Easton Stealth RS Stick Review

First things first... the Easton Stealth RS Hockey Stick has received a LOT of hype over the last several months. Every review I've read and every player I've spoken with seems to share the same feelings about Easton's newest creation; they all love it. Of course, this was the cue for the critic in me to begin asking questions. Entertaining my curiosity, Easton was so kind to let me give it a try. Here's my review of the Easton Stealth RS Stick.

Stick specs:

85 Flex (cut down 2")

Matte Finish (Non-Grip)

P4 Cammalleri (*P4 Zetterberg is now P4 Cammalleri)

Left

Style Points

9/10

This stick is a beauty. Looks, obviously, don't affect performance (unless you make some kind of psychological case for it - "Look good, feel good, play well", or something like that). Nevertheless, the slick matte finish with yellow on black is legit. I was much more impressed with the look of the non-grip design than the grip. It seems like the graphics were created specifically for the non-grip model, and then replicated for the production of the grip model without taking into account how the shiny grip finish would detract from the original design. Anyhow, that's just my personal opinion, take it or leave it.

Feel

8/10

I grew up using wood sticks, which, arguably, provide the best feel for the puck. So when it comes to puck feel, that's the standard I use. Like I said before, I went with the non-grip model because I've found that most grip finishes tend to be more cumbersome than helpful. Personal preference. It took me about 20 minutes to get used to the slick finish of the RS, though. It was almost too slick. But, once I got used to it, puckhandling was the least of my concerns. The blade on the RS is very stiff, which ensures full power on your shot release, but there's a little bit of a trade-off because it's less forgiving when you're receiving passes. I really don't have any complaints about the feel, I just think it has other qualities that are much more appetizing. But, if you're all about feel, check out this review of the Easton Synergy EQ50 Hockey Stick.

Shooting

9.5/10

More than any other aspect of the stick's performance, I was really impressed by the shot power generated by the Stealth RS. I cut the stick down a couple of inches for puckhandling purposes. If I had left it at full length, I'm sure it would have been much easier to take a solid wrister. As a result, I wasn't able to get as much whip out of the shaft, but that's certainly not a knock on the stick. The snap and slap shots were a completely different story. This is where the stiff blade and elliptical taper come into play. I fired the first snap shot from the middle of the blade, with good results. I let the second one go from the toe of the blade - ridiculous. Might as well have been a slapper. That was next, though, and in addition to the fact that the shot went bar down (who doesn't get pumped when they go bar down?), it was a ripper. For anyone who tried an S17 (S19 was an undeniable improvement) and had issues with durability or trouble controlling their slap shot, the RS will quickly erase those memories. The load and release time is noticeably faster than any other tapered shaft I've used recently, with no loss of control. I noticed that bottom-hand placement is pretty important for slap and snap shots with this stick. When you try it for yourself, mess around with it and you'll see what I mean. I ended up placing my bottom hand just a bit lower than I typically do.

Conclusion

All in all, I can honestly say that the Easton Stealth RS Stick performed as well as I hoped it would. It's definitely a shooter's stick. No, your shot speed won't magically jump up from 70 to 90 mph if you buy one today. 70 to 80? Possibly... My shot certainly looked and felt faster, but I didn't clock it, so I can't really validate that. In my opinion, playmakers would probably be better off with the Easton Synergy EQ50 Hockey Stick. The EQ50 is made for players who want more feel and control on their shots and passes, as opposed to the lightning quick release and power of the RS. Either way you go, you'll be sure to have great results. One thing is for certain: Easton is continuing to lead the charge, making advancements in hockey stick technology, just like they always have.

Get your Easton Stealth RS Hockey Stick at HockeyGiant.com today

Reebok 11K Pump Hockey Skate Review

This weekend I had the pleasure of trying out the Reebok 11K Black Ice Hockey Skates. The 11K's were the first pair of Reebok skates that I've ever used, mostly because my feet are so oddly shaped that I'm hesitant to wear anything other than my Graf 727 Cyberflex skates. I have fairly wide, flat feet, and my medial malleolus (the bone that protrudes from your inner ankle) not only sticks out more than normal, it also sits much further forward and often completely misses the padding in the ankle of the boot, resting near the edge of the boot eyelets. So, I often have a hard time finding a boot that works as well for my feet as the Graf 727's.

Anyhow, I had heard only good things about the quality and performance of the Reebok 11K skates, so I was pretty "pumped" (see what I did there? awful joke...) when I was given a pair to try out. When I picked them up out of the box they were lighter than I expected, and the graphics were flashy but not overdone. I had the skates baked and sharpened (1", for those who care) on Friday, and they molded very well. Oh, quick note here, make sure you release all of the air out of the pumps before you bake the skates. On Saturday, I sat on my couch and laced them up to see if the padding was still as comfortable as the day before when I baked them. They fit like a glove, or... yeah. The padding was a little bit more rigid than before I baked the skates, but it felt great and the shape achieved by molding was maintained.

On Sunday afternoon I had a game, which isn't usually my favorite time to pull out a pair of brand new skates, but it's been a bit of a challenge finding time to skate lately. The first thing I noticed when I stepped through the gate onto the ice was the forward pitch. Like I said, I've been using Graf 727's with TUUK Custom+ holders for the last 5 years, so I'm used to a pretty neutral stance. In the 11K's, I was definitely on my toes, but it wasn't quite as extreme as the forward pitch I experienced with the Cobra holders that were originally on the Grafs. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being a neutral pitch and 10 being the most aggressive forward stance, I'd say the 11K's were around 7.5 or 8. As the game went on, I was able to adjust to it and didn't really notice it anymore by the time the 3rd period rolled around.

I remember talking to some buddies about their own experience with Reebok pump skates a while back, and they mentioned that the pump seemed to lose most of its air after a period or so. I should clarify by saying that their experience was with the 9K from 2009. Anyhow, I pumped up the boots in the locker room and they seemed to stay pumped all game for me. No issues there. The pump is a really nice feature, and for someone like me who has flintstone feet, it adds another degree of comfort in the ankles.

The lace-lock or "Skatelock", as they call it, does its job well, but I could live without it because you have to unclasp it when you're done skating anyway, and it can be a little cumbersome at first. Nothing complicated, but it takes a couple extra seconds to operate and I might just as well do without it. I can see how most players would appreciate it, though. I was impressed by the way the boots wrapped my feet and provided a very secure yet comfortable fit. The Skatelock played its part in that, so I can't knock it.

Support and response (and weight, of course) are always the most important performance characteristics of a hockey skate. In terms of support, I found no fault in the 11K's. I was really pleased with the amount of confidence I felt in the skates as I took turns at top speed. Every turn, stop and push-off was met with the right blend of rigidity and flexibility in the key areas. The response of the boots was good, too, and there didn't seem to be much energy lost when I pushed off to accelerate or stopped to change directions.

By the end of my game, my arches and thighs were a little sore. I don't fault the skates for this at all. I have flat, wide feet, and I was using a D width boot. The arches in the 11K's are relatively high compared to other skates I've recently tried on, but I'm sure they're right on par for most skaters. Also, the forward pitch of the boots put me more on my toes than I'm used to. This probably changed my posture a little bit and shifted the workload to a different part of my thigh muscles as I skated. I'm sure after a couple more skates my legs will readjust to the aggressive stance and the strain will subside.

All in all, I was really impressed by the look, fit and performance of the Reebok 11K Skates. When it comes to fit, the nice thing about these skates is that you have more stock fit options than I think I've ever seen with another skate on the market. The 11K skate is offered in D, D/AA, E, and EE. As most of you know, D is a standard fit, E is wide and EE is extra wide. D/AA is a good fit for players who want a standard D width boot, but prefer a narrower heel fit. With all of those options available, pretty much every foot type can be accommodated. I probably would have been better off with an E width boot, but the D width offered a manageable fit for me.

I would absolutely recommend the Reebok 11K Skates. They're light, supportive, comfortable, attractive and very well priced, especially when you consider the amount being charged for the top models being produced by some of the other manufacturers.

Get your pair of Reebok 11K Hockey Skates at HockeyGiant.com today!

Easton Synergy EQ50 Hockey Stick Review

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Easton Synergy EQ50 Stick. I went with the Zetterberg 85 Flex Left. Of course, when I pulled it out of the packaging the first thing I noticed was the slick design of the graphics. I'm partial to black and red, so right off the bat this was one of the better looking sticks I've seen in quite a while. Simple, clean and classic – no need for fancy schmancy fluff.

When I leaned on it to test the flex I was actually surprised by the stiffness of the lower half of the shaft. The other two sticks in my rotation are the Bauer Vapor X:60 and Reebok 11K, so with those two sticks as a reference point I wasn't sure how the EQ50 was going to feel once I actually got out on the rink with it. About a year ago I had an Easton Synergy SE16, but the EQ50 had a different feel; mostly, as I noted, the stiffness of the lower part of the shaft. Anyhow, at this point I had only given it a good flex in my garage, so this was just my first impression.

Warmups started for my game last night and I spent the first few minutes just screwing around with a puck to get a feel for the stick. In all honesty, I've never picked up a stick that felt as natural as the EQ50 right from the get-go. The puck-feel is incredible. I made a few passes back and forth with one of my team mates and the puck stopped dead on my blade every time. So far so good.

After passing the puck around a bit, I took a wrister from the top of the circle and the release couldn't have been smoother. As I said before, when I first received the stick I gave it a good bend and was surprised by the stiffness of the lower half, and that made me wonder how well the wristers would release. But, once again, I was impressed with the quick, accurate release that it gave me. After that I took a couple snappers and a few slap shots with equally satisfying results.

Easton's Focus Weight Technology is implemented in the blade heel and butt end cap by the use of strategically placed weights – I could really feel the difference as I handled the puck, but it also keeps the stick from feeling blade-heavy when you shoot, which makes it incredibly simple to dial in with every type of shot. In some ways it resembled the feel of the SE16, but the FWT has been massively refined with the production of the EQ50.

Another concern I had before trying it out was the relative blade stiffness. With a stiff lower shaft, a floppy blade would cause a serious decline in performance quality. We all know what it's like to biff a shot because our blade can't handle the torque of a slap shot. The EQ50 did not disappoint; the blade was rigid and very responsive, which makes a huge difference when you're taking one-timers.

I honestly tried my hardest to find a flaw, any flaw, in the Easton Synergy EQ50, but I failed. Without a doubt, the EQ50 is the most well-balanced stick I've ever used – Power, Feel, Control.

Get your Easton Synergy EQ50 Hockey Stick at HockeyGiant.com

EZ Puck Training Tools Will Elevate Your Game

Are you looking for a breakthrough training tool to improve your puckhandling skills? EZPuck is the tool for you. EZPuck is easy to set up, easy to use, and incredibly effective on and off the ice. The EZPuck Hockey Puck Set comes with 6 discs (pucks) that serve as an incredible alternative to the standard orange cones you're used to using. All you do is place the EZPucks on the ice or shooting board in the desired formation and then you're ready to go. There are three pointed pegs on the underside of the EZPucks which keep them from sliding as you maneuver a puck or ball around them with your hockey stick. Practicing moves has never been so easy!

EZPuck also makes several complementary training tools that further enhance your training experience. They produce shooting boards in 4 different sizes (small, medium, large and x-large) with the option of pre-drilled holes which you place the EZPucks on in order to keep them from sliding. In addition, you can purchase the OneTimer Hockey Shooting Trainer which is a great tool for practicing passes and one-timer shots.

The manufacturers of EZPuck produced numerous instructional videos and drill diagrams that will help you get the most out of your training with EZPuck. Click on the following link to view some of the EZPuck drills. All of the EZPuck instructional videos are available on YouTube, including the two that we've embedded below. Elevate your game with EZPuck today!

Get your EZPuck training tools at HockeyGiant.com

Cascade M11 Helmet Review - "The Messier Project"

When you’re looking for a hockey helmet, 3 factors play a major role in your decision; comfort, weight and protection. The Cascade M11 Helmet meets all three criterions with virtual impeccability. Known as the Messier Project, former NHL player and recent Hall of Fame inductee Mark Messier assembled a team of researchers and hockey experts to design a hockey helmet that would revolutionize head protection. The end result was the production of the Cascade M11 helmet, which meets and exceeds all of the rigorous protection standards for certification by HECC (Hockey Equipment Certification Council) and CSA (Canadian Standards Association).

M11 Ratchet System

Hockey helmets have come a long way in recent years with the implementation of high tech foams, tool-free adjustment mechanisms, and lightweight materials. Rest assured, the Cascade M11 is composed of the highest quality materials and the best technology available. One of the coolest features of the M11 helmet is the ratchet adjustment system which allows you to quickly and easily secure the helmet below the occipital lobe for a comfortable, snug fit. Adjustments can be made on the fly with a couple quick clicks of the ratchet. This design feature is incredibly convenient and easy to use.

M11 Seven Technology

Cascade’s proprietary Seven Technology offers incredible protection without sacrificing even the slightest amount of comfort. The liner compresses to absorb shock upon impact and immediately resets to its original form once the energy is dispersed. The materials are incredibly resilient and the revolutionary design is built to handle multiple impacts with better results than the standard EPP foam used in most helmets.

Cascade M11 – Head Protection At Its Best

Not only does the M11 provide a great fit, superior protection and excellent ventilation, the shell design is cutting edge and is offered in 225 unique color combinations. The Cascade M11 helmet was built to address every player’s need for protection, comfort, fit, and style – The Messier Project was an absolute success.

Buy the Cascade M11 Hockey Helmet at HockeyGiant.com

Easton Stealth S19 Z-Shock Helmet Review

With every passing season, manufacturers somehow manage to produce lighter and lighter gear to meet the needs of players at the highest levels of competition. In recent years, the focus has been on skates and sticks, with breakthrough products such as the Bauer Supreme TotalOne Skates and CCM U+ Crazy Light Stick. 2010 marks the year that Easton produced the lightest high-performance hockey helmet ever made: The Easton Stealth S19 Z-Shock Hockey Helmet. Weighing in at less than 350 grams, the S19 helmet is nearly 1/2 the weight of most other high performance hockey helmets, putting it in a class of its own.

Easton was able to accomplish this lightweight design by implementing several subtle changes to the traditional design. First, Easton eliminated a large amount of excess shell material with their "Monocoque" construction, a one-piece shell design which enabled them to pad the helmet with more EPP foam while streamlining the contour of the shell. Traditional helmets are constructed with two separate shell pieces which can be compressed and elongated to make size adjustments; the S19 Z-Shock is a one-piece design so the adjustment mechanism is an internal band which operates the same way as the adjustment strap on a baseball hat (pictured below).

With as much EPP foam as they were able to stuff into the S19 Helmet, you'd assume that comfort would be compromised for the sake of protection – not so. The S19 Z-Shock is lined with comfortable, antimicrobial pads that are strategically placed to provide a soft, snug fit. Minimizing the amount of hardware used was also one of the keys to constructing the lightest helmet possible. The one piece design required no adjustment screws and the ear pieces were attached flush to the edges of the earholes on the helmet to further reduce material overlap.

Every feature of the S19 helmet combines the innovative technology of Bell Sports with the well crafted touch of Easton's hockey engineers. The result: "The Next Big Thing"... the Easton S19 Z-Shock Helmet.

Buy the Easton S19 Z-Shock Helmet at HockeyGiant.com

Combat Hockey Sticks - High Caliber Performance

When a hockey player grabs a stick from the rack, leans on it to give it a good bend, peers down the shaft like it's the scope of a rifle, and taps the heel of the blade on the ground beneath, what exactly is he looking for? "Feel"... If it doesn't feel right, he ain't buyin' it. Of course, the feel of the stick is just one aspect of its "personality". 'Where's the kick-point?', 'How quickly does it load and release?' and 'Is it gonna break on the 31st day?'... These are all questions that every player asks himself when considering his next weapon of choice.

There are many sticks on the market that offer just about everything you could ever ask for - things that players never even dreamed of 10 years ago. But at what cost? Here's where the Ballistik/Combat sticks take the cake. Combat may be a new name to you, but they've been around for a good while, making top-notch baseball bats and softball gear. They've been manufacturing hockey sticks since 1994, most recently under the name Ballistik, which has now been replaced with the Combat name. These guys have been around since the pre-OPS days, developing their stick technology right alongside the big names we're all so used to seeing, like Easton, Bauer, CCM, Sherwood and Reebok.

I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Combat 45 Caliber Hockey Stick, 100 flex (MC Curve - Modano). At the list price of $134.99 you'll have a tough time finding another stick that weighs less than 470 grams — and to top it off, the 45 Cal is a TRUE one piece composite. In fact, every Combat stick down to the 22 Caliber is a TRUE one-piece. No other manufacturer can say that their price-point sticks are true OPS's, but Combat can. And I'll tell you something else — the 45 Caliber performs like a $180 stick from almost any other manufacturer. With a mid to low-mid kick point, the 45 Cal delivered a lightning-quick release on my snapshot and booming power on my slappers. The feel of the stick was fantastic. It has sort of a square/rounded edge hybrid feel, so you get a good grip on the stick without sacrificing comfort and playability. The walls are slightly concave, but not overwhelmingly so. After just an hour out on the ice, I couldn't believe the amount of punch that the 45 Caliber delivered for such a low price.

Make no mistake about it, Combat sticks are high quality, top notch twigs that perform with the best of the best, and they're incredibly durable & resilient. I would highly recommend that you take a chance—nay, seize the opportunity, to experience the superior performance of Combat hockey sticks. Combat offers their sticks in 7 versatile patterns, based on the most popular curves on the market. So you shouldn't have any trouble finding a pattern that suits your needs.

At HockeyGiant.com, we've got you covered with the 52 Caliber, 45 Caliber, 22 Caliber and 12 Caliber Combat one-piece composite hockey sticks in the most popular blade patterns. We also offer the Combat 52 Caliber, 45 Caliber and 22 Caliber standard hosel composite hockey shafts for the guys who prefer the two-piece twig. At such great prices, what are you waiting for?

Buy Combat Hockey Sticks at HockeyGiant.com

Kamazu Hockey Jerseys - A New Name In The Game

If you're looking for an affordable, high-quality, solid color or NHL team color practice jersey, there's a new name in the game: Kamazu. Hockey players aren't the pickiest athletes in the world when it comes to "fashionable" gear, but we certainly don't pick our battle armor indiscriminantly. Nobody wants to step on the ice looking like a bender, so all of us (or most of us) make sure to suit up with the best of what's around.

Kamazu hockey jerseys are constructed with the player in mind. They offer a slick look, a comfortable fit, excellent breathability, and a wide variety of color options. The best part, Kamazu jerseys are ridiculously affordable. If you're a pickup player, pond hockey king, beer-leaguer, or a coach on a tight budget looking for a great deal on a set of jerseys for your team, the Kamazu jerseys make an excellent pick.

It's always good to have options, and Kamazu delivers the goods with the Kamazu Flexx Lite Team Jerseys in 10 NHL team color options in Senior sizes Small through XXL plus goalie cut, and the Kamazu Classic Practice Hockey Jerseys in 13 solid colors offered in Junior and Senior sizes, also available in goalie cut.

Kamazu also makes high quality performance apparel shirts. The shirts come in 4 colors – black, navy, red, and white. Made with 100% polyester, the Kamazu performance shirts are lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you comfortable and dry. Did we mention that they're also incredibly affordable?

What more could you possibly ask for? A team sale discount? You've got it. 8 or more jerseys on an order is all it takes to qualify for a team sale. Call for details at 1-800-633-5999 and hit extension 5, or simply ask to speak to someone in team sales once you've been connected with one of our customer service reps. Grab 'em before it's too late!

Buy Kamazu Hockey Jerseys at HockeyGiant.com

Bauer 9900 Hockey Helmet Review

Bauer hockey helmets have been the most popular choice of NHL players for quite some time, thanks to the slick look, comfortable fit and superior protection offered by their buckets. The Bauer 9900 Hockey Helmet meets and exceeds the expectations and standards that have been set by the many players who turn to Bauer for all of their protective needs.

The Bauer 9500 Hockey Helmet was the predecessor to the 9900 and some players felt that the fit was a bit too shallow and failed to accommodate a wide variety of head shapes... That, and any other apparent shortcomings present with the 9500 have been resolved with the 9900. We'll take a closer look at some of the special features and technological improvements of the Bauer 9900 Helmet.

As previously stated, probably the biggest complaint about the 9500 helmet was that some players felt the helmet was too shallow and did not cover enough of the forehead, resting awkwardly on top of the head. Of course, for many players it offered a great fit, but there were many who had an issue with the fit. Well, Bauer went back to the drawing board and found a way to optimize the fit of the 9900 helmet by slightly reshaping the contours of the padding without having to restructure the outer shell of the helmet.

I've been wearing a Bauer 4000 helmet (now called 4500) for the last 11 years and I'm not likely to replace it any time soon. But I've tried every Bauer helmet from the 3500, to the 5100, 5500, 8500 and 9500, and I was one of the people who just couldn't get a comfortable fit out of the 9500. The features were incredible, but it just didn't sit right on my dome. When I tried on the 9900 there was an immediate and noticeable difference in the overall fit. It was snug, secure and rested comfortably on my head, offering perfectly centered, mid-profile forehead protection. In fact, everyone who I've spoken with who had an issue with the fit of the 9500 has attested to the definite improvement in the overall fit of the 9900.

With that issue addressed and out of the way, the Bauer 9900 helmet offers some impressive features that need to be highlighted. The first and perhaps most notable technological improvement that contributes to the superior protective quality of the 9900 is the use of a new type of lightweight, shock absorbing foam called Poron. The foam is incredibly effective at absorbing and more importantly, containing the shock of impact. Many foams are effective for their absorption properties but the ability of the Poron to contain rather than transfer the shock is unparalleled.

As shown in the image above, the Poron foam is sandwiched between high density FXPP foam and soft comfort foam, providing a dynamic combination of protective and comfort-fit foams. The FXPP foam, which was also used in the 9500, is an improvement upon the high impact EPP foam that is currently used in many other high quality hockey helmets and bike helmets. According to Bauer, the FXPP foam "dissipates 20% less energy during impact than same volume of traditional EPP foam".

Bauer firmly believes in the integrity of the 2 piece outer shell design that has been used for many years now. Adjusting the length of the 9900 helmet is as simple as flipping up the two side tabs with the Bauer logo on them and pulling the two shell pieces apart to the desired length, providing quick, tool-free adjustability. The occipital lock located on the back base of the helmet provides an even more customizable fit that secures the helmet in place with the adjustment of two dials that are moved back and forth individually. The dials control the position of the two internal pads located below the occipital lobe which can be tightened with just a couple quick clicks.

The helmet shell is constructed with dual-density materials which provide a combination of tough, rigid protection (glossy part of the shell) and self-adjusting flex zones (brushed, muted part of shell) for an extremely comfortable and protective fit. The two-tone design adds a slick look to the shell with 10+ options to choose from.

Without a doubt, the Bauer 9900 Helmet retains all of the best qualities offered by the 9500 and has been beefed up and enhanced in all of the areas that were previously lacking. Bauer helmets continue to be the most commonly worn in the NHL, and their reputation for consistently producing high-quality gear is furthered by the introduction of their most recent protective achievement, the Bauer 9900 Hockey Helmet.

Buy the Bauer 9900 Hockey Helmet at HockeyGiant.com

Bauer Supreme TOTAL ONE Hockey Skates Review

Bauer continues to push the hockey skate market with breakthrough technology and innovation. The new Bauer Supreme TOTAL ONE Skates are fully loaded with every feature at Bauer’s disposal. Leading up to the release of Bauer’s 2010 Supreme line there was plenty of hype surrounding the TOTAL ONE’s, but there were also many skeptics who had a hard time justifying the projected $800 price tag. For anyone who has had the opportunity to skate with them, or simply try them on in the store, the question is no longer “Why would I spend $800 on skates?” but instead “What should I cut out of my budget this month so I can grab a pair?”

If you haven't had a chance to try them on yet, I'd highly recommend grabbing a pair ASAP. But in the meantime, I'll go ahead and lay it out on paper for you. The big question is "What makes the TOTAL ONE better than its predecessor, the Supreme ONE95?" First off, at 695 grams in size 8 the TOTAL ONE skates are lighter than the ONE95's which were well over 700 grams. The Anaform boot is constructed with a lightweight, Alive composite quarter which is thermoformable for a great fit. The TOTAL ONE offers a superior, contoured fit which has been optimized for weight reduction, comfort and support.

One of the other major weight-reduction contributors was the implementation of the new Tuuk Lightspeed Fusion Runners which are 30% lighter than the Lightspeed 2.1 Power runners which were used on the ONE95 skates. The Fusion Runners are constructed with lightweight aluminum (upper portion of the runner) and high grade stainless steel which are fused together with epoxy and rivets. The breakthrough concept was first explored by CCM with the Rocket Runner and has been optimized by Bauer with their substitution of aluminum in place of the plastic which was used in the upper portion of the Rocket Runner.

Another new feature of the TOTAL ONE skates is the customizable reflex tongue. The tongue is constructed with a channel for composite inserts which provide varying degrees of stiffness to deliver maximum recoil with each stride. The inserts are available in Mid, Stiff and X-Stiff to accommodate the personal preferences and needs of each player, determined mainly by their weight and the aggressiveness of their skating style. This is a new approach to boot customization, which previously had not been placed so conveniently in the hands of consumers.

The outsole of the boot is made with texalium composite and is well ventilated with 4 strategically placed perforations in the base of the mid-foot. The boot has an incredibly comfortable interior with Hydrophobic liner that provides a secure fit with a textured grip that locks your feet in place. Another feature which provides added comfort is the comfort edge on the top portion of the quarter package. Pro players and custom skate users have been fortunate enough to enjoy this feature for quite some time, but with the TOTAL ONE it comes as a stock feature.

If you're not convinced yet, just listen to what some of the NHL's top players have to say about the Bauer TOTALONE Skates in this special feature video provided by Bauer Hockey Inc.

Buy the Bauer Supreme Total One Ice Hockey Skates at HockeyGiant.com