Holder Sizing Debate – Stick with 288 or Go Up to 296?

[iceman8310 110]

Hey everyone, looking for some input on holder sizing. I’m debating whether to stick with the stock 288 size or go up to 296.

I know the standard 288 should be the most natural fit for a 10D skate, but I’ve had a few people suggest going up a size for added stability, glide, and a longer stride. On the other hand, I don’t want to lose too much agility, since I rely on quick movements and edge control.

I’m also considering switching from Tuuk Edge to CCM XS holders, as I’ve heard they’re stiffer and provide a more responsive feel. Has anyone made the jump to a larger holder size, and if so, did you notice any significant benefits or drawbacks? Also, any thoughts on Tuuk Edge vs. CCM XS for overall performance?

Would love to hear any experiences or recommendations before I commit! Thanks.

[VegasHockey 1284]

On 3/10/2025 at 9:31 AM, iceman8310 said:

Hey everyone, looking for some input on holder sizing. I’m debating whether to stick with the stock 288 size or go up to 296.

I know the standard 288 should be the most natural fit for a 10D skate, but I’ve had a few people suggest going up a size for added stability, glide, and a longer stride. On the other hand, I don’t want to lose too much agility, since I rely on quick movements and edge control.

I’m also considering switching from Tuuk Edge to CCM XS holders, as I’ve heard they’re stiffer and provide a more responsive feel. Has anyone made the jump to a larger holder size, and if so, did you notice any significant benefits or drawbacks? Also, any thoughts on Tuuk Edge vs. CCM XS for overall performance?

Would love to hear any experiences or recommendations before I commit! Thanks.

I have always used plus-sized holders, and anytime I try to change back to standard sizing, I struggle. However, I have customers who went plus-sized, and they felt the blade was too long, and it altered their stride. I think its really personal preference. 

[Sniper9 559]

No input on oversized holders since I always used the standard size for my skate size. That said being a size 7 the 263 is more or less end to end and anything larger might have some overhang which I don't want. If I was a 7.5 I might consider it. 

As for xs holders. I'm actually quite tempted to swap my machs edge holders for xs holders for a couple reasons. First mainly being availability of step as a steel option. Secondly, when I had SB holders back in the day on my trues, I liked how they were stiffer than tuuks. I imagine the xs is similar in stiffness to the SBs. Lastly, edge holders tend to wear and don't seem to fake a beating as well as XS holders. I've already had to replace one holder due to a crack but at least it was under warranty still. 

Edited March 13 by Sniper9