TRUE TF9/TF7 skates

[Sniper9 530]

1 hour ago, krisdrum said:

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.  

I dropped lace length by a lot as well. 

 I use 84" laces for my trues and 108" for my Bauers. 

Edited January 30 by Sniper9

[Westside 232]

6 hours ago, krisdrum said:

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.  

I’ll third this comment. I also only undo the top eyelet with about an inch of lace sticking out of the second eyelet in order to get my skates on/off. Went down a size in laces compared to Bauer/CCM. The laces that come stock with True are absurdly long

[Leif 161]

On 1/30/2024 at 6:11 PM, krisdrum said:

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.  

You must be right about the energy transfer from the one piece boot. I had some new 108” laces lying around, and they are perfect. 96” are the usual for my Bauers. I always skip the penultimate eyelets. I also replaced the stock inserts with my old Bauer speedplates. 

I’m a bit wary of drawing conclusions after only 5 skates with the True TF9s, including two hockey scrimmages, but these skates are phenomenal. I ended up going to a 1” hollow, and they still have incredible bite, it feels like I am skating on rails. My edgework has improved markedly. For example, my forwards powerpulls are much better controlled. Bear in mind I was in Bauer 2S Pro customs, which are supposed to be high end boots, moulded to the feet. I always had an issue with my left foot during both CW crossovers, and left foot powerpulls. That’s all gone, so it makes me wonder if there was a fault with the left skate. I also lost my ability to do a left foot hockey stop after moving to the Trues, I only got it back in the fifth session after lots of practice, and that is consistent with a significant change to the left skate. The right was fine. All of my edge work drills feel much more controlled, and cleaner, I can feel the edges far more, the difference is night and day. 

I think the TF9s provide much better ankle support than my Bauers, which is part of the reason for the improved performance. 

These don’t need much tightening of the laces, unlike my Bauers. They are as comfortable as the Bauers, a bit tight at the forefoot when standing upright, very comfortable on ice. 

Downsides? Getting them on is a pain, getting them off less so. I’ve just rebaked them with a 2 mm thick rubber shim placed between the top three eyelets and the tongue on the outside only, as that’s where it’s tight. I previously used a heat gun to flare the top two eyelets on the outside, but the rubbing was lower down. I’d say getting them on is the only downside, it was painful straight after the shop bake. The amount these skates mould on baking is incredible. I have Bauer X2.9 Vapor inlines that hurt my feet. Those and the Bauer customs hardly move when baked. 

Oh and that rubber bumper at the end of the toecap can be removed with tweezers or thin pliers if needed. Fortunately I don’t notice it in practice. 

6 Feb 2024: Rebaked with a 4mm thick 2” by 1” rubber shim on each skate, perfect. 

Edited February 6 by Leif

[flip12 714]

@Leif What's a powerpull?

[Leif 161]

1 minute ago, flip12 said:

@Leif What's a powerpull?

One foot slalom. Apparently powerpull is the correct term. 

[flip12 714]

14 hours ago, Leif said:

One foot slalom. Apparently powerpull is the correct term. 

I don’t doubt it, just never heard it.

[marka 526]

Howdy,

So, I finally baked one pair of the TF9 skates I've had for a while, since my TF7s were showing some more significant signs of wear.  And then started using them.

I don't like the thin TF9 tongues, as it puts a lot of pressure on a bump on my instep.  I also don't like the thick felt tongues that one of the tf9 pairs I bought came with... I'm not sure of the name, but they're a thick felt with a sewn on metatarsal pad on the upper part of the tongue.

I finally swapped in the tongues from my old pair of TF7s and they're just right.  However, when I search for TF7 replacement tongues I'm not finding much stock.

Ice Warehouse shows some in size S, which apparently goes up to a size 5 skate.  I'm in a 6.5.  No stock on the Mediums, which starts at a size 6.  Does anyone know how dimensionally different the tf7 replacement tongues are size S to size M?  If its just how long the tongue is, I probably don't care.  and I have to tuck the sides in when I lace up as well, so if its just a bit narrower... Also probably don't care.

Otherwise.. Are the felt cat 7/5 replacement tongues the same as the TF7 tongue, other than the color?  I can probably live with the color. 

Edit: Are the goalie skate replacement tongues the same as the player skates?  I see some of those on SLS.

Appreciate any leads / advice.

Mark

Edited March 23 by marka

[VegasHockey 1280]

8 hours ago, marka said:

Howdy,

So, I finally baked one pair of the TF9 skates I've had for a while, since my TF7s were showing some more significant signs of wear.  And then started using them.

I don't like the thin TF9 tongues, as it puts a lot of pressure on a bump on my instep.  I also don't like the thick felt tongues that one of the tf9 pairs I bought came with... I'm not sure of the name, but they're a thick felt with a sewn on metatarsal pad on the upper part of the tongue.

I finally swapped in the tongues from my old pair of TF7s and they're just right.  However, when I search for TF7 replacement tongues I'm not finding much stock.

Ice Warehouse shows some in size S, which apparently goes up to a size 5 skate.  I'm in a 6.5.  No stock on the Mediums, which starts at a size 6.  Does anyone know how dimensionally different the tf7 replacement tongues are size S to size M?  If its just how long the tongue is, I probably don't care.  and I have to tuck the sides in when I lace up as well, so if its just a bit narrower... Also probably don't care.

Otherwise.. Are the felt cat 7/5 replacement tongues the same as the TF7 tongue, other than the color?  I can probably live with the color. 

Edit: Are the goalie skate replacement tongues the same as the player skates?  I see some of those on SLS.

Appreciate any leads / advice.

Mark

You are going to love the new TRUE tongues for 2024. They seem to be exactly what you are looking for. 

[Westside 232]

We getting those 3D printed ones?!

[OzziesDad 89]

On 3/23/2024 at 11:59 AM, marka said:

Howdy,

So, I finally baked one pair of the TF9 skates I've had for a while, since my TF7s were showing some more significant signs of wear.  And then started using them.

I don't like the thin TF9 tongues, as it puts a lot of pressure on a bump on my instep.  I also don't like the thick felt tongues that one of the tf9 pairs I bought came with... I'm not sure of the name, but they're a thick felt with a sewn on metatarsal pad on the upper part of the tongue.

I finally swapped in the tongues from my old pair of TF7s and they're just right.  However, when I search for TF7 replacement tongues I'm not finding much stock.

Ice Warehouse shows some in size S, which apparently goes up to a size 5 skate.  I'm in a 6.5.  No stock on the Mediums, which starts at a size 6.  Does anyone know how dimensionally different the tf7 replacement tongues are size S to size M?  If its just how long the tongue is, I probably don't care.  and I have to tuck the sides in when I lace up as well, so if its just a bit narrower... Also probably don't care.

Otherwise.. Are the felt cat 7/5 replacement tongues the same as the TF7 tongue, other than the color?  I can probably live with the color. 

Edit: Are the goalie skate replacement tongues the same as the player skates?  I see some of those on SLS.

Appreciate any leads / advice.

Mark

I hated the tongues on the TF9's as well. I came from the TF7's. 

I ordered a pair of felt True replacement tongues from Ice Warehouse well over a year ago, and they've been fine. 

They seemed a little thick at first, as I was so used to the worn in, compressed ones from my 7's. They feel fine now though.

[beedee 227]

Just sold my Vapor 3x Pros today and I’m thinking of taking the True plunge. I tried on a pair of TF7’s years ago and was meh about them, but my Vapors just never felt quite snug/cozy enough around my entire foot. Looking at the TF7’s, seeing them for $179 (They have TF9’s for $249). Wore a 7, Fit 2 in the Vapor, based off research of the TF line, I should give the 6.5R a go. Does that sound right? 

Edited June 27 by beedee

[krisdrum 233]

7 hours ago, beedee said:

Just sold my Vapor 3x Pros today and I’m thinking of taking the True plunge. I tried on a pair of TF7’s years ago and was meh about them, but my Vapors just never felt quite snug/cozy enough around my entire foot. Looking at the TF7’s, seeing them for $179 (They have TF9’s for $249). Wore a 7, Fit 2 in the Vapor, based off research of the TF line, I should give the 6.5R a go. Does that sound right? 

Yep, I'd start a 1/2 size smaller than your size in Bauer / CCM.  Make sure they are baked before you try them on.  And just be aware if you are going down in runner size (looks like you will be), you may feel instability from the shorter runner and need to adjust blade profile.  I've been in TF9s for the last 2 years and love them.  But I am only skating once or twice a week and not year round - so I am not really stressing them out too much.  At this pace they should last me a decade.  

[Left Wing King 50]

Can someone please enlighten me, what has happened to the TF 9/7 line, has it been rebranded or are Cats and Hazardous completely different lines, as my hunt for a Nexus toe cap is at a loss and I fear it is new skates time  

[krisdrum 233]

7 minutes ago, Left Wing King said:

Can someone please enlighten me, what has happened to the TF 9/7 line, has it been rebranded or are Cats and Hazardous completely different lines, as my hunt for a Nexus toe cap is at a loss and I fear it is new skates time  

TF series became the Hzrdus line.  But they've changed the fit a bit.  From what I understand the newer skates are a bit narrower and less "duck feet" shaped.  But the shells are incredibly moldable - like nothing anyone else is making.  I'd try both - but they MUST be baked to try.  Believe they are still doing the 30 day money back guarantee as well.  Worst case - I'd bet there are still plenty of TFs out there if you look.  The Cats are a softer "agility" boot and have the same fit/shape as the Hzrdus.  

[Left Wing King 50]

I am/was in Nexus EE, so that tells you, I am Mr Duck Foot. There are plenty of TFs still out there, it is just narrowing down the size! Cheers for the response! 

 

[krisdrum 233]

28 minutes ago, Left Wing King said:

I am/was in Nexus EE, so that tells you, I am Mr Duck Foot. There are plenty of TFs still out there, it is just narrowing down the size! Cheers for the response! 

 

I'd go 1/2 size smaller than whatever you are in the Nexus (assuming the Nexus fit you well).  I have a wide forefoot, narrow heel.  TFs fit me great.  But I wouldn't count the newer Trues out just yet.  Again - very moldable.  I haven't tried them, so maybe someone who has can weigh in on the fit with a wide foot.  

[Left Wing King 50]

12 hours ago, krisdrum said:

I'd go 1/2 size smaller than whatever you are in the Nexus (assuming the Nexus fit you well).  I have a wide forefoot, narrow heel.  TFs fit me great.  But I wouldn't count the newer Trues out just yet.  Again - very moldable.  I haven't tried them, so maybe someone who has can weigh in on the fit with a wide foot.  

Cheers dude! Yeah Nexus fit me so well, I'm in a 6ee Nexus, so looking at a 5.5ee in TF9s then?

[krisdrum 233]

2 hours ago, Left Wing King said:

Cheers dude! Yeah Nexus fit me so well, I'm in a 6ee Nexus, so looking at a 5.5ee in TF9s then?

Yes, the general consensus is 1/2 size down.  So 5.5 - which will also mean a shorter runner, so just be aware of that.  I wound up needing to put a longer profile radius on my blades to feel stable.  

As for width, True TFs (and all their out-of-box retail models) only come in Regular and Wide.  I had a pair of Nexus D for a hot second and they were pretty snug, but comfortable on my forefoot.  I recall the toecap being pretty roomy.  Really not sure whether you could get away with the Regular or need the Wide.  Not sure how different the two widths are in True.  I'm guessing if you go Wide and don't need them you'll just get more wrap as the facings will be closer together on top of your foot.  

If you haven't tried True before - they are a pretty different beast.  "Extreme" wrap of the foot from toecap up.  I can't just slide my foot straight in.  Have to twist and wedge my foot in - and similar process for taking off.  Just something to be aware of.    

[Left Wing King 50]

20 minutes ago, krisdrum said:

Yes, the general consensus is 1/2 size down.  So 5.5 - which will also mean a shorter runner, so just be aware of that.  I wound up needing to put a longer profile radius on my blades to feel stable.  

As for width, True TFs (and all their out-of-box retail models) only come in Regular and Wide.  I had a pair of Nexus D for a hot second and they were pretty snug, but comfortable on my forefoot.  I recall the toecap being pretty roomy.  Really not sure whether you could get away with the Regular or need the Wide.  Not sure how different the two widths are in True.  I'm guessing if you go Wide and don't need them you'll just get more wrap as the facings will be closer together on top of your foot.  

If you haven't tried True before - they are a pretty different beast.  "Extreme" wrap of the foot from toecap up.  I can't just slide my foot straight in.  Have to twist and wedge my foot in - and similar process for taking off.  Just something to be aware of.    

Cheers for the info, the only issue is they don't sell the TFs here in the UK and they would try and obviously sell you what they stock (which I would to) So I'd have to buy them and take them in for a baking, but that could be lost money. I'm still hoping my Nexus can be repaired

[Leif 161]

7 hours ago, Left Wing King said:

Cheers for the info, the only issue is they don't sell the TFs here in the UK and they would try and obviously sell you what they stock (which I would to) So I'd have to buy them and take them in for a baking, but that could be lost money. I'm still hoping my Nexus can be repaired

That’s not true, so to speak, the Ice Barn in Basingstoke are the main UK True dealer, they have TF9 stock. However they only have size 5.5R, not W. Worth a visit if you’re nearish. 

They do compress and expand quite a bit, but that might be insufficient if you’re Bauer 6 EE. I’m Bauer 7E, True TF9 6.5R. They are most formable in the middle and heel. I used clamps over a towel to compress the heel, and shims at the top on the outside so I could get them on easily. 

[Left Wing King 50]

I did see on their website they have those in a 5.5R. TBF I was looking at Ice Locker and Willies, as Puck Stop seems to be Bauer only now. I have found 6EEs in Europe, at a good price, but again, they might be to long. I think I will end up with a drive to Coventry or Nottingham to get fitted. 

 

I wish I'd got a pair when they came out, hindsight is 20/20 

 

[Left Wing King 50]

One last question, is there a difference between the ice and roller boots, as if there isn't I'll get a conversion done.

 

[Leif 161]

6 hours ago, Left Wing King said:

One last question, is there a difference between the ice and roller boots, as if there isn't I'll get a conversion done.

 

I have both TF9 ice and roller skates, the boots look and feel identical. 

[Left Wing King 50]

18 minutes ago, Leif said:

I have both TF9 ice and roller skates, the boots look and feel identical. 

Cheers for that, if I can find a 5.5 w in either then it might be doable! The place you recommended have 5.5 R, which I don't think I'll fit in

[flip12 714]

I saw some TF roller boots with vented toe caps at one point. I guess they must have gone away from that.