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The Future of Skate Fitting: TRUE/VH Custom Hockey Skates
Holding a bachelor’s of Science Degree and Masters in Biomechanics from the University of Calgary, former Canadian National team speed skater Scott Van Horne (VH) is the brain behind the new TRUE Pro Custom hockey and goalie skate. The monocoque skate design creates a skate that fits like a second skin on your foot, with no wasted space within the boot. Everything about these skates is unique. From being the first, truly 100% custom built for YOUR feet skates to each pair being handcrafted in Canada. The custom True/VH Skates come in both player and goalie options:
PRO CUSTOM PLAYER SKATE – Junior/Senior:
- Patented TRUE MonoForm, monocoque design yields more direct power transfer and unmatched control while in stride or using your edges.
- Built from the inside out using a custom 3D foot last shaped to the individual skater’s foot, the thermoformed boot locks in the foot, eliminating loss of energy and producing unrivaled power, comfort, and control. A truly pain-free skating experience for anyone with foot issues.
- The patented TRUE tendon guard provides optimized flexibility and stability in every stride for a more direct and fluid power transfer.
- The strategically placed eyelets unlock an optimized knee-forward position, facilitating natural and more direct energy transfer and maximum power in every stride.
- The antimicrobial and hydrophobic liner wicks moisture to the venting holes to keep the feet dry and comfortable.
- Averaging 18 seconds per holder, BenchChange technology allows for fast blade replacement via TRUE’s magnetized blade change tool provided with each pair of skates.
- Made in Canada with only the finest raw materials, the best-in-class StepSteel blade carves through the ice with precision and power.
PRO CUSTOM GOALIE 2-PIECE SKATE – Senior
- Lightweight, Forward Pitch, Taller Attack Angle
- With greater clearance from the ice, achieve an optimized attack angle, deeper stance, and maintained edges before committing to a shooter.
- Formed with the monocoque shell, the patented TRUE ToeCap provides superior comfort and unrivaled protection.
- Strategically placed eyelets put goalies in the deepest attack position, facilitating natural and more direct energy transfer when moving laterally.
PRO CUSTOM GOALIE 1-PIECE SKATE – Senior
- Zero Energy Loss, Neutral Pitch, Lower Attack Angle
- Strategically placed eyelets put goalies in the deepest attack position, facilitating natural and more direct energy transfer when moving laterally.
- Formed with the monocoque shell, the patented TRUE ToeCap provides superior comfort and unrivaled protection.
- One piece molded design leads to zero loss of energy and responsive power transfer allowing goalies to get across the crease faster. The lower profile also assists with maintaining edges before committing to the shooter.
- Without a traditional cowling the boot allows for a lower position to the ice for heightened feel, maximum control, and improved attack angle.
Come on in or talk to one of the experts at Sports Etc to arrange for your 3D, true custom fit scan today and be one of the first to experience a #TrueFit!
Product Review: Bauer Vapor 1X Lite Hockey Sticks. What’s Lighter…?
Bauer has launched it’s newest stick, the 2017/2018 Vapor 1X Lite. How light is it? So light it feels like nothing! So light it will have you asking “What’s Lighter”?
- 15 GRAMS LIGHTER: The Advanced Carbon Layering (ACL) is a new, innovative design using thinner, stronger internal carbon fiber layers in the stick blade, which has helped create the lightest stick ever — 15 grams lighter than the previous 1X.
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11% FASTER RELEASE: With the weight savings provided by ACL technology, the VAPOR 1X Lite delivers an 11% improvement in taper recoil — which means an 11% faster release for you, and 11% less time for goalies to react to your shot.
- 20% INCREASE in BLADE STABILITY: The 2017 VAPOR 1X Lite features new QRT+ technology, which uses extra carbon fiber layers to reinforce the taper zone where the shaft becomes the blade. The result is 20% increased blade stability from the previous 1X stick, giving you better one-timers and pass control.
Sports Etc Performance to Value Rating: 9 out of 10: Bauer has hit another home run with the release of their newest Vapor 1x Lite hockey stick. Many stick manufacturers will argue that they make the lightest stick on the market today, but the new 1X Lite is truly the lightest stick we have ever felt. If you are in the market for a quick-release, low kick-point stick– this is the perfect stick for you.
Introducing the Bauer 3D Skate Lab
New to Sports Etc, the Bauer 3D Skate Lab introduces a whole new process for custom skate fitting. The custom foot scanner uses state-of-the-art, foot-to-skate data and algorithms to create a 3D image of your foot. Based on the length, width and depth characteristics of your foot profile, this foot scanner recommends a Bauer hockey skate that is most appropriate for your foot. The 3D skate imager personalizes skate specs and tracks your skate history to improve fit and performance throughout your career. The 3-step process is simple:
Scan: The process begins with a 3D scan of your foot using numerous digital cameras that capture images from every possible angle of your foot. These images take into account length, width, depth, hot spots, etc.
Analyze: This foot data is then collected and uploaded instantaneously to an iPad station that is connected to the lab. The data is used to recommend one of the 3 Bauer skate families: Vapor, Supreme & Nexus.
Fit: Last, but not least and without a doubt the most important part of the whole custom skate fitting process- the professional fit that you get from a skate expert at Sports Etc. The 3D skate machine is excellent for identifying problem areas, and providing general recommendations for a Bauer skate, but still lacks the personal experience of physically trying on the skate, and finding what is comfortable for you.
Be sure to stop by Sports Etc to experience the custom Bauer 3D Skate Lab!
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- SCAN
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- ANALYZE
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- FIT
The Brian’s OPTIK & Newly Designed BOA System
New to 2017, the Brian’s OPTIK series will be featuring a truly innovative design for their catcher and blocker– the BOA system.
Brian’s OPTIK Catcher:
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Replacing traditional back hand strapping, the BOA System allows the user to dial in a custom fit ensuring a secure, comfortable feel. Not every goalie is going to like a traditionally sized palm– in this design, the BOA allows for the goalie to tighten the glove hand to their specifications. This is particularly helpful for someone with smaller hands, that is seeking a pro-level goalie glove.
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Redesigned shape based on the positive feedback of the Darling spec glove, the re-designed shape ensures maximum circumference and blocking surface.
Brian’s OPTIK Blocker:
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Replacing traditional back hand strapping, the BOA System allows the user to dial in a custom fit ensuring a secure, comfortable feel. The BOA system allows for a completely customized fit around the blocker hand. Hands come in all shapes and sizes, and this feature allows for an ideal fit for every goalie.
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Re-designed index finger protection around finger tip. Removable foam pillow provides increased comfort and thumb protection.
Introducing the Brian’s OPTIK Goalie Pads
Ready for sale on 11/1/2017, Brian’s will be introducing a third series of goalie gear to accompany their GNetik and Heritage lines– the OPTIK.
The OPTIK series will feature the thinnest profile leg pad on the market today. The unique shape provides an extremely lightweight feel, without sacrificing durability. Here are some of the new key features/highlights:
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The elimination of the outer roll decreases weight, while improving thegoaltenders vision on pucks that need to be seen in tight. Traditionally, outer rolls were designed to give the stuffed goalie pads structural support, which is no longer needed with the modern engineered foam core pad.
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OPTI-SLIDE inner gusset construction provides the ultimate slide and seal across the crease. The Primo liner, hardened HD foam sliding edge and bindingless design creates a smooth and quick slide.
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Flex Core and Fly Core Options– The newly engineered foam core is available in TWO distinct options. The “Flex Core” emulates feel and flex for a hybrid/reactive goaltender that is looking for maximum mobility, flex and torque on their pad. This has a distinct “S” curve and an aggressive 80-degree boot taper. The “Fly Core” provides a butterfly style goalie a straighter and more rigid core to maximize coverage and seal along the ice. This pad has a 90-degree boot taper, and is the stiffer option.
The OPTIK is a revolutionary and well-thought out design, as Brian’s continues to come up with innovative and progressive goalie pads. This series also effectively eliminates the Sub Zero line, but Brian’s made sure to keep many of the key pieces that made the Sub Zero line popular.
Sports Etc Product Review: 2017 Bauer Vapor 1X Hockey Skate
Sports Etc Performance To Value Rating– 9 out of 10
The Bauer Vapor 1X hockey skate continues to be the best-selling high-end performance skate that we carry. The 2017 version of the 1X has had some noticeable changes, which in our opinion have been for the better. Here are some of the pros and cons:
PROS:
- New and improved tongue: The newly designed “Flex Lock Pro” tongue has heat moldable inserts that improve the overall flexibility of the tongue, while not compromising on protection. The old high-end vapor model had a thick felt tongue, which was great for comfort and protection, but it also created an extremely stiff feel when attempting to flex your foot forward. The new tongue provides the most flexible and comfortable feel of any high-end model to date.
- Realigned Inner Quarter Panel: The inside panel of the boot has been increased in overall size to help support the natural ankle position and pressure that a skater puts on the boot. The majority of time, a skater is putting most of their pressure on the inside of the skate while pushing off. The increased surface area on the inside allows for a better response, while providing more support as you drive your skate into the ice.
- Improved Skate Eyelets: The softer flex composition of the eyelets makes them more durable than last years 1X model. The 2015 Bauer 1X had some issues with eyelets cracking because of the one piece composition of the boot and eyelets. This created too much stress on the eyelet, causing them to break. Bauer has redesigned the eyelets on the 2017 model to mimic a more traditional eyelet, which reduces stress on the eyelets, in turn improving the durability.
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- New Tongue/Eyelets
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- Realigned Quarter Panel
CONS:
- Steel Cracking: Since Bauer has changed to the Lightspeed Edge trigger holder, there has definitely been an uptick in steel breaking on their skates. This may be attributed to the way the steel is held into the skate. The “trigger” piece that holds the skate blade does not secure the blade as tight as the traditional screw that used to hold the steel. With that said, the convenience of changing steel on the fly has been a major benefit to the hockey community.
2017 Bauer Supreme 1S Hockey Stick-Bringing The BOOM!
Bauer recently launched the latest iteration of it’s popular Supreme 1S hockey stick. While remaining faithful to what loyal Supreme users love, they have made some improvements. Foremost among these is the new Renewcore technology in the blade. Renewcore is a gel placed inside the blade that stays in a liquid state forever. The benefits of this are:
- Improved energy transfer
- Improved puck feel
- Increased durability
The Extended Transfer Zone connects the taper to the high kickpoint, allowing energy to transfer faster and more effectively.
Check out the new 2017 Bauer Supreme 1S Stick, formulated to maximize energy transfer to give you your hardest shot and Bring The BOOM!
Bauer Supreme 1S Sr
Bauer Supreme 1s Int
Bauer Supreme 1s Jr
New 2017 Bauer Vapor Skates Available Now!
The new 2017 Bauer Vapor Skates are here! Led by the brand new 1X, the new Vapor line utilizes the latest in skate technology making their top selling skate line even better. Some of the top features on the new 2017 Vapor 1X include:
FLEX-LOCK PRO Tongue: The thermoforming inserts create a locked fit with forward flex providing the protection, fit and flexibility to fly.
LOCK-FIT PRO Liner: Keep your foot dry and locked in place for maximum agility and acceleration.
LOCK-FIT PRO Facing: Through both an additional lace lock and a softer flex composition, the 1X injected facing locks in your foot helping you lock in speed.
ASSYMETRICAL FIT: realigned boot’s quarter patterns and padding to match the natural ankle position, giving you added medial support while maximizing flex.
LIGHTSPEED EDGE trigger system makes swapping out dull steel quick and easy.
LIGHTSPEED 4 EDGE runner. Designed with an additional 3mm in profile height, players will have a greater angle of attack for increased agility
Additionally, check out Sports Etc exclusive models Vapor X Shift Pro, Vapor X Shift, Vapor X Velocity, Vapor X Select and Vapor X Rival. Each of these exclusive models has unique upgrades and features not found on standard Bauer models!
Come in and be professionally fit to a new pair of 2017 Bauer Vapor Skates!
Introducing Raven Hockey Sticks For Young Players
We’re pleased to announce our new partnership with Raven Sticks, the first hockey sticks designed specifically for young players (under 100 lbs). The Raven philosophy is simple- All Hockey Players should be using a stick with a Flex Rating that equals less than 50% of your their body weight!
With this in mind they developed a simplified, color coded line of sticks that will give your young player the proper flex from the onset. As your player grows you simply move up to the next flex. Choosing the proper flex will allow your player to learn to shoot properly & LET IT FLY!
Which Raven Stick Should You Choose? Check Out This Flex Calculator
Raven Hockey Flex Calculator
For a limited time get the Raven sticks in Limited Edition Ninja graphics!
Product Review: Superfeet Carbon Pro Hockey Insoles
The Superfeet Carbon Pro Hockey insoles provide up to 11% better acceleration on the ice, unrivaled edge control and exceptional energy transfer. Designed for tight turns, crossovers, quick starts and hard stops, these Superfeet footbeds are a game changer on the ice.
Here are some of the highlights and benefits of Superfeet:
- On-Ice Benefits: The plastic Flybridge reinforcement through the heel and mid-foot loads and channels energy when the skater puts pressure on the bottom of his/her foot. This energy transfer is much smoother with a reinforced insole and creates an 11% improvement in acceleration on the ice. The carbon fiber in the heel of the Flybridge also creates added stability and improves the attack angle for the skater- which allows for quick starts, crisp stops and tight turns.
- Medical Benefits: The added support and stability that the Superfeet insole provides has contributed to health benefits in the feet, ankles, knees, back and spine. The improved stability in the footbed aligns the ankles and knees of the skater, which in turn takes stress off of other parts of the body including the knees, back and spine. We have also seen huge benefits for individuals with foot problems as well, including plantar fasciitis, high arch, low arch, flat feet, etc. The support provided takes tremendous stress off of the skaters foot in these situations.
- Equipment Benefits: The venting system in the Superfeet insoles improves air circulation and drainage, which helps the hockey skate boot from breaking down and diminishes the accumulation of rust on a players steel through normal wear-and-tear. The footbeds also reduce friction between the foot and the boot because the footbed secures the players foot in a more stable position, in turn reducing pressure and wear-and-tear on the skate.
All in all, the Superfeet Carbon Pro Hockey insoles provide an incredible improvement over the flimsy footbeds that come in the majority of hockey skates on the market today. Typical footbeds consist of not much more than a single layer of foam padding, with no structural support. These insoles help improve on-ice performance, medical ailments and equipment issues.
For a limited time you can get the ultimate hockey skate upgrade and get a great price! From November 9-30 you can get the Carbon Pro Hockey Footbeds for 20% Off our regular price!
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