Marsbalde I2 Holder

[malcb33 103]

2 years ago, I picked up playing roller hockey again after 20 years, and landed the Marsblade R1 roller frames as I wanted an ice "like" feel. I ended up really enjoying the R1, and reading more about the Marsblade I2 ice holder, so I decided to give it a try as well.
 

HOLDER

For those who don't already know, what makes the Marsblade I2 holder unique is that it offers variable pitch, which helps maximize blade contact on the ice. They do this in two ways: the blade is fixed at the front tower of the hold (like normal), but offers about a 1/4" of movement (up and down) at the back. This movement allows the blade to stay on the ice longer as your weight shifts to the front during a stride or turn. Moving blade, sounds weird and hard to get used to, but from my experience, there was no alien feeling on the ice the first time out, everything felt natural and smooth. Of course, there is a slight adjustment period with anything new (it took me about 10 minutes), but the benefits of this extra contact are well worth it. With the Marsblade I2, the differences I found were,

- A notable improvement in stability in turns, you feel more locked in and can push harder into the turn. 
- Because of the extra blade contact, you have much more grip. This allows you to go down several hollows, improving your glide while still getting the grip you are accustomed to (3/4" to 7/8" for me)

The I2 holder also offers a changeable rear profile, which is the second part of the variable pitch. It's a plastic profile bar which sits under the rear of your blade (inside the holder) and allows customization for how sharp you want your turns. They give you 5 pairs of profiles to try from a 23' (longest) through to a 14' (shortest). This doesn't replace your steel profile (which you still do as normal), it just helps further customize your holders, giving you more stable or sharper turns when your weight is on your heels. It's recommended to start with the 23' as it has the least amount of rocker, and work your way down incrementally until you feel comfortable. Personally, I ended up on the 14' but the 17' felt good too.  

Holder 10/10 

 

STEEL

The Marsblade steel is quite good IMO. Seems to hold a good edge and the guys at the shop like sharpening it. I've tried both their regular and V-edge plus (coated steel). Both are good. The regular steel is shorter in height (older style) while the V-edge plus is the current standard height, similar to Step etc. They do have a new premium Swedish steel option too, which I haven't tried yet. I would absolutely love to Marsblade work with a company like Flare, as that would be the ultimate combo IMO @Marsblade.

Steel 8/10

 

DURABILITY

Seems pretty good. Been using these for 2 years now. No major issues, but they are getting a little dinged up and could use replacing if I was being picky (I am lol)

Durability --- 9.5/10 ---

INTANGIBLES

Going into using the I2 holders, I have to admit I was pretty skeptical about the claims at first, but I am sold now and recommend them highly. I honestly think these holders are the single product that has improved my game the most, as I just feel more confident on my skates, faster and can push my limits harder in turns etc. What's funny is that for the price, they are extremely reasonable IMO compared to buying the latest tech in sticks or skates. Buying both the holder and steel is around the same price as new steel these days, so well worth trying them out, I think. They also seemed to be catching on in high levels of play, with a number of players in the NHL, NCAA and CHL now using them. Maybe there's something to these...?

Conclusion

27.5/30 (92%) Love this product. There's a thread already on the I2 holders here, but feel free to ask any questions if I can help.