The best skates are the ones you don't have to think about when you're enjoying your sport, and old beat up broken-in entry level skates perform in many cases 99% as well as new pro models. It's mostly marketing and "features" that don't add much real function. Nowadays, $180 brand new skates are so well-built that the next generation of kids who get hand me downs are extremely lucky.
I was a CCM Tacks, and Super Tacks guy since I was 8 (1969). Back then the Super Tacks were the top skates and ran about $200 which was a week’s salary for my dad. Fast forward to 2016 and I bought by first pair of Bauer. I was blown away by the light weight, the awesome comfort, and the custom baked form fit. They felt like track shoes on my feet. At the time I bought them they were a left over pair from the previous model year Vapors I think on sale I paid about $800, the sales guy said they were over $1,000 the year before. I make good money so price didn’t really matter. I love buying the best quality I can possibly afford and Bauer brought it. I’m just a beer league player so they much more than I probably need, but what a skate! When I got on the ice I cut crossover far easier and super tight turns. I still have a soft spot in my heart for CCM but don’t see me going back anytime soon.
first pair (early 70s) were Bauer 'red diamonds' entry level at $26. Next up 'Black Panthers" at $35, bought a used pair fr $20. "Supremes" were $75, Father's weekly paycheck! In 73/4 Bauer introduced the "Pro" at $50. Worked all summer for those.
Last 20 years: Graf 703s, Graf custom pro stock (Fedorov's unused spare skates), Bauer X-60s and now CCM Tacks. The tacks were the most expensive skate available when I bought them five years ago, $1200 I think. I'm 5"10 220 lbs, I play 4-5 hours a week and the Tacks are the best skate I've ever had. The Graf boot wore down quickly and the X-60s though phenomenal in terms of energy transfer and response, absolutely murdered my feet.
Always skated Bauer for ice. Recently made the upgrade to the Mach's and couldn't be happier. Truly comfortable skate with great on-ice feel. I just wish they made a roller version in the same fits.
i recently got a pair of hyperlite 2s retail. Definitely had a break in period but now theyre fantastic. im just your casual freestyle skater but having skates that will last me many years, not to mention all the added bonuses of top of the line skates... super smooth steel, your feet stay drier, the tongue, and the responsiveness goes up a bit. if youve come from softer skates, youll be surprised with the power you have and it might take a sec to get used to. but these skates were some of the best 1k+ ive spent. good investment.
Yes I wanted CCM Tacks, with that white T so bad, but I got Orbits with the clear Tuuks, finally got a pair of Daoust 301, and I was happy. Never got those Tacks.
I'm on the ice 12 times a week, coaching my kids' teams, my own practice sessions, adult team practice with a coach followed by beer league games 🍺 🍻. CCM JETSPEED FT6pro with Marsblade I2 for the win! Total comfort and takes abuse from older players who bash me with wooden sticks during games.
Couldn't agree more, I'm coaching my son's rep team and I am on the ice 3-4 times a week. I just got the new CCM Jetspeed FT6 and absolutely love them! I can't get over how comfortable they are with all the new memory foams. I've always struggled having wide feet and the Jetspeed FT6 or FT6 Pro in a 10 wide did the trick! Great skates, they hit it out of the park this year!
12 times a week!!! Holy hell, how old are you? Im 38 and I’m at my best up to 3 to 4 hours a week of ice time which i can do consistently week after week. But if you’re on the ice 12 to 18 hours a week i have no idea how your body does it!
@@CDNFF82 Oh yah brotha, you know what a difference the wide version is for sure. I’m a 9.5 wide now with very little lace left over to tie my skates with. I had my foot scanned with the Bauer station and I’m a Fit 3 for wideness. Got the skates baked proper and they fit like a total glove. I wear Bauer Hyperlight shin guards over the soft tongue, the shin guards have a soft area for the tongue so together they work awesome. Just bought the Bauer Pro Girdle and man what a match with everything going on. They allow me to access that extra flexibility in the FT6 pro ankle protector with a longer stride down the line into the O-zone. I’ve been able to beat the Defensemen trying to cut me off and push me into the boards. The Bauer girdle also dries very quickly for days I have to wear full gear twice in one day. Good luck with your skates too.
As a 150 lb skater, I find the entry level models to fit the best AND weigh 140-160 grams less, which is absolutely massive. For elite players and dudes over 180 lbs, the extra material and stiffness in expensive skates probably have some value, but for me it's like having bricks on your feet compared to the much lighter $170-$300 skates. It's a world of difference, I got to try $1,000+ FT4 Pro and FT6 Pro's and sure they're much stiffer and better protection against slapshots, but I skate 75% better in 770-gram entry level skates over the 930-gram "premium" skates. I also think the "premium" tall steel blades made by both Bauer and CCM are a complete scam, as they raise your center of gravity making your balance and maneuverability worse while costing extra.
I wore Daoust 501’s for my midget and junior years. Then when Daoust went out of business, I got a pair of Bauer Vapor 8’s. I didn’t like those much, but the next pair I got were my favourite skates I’ve owned: Bauer Supreme 8090’s. I loved them. Wore them for 12 years. For the last 5-6 years, I’ve worn Bauer Nexus 8000 and 9000. They’ll do until I stop playing.
I wear the Bauer Matrix, which is a source for sports exclusive. They're basically the Mach skates with a different tongue. I absolutely love them. Best skate I've EVER tried.
Always been a Bauer guy. I like the comfort, the look and more so the reputation Bauer has in the industry's specifically towards skates. I just picked up the Bauer x5 Pro's and im super excited to test them out
As a goalie, I always used Graf's goalie skates. Best fit, best comfort for my feet. Until Scott van Horne entered the scene. I ordered a pair of his one-piece custom skates with Step Steel. When they arrived in Sweden 4 weeks after I ordered them they blew me away! Hands down the best fit and comfort I had ever experienced! This was 8 years ago and I'm too old to play now. I'm pretty sure there are greater and better models out there now but my VH skates....they were truly something else.
Bauer Supreme here. Started out with the 4000s but I currently rock 8000s. I tried Graf at one point but the arches were too high for my almost flat feet.
As a kid (70s) I wore CCM Super Tacks. As an old man (current) I wear first year return of CCM Super Tacks. I've had several CCM models in between, incl Pro Tacks, early JetSpeeds, and even a pre-Ribcor Reebok.
makar eichel and karlsson all wear the mach skin graphic but they dont actually wear them. eichel and makar still wear 2S pros and im sure alot of others do too edit: i have the machs and love them but just worth noting
Hi, the ribcor line of skates has been discontinuated. Has for my skate i'm in the ft6pro and after wearing the supreme mach and vapor3x pro and tacks as590 in the last 2 years. I definitively stay on the ccm side, the bauer fit 1 too small & fit 2 too big and the tongue weirdly stop the bloodstream on the top of my feet even if my lace were loose on both of their skate line. As for true the feeling of their skate is weird to me, like having my feet in a empty plastic box shaped to tight at the toe and ankle and super loose on the remaining of the feet
Graf . Always worn Graf. These days i wear 2 pairs of G8035 Ultra. Finally, a boot that i can't break down in a season. I was using older models 1 pair per team(I'm on 5 teams) and they would be destroyed in 18 games. That's only 32+ hours of on ice time. Turns out since I've been working on edgework, I needed a stiffer skate and had to upgrade to a carbon skate made in the last 10 years. Once I retire these 2 pairs, I may have to switch to Bauer, CCM, or True.
For a while now my favorite skates are the CCM E-10. Great fit, no flex and a solid boot. Also the blades replaceable. Couple years ago on a whim, I got a pair of Bauer XLP (Senior) on sale. Light and way to much flex resulting in tired feet.
Grew up in Bauer Vapor skates due to my harrow foot, now I wear Bauer matrix skates, I tend to be a more short and quicker stride player, but could not convince store sales reps that
I recently got a pair of low range true catalyst 5 skates and with being half a size off the biggest they make the fit is unbelievably good and overall performance feels the same if not better as the Bauer equivalents that cost 2x the price
I wanted to get the CCM Jetspeet FT6 but I couldn't find any place to try them on here in switzerland. It looks like Bauer is much more present in stores
I wore Bauer growing up playing 70's, 80's & most of 90's, then switched to Reebok (any one remember the "white" skate? Alex Zhitnik wore them) I loved the fit, and they broke in (b4 heating skates was a thing) so quick, I remember getting a lot of comments on the white, some saying it looked like I was wearing goalie skates! lol! Wore Reebok 9k's then 18k's after that. Bought a new pair last year Bauer Vapor shift pros. I tried the Ribcor, but thought the Vapor was more comfortable first time trying them on and have been very pleased with the choice.
I wear the CCM Ribcor 80k now and I absolutely love them and the way they feel. Had Bauer vaporlites...liked them and they were definitely comfortable, but growing up it was the CCM powerline 500
How long was the break in on the 80k? I have the ribcore titanium based on 76k with some upgraded. Still not used to the high ankle feel and lack of foward flex compared to Supremes.
Bauer my entire life but recently switched to CCM Tacks XF. Way better than my Vapor X900. Lot of new ccm equipment, feel like they have some good kit across line up.
Occasional player twice a week, 58 years old. Rotator cuff surgery earlier this year. Mostly play rec leagues. Probably bought the last 2 pairs of Graf G9035 in Canada back in 2018. Love them. Been using Grafs now for 18 years. Can afford $2,000 skates but why? Good video btw.
I skate 3-5 times a week I used to wear Easton’s stealth s15’s in my AAA travel days loved those skates. Now I’m using the Bauer x4’s as I’m a dad now and my kids use a mix of skates. My youngest son wanted ccm’s where my daughter wanted to copy me and wanted Bauer’s my oldest son, is still picking skates due to him having acl surgery this past summer , I wouldn’t be surprised if he picks ccm to copy his brother or goes true to throw a curve ball at us
I am still rocking ccm super tacks that my dad handed down to me in the late 80's or early 90's. My friends tell me how much lighter and better new skates are, but I tried Vapors and couldn't skate. Should I be looking at newer tacks? Or is the design totally different these days?
I do think they'd be pretty different today, but honestly just go try em out! If you've liked the CCMs, I'd try on the Jetspeed, Tacks, and Ribcor, and just compare them. Definitely worth upgrading for how light they are now
The same effect you used on your old skates would have you going over the boards in today's skates because of the Xtra transfer power. I am still getting adjusted to how easier it is to do power strides on modern skates. I will say softer old skates feel more agile. I can roll and flex ankle better for that.
Dood, those are valuable. Those are so old they had like a fabric material stretched over the toe caps. Yours might have dried up and torn away long ago. I don't know what that stuff was but skates didn't have the hard thermoplastic toe caps like today.
Still rockin My Bauer 1x’s. been looking at new skates and almost went for x5 Pros. They are only one tier down from the top and very similar to 1x’s and 2x pros…… top tier from just a few years ago. In the end I decided to wait as I want to see how the new fly light holder is received.
It would be fun to compare from which countries the main skates are. In my opinion without to much looking into it i would say 70% ish of the Swedish pro teams use CCM. It would be fun to see if that translates to NHL.
Back in the day had Custom Graf. You wear the boots that fit your feet. But more important is to find a good skate tech that will set up your blades center, rocker, and hollow, and knowing if you’ll be on hard or soft ice. More a challenge, but once you do, a it easier to have a few sets of blades to do comparisons with, rather than taking your skates in to the shop. I also know there was a lot of experimenting with exotic alloys for blades to see what held the edge the best....likely less of that now than in Gretzky’s era.
Absolutely do! I believe HockeyStickMan posted a blog about Phil Kessel still wearing those while playing for Vegas lol. Skates were 10 years old AND not top-of-the-line
I did use Bauer supreme 92 as a Junior (14-18 year). I think I always have had Bauer, but don’t remember the exact model before and after the 92 model. (Living in Sweden 🇸🇪)
I miss Easton so much, I've always had their skates and loved them so much. I've been nursing my Easton Mako's dreading the day I have to purchase custom True's
Waiting for that goalie skate video! I wanted Goalie Tacks, back in the day, but couldn’t afford them. Went with the Bauer Black Panthers and loved them.
Currently just got Bauer Supreme Ignite pro+ which is sports excellence exclusive and just got them broke in and am just starting to get the full potential out of them waaay lighter skate coming from a Reebok pump
I have the Supreme Mach. I love them for the performance and how they feel, and as a bonus… no shitty graphics like just about every other skate in the market.
Currently skating in FT6 Pros, never had a more comfortable pair of skates. Tried a pair of hyperlite 2s recently, but after skating in the FT6 Pros again I couldn’t go back to the Hyperlites. I think CCM’s lack of technological innovation for a number of years, resulting in the majority of youth players going with Bauer, is why they have such a stranglehold on the NHL. Guys just go with what they’re used to.
Rocking my first pair of skates. I'm over 40. My youngest just started 8U. We're on the ice every chance we get. I didn't want to break the bank, so I bought the bauer X3.7's. A great balance between price and features. Now, I just need some elbow pads.
I started with MEGA skates until my feet stopped growing and then i got a pair of Graffs but the forward angle was too much for my arches and my feet hurt all season long. From there i had a pair of nikes that were honestly great and then came the bauer supreme 6000, mission flyweight, and then back to the bauer supreme 7000.
should we analyze the sharpening too? Would make more sense than just the skates :P Having 10cm flat in mid, who has 6cm, +-3cm from mid, dual circle, etc... :P
And yet, CCM is the only go to brand for me. It's the only brand that has skates that fit the front of my feet well. Still has their Exteand E30 hanging on the wall.
Do they track equipment players use as a brad deal or what they really are since a lot of players use equipment with skins (for example stick in reality ft6 pro but has skin to look like Bauer hyperlite)?
Sons been on ribcor for least last 3-4 years been rocking the 100k pro last yr half ish explained to me they’re more set for attack mode more forward angle and Bauer is more balanced from what I was told. But overall said the skate is comparable so 🤷
@@hockeycollective He says they’re comfortable and when buying 1000$ skates you want them to be like your 2nd pair of shoes. Only been playing provincial for past 4 years I feel like they wear very well also. He’s also made the switch from jet speeds ft pro to ribcor triggers pros so must be something to that line from CCM haha
I was a ccm guy because they were snugg on the feet. Now im on Bauer M5Pro cause the fit System is a huge Change. Fit 1 is what ccm D was kinda. just a little better.
Jetspeed or Vapors, cant got wrong with either, just find your fit. I wrnt with Vapors. Do what i did, spend half a day and try on every single pair you can. By the end my hands were chopped from tying skates all day. Worth it tho
Been a tack guy for so long it’s nuts but in the market for new skates and looking for a skate that breaks in east I hate the first 20 or 30 hours on my skates to break in
im a goalie, have always been and when i first started playing at 8 years old, i had a pair of one.9 supreme skates. fast forward 9 seasons later, i still use the totalone nxg line.
having played hockey for 15 years it was always such a chore to get used to new equipment taking months before i actually felt comfortable and fluid in them. i have no idea how these guys wear multiple different sets of gear in such short amounts of time. is it just the amount of hockey they play? i think i was on the ice roughly 5 times a week when i played minor hockey and it still took months. maybe if it was 10+ times a week it would shorten the time significantly but it seems like they have new sets of gear so often i just dont get it.
Got myself some True SVH customs! Hard to get on but once they’re on they feel incredible. 😂 Here in Pittsburgh I’ve noticed retired Penguins, including Mario, are using True Custom skates. It’s very interesting.
@@hockeycollective just bought some Trues myself... they're awesome, fit incredible but the blade profile is super weird. I went from CCM > True and they're MUCH different.
@@hockeycollective I agree. Would love for Bauer to take some of their skate tech like they did with the sticks (stealth elliptical). The Heel lock or Pad lock as the called it was fantastic!
Soy de Argentina y ahora tengo 45 años, aca mucho no se patina sobre hielo, yo de joven jugue al hockey (y me volaron un diente frontal 😅) y usaba los Graf Supra 501, indestructibles una pena que ya no exista la marca, sigo patinando ya no juego pero estoy interesado en comprar unos CCM siempre me parecieron la bota mas comoda, dudo un poco de su durabilidad ya que soy bastante bruto espero alguien me sepa dar sus consejos gracias, saludos y vamos los Ducks! 💪😉🏒
I have the Bauer Supreme M5 Pro. Those new carbon skates are awesome! Before that I had the Bauer Supreme 8000 and the Classic Gold. Those skates are really old and no match to the latest carbon models. My wife has the Vapor X500 2017.
I stopped at Rbk 11k back in 2010: played right D, former weight 92kg. Now am looking for a new pair. But time passed, and now I am a 130kg former powerlifter, so not sure what skates would fit me best. Any ideas lads?
Ok I guess I'll date myself here, I miss my Microns (pause for laughs) yes, do any of you remember them? Loved the fit and the extra big toe protection saved me many times and where a key feature when most everyone wore CCM super tacs.
How are we gonna not talk about McDavid rocking 8 year old skates. Also it’s called a tendon guard not a heel flap. Lastly the X5 is not “far from a top of the line skate” they are literally the next step below top of the line.
Dad always got my skates at Bruno’s Shoe Repair. They were always very used. My favourites were the ones that fit. Love the game.
The best skates are the ones you don't have to think about when you're enjoying your sport, and old beat up broken-in entry level skates perform in many cases 99% as well as new pro models. It's mostly marketing and "features" that don't add much real function. Nowadays, $180 brand new skates are so well-built that the next generation of kids who get hand me downs are extremely lucky.
I was a CCM Tacks, and Super Tacks guy since I was 8 (1969). Back then the Super Tacks were the top skates and ran about $200 which was a week’s salary for my dad. Fast forward to 2016 and I bought by first pair of Bauer. I was blown away by the light weight, the awesome comfort, and the custom baked form fit. They felt like track shoes on my feet. At the time I bought them they were a left over pair from the previous model year Vapors I think on sale I paid about $800, the sales guy said they were over $1,000 the year before. I make good money so price didn’t really matter. I love buying the best quality I can possibly afford and Bauer brought it.
I’m just a beer league player so they much more than I probably need, but what a skate! When I got on the ice I cut crossover far easier and super tight turns. I still have a soft spot in my heart for CCM but don’t see me going back anytime soon.
Love that man! Thank you for sharing
Back in my day ('70's) I wore Bauer Black Panthers. I couldn't afford either the Supremes or Tacks, the top skates of the day.
The black panthers were sick, that's cool!
first pair (early 70s) were Bauer 'red diamonds' entry level at $26. Next up 'Black Panthers" at $35, bought a used pair fr $20. "Supremes" were $75, Father's weekly paycheck! In 73/4 Bauer introduced the "Pro" at $50. Worked all summer for those.
I had some black panthers in the mid 90’s.
Last 20 years: Graf 703s, Graf custom pro stock (Fedorov's unused spare skates), Bauer X-60s and now CCM Tacks. The tacks were the most expensive skate available when I bought them five years ago, $1200 I think. I'm 5"10 220 lbs, I play 4-5 hours a week and the Tacks are the best skate I've ever had. The Graf boot wore down quickly and the X-60s though phenomenal in terms of energy transfer and response, absolutely murdered my feet.
Always skated Bauer for ice. Recently made the upgrade to the Mach's and couldn't be happier. Truly comfortable skate with great on-ice feel. I just wish they made a roller version in the same fits.
Check sideline swap. I just got supreme m5 skates converted to mars blades.
i recently got a pair of hyperlite 2s retail. Definitely had a break in period but now theyre fantastic. im just your casual freestyle skater but having skates that will last me many years, not to mention all the added bonuses of top of the line skates... super smooth steel, your feet stay drier, the tongue, and the responsiveness goes up a bit. if youve come from softer skates, youll be surprised with the power you have and it might take a sec to get used to. but these skates were some of the best 1k+ ive spent. good investment.
That’s awesome to hear Jacob. Definitely an investment like you said - if you’ll use em a lot, it’s worth it!
As a much younger man, I recall CCM Tacks being the prime skate. I’ve been a Bauer Supreme fan myself (Supreme 5000 is my current skate).
Yes I wanted CCM Tacks, with that white T so bad, but I got Orbits with the clear Tuuks, finally got a pair of Daoust 301, and I was happy. Never got those Tacks.
It was always Tacks in my day. What happened?
Same here… I had super tacks with clear blades!
@@larrywatson499 the Daoust I needed 2 roles of role of moleskin for the blisters. But awesome after the "break in"
I'm on the ice 12 times a week, coaching my kids' teams, my own practice sessions, adult team practice with a coach followed by beer league games 🍺 🍻. CCM JETSPEED FT6pro with Marsblade I2 for the win! Total comfort and takes abuse from older players who bash me with wooden sticks during games.
Couldn't agree more, I'm coaching my son's rep team and I am on the ice 3-4 times a week. I just got the new CCM Jetspeed FT6 and absolutely love them! I can't get over how comfortable they are with all the new memory foams. I've always struggled having wide feet and the Jetspeed FT6 or FT6 Pro in a 10 wide did the trick! Great skates, they hit it out of the park this year!
Glad to hear it man! Lots of good reviews on the FT6 Pro that’s for sure
God bless your back
12 times a week!!! Holy hell, how old are you? Im 38 and I’m at my best up to 3 to 4 hours a week of ice time which i can do consistently week after week. But if you’re on the ice 12 to 18 hours a week i have no idea how your body does it!
@@CDNFF82 Oh yah brotha, you know what a difference the wide version is for sure. I’m a 9.5 wide now with very little lace left over to tie my skates with. I had my foot scanned with the Bauer station and I’m a Fit 3 for wideness. Got the skates baked proper and they fit like a total glove. I wear Bauer Hyperlight shin guards over the soft tongue, the shin guards have a soft area for the tongue so together they work awesome. Just bought the Bauer Pro Girdle and man what a match with everything going on. They allow me to access that extra flexibility in the FT6 pro ankle protector with a longer stride down the line into the O-zone. I’ve been able to beat the Defensemen trying to cut me off and push me into the boards. The Bauer girdle also dries very quickly for days I have to wear full gear twice in one day. Good luck with your skates too.
As a 150 lb skater, I find the entry level models to fit the best AND weigh 140-160 grams less, which is absolutely massive. For elite players and dudes over 180 lbs, the extra material and stiffness in expensive skates probably have some value, but for me it's like having bricks on your feet compared to the much lighter $170-$300 skates. It's a world of difference, I got to try $1,000+ FT4 Pro and FT6 Pro's and sure they're much stiffer and better protection against slapshots, but I skate 75% better in 770-gram entry level skates over the 930-gram "premium" skates. I also think the "premium" tall steel blades made by both Bauer and CCM are a complete scam, as they raise your center of gravity making your balance and maneuverability worse while costing extra.
I wore Daoust 501’s for my midget and junior years. Then when Daoust went out of business, I got a pair of Bauer Vapor 8’s. I didn’t like those much, but the next pair I got were my favourite skates I’ve owned: Bauer Supreme 8090’s. I loved them. Wore them for 12 years. For the last 5-6 years, I’ve worn Bauer Nexus 8000 and 9000. They’ll do until I stop playing.
I wear the Bauer Matrix, which is a source for sports exclusive. They're basically the Mach skates with a different tongue. I absolutely love them. Best skate I've EVER tried.
That's sweet! I've only seem those once or twice
Regardless of brand/model, pretty sure NHL players still get them custom made to their feet as opposed to just pulling off the shelf.
Absolutely. But the model is the framework, each unique in their own way
Always been a Bauer guy. I like the comfort, the look and more so the reputation Bauer has in the industry's specifically towards skates. I just picked up the Bauer x5 Pro's and im super excited to test them out
As a goalie, I always used Graf's goalie skates. Best fit, best comfort for my feet. Until Scott van Horne entered the scene. I ordered a pair of his one-piece custom skates with Step Steel. When they arrived in Sweden 4 weeks after I ordered them they blew me away! Hands down the best fit and comfort I had ever experienced! This was 8 years ago and I'm too old to play now. I'm pretty sure there are greater and better models out there now but my VH skates....they were truly something else.
Bauer Supreme here. Started out with the 4000s but I currently rock 8000s. I tried Graf at one point but the arches were too high for my almost flat feet.
As a kid (70s) I wore CCM Super Tacks.
As an old man (current) I wear first year return of CCM Super Tacks. I've had several CCM models in between, incl Pro Tacks, early JetSpeeds, and even a pre-Ribcor Reebok.
CCM through-and-through eh! Love it
I have wide feet Tacks are the first pair of skates I think I've ever worn that my feet actually fit in. Before, it was always a squeeze.
makar eichel and karlsson all wear the mach skin graphic but they dont actually wear them. eichel and makar still wear 2S pros and im sure alot of others do too
edit: i have the machs and love them but just worth noting
Interesitng, thank you for sharing that! How can you tell? Is there something to watch for?
I wear 2S Pro’s as well. Best skates I’ve ever had by far but they are a bit heavy.
Hi, the ribcor line of skates has been discontinuated.
Has for my skate i'm in the ft6pro and after wearing the supreme mach and vapor3x pro and tacks as590 in the last 2 years. I definitively stay on the ccm side, the bauer fit 1 too small & fit 2 too big and the tongue weirdly stop the bloodstream on the top of my feet even if my lace were loose on both of their skate line. As for true the feeling of their skate is weird to me, like having my feet in a empty plastic box shaped to tight at the toe and ankle and super loose on the remaining of the feet
All the Bauer and CCM models are custom fit to NHL player’s specs
My Bauer Nexus skates are awesome. I got them about 10 years ago right before I stopped playing so they are still like new.
Through my hole career 90% times I’ve worn Bauer. 1 year Tacks. And 1year Daust 501. Bauer have been the best for me.
In high school I had a pair of Bauer 2000 and CCM Ultra Tacks
Graf . Always worn Graf. These days i wear 2 pairs of G8035 Ultra. Finally, a boot that i can't break down in a season. I was using older models 1 pair per team(I'm on 5 teams) and they would be destroyed in 18 games. That's only 32+ hours of on ice time. Turns out since I've been working on edgework, I needed a stiffer skate and had to upgrade to a carbon skate made in the last 10 years. Once I retire these 2 pairs, I may have to switch to Bauer, CCM, or True.
Very interesting they were breaking down so quick! But always loved Graf as well man
I own 727 and 705, love my GRAF ... too bad they're not around anymore.
Yea I wish they were still kicking. People loved em@@lv2keepfit493
You can't squat in Vapor unless I miss the top two holes. I'm going to try Supreme now.
For a while now my favorite skates are the CCM E-10. Great fit, no flex and a solid boot. Also the blades replaceable. Couple years ago on a whim, I got a pair of Bauer XLP (Senior) on sale. Light and way to much flex resulting in tired feet.
Grew up in Bauer Vapor skates due to my harrow foot, now I wear Bauer matrix skates, I tend to be a more short and quicker stride player, but could not convince store sales reps that
I'm drooling over these skates, my last time on the ice was the 90's, I miss my hockey, I loved my bossy TPM stick and Bauer skates.
Get back out there sometime man!
I recently got a pair of low range true catalyst 5 skates and with being half a size off the biggest they make the fit is unbelievably good and overall performance feels the same if not better as the Bauer equivalents that cost 2x the price
I wanted to get the CCM Jetspeet FT6 but I couldn't find any place to try them on here in switzerland. It looks like Bauer is much more present in stores
I wore Bauer growing up playing 70's, 80's & most of 90's, then switched to Reebok (any one remember the "white" skate? Alex Zhitnik wore them) I loved the fit, and they broke in (b4 heating skates was a thing) so quick, I remember getting a lot of comments on the white, some saying it looked like I was wearing goalie skates! lol! Wore Reebok 9k's then 18k's after that. Bought a new pair last year Bauer Vapor shift pros. I tried the Ribcor, but thought the Vapor was more comfortable first time trying them on and have been very pleased with the choice.
darn right I remember the white skates! That's awesome man
I wear the CCM Ribcor 80k now and I absolutely love them and the way they feel. Had Bauer vaporlites...liked them and they were definitely comfortable, but growing up it was the CCM powerline 500
How long was the break in on the 80k? I have the ribcore titanium based on 76k with some upgraded. Still not used to the high ankle feel and lack of foward flex compared to Supremes.
Bauer my entire life but recently switched to CCM Tacks XF. Way better than my Vapor X900. Lot of new ccm equipment, feel like they have some good kit across line up.
Occasional player twice a week, 58 years old. Rotator cuff surgery earlier this year. Mostly play rec leagues. Probably bought the last 2 pairs of Graf G9035 in Canada back in 2018. Love them. Been using Grafs now for 18 years. Can afford $2,000 skates but why? Good video btw.
Thank you! Love Graf as well
My True Customs were $1100 after tax. Where did you find a skate for $2k?
My first skates were Bauer Turbos followed by CCM Ultra Tacks.
There was a span of time when a lot of players would choose CCM boots and fit Tuuk frames to them. Are Bauer boots more comfortable now?
I'm currently wearing Kulak's used pair of CCM Jetspeed FT4 pro skates and they are exactly that, tuuk bottoms.
I’m looking on getting the new Tacks XF Pro Skates! Do you know anything about them yet?
I don't! But will comment back once I hear more
@@hockeycollective thank you!
I skate 3-5 times a week I used to wear Easton’s stealth s15’s in my AAA travel days loved those skates. Now I’m using the Bauer x4’s as I’m a dad now and my kids use a mix of skates. My youngest son wanted ccm’s where my daughter wanted to copy me and wanted Bauer’s my oldest son, is still picking skates due to him having acl surgery this past summer , I wouldn’t be surprised if he picks ccm to copy his brother or goes true to throw a curve ball at us
I am still rocking ccm super tacks that my dad handed down to me in the late 80's or early 90's. My friends tell me how much lighter and better new skates are, but I tried Vapors and couldn't skate. Should I be looking at newer tacks? Or is the design totally different these days?
I do think they'd be pretty different today, but honestly just go try em out! If you've liked the CCMs, I'd try on the Jetspeed, Tacks, and Ribcor, and just compare them. Definitely worth upgrading for how light they are now
The same effect you used on your old skates would have you going over the boards in today's skates because of the Xtra transfer power. I am still getting adjusted to how easier it is to do power strides on modern skates. I will say softer old skates feel more agile. I can roll and flex ankle better for that.
Dood, those are valuable. Those are so old they had like a fabric material stretched over the toe caps. Yours might have dried up and torn away long ago. I don't know what that stuff was but skates didn't have the hard thermoplastic toe caps like today.
@@Deploraclehad to replace one of the tooks, but yep I like all of the bend in the ankles for sure.
Still rockin My Bauer 1x’s. been looking at new skates and almost went for x5 Pros. They are only one tier down from the top and very similar to 1x’s and 2x pros…… top tier from just a few years ago. In the end I decided to wait as I want to see how the new fly light holder is received.
If you noticed many of the guys use CCM/True skates has a Bauer Tuuk on it.
It would be fun to compare from which countries the main skates are. In my opinion without to much looking into it i would say 70% ish of the Swedish pro teams use CCM. It would be fun to see if that translates to NHL.
Back in the day had Custom Graf. You wear the boots that fit your feet. But more important is to find a good skate tech that will set up your blades center, rocker, and hollow, and knowing if you’ll be on hard or soft ice. More a challenge, but once you do, a it easier to have a few sets of blades to do comparisons with, rather than taking your skates in to the shop.
I also know there was a lot of experimenting with exotic alloys for blades to see what held the edge the best....likely less of that now than in Gretzky’s era.
started playing at 37. Got Bauer 3x velocity. Idk if I will ever leave Bauer. They were baked and felt incredible from my first skate.
Remember when Kessel and Toews would wear Bauer x90 which was like the 3rd skate from the top (Apx2) due to being less stiff and easier for game ready
Absolutely do! I believe HockeyStickMan posted a blog about Phil Kessel still wearing those while playing for Vegas lol. Skates were 10 years old AND not top-of-the-line
I did use Bauer supreme 92 as a Junior (14-18 year). I think I always have had Bauer, but don’t remember the exact model before and after the 92 model. (Living in Sweden 🇸🇪)
I miss Easton so much, I've always had their skates and loved them so much. I've been nursing my Easton Mako's dreading the day I have to purchase custom True's
My last pair was ccm super tacks from 30 years ago. But gave a pair of cat 7's coming in
Waiting for that goalie skate video! I wanted Goalie Tacks, back in the day, but couldn’t afford them. Went with the Bauer Black Panthers and loved them.
I remember Bauer Black Panthers. Anyone who had them always skated on another level.
Currently just got Bauer Supreme Ignite pro+ which is sports excellence exclusive and just got them broke in and am just starting to get the full potential out of them waaay lighter skate coming from a Reebok pump
I have the Supreme Mach. I love them for the performance and how they feel, and as a bonus… no shitty graphics like just about every other skate in the market.
I do love the sleek black look they have! True ones are pretty clean too
Currently skating in FT6 Pros, never had a more comfortable pair of skates. Tried a pair of hyperlite 2s recently, but after skating in the FT6 Pros again I couldn’t go back to the Hyperlites.
I think CCM’s lack of technological innovation for a number of years, resulting in the majority of youth players going with Bauer, is why they have such a stranglehold on the NHL. Guys just go with what they’re used to.
Totally agree Danny, creatures of habit. CCM is definitely taking strides forward lately though, I love mine too
I’ve been in Tacks all my life until now. I just got a pair of True skates because I’ve heard nothing but good things about them and their fit.
Rocking my first pair of skates. I'm over 40. My youngest just started 8U. We're on the ice every chance we get. I didn't want to break the bank, so I bought the bauer X3.7's. A great balance between price and features. Now, I just need some elbow pads.
That's awesome! Great to get out there with your son I'm sure
Always wear your helmet on the ice. Even the best of us who were basically born on the ice ( Canadian) can catch a rut and go down hard.
I started with MEGA skates until my feet stopped growing and then i got a pair of Graffs but the forward angle was too much for my arches and my feet hurt all season long. From there i had a pair of nikes that were honestly great and then came the bauer supreme 6000, mission flyweight, and then back to the bauer supreme 7000.
should we analyze the sharpening too? Would make more sense than just the skates :P Having 10cm flat in mid, who has 6cm, +-3cm from mid, dual circle, etc... :P
That's a whole nother video some day!
And yet, CCM is the only go to brand for me. It's the only brand that has skates that fit the front of my feet well. Still has their Exteand E30 hanging on the wall.
Do they track equipment players use as a brad deal or what they really are since a lot of players use equipment with skins (for example stick in reality ft6 pro but has skin to look like Bauer hyperlite)?
Based on design, unfortunately. But they do amazing work
had to change my RBZ ccm this year and bought the new ft6 pro there fine but kinda wish i wouldve bought the hyperlite 2
Sons been on ribcor for least last 3-4 years been rocking the 100k pro last yr half ish explained to me they’re more set for attack mode more forward angle and Bauer is more balanced from what I was told. But overall said the skate is comparable so 🤷
That’s good to know! He like em?
@@hockeycollective He says they’re comfortable and when buying 1000$ skates you want them to be like your 2nd pair of shoes. Only been playing provincial for past 4 years I feel like they wear very well also. He’s also made the switch from jet speeds ft pro to ribcor triggers pros so must be something to that line from CCM haha
Yep at today's prices, they better feel like just an extension of your feet lol @@ceyco1
CCM no longer makes the Ribcor line. Last year was the last year for them.
Correct - but still available on their website and majority of major retailers until supplies are gone
I was a ccm guy because they were snugg on the feet. Now im on Bauer M5Pro cause the fit System is a huge Change. Fit 1 is what ccm D was kinda. just a little better.
I’m not the biggest fan of Bauer sticks due to durability issues and the lack of performance compared to others, but they do make great equipment.
I'd agree. Have had my fair share of Bauer sticks break, but the gear is always top notch imo
Jetspeed or Vapors, cant got wrong with either, just find your fit. I wrnt with Vapors. Do what i did, spend half a day and try on every single pair you can. By the end my hands were chopped from tying skates all day. Worth it tho
Rocked tac 452's back in the late 90s haha
isn’t the CCM AS-V. AS-5? As the AS-6 are out now! 🤷♂️
Been a tack guy for so long it’s nuts but in the market for new skates and looking for a skate that breaks in east I hate the first 20 or 30 hours on my skates to break in
im a goalie, have always been and when i first started playing at 8 years old, i had a pair of one.9 supreme skates. fast forward 9 seasons later, i still use the totalone nxg line.
having played hockey for 15 years it was always such a chore to get used to new equipment taking months before i actually felt comfortable and fluid in them. i have no idea how these guys wear multiple different sets of gear in such short amounts of time. is it just the amount of hockey they play? i think i was on the ice roughly 5 times a week when i played minor hockey and it still took months. maybe if it was 10+ times a week it would shorten the time significantly but it seems like they have new sets of gear so often i just dont get it.
the come pre broken in for pros
Ccm discontinued the ribcore skates last year at retail and can only be ordered as custom.
Correct yea! Still clearing em out on their website though, and in some chains
I have always skated on Bauer skates. I currently have a pair of Hyperlite 2s
are they comfy?
Got myself some True SVH customs! Hard to get on but once they’re on they feel incredible. 😂
Here in Pittsburgh I’ve noticed retired Penguins, including Mario, are using True Custom skates. It’s very interesting.
Haha fit like a glove once they're on eh! Neat to see a legend like Mario in them
@@hockeycollective just bought some Trues myself... they're awesome, fit incredible but the blade profile is super weird. I went from CCM > True and they're MUCH different.
The x5 pros are a step below the hyperlites and the tongue is not near as stiff
I’m rocking Mach’s and love them. My favorite skates were my old Easton S15’s.
Sweet! I honestly forgot how popular Easton skates were for a while. Wish they were still in hockey, especially for their sticks
@@hockeycollective I agree. Would love for Bauer to take some of their skate tech like they did with the sticks (stealth elliptical). The Heel lock or Pad lock as the called it was fantastic!
Soy de Argentina y ahora tengo 45 años, aca mucho no se patina sobre hielo, yo de joven jugue al hockey (y me volaron un diente frontal 😅) y usaba los Graf Supra 501, indestructibles una pena que ya no exista la marca, sigo patinando ya no juego pero estoy interesado en comprar unos CCM siempre me parecieron la bota mas comoda, dudo un poco de su durabilidad ya que soy bastante bruto espero alguien me sepa dar sus consejos gracias, saludos y vamos los Ducks! 💪😉🏒
Bauer makes a fantastic skate. I didn’t like the last pair of CCMs that I had.
What happened to Graf?
Their Canadian branch went bankrupt - Vaughn hockey bought their remaining assets, I believe
How did you leave talking about what McDavid is currently in off this video?!?
A lot of the LAKINGS wear the hyperlites but they all have the black foot guards on them.
Loved my Ccm Ultra Tacks
I have the Bauer Supreme M5 Pro. Those new carbon skates are awesome! Before that I had the Bauer Supreme 8000 and the Classic Gold. Those skates are really old and no match to the latest carbon models. My wife has the Vapor X500 2017.
I stopped at Rbk 11k back in 2010: played right D, former weight 92kg. Now am looking for a new pair. But time passed, and now I am a 130kg former powerlifter, so not sure what skates would fit me best. Any ideas lads?
I have Machs and they’re definitely the best skates I’ve ever had. 10/10 recommend.
What in the world ever happened to Graf? I love mine!
Before customization with my narrow feet Bauer fit me best. Now all I care about is getting the best deal.
Haha I feel that, on both the narrow and the money!
the insane looks of the mach has to be one of the reasons they are the most popular, they just look sick.
They really do
still using my good old Bauer apx 2 skates =)
Bauer Supreme 100, Roos (most comfortable), Lange Pro Comp, Daoust 501. Old stuff!
Throwbacks! That's sweet
WOW Daoust 501s. There’s a blast from the past. I feel old all of a sudden.
@@DisgruntledUSA How about Munari?
@@longballist I had never even heard that name before. I had to look it up. Looks to be the same concept as Bauer Turbo.
@@DisgruntledUSA Munari was a ski boot company. The hinged would blow up but the protection was awesome. Heavy by todays standards.
CCM Tacks ASV’s size 10.5 STEP steel XS-V
McDavid still rocking the first gen CCM Jetspeed....
Super neat. Creature of habit haha
Kuznetzov used to wear, might still i unsure. But used to wear 3xpros and spray paint them black
Super unique! GearGeek says he switched to HyperLite 2s, but I'm not too sure beyond that
Good. Thanks.
Ok I guess I'll date myself here, I miss my Microns (pause for laughs) yes, do any of you remember them? Loved the fit and the extra big toe protection saved me many times and where a key feature when most everyone wore CCM super tacs.
Cool what were those plastic boots called back in late 70’s? They were popular, I had bauers
Hockey Collective you should do which NHL Players helmets?
Will be doing it at some point soon! Thanks
I have the AS1’s with the new CCM holder
i wear ccm u+ pro since maybe 10 year and I will buy one of the Bauer's, probably hyperlite2
Love it bro
How are we gonna not talk about McDavid rocking 8 year old skates. Also it’s called a tendon guard not a heel flap. Lastly the X5 is not “far from a top of the line skate” they are literally the next step below top of the line.
I miss my Bobby hull ccm skates back in the early 70s
Graf for this guy, 727’s and 705’s sure slightly heavier but worth it
Love my CCM Tacks AS-V’s
Me too! What do you like most about em?
I miss my Grafs
I miss them too