Sniper9 said:

They're selling for a discount bc they are a few years old and discontinued. Although they were trues top end retail line when they first came out, I'd argue they don't really have the gimmicky features of Bauer and ccm top end skates. That said, true does seem to be a couple hundred bucks lower than Bauer and ccm in general. I'm sure this will change after they get a bit more exposure at the retail level. 

Expect TRUE to be priced the same as CCM and Bauer in 2024 😞 

[Sniper9 529]

8 hours ago, VegasHockey said:

Expect TRUE to be priced the same as CCM and Bauer in 2024 😞 

Makes it easier for me to stay away from trues then lol. 

[Sniper9 529]

11 hours ago, Leif said:

As far as I know Bauer and CCM don’t do such big reductions on clear out, hence my surprise. Gimmicky features do seem to be a feature of hockey kit. 

Bauer and ccm are strict on their pricing. Even clearance item prices are controlled by them. It's ridiculous. Generally speaking, true items are allowed to be included in online sales etc, whereas Bauer and ccm are not. 

[Leif 161]

I’ve just noticed that there is a rubber step at the end of the toecap, maybe 5 mm high and 3 mm deep. My toes rest on it, which feels uncomfortable. How odd. Why on earth would they do that? I haven’t skated yet, so it’s possible my toes will pull back when in a hockey stance. Getting them on and off is hard, I twist my foot as recommended here, and pulling the neck apart at the top eyelets helps. 

[althoma1 574]

22 hours ago, Leif said:

He said to lace the top two eyelets after putting the skates on. Honestly I cannot do that, even though he slightly flared the tops. I will leave the top eyelet laced, the second not laced (as per my other skates), as I can get them on like that.

It's definitely very difficult to thread the top two eyelets over the tongue with the skates on. What is much easier is threading the eyelets behind the tongue and then pulling the laces over.

[flip12 712]

20 hours ago, Leif said:

Yes, TF9. Will edit post. 

I asked because even first generation Catalysts are selling for around 50% off and they’re newer than the TF line.

[Sniper9 529]

3 hours ago, flip12 said:

I asked because even first generation Catalysts are selling for around 50% off and they’re newer than the TF line.

New cats coming this year. Tfs has been on sale for a long time now. Over a year. 

[Leif 161]

I did a first skate on these, and holy carp my standard winter 5/8” grind felt like a 3/8”. Today I went down to my summer 3/4” grind and there is still incredible grip. I will try a 1” grind as I like more slide for hockey. The shop sells them with a 1/2” grind which is ridiculous. I friend has True customs, he went from 5/8” in Bauers to 1” in Trues. 

It’s taking me a while to adapt from Bauer 2S Pro custom to the TF9, today felt much better. My forward power pulls were much improved, these skates have such incredible grip, I feel like I am on rails. Forward crossrolls too are much improved.  It took me a while to get back my right foot outside edge hockey stop. I still can’t do the left foot outside edge hockey stop in these, probably the insane grip as I feel scared trying. 

Does anyone know why these have so much grip? 

What do people do with the incredibly long laces? The length is absurb, but essential for getting the skates off. It’s not easy to get them off, I will rebake at home, with stretchy film, and make sure I flare the top 2 or 3 eyelets properly. Oddly I don’t need to tie these up tight, just light tension, quite unlike Bauers. Comfort wise these are far superior to mid range Bauers. 

[krisdrum 233]

2 hours ago, Leif said:

Does anyone know why these have so much grip? 

What do people do with the incredibly long laces? The length is absurb, but essential for getting the skates off. It’s not easy to get them off, I will rebake at home, with stretchy film, and make sure I flare the top 2 or 3 eyelets properly. Oddly I don’t need to tie these up tight, just light tension, quite unlike Bauers. Comfort wise these are far superior to mid range Bauers. 

My take?  The carbon fiber outsole and boot transfers the feel of the ice and the inputs from your body much more efficiently than other skates.  There is little to no "slop" in the system and that creates the sensation of far more grip.  

As for laces, I've found you can significantly downsize your lace length.  As you mentioned, you don't need to tie them very tight, so you aren't pulling as much lace slack up when tying.  The eyelets/facing aren't flexing to the same degree as other skates, so again, less slack needed.  I remove the laces from the top eyelet when removing the skates.  At second eyelet, laces are barely still in, maybe an inch or two of slack.  That gives me enough room to unlace the rest of the boot wide enough to get my foot out, once I break the "suction" by pushing down on the back of the skate (not the tendon guard) and pulling my foot up and forward. It takes a few extra seconds to relace the top eyelets when putting them on, but I find that far more preferable to having insanely long laces.  I was using 96" previously.  Dropped down to 84" with the TF9, waxed laces in both cases.