Hockey Skate Reviews

Bauer Supreme ONE60 LE 2011 Skate Review

2011-12-28T12:35:00.000-08:00

Bauer ONE60 LE 2011 Skate Review

The Bauer Supreme ONE60 LE 2011 skate is essentially the Bauer ONE60 with with blcak on black graphics like the ONE100 LE.

This is a great mid-priced skate with many of the features and much of the performance of Bauer's top-of-the-line skates without the sticker-shock.

These skate offer more than adequate support and performance for recreation to intermediate level of play.

Bauer has used a 3D Trueform PU material in the quarter panel of the one60 skates. This offers a good level of support, with good durability and a clean look. This boot design still offers the great molding properties similar to the rest of the Bauer Supreme line. The Microfiber liner helps control moisture for a better fitting skate.

Here's a quick look at the 2011 ONE60 LE, the technical review on the ONE60 is below.

Bauer ONE60 LE 2011 Features:

Quarter Package: 3D Trueform PU upper

Liner:

Microfiber

Heel Support:

Exterior embossed heel cup

Ankle Padding:

Lightweight Anaform Fit foam ankle pads

Tongue Construction: 40 oz. 2-piece felt with metatarsal guard

Traditional feel that offers additional lace bite protection

Footbed:

Molded with integrated heel support

Outsole: Lightweight, Pro-8 dual density beveled TPU

Blade Holder and Runner:

Tuuk Lightspeed 2
Tuuk super stainless steel runner

Level of Player: Ideal for the recreational to intermediate level player

Weight of a Size 9D Skate: 863 grams

Sizing Guidelines: Bauer skates generally fit 1 1/2 sizes down from your regular shoe size

Fit: General fit aspects of the Supreme boot are medium-high volume, medium ankle area, medium across top of foot and forefoot and medium toe box.

Sizes: Senior 6-12 in D or EE widths

Bauer ONE60 Skate Review

Hand Held Portable Skate Sharpeners

2011-01-05T17:20:00.000-08:00

Hand-held Skate Sharpeners

I usually get my skates sharpened about every 5 or 6 times I play hockey. After about my fourth time out I will usually touch up my skate blades with a sharpening stone, which is basically just a flat file. This takes off the burrs but doesn't really sharpen the blades all that much.

A company called Revol Hockey makes a great portable hand-held skate sharpener called the Raptor.

The Raptor uses ultra hard ceramics that renew your edges by straightening the small burr that was created by using your skates. This produces a new sharp skate edge in much the same way as self-sharpening knives. All you need is two strokes down your blade to sharpen your skates.

Related stories:

Goalie Skate Sharpening

Flat Bottom V - Hockey Skate Sharpening

Goalie Skate Sharpening Techniques

2011-01-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

Goalie Skate Sharpening Techniques

Kevin Woodley at Ingoalmag.com recently wrote a great article called:

Head to toe, equipment a part of Tim Thomas success

In the article Kevin talks about Tim's goalie skate sharpening techniques:

Starting with the bottom, the skates are key to the quickness that has always been key to Thomas’s success. As much as he has added proper leg recoveries and backside butterfly pushes to his arsenal during the last five years (more on that in the above-mentioned article on technique), Thomas recovers to his skates more than anyone in the game not named Brodeur before moving after a save – and usually quicker.

Generating the precision behind these movements – and the power behind pushes that follow, whether into a sprawling headfirst dive like the Save of the Year candidate that earned him this week’s 3 Star nod, or a smooth butterfly slide – are the skates, which Thomas says are custom profiled to a 28-foot radius.

“My hollow is 5/16,” Thomas wrote in an email to InGoal shortly after the game in Toronto on Saturday night. “That’s pretty deep but a lot of NHL goalies are using deeper hollows nowadays. We need it for the big pushes cross crease. I get them sharpened when I have to. I lose edges when hitting the post or sometimes from the sticks of the other team or occasionally my own teammates. Carbon sticks can take an edge off a skate pretty easily. If it’s just an outside edge I usually don’t get them sharpened.”

That’s because even Thomas, for all his wild scrambling, is just like all other goalies in that he only needs that inside edge to push around the ice. And just like all other goalies, he needs to see where he’s going, even if nobody else can sometimes figure out how he’s going to get there. But unlike most other goalies, Thomas played an active role in making sure he can see.

Add that to some pretty impressive feet with some incredibly sharp edges, and there are two more reasons why Thomas is once again the best goaltender in the NHL, and poised to add another Vezina Trophy to the one he won two years ago.

Read the full article at: Head to toe, equipment a part of Tim Thomas success

Related stories:

Goalie Skate Sharpening

Flat Bottom V - Hockey Skate Sharpening

Bauer One60 Goalie Skate Review

2011-01-01T15:23:00.000-08:00

Bauer One60 Goalie Skate Review

The Bauer One60 is their most affordable goalie skate in the Bauer Supreme line. You`ll find many of the same features as the more expensive ONE80 and the ONE100 Pro. The One60 is a great skate if your just starting out in goal, or if you play both out and in goal.

Bauer supreme One60 Features

Redesigned lightweight performance cowling
Extended 40oz tongue
Flex heel tendon collar
Vent Ports for airflow
4mm removable stainless steel runner

Sizes:

Senior 6-12.5, full only; D, EE widths
Junior 1-5.5, full only; D, EE widths
Youth 13, D width

Reebok RBK 7K Pump Skate Review

2010-12-03T18:51:00.000-08:00

Reebok RBK 7K Pump Hockey Skate

The Reebok RBK 7K Pump Skate is a cool looking black & white skate at half the price of the Reebok 11K.

Avaialble in the standard black trim, or white trim (pictured to the right) The RBK 7K Pump has most of the same features of the RBK 11K.

The pump was redesigned this year so it doesn't stick out as far and locks your heel down more securely. It's a nice feel with the 7 ounce felt tongue.

The RBK 7K Pump Skate has the lace lock that allows you to lock of the laces at the ankle, then lace your upper ankle independently from the lower part of your foot. The lace bite guard in the center of the tongue is a nice feature as well.

The 10" steel blade has small sections of the blade removed to decrease the weight and add more flex in the blade which makes it easier to skate faster.

Try Bauer Skates on Tour

2010-11-27T10:41:00.000-08:00

The Bauer Experience Tour

The Bauer Experience tour allows you to try out the latest Bauer gear on ice – for free, including TotalONE skates and Vapour X:60 skates.

Bauer Experience events will also have giveaways, contests for prizes, and product education from our Experience tour reps.

All you have to do is show up prepared to hit the ice and we'll take care of the rest. Check out the Bauer Experience Page for all information including all the stops the tour will be making. Below are a few FAQ's about the event. Hope to see at the rink soon!

In order to try out the BAUER equipment on ice, you need to have skates, gloves and a helmet. No exceptions. We will have these products for you to use, but you should bring your own gear to ensure you can take the ice in case some of the gear is being used.

Here's a list of other Bauer equipment we'll have on hand for you to try out:

-TotalONE Skates

-TotalONE Sticks

-Vapor X:60 Skates

-Vapor X:60 Sticks

-9900 Helmets

-4-Roll Pro Gloves

-Vapor X:60 Gloves

Bauer Supreme One100 LE 2011 Review

2010-08-16T21:44:00.000-07:00

Bauer One100 LE 2011 Review

New for 2011 Bauer has released the limited edition (LE) version of the Supreme ONE100 and ONE60 ice skates. The LE Supreme skates feature a cool black on black look, complete with custom Black Tuuk holders. The Supreme ONE 100 LE skate also features a retro tan colored Clarino liner. All other specs on both models will be identical to the current models.

The Supreme ONE100 LE offers a customizable fit, with lightweight performance improving technology. The uppers of the ONE100 LE skate offers Bauer’s thermoformable ALIVE composite material offering a true custom 360° fit. The ALIVE uppers will form ideally around a medium to wide foot providing a custom fit that will reduce negative space in the boot, improving the player’s fit and ultimately performance on the ice.

Quarter Package: 3D Anaformable ALIVE composite upper

Provides a more comfortable and responsive skate
Thermoformable design allows a true 360° custom fit for any foot shape

Liner:

Hydrophobic Clarino synthetic leather liner

Heel Support:

Exterior 3D injected heel cup
Lightweight Anaform Fit foam ankle pads

Tongue Construction:

52 oz. 2-piece felt with high-density metatarsal guard
Traditional feel that offers additional lace bite protection

Footbed:

Superfit+ with stabilizer grip, ALIVE composite inserts
Outsole: Lightweight full Texalium composite

Blade Holder and Runner:

Tuuk Lightspeed 2
LS2.1 Power stainless steel runner

Bauer Supreme One100 Review

2010-06-05T23:35:00.000-07:00

Bauer Supreme One100 Review

Top of the Line Performance, without the Top of the Line Price.

This new skate from Bauer offers a lot of similar features to last years ONE95 as well as this year's TOTALOne skate.

This is an awesome skate. You get the look and performance of the TOTALOne and save yourself around $200. The major difference between the One100 and the TOTALOne is the tradtional tongue, as opposed to the TOTALOne's customizable Reflex Tongue and the LS2.1 Power-steel runner as opposed to the TOTALOne's fusion hybrid metal. Last year this was only seen on the one95. This is a slightly longer steel to offer superior glide in each stride.

The Supreme one100 offers a customizable fit, with lightweight performance improving technology. The uppers of the ONE100 skate offers Bauer’s thermoformable ALIVE composite material offering a true custom 360° fit. The ALIVE uppers will form ideally around a medium to wide foot providing a custom fit that will reduce negative space in the boot, improving the player’s fit and ultimately performance on the ice.

Quarter Package: 3D Anaformable ALIVE composite upper

Provides a more comfortable and responsive skate
Thermoformable design allows a true 360° custom fit for any foot shape

Liner:

Hydrophobic Clarino synthetic leather liner

Heel Support:

Exterior 3D injected heel cup
Lightweight Anaform Fit foam ankle pads

Tongue Construction:

52 oz. 2-piece felt with high-density metatarsal guard
Traditional feel that offers additional lace bite protection

Footbed:

Superfit+ with stabilizer grip, ALIVE composite inserts
Outsole: Lightweight full Texalium composite

Blade Holder and Runner:

Tuuk Lightspeed 2
LS2.1 Power stainless steel runner

The Thermablade Story

2010-05-31T18:58:00.000-07:00

Tory Weber worked the midnight shift monitoring the boiler room in the basement of a posh hotel in Banff National Park. It was a boring job for a college student in his early 20s, but the pay, and the dollar-a-day room and meals, made it hard for him to quit, especially with a new silver Mazda RX7 parked outside.

So Weber put his feet up on the desk, his hands behind his head, and thought, "God, you'd just about have to kill me for me to change my life."

Seconds later, a chunk of concrete fell from the ceiling, which was being remodeled. It severed the hotel's main gas line, just 20 feet from Weber's desk. Natural gas hissed out of the punctured 1-inch steel line near two flame-shooting boilers.

Firefighters said it was pure luck the hotel didn't explode. For Weber, that second chance was a catalyst to follow a dream hatched in childhood.

Inspired by Spud Gun

A few years before the hotel incident, Weber had an idea that stemmed from another accident. Painful, but not nearly as dangerous. It was a cold February day at his parents' house in Calgary. He stepped into his shoes, which had been sitting on a heat vent, and walked out onto the icy stairs to get the evening newspaper. His warm shoes melted the ice and sent him reeling onto his rear end.

The same thermodynamics class that eventually landed him the boiler room job made Weber ponder the effect his heated shoes had on the ice. Like most men in Canada, Weber had grown up with a stick and a puck and a number of idols in the NHL. As Weber nursed his aching back, the idea struck him: What would happen if hockey players could skate on heated blades?

More at: The Thermablade Story

Easton Stealth S9 Ice Hockey Skate Review

2010-04-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

The Easton Stealth S9 Ice Hockey Skate is the top level traditionally constructed skate by Easton. The HyperLite composite quarter panels offers ideal support. The S9 ice skate has some of the same comfort and performance features of the S17 and S9 ice skates making this skate ideal for the intermediate player.

The reality is that most rec hockey players (including myself) don't need the top-of-the-line skates to perform to the best of their abilities. I always look for the best bang-for-my-buck in all my hockey equipment, and skates are no exception.

You can easily find able to find a pair of Easton Stealth S9 Ice Skates for under $200. Chances are you'll score just as many goals as with theEaston S17s and you'll save yourself $200 - $300.

UniBody™ Construction - Easton's properietary skate construction. The entire skate is assembled and shaped as one unit rather than in separate parts

HyperLite composite quarters - Ideal support for interemdiate level of play
Metallic mesh exterior - Offers a durable exterior

Stealth Padlock heel retention system- Eliminates heel slippage by anatomically locking the ankle into place, filling any negative space and giving energy return

InTS integrated tendon structure - Soft support to protect the back of your foot

Bio-Dri™ woven microfiber liner and footbed - Provides comfort and moisture reduction

Dry Flow™ liner - Drainage system on the sole of the skate. Releases moisture and excess heat created during play. Skates stay dryer resulting in lighter, better fitting skates

Injected abrasion guard in high wear areas for added durability

Heat Moldable

Razor Bladz II holder with stainless steel runners

Parabolic runners allows the steel to arc during turns improving energy return and creating faster, sharper turns
High quality Swedish Stainless Steel
Secure and easy to use 2 sided hardware system

Weight of a Size 9D Skate: 890.18 grams

Ideal for the intermediate level player

Sizes: Senior 6 – 12.5 in regular D width and the wider EE width

Easton skates generally fit 1/2 sizes down from your regular shoe size

RBK 11K Pump White

2010-04-24T23:02:00.000-07:00

Reebok Releases White 11K Pump

RBK Hockey releases the White 11K Pump skate on April 14th 2010. The white version is available in senior, junior and youth sizes — and in an optional “D/AA” width to accommodate the fit needs of more players.

The Canadian-made 11K Pump debuted at retailers across North America.The skate has grabbed plenty of attention such as notable NHL rookie and Reebok Hockey team member Matt Duchene.

The 11K’s design includes an improved Pump-inflated air bladder that molds to a skater’s foot — no matter what the shape — for a customized fit. The result: Players aren’t just upgrading to the 11K from other Reebok models, but switching from other brands, including 50 NHL players to date since January 1st, 2010.

The Pump concept has been optimized for 2010; Reebok has moved the Pump slightly in the boot to improve the flow of air to and control of the internal Pump chamber. This eliminates natural gaps around the ankle to keep a player’s foot in place, enhance heel lock and forward flex, and improve stability.

Reebok skates normally are constructed on a “D/A” last. The wider “D” sizing is in the forefoot and narrower “A” is found in the heel. The “D/AA” pattern on the 11K is slightly narrower in the heel.

“Players are putting their feet in our skate and the comfort level is winning them over,” Andrew Stewart, Reebok’s skate product manager said. “We’re hearing that the 11K is the most comfortable skate out of the box. For some players, the narrower ‘AA’ heel improves fit and performance even more.”

Can't afford the Reebok 11K? Go for the Reebok 9K.

Easton Synergy EQ5 Skate Review

2010-04-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

Easton Synergy EQ5

Easton has developed a new skate for 2010 called Synergy EQ5. This skate will offer a completely new design and fit from Easton’s current line. The EQ5 skate is labeled as the powerful and comfortable skate within Easton’s top skates.

The Synergy EQ5 is built with Easton’s new Hybrid Fusion technology. This technology allows Easton to laminate a supportive, composite outer upper with formable, inner foam. Easton has used an EPP base for its lightweight and supportive properties, and a PU outer coating for great durability. The resulting upper offers such a solid feel that the skate doesn’t require any added plastic stiffeners. This allows the EQ5 to have what Easton refers to as a Global Flex. Meaning the upper flexes uniformly, not focused, therefore there is less breakdown of the uppers. As well, without plastic inserts, the EQ5 remains competitively lightweight while delivering pro-level support.

As for the out of the box fit, the EQ5 offers Easton’s Ideal-Fit System. This system encompasses the foot with anatomically molded foams. Easton went with molded foams to greatly increase the initial comfort of the skate, and to accommodate foot types that just didn’t fit properly in the stealth series. The width of the skate is on the wide side so it’s very accommodating. And without plastic stiffeners, the EQ5 is easily heat moldable to offer that tight, custom fit or just accommodate a unique foot shape. For the tongue, Easton has gone with a traditional felt tongue that has molded HD foam insert for protection.

The Synergy EQ5 will be complete with Easton’s innovative DryFlow outsole. DryFlow outsoles feature vents, which release moisture and excess heat. This allows the skate to remain dryer which will help keep the skate lighter late in the game. As well, removing excess moisture will increase the lifetime of the skate. Connected to the outsole is Easton’s Razor-Bladz2 holder with an Elite Runner.

The Easton Synergy EQ5 skate is built for the advanced level skater that’s looking for a medium to wide overall fit, similar to a Reebok or Bauer Supreme fit. The EQ5 is built to have above average mold ability, like a CCM U+ skate.

You can buy the Easton Synergy EQ5 skate online at IceWarhouse.com.

Power and comfort are combined in the new Synergy® EQ by mixing a fully heat formable upper with composite reinforcements.

EQ skates fit like a glove and make players feel powerful and confident in their skates.

COMPOSITE ENERGY RETURN A strategically-placed framework of composite reinforcement optimizes response and long-term performance consistency

HEAT MOLDABLE PERFORMANCE Lightweight, fully-moldable Fusion Foam quarters form to your foot for a customizable fit

IDEAL-FIT SYSTEM This fit system for Synergy® skates encompasses the foot with thermally activated, anatomical ankle foams and an extremely comfortable felt-based tongue

TEXALIUM COMPOSITE OUTSOLE This new lightweight, stiff design adds composite power and Easton’s Dry Flow™ sets the standard for improved moisture management

Rollerguards: Convert Ice Skates into Roller Skates

2010-04-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

RollerGard Ice Skate Guards

A Saginaw Michigan man has a new invention that he hopes will help revolutionize the game. It's called "Rollergard."

It's a new a hockey product that Paul Steinhauser dreamed up during a deep sleep in Davison.

"I don't know, it just came to me," he said. "I have a little workshop behind the house, so I just started tinkering with it."

Following five years of tinkering, Rollergard has now been on the market for two weeks.

Rollergard converts any children's sized ice hockey skate into a roller skate and saves the cost of buying both. It also allows busy parents to help their kids lace up before heading to the rink.

"I would like to be able to dress him at home and get his skates good and tight and roll on into the arena," Steinhauser said.

The design also allows coaches to run their kids through practice drills in parking lots or hallways. It's earned a ringing endorsement from former Red Wing Chris Chelios.

More at: Convert Ice Skates into Roller Skates

Bauer TotalONE Skate Review

2010-02-21T11:52:00.000-08:00

The Bauer Supreme TotalONE Skate

On Feb 17, 2010 Bauer officially launched the BAUER SUPREME TOTALONE Skate, the company's most advanced skate in its 83-year history. The skate debuted during the first day of men's ice hockey competition in Vancouver as several of the game's top players took to the ice in Bauer's most revolutionary skate to date.

The TOTALONE features anatomically correct Alive Composite in the upper and insole to provide the utmost in efficiency and responsiveness - with a weight below 700 grams, it's a 100g lighter than the ONE95. The skate can be heated and customized around the ankle and heel, providing a true 360-degree fit for any foot shape.

The TOTALONE also features the Reflex Tongue, the first-ever customizable tongue that allows players to customize the flex and performance of the tongue for the utmost in personalization. The skate comes with three different composite tongue inserts (Mid, Stiff, X-Stiff) that can be interchanged based on player preference.

The Reflex Tongue and the Alive Composite combined with technological enhancements within the skate's tendon guard, create a slingshot effect that propels players forward, especially in the all-important first stride.

The SUPREME TOTALONE also features TUUK LS Fusion - Bauer's lightest and most advanced runner in the company's history. The revolutionary runner design fuses the strength and performance of Bauer's elite stainless steel with high-grade aluminum to reduce weight by 27 percent while delivering increased speed and power.

Rounding out the features of the SUPREME TOTALONE skate is Total Edge Comfort, a padded overlay located high on the ankle to alleviate abrasions during the break-in period. Once only available as a custom option for elite NHL players, Total Edge Comfort is now available on every pair of SUPREME TOTALONE skates.

Reebok Hockey 11K Pump Skate Review

2010-01-16T14:15:00.000-08:00

The Reebok 11K Pump Ice Skate is the third generation pump skate from Reebok Hockey - their lightest skate ever.

In 1989, Reebok introduced the original Pump high-top basketball shoe and within four years sold more than 20 million pairs.

20 years later we have the the new and improved Pump Air Bladder which minimizes gaps around the foot. They moved it 1/2” back in the boot, allowing air to flow into the pump chamber a little easier.

The heel lock system has been stepped up with better ankle support and enhanced forward flex giving you more power and speed in your stride. The felt foam hybrid pro tongue also helps keep your foot locked-n and fully stabilized.

The 11K Pump Skate also includes a lightweight core and durable outer shell designed to resist cuts and abrasions while controlling flex and torsion called Pro Armour IV.

You also have Reebok’s own Skatelock which is a metal loop outside the normal eyelets for your laces that allows you to lock in the lower laces once you tighten them the way you like, and tighten the top three laces on their own. Nice feature.

The black version is out now, and the white version of the 11K Pump skate worn by Matt Duchene will be available as of April 2010.

Pump it UP!

Order from Amazon at Reebok 11K Pump Ice Skate

Can't afford the Reebok 11K? Get the Reebok 9K.on sale.

Reebok 11K Pump Skate at the 2010 NHL Winter Classic

2010-01-10T18:33:00.000-08:00

The all new highly anticipated 11K Pump Skate hit the ice at the 2010 NHL Winter Classic on January 1st.

Fitted to 5 Boston Bruins players including alumni Bobby Orr who participated in the ceremonial face-off, and current roster players Patrice Bergeron, Marc Savard, Johnny Boychuk and Dennis Wideman.

The 11K made a big splash on and off the ice with in-stadium Reebok branding as well as 2 Billboards in Boston and Philladelphia.

Flat Bottom V - FBV Skate Sharpening

2010-01-08T16:20:00.000-08:00

Since the Flat Bottom V technique was introduced about a year ago, players on over 20 of the N.H.L.'s 30 teams have switched from the traditional sharpening method to FBV.

The list includes Zach Parise of the Devils, Joe Thornton and Rob Blake of the San Jose Sharks, Jason Arnott of the Nashville Predators, Milan Michalek of the Ottawa Senators and Doug Weight of the Islanders.

Conventional skate sharpening uses a grinding stone that creates a concave arc in the bottom of the blade. The FBV method provides a sharper bite on turns and a freer glide in straight-ahead skating.

The flat-bottom V uses specially made spinners to carve out tiny fangs along the skate blade's ridges that bite into the ice for turns. The flat bottom between the fangs, similar to the flat cut of a speedskater's blade, puts more of the blade's surface in contact with the ice and is supposed to increase speed.

2” Radius

The most common choice of Radius of Hollow (ROH) for hockey players is 1/2". According to a recent study of all NHL players 47% choose to skate on a 1/2" ROH. The next most common ROH in the NHL is 5/8" ROH.

The FBV is quite different from the circular hollow. With the flatness of close to a 2” radius, skaters will notice more speed and less drag and they’ll notice the glide is a lot longer. With the FBV, skaters will see a decrease in the number of strides necessary to get from end to end. The result of this combination is more speed and solid edges to bite during turn.

Blackstone Introduces: The Flat Bottom"V" from Chris Labbate on Vimeo.

Most skate sharpening machines can be retro-fitted to use the FBV spinner attachment. Contact skate sharpening machine manufactures Blackstone Sports for more info.

Goalie Skate Sharpening Techniques

2010-01-08T15:55:00.000-08:00

Goalie Skate Sharpening

As most goalies are butterfly goalies, they are sharpening their skates with deeper hollows than in the past. Most goalies now sharpen their skates with a 5/8", 1/2", or sometimes even a 3/8" hollow. Younger goalies should use a flatter hollow: either 3/4" or 1".

Butterfly goaltending demands a lot of bite for lateral movement, and while it does place extra demands on your legs while shuffling, the ability to sustain a greater angle of attack from skate to ice pays huge dividends when it comes to your butterfly slide, down-pushing, and backside recoveries. It always boils down to personal preference - go with what you're comfortable with.

Here's a closer look at some of the tools used to sharpen Goalie skates.

Easton S17 BLACK LIMITED EDITION

2009-12-28T18:17:00.000-08:00

EASTON S17 BLACK LIMITED EDITION COMPOSITE SKATE

A one-piece composite boot form that maximizes energy return to give you explosive speed on the ice. Easton calls this 'Coil Technology' and claims to be twice as responsive as traditional skates which rely on plastic.

Coil Technology™ carbon fiber composite boot form with Dry Flow™
tealth Pad-Lock™ – molded anatomical ankle shape locks down heel for increased power
Pro-style white felt tongue with flexible lace-bite protection
Bio-Dri® Clarino Nash brushed liner provides grip and classic feel
Injected abrasion guard in high wear areas for improved durability
Composite toecap fully covered with longer-lasting Vibram® rubber guard
Injected abrasion guard in high wear areas for improved durability
ELITE runner is both lightweight and stiff like full steel

Promo Video:

Order from Amazon at:
Easton Stealth S17 Black Ice Skates [SENIOR]
Easton Stealth S17 Black Ice Skates [JUNIOR]

Bauer Vapor X60 LE

2009-12-28T18:07:00.000-08:00

Bauer Vapor X60 LE Hockey Skates

Basically a limited edition X60 in cool looking black.

Ultra-light tech mesh with thermoformed X-rib pattern
Bauer HYDRA MAX liner
Patented pro-integrated, anatomical heel and ankle support
New lightweight dual-density foam ankle pads
Formfit 2 molded tongue, with lace bite channel, abrasion resistant material, and HD metatarsal guard
Superfit+ with grip, moisture management, heel stabilizer and comfort pad
Full carbon composite Outsole
Tuuk Lightspeed 2 with LS2 stainless steel runner

Reebok 11K

2009-12-28T17:56:00.000-08:00

Rumor has it there will be 2 color versions of the new Reebok 11K Ice Skate: black with white trim, and black with black trim. There should also be more foot width combinations, rather than a one size fits all, like most skates.

Available in stores Jan 15, 2010

Enter to win a pair at reebokhockey.com.

NHL Looking at Plastic Skate Shields

2009-12-12T12:54:00.000-08:00

NHL examining plastic skate shields, soft-cap shoulder pads, better helmets as solutions to wave of injuries sweeping up star players early in the season

Kris King, the NHL's senior director of hockey operations, had what at first appears to be an odd looking piece of equipment on his desk in Toronto this week.

It's a clear, plastic shield, shaped like a skate boot, complete with lace holes and Velcro fasteners. The function is obvious: To help prevent foot injuries.

The shield is one of several new innovations surfacing as the pro game deals with a rash of injuries that are claiming star players.

King, as he always does with new equipment developments, will give the shield careful consideration. He's not out to endorse it, just clear it so players and executives can be assured the shield is functional, but won't radically alter the game.

The shield was brought to King by Detroit equipment manager Paul Boyer, who currently has three players wearing them: Nik Kronwall, Patrick Eaves and Brad Stuart.

Source: The Star.com

Bauer Vapor X60 Skate Review

2009-04-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

Bauer Vapor X60 Skate

New for 2009, the Bauer Vapor X60 is the Bauer's Top of the Line Vapor skate. Designed for skilled players or larger players that play 2 or 3 times per week, the Vapor X60 is built with Bauer's toughest materials.

While not the absolute lightest skate on the market, it is still extremely light. weight will definitely NOT be a problem with this skate.

The special HYDRA MAX liner is designed to wick the moisture away from your foot, keeping your feet cool and dry. It will really lock your heel in place and keep it there.

They've also re-designed the foot-bed to alleviate many of the pressure points under your foot, especially in your heel.

Ultra-light tech mesh with thermoformed X-rib pattern
Bauer HYDRA MAX liner
Patented pro-integrated, anatomical heel and ankle support
New lightweight dual-density foam ankle pads
Formfit 2 molded tongue, with lace bite channel, abrasion resistant material, and HD metatarsal guard
Superfit+ with grip, moisture management, heel stabilizer and comfort pad
Full carbon composite Outsole
Tuuk Lightspeed 2 with LS2 stainless steel runner

The Pros' Love it!

A Closer Look Inside:

To Buy from Amazon, click: Bauer Vapor X60

How to Buy Hockey Skates

2009-01-23T14:49:00.000-08:00

Your skates are your most important, most expensive piece of hockey equipment you will own. To get the most out of your time on the ice, take the time find the best skates for your feet, and and your skating ability.

Sizes

The first thing you learn about Hockey Skates is that the sizes are not the same as your shoe size. Hockey skates will often fit 1, or even 2 sizes less than your shoe size. It's not uncommon for someone who wears a size 9 shoe to where a size 8 skate. As each manufacture has slightly different sizes. Let your pro shop know your shoe size, and he will bring you out the closest skate size for each make of skate. You still may have to move up or down a half-size, but you shouldn't be too far off.

Socks

Bring the socks you plan to wear on the ice with you to try on skates. If you don't wear socks when you play, bring a thin nylon sock, like a dress sock. Nobody wants to buy a new pair of skates once somebody else's bare foot has been in it.

While skating 'commando' may give you a better feel for the ice (it seem to work for Bobby Orr), keep in mind your skates will wear out faster as more bacteria infested sweat will be absorbed into the boot. Be sure to air them out after every game.

How to Try on Hockey skates

Once your foot is in the skate, kick back on your heel to lock your heel into the back of the skate.
Lace up the skates as if you were going on the ice. Your big toe should barely touch to front of the skate. If your toes are jammed into the front of the skate, try a larger size.
Stand up and bend at your ankles and knees. Your toes should pull back completely away from the front of the skate. If they are still touching, you likely need to go up a half-size.
The skate should feel snug on all sides. Having consistent contact around your entire foot will give you greater control, and a more immediate response from your foot, to the boot, to the blade, to the ice.
Walk around a bit to make sure your heel stays locked in, and there are no uncomfortable pressure points on either foot.
If your skate feels too tight on the sides, but your toe is just grazing the front of the skate, try a wider skate, like a 'D' in the same size, rather than moving up a size.

Skating Ability

Within a line of any brand of skates, the top of line will be the stiffest skate designed for elite players. If you're just learning to skate, or even if you're an intermediate skater, buying the most expensive skate will not improve your skating. Most manufactures carry a full range of models at various price points and stiffness that will match your skating ability.

Don't just buy a particular model or brand because that's what your favorite NHL Player wears. Pros get their skate boots custom made, so even if you buy the same model, it's not the same skate.

Buy the skate with the best fit for your foot and your skating ability.

Thermablade Skate Blades Review

2009-01-15T13:51:00.000-08:00

While Thermablade has yet to obtain approval from the NHLPA, there's a chance the AHL players might start heating up the ice.

On Jan. 25, Thermablade's Tory Weber meets with the AHL board of governors to pitch his product.

Thermablades are a heated skateblade powered by a battery. The theory is that the reduced friction of the blade gliding on the ice will allow you to skate faster, with less effort.

"Skating is possible because there is always a thin layer of water on the ice surface. By warming the steel blade the microscopic layer of water is increased and numerous skating benefits are realized for hockey players."

Thermablade Battery

The batteries are designed to give you least 75 minutes of ice time between charges. The battery automatically shuts off when you are not on the ice, the reheats back up to 5°Celcius when you're back on the ice. They can usually be recharged within an hour, 2 hours if the battery is fully drained. The extra components are fully waterproof and only add about an ounce of weight to the skate.

More videos from Hockey US.

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RBK 9K Pump

2009-01-10T14:43:00.000-08:00

RBK 9K Pump Features

Perforated pro carbon anatomical ankle support
Full-length comfort foam and lightweight
HD molded foam saddle lace-bite guard combined with a foam-felt tongue to maximize comfort and forward flex.

PLAYDRY water repellent.
CLARINO liner delivers comfort and features anti-microbial.
ULTRA FRESH treatment.
PRO ARMOUR delivers 50% more protection and maximizes durability.
MICROTEX gloss embossed trims maximize abrasion resistance and durability.
THRUSTER footbed features FibreGrip topcloth and moisture management.
Lightweight low profile overmolded bi-composite perforated outsole minimizes mass, maximizes energy transfer and delivers a reactive feel.
RBK E-BLADE PRO blade holder maximizes energy transfer and features easy runner attachment.
PROFORMANCE Lite Stainless runner.

More videos from Hockey US.

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Easton Stealth S15 Composite

2009-01-10T12:26:00.001-08:00

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CCM Vector 10 Hockey Skates SR.

2009-01-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

F-I-T-SYSTEM® CCM® F-I-T-SYSTEM® combines heat and pressure for a “gapless” customized fit.

Support

Lightweight pro carbon perforated anatomical ankle support delivers performance pro players demand Ankle Pads Pro comfort plus foams immediately form to the ankles eliminating break-in Tongue Anatomical Foam-felt tongue features lightweight high-density molded foam “saddle” lace-bite guard that delivers comfort and forward flex

Liner

ULTIMA DRY™ anti-microbial ULTRA FRESH† liner for an optimal blend of comfort, durability and moisture management Quarter New pro Agility Bands and lightweight pro metal-mesh maximize durability.

Trims

Lightweight MICROTEX† trims maximize abrasion resistance and long-term durability Footbed ULTIMA DRY™ footbed features a lightweight natural 3D heel cup and moisture management

Outsole

TEXALIUM† MATRIX COMPOSITE perforated outsole minimizes mass and maximizes energy transfer Holder CCM® E-BLADE™ PRO blade holder maximizes energy transfer and features user friendly replaceable runner.

Runner

PROformance Lite™ Stainless features optimized mass reducing scallops

Sizes

Senior: 6-12 Full/Half C, D, E 13 Full E Junior: 1-5.5 Full/Half D, E Youth: 8-9 Full D 10-13.5 Full/Half D

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Nike Bauer Supreme 70 Hockey Skates SR.

2009-01-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

Upper Features Quarter Package: Sublimated ultra-light Tech Mesh Lining Material: Hydrophobic Clarino synthetic leather Heel Support; Exterior heel wedge

Ankle Support: Patented pro-integrated, anatomical heel/ankle support

Ankle Padding: Lightweight Insta-form+ foam ankle pads

Tongue Construction: Anatomical molded tongue with high-density metatarsal guard

Footbed: Grip power channel construction

Thermoformable: Full upper Lower Features

Outsole: Perforated, full composite Blade Holder and Runner: Tuuk Lightspeed 2 POWER with solid steel runner

Manufacture recommend 1 sizes smaller than your shoe size

Post Your reviews for this skate in the comments.

Patrick Kane Autographed Hockey Skates

2009-01-05T09:44:00.000-08:00

Patrick Kane Winter Classic Limited Edition Skates at NHL Auctions.com.

Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane partnered with Bauer Hockey to personally design skates and sticks for use during the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic 2009 held at Wrigley Field in Chicago on New Year’s Day.

Only 88 skates and 88 sticks were created for this special event and Kane has personally signed each and is auctioning off a limited number of skates and sticks to raise money for breast cancer research in Chicago and his home town of Buffalo.

Each skate and stick auctioned has been personally signed by Kane, individually numbered and accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Kane and Bauer Hockey.

Patrick Personally-Designed Skates

2008-12-24T13:55:00.000-08:00

CHICAGO, Dec. 23 /PRNewswire/—Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane will unveil and use personally-designed skates and sticks during the upcoming Bridgestone NHL 2009 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field in Chicago on New Year’s Day.

Kane, working with designers and developers at Bauer Hockey, designed the skates and stick this past summer for exclusive use during the outdoor game. Only 88 skates and 88 sticks were created for this special event and Kane will personally sign and auction off a portion of the limited edition product to raise money for breast Cancer research in Chicago and his home town of Buffalo.

“It’s something I’ve been interested in from the beginning - designing your own skates and stick is a pretty unique experience,” Kane said. “It’s really exciting to look at a skate and design it to exactly how you want it to be made. To be able to give back to the community makes the whole experience even more special.”

The Nike Bauer Vapor XXXX skates designed by Kane feature the traditional black, white and red colors of the retro Blackhawks uniforms that will be worn during the game. The skates feature white patent leather tongues and a unique Patrick Kane logo exclusively created for the limited edition product. The word “Showtime” is printed on the tendon guard of the skate, referring to the high level of anticipation for the outdoor game as well as Kane’s exciting style of play. The Kane-designed Nike Bauer Supreme One95 stick is completely red and features the same logo design as well as a “Candy Kane” pattern to celebrate the holiday season. In addition, ‘Winter Classic PK88’ is written in the stick’s namebar to commemorate the memorable outdoor game.

“The skates and stick are the colors of the Blackhawks and should go well with the uniform, but at the same time, it’s a little bit of showtime,” Kane said. “Hopefully when I step out onto the ice, people will say ‘Oh wow, look at the skates Kane’s wearing.’ I’m fortunate enough to be the only one wearing these designs so it makes playing in the game even more exciting. You know the old saying, ‘Look good, feel good, play good.’”

Each skate and stick auctioned will be personally signed by Kane, individually numbered and accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Kane and Bauer Hockey. To access the online auction, which will run from Jan 1-10, 2009, visit NikeBauer.com

Bauer One95 Hockey Skate Review

2008-11-12T15:30:00.000-08:00

Bauer One95 Hockey Skate Review

Buy from Amazon at Bauer Supreme One95 Ice Skates

Looking for a less expensive skate? Check out the Bauer Hockey ONE15 Senior Ice Hockey Skate

Leave Your review of this skate in the comments.

CCM Vector U+ Pro

2008-11-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

U FOAM
Space age foam that becomes your foot's best friend

ROCKET RUNNER
Fast feet from weight reduction where it matters most

LIGHTWEIGHT MOLDED TONGUE
Low profile lace bite protection fuses to the foot

LIGHTWEIGHT CARBON COMPOSITE OUTSOLE
Maximum energy transfer

ULTIMA DRY® LINER WITH ANTI-MICROBIAL TREATMENT
Quick drying moisture wicking liner

SR: 6-12 C,D,E Full/Half 13 E Full
JR: 1-3 D,E Full 4-5.5 D,E Full/Half
YTH: 8-9 D Full 10-13 D Full/Half

More videos from Hockey US.

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How to Take Care of Your Skates Video

2008-10-03T15:36:00.000-07:00

Bauer Buys Mission-Itech

2008-09-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Bauuer has just bought up rival Mission-Itech Hockey. All future products will be branded exclusively Bauer Hockey. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, as both companies are private.

Bauer Hockey is a "three to four" times larger organization with a larger infrastructure capable of handling many of Mission-Itech's capabilities, Davis explained in an interview yesterday.

The companies sell complementary products. Bauer is the leader in skates while Mission-Itech is the leader in facemasks, goal equipment and other protective gear, the company said.

Bauer had just under half the global market for hockey gear with between $200 million and $225 million a year in sales before buying Mission-Itech, Bauer spokesperson Steve Jones said in an interview yesterday.

Roustan was born in Sherbrooke, Que., and grew up in Montreal playing hockey from the age of 3, according to his company's website. The company, Roustan Capital, makes investments of up to $300 million. He teamed up with Kohlberg & Co., a U.S.-based private equity firm, to buy Bauer back from Nike earlier this year. (in 2004, Mission Hockey merged with Itech Hockey.)

NIKE Sells off Bauer Hockey

2008-02-22T13:31:00.000-08:00

Big News from Nikebiz

On Feb 21 Nike announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to sell its Bauer Hockey subsidiary to an investor group led by Kohlberg & Company and Canadian businessman W. Graeme Roustan for $200 million in cash.

Nike originally paid $430 million for Bauer. Ouch.

"We're pleased to have reached an agreement for Bauer with strategic buyers who have a passion for hockey and are committed to continue to invest in Bauer's long-term growth and brand leadership," said Nike, Inc. President and CEO Mark Parker. "Nike Bauer Hockey has been part of the Nike family for 12 years, and its team has done an incredible job. Selling this great hockey company was a tough decision but one that was in the best interests of Nike and Bauer as we each look to maximize our respective growth opportunities."

Under the terms of the deal, Bauer will continue to use the Nike Bauer Hockey trademark on existing products for a period of up to two years.

Thermablades Receive Bad Reviews

2008-02-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

Gretzky's blades a dud.

NHL union balks at endorsing $400 Thermablades after receiving bad reviews from 4 of 5 athletes.

Of the five players who were sent the heated blades – Toronto's Mark Bell, Chicago's Martin Lapointe, Detroit's Kris Draper, Edmonton's Marty Reasoner and Calgary's Matthew Lombardi – Reasoner is the only player who professed liking the blades.

While Therma Blade received approvals for its blades from the NHL, Hockey Canada and USA Hockey months ago, the poor reviews from Draper and Lapointe have prompted the NHLPA to balk at signing off on the fledgling product.

And without the approval of the players' union, the heated blades, which are attached to boots of existing skates, would no longer be able to be used in NHL games, which would be a key marketing tool for the Quebec company.

Sam McCoubrey, Therma Blade's VP of sales and marketing, said they have sold 2,500 pairs of blades to Canadian and U.S. stores. He also said the company would try to persuade other NHLers to test the blades.

5 years and 5 million dollars in R&D?

How Hockey Skates are Made Video

2008-01-22T14:27:00.000-08:00

Interesting video on how Hockey Skates are made.

From the "How it's Made" show on the Discovery Channel

Coming Soon!!

2008-01-09T12:56:00.000-08:00