AMAZING SKATE!

I've been skating on AS1's since May and I have nothing but great things to say about those skates. Thing is, I'm just 7 months back in the game from a double hip replacement and the AS1's are super stiff. Great for accelerating...tough on the joints. I got these 2X Pros to alternate, as I'm coaching or playing six days a week. I love these things and they are definitely more comfortable out of the box. I'm about a month with them now and find myself reaching for them for most of my games lately. I'll still alternate, but these are a sweet ride. They may be a tiny bit lighter than the CCM's, but you'd never feel it skating. Great flex profile for me, and I've taken some shots (I'm D) without issue. They fit beautifully with a little punching, but they we're comfortable even before I baked/punched them. I just have "problem areas." The runners are really nice, and while I did put Step Blacksteel in there...I could easily be happy on the LS5's. Anyway, I have skated since the early 70's...all of these newer skates are killer. They aren't going to last for ten + years like the leather/ballistic nylon ones (or look as cool by the fireplace) but one of those weighs as much as a pair of these. That...you will feel out there! Anyway...pro quality wheels, so...no excuses for me.

Perfect Combination of Comfort and Protection

I play defence for the most part with the occasional left wing. I grew up on Cooper pro gloves, and so the four and five roll gloves are my thing. These are those, but much lighter and much less bulky without sacrificing the protection. I'm also using Reebok 5-rolls (for D) and CCM Ultra Tacks (at LW). These are right in between. More mobility than the Bok's and more protective than the Tacks. I don't know how any of them will hold up over time. I had my Cooper's repalmed three times and still have them. I don't see these having that kind of lifespan, but that goes for all of the new gear I suppose...doesn't it? Anyway, these are currently my favorites overall.

My Favorite Pads

So far these are the best pads I have ever tried.

Good protection.

Bought these for 2nd year bantam player. He said they offer significantly more protection although they are definitely heavier than his old pants. He says he can still move just as well so I guess its worth the trade off for the added protection.

Good protection.

Bought these for 2nd year bantam player. He said they offer significantly more protection although they are definitely heavier than his old pants. He says he can still move just as well so I guess its worth the trade off for the added protection.