Edge Holder vs XS Holder – Which is Better?

[bthompson1286 5]

Hey everyone,

I’m in the process of choosing between the Edge holder and the XS holder for my skates and would really appreciate some insights from those who’ve used both. I’ve tried both holders and haven’t noticed a major difference in performance, but I’m trying to decide which one is the better fit for my long-term use. Here’s some context about my skating style and preferences:

My size and playstyle: I’m a bigger player (6’2", 210 lbs) who plays a combination of aggressive, physical hockey with a focus on speed, sharp turns, and quick bursts of acceleration. I also do a fair amount of grinding the boards and tight turning. Given my size and style, I want to make sure the holder I choose gives me the best edge control, stability, and responsiveness.

Key questions I have:

Attack angle: I really like a more aggressive attack angle for quicker acceleration and sharper turns. From what I understand, the Edge holder has a more aggressive attack angle, which gives a quicker edge bite and more aggressive turns. However, I’ve heard that the XS holder’s more neutral attack angle might provide better stability at high speeds. Is the more aggressive attack of the Edge worth it for a bigger player, or does the XS holder’s neutrality give better overall power transfer and edge control?

Stiffness: I know the XS holder is stiffer than the Edge, providing more stability and consistent edge control during aggressive skating. For someone my size, does the stiffer XS holder make a noticeable difference in terms of maintaining control when pushing hard on the edges, or does the more flexible Edge holder offer enough responsiveness and agility? I’m wondering if the flexibility of the Edge might help with agility but at the cost of a bit of stability during heavier skating.

Weight/feel: Since I’m a bigger player, does the extra weight of the Edge holder hinder quick movements, or does the stability it offers help with balance and edge control? Would the lighter XS holder be better for my game, or is the weight of the Edge holder something I can work with in terms of power and durability?

Durability: I’ve noticed that the Edge holder uses a plastic trigger, while the XS holder uses a metal tooth. As a larger player, I’m concerned about long-term durability. Is the plastic trigger of the Edge holder reliable enough, or does the metal tooth of the XS holder hold up better over time, especially under the added stress from my weight and aggressive skating?

Quickness vs Stability: As a bigger player, stability is important, but I also want to maintain a high level of quickness and agility. Does the XS holder's stiffness compromise the responsiveness for quick pivots and tight turns, or does it actually enhance control for those moves? Does the Edge holder give enough stability for physical play while still being responsive in tight spaces, or is it too flexible for more aggressive skating?

Steel compatibility: I’m using a steel that is offered in both the XS holder and the Edge holder, but I want to double-check if there’s any noticeable difference in performance between the same steel in the two holders. Is there any difference in how the steel performs in these two holders in terms of edge hold or durability?

Personal preference: For those of you who’ve used both, do you find that one holder works better for players of a certain size or style? I’m particularly curious if the Edge holder is favored by players who like a more aggressive, fast-paced style, while the XS holder is better for those who focus more on power and control. If you had to recommend one for a bigger player who likes aggressive cuts and fast starts, which would you choose?

If anyone has experience with both holders and can speak to how the aggressive attack angle of the Edge holdercompares with the stiffness and durability of the XS holder—especially for a bigger player like me—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Edited 18 hours ago by bthompson1286

[Sniper9 537]

I don't have experience with the xs but with the SB 4.0 which is essentially the same holder but different locking mechanism for the steel. I liked how it was stiffer than the edge holder. I didn't find any adjustment between the edge and CCM holders but I also didn't find much a difference between the hre true shift max and edge and I know a lot of people do. 

For me, I would get CCM for overall stiffness, durability and ease of changing the locking mechanism without having to remove the holder to do so.  

Lastly, I know you have a multi fit steel but the fact ccm holders you can get ANY steel you want for it without compromising some fit issues of a multi fit, is the final selling point for me. Step/jrz specific to the holder. I currently use the jrz multi on my edge holders and they are good but they aren't as snug as Bauer and bladetech steel. But I prefer jrz/step over anything else. I'm not sure how the jrz multi fits fit in the CCM holders but the notch made for the pin doesn't look that deep and secure imo. If the holders on my machs ever crack or go bad, I'm swapping them to the xs holders. 

Edited 20 hours ago by Sniper9

[bthompson1286 5]

1 hour ago, Sniper9 said:

I don't have experience with the xs but with the SB 4.0 which is essentially the same holder but different locking mechanism for the steel. I liked how it was stiffer than the edge holder. I didn't find any adjustment between the edge and CCM holders but I also didn't find much a difference between the hre true shift max and edge and I know a lot of people do. 

For me, I would get CCM for overall stiffness, durability and ease of changing the locking mechanism without having to remove the holder to do so.  

Lastly, I know you have a multi fit steel but the fact ccm holders you can get ANY steel you want for it without compromising some fit issues of a multi fit, is the final selling point for me. Step/jrz specific to the holder. I currently use the jrz multi on my edge holders and they are good but they aren't as snug as Bauer and bladetech steel. But I prefer jrz/step over anything else. I'm not sure how the jrz multi fits fit in the CCM holders but the notch made for the pin doesn't look that deep and secure imo. If the holders on my machs ever crack or go bad, I'm swapping them to the xs holders. 

Sorry i meant to say that the steel I’m using is offered in both the edge holder and xs holder