Manitoba based Parrott Ventures has just announced a new product to protect you feet called Spats.
Spats are a high density polyethylene shield that protects the top, and the inside of your foot. It won't protect your ankle, so you can't really call them ankle guards.
They attach through your laces, then once you've tied up your skate, you flip over it top of your skate, and attach it underneath with a strap. Video demos can be viewed on their website.
Spats sell for $50 and can be ordered online at spats.ca.
I've never tried or seen them, so if any of you have, please leave a review in the comments.
What separates the top-of-the-line X60 from the rest of the Vapor line is the Lightweight TeXtreme® construction which makes the stick super-light, and super-strong.
Like all Vapors sticks, the X60 comes with the Micro Feel shaft gives you a nice feel using double concave walls with rounded corners. The Stick'um coating provides extra grip.
The stick is tapered at the bottom towards the blade. Less stick at this point gives you the ability to snap your shop for a quicker release. Strength is made up in the blade with the Pure Shot profile, which is a thicker blade at the heel of the stick. The foam that makes up the inner blade construction called 'Aero Foam' helps you absorb the puck when receiving passes so the puck isn't bouncing around all over the place.
The Bauer X6o uses the Intelli-Sense Shot Technology wich adjusts the flex points in the stick depending on your hand placements on the stick.
Montreal Canadiens players have recently been extolling the virtues of skate-boot guards and their ability to stop pucks
“I took a shot off the foot in the Washington game [Nov. 20] and it hurt pretty bad,” Travis Moen said in a recent interview. “That's when I decided to try them.”
“Them” refers to the moulded plastic skate guards he and a half-dozen other members of the Canadiens have taken to wearing in games.
“You still feel it when the puck hits you, it's just that it doesn't do as much damage,” Moen said. “They're pretty light and they don't really get in the way.”
Professional hockey teams are nothing if not adept at problem-solving. In the Canadiens' case, the squad has been beset by a rash of foot injuries this season. (Who knew the Habs dressing room was such a hazardous place for feet?)
“They're unbelievable, I've taken three or four pretty good shots off them and it didn't really hurt,” Spacek said. “Now I know I can just go for it and nothing too bad will happen to me.”
In the past two NHL seasons, Andrei Markov, Cam Ward , Teemu Salanne, Robert Lang and Joe Corvo, and most recently Kevin Bieksa (again) have all sustained serious cuts from skate blades.
In response, a Montreal company called Intelligent Apparel has designed 2 new protective sport socks: Tactics Armoured Skate Socks and Armoured Hockey Socks
“Our goal was to develop a skate sock that would perform and protect at the highest level of sport."
- Marshall Ferneyhough, director of sales for Intelligent Apparel.
Using Kevlar and two other technologically advanced fabrics available, Intelligent Apparel believes that Tactics Armoured Skate Socks are the most innovative foot sock in hockey today. Kevlar fabric provides 360° cut protection throughout the entire sock.
By knitting a Kevlar lining inside a sport-mesh polyester outer shell, Intelligent Apparel has created a cut-resistant hockey sock - the first of its kind. Vertical stretch and lateral compression characteristics combine to offer uninhibited mobility and a snug equipment fit. A polyester outer layer is sublimation ready for limitless graphic creativity.
I'm curious how light they are and how they breath compared to old-school socks. If I get ahold of a pair I'll let you know!
If your tired of bending over or crouching down on one knee to pick up pucks after a practice, check out the this cool new puck picker-upper called Pucker Up.
Fortunately they were nice enough to send me one to try out, and it really does work. It's light, super easy to use, and holds up to 25 Pucks. It's long cylindrical design allows it to fit it nicely your hockey bag, or you can carry it separately with the handy handle.
Pucker-up is manufactured by W.J. May & Son Ltd. based in Stouffville, Ontario.
Pick one up at Canadian Tire or check out their website at www.pucker-up.ca.
Like most hockey players, I've been using my fingers or an old towel to wipe off my skate blades after each game. I recently found out about the Original Skate Squeegee and decided to give it a test drive.
As usual, my skates were pretty wet from the melted ice and snow built up after the game. I slid the Original Skate Squeegee along the bottom of each skate blade, and it cleaned off all the snow and moisture in one swipe. It's really just that simple to use.
I like devices that do one thing really well, as opposed to 10 different things in a mediocre manner. The Original Skate Squeegee does exactly what it's supposed to do. It cleans your skate blades effectively, safely and effortlessly. You can actually hear the squeak of the squeegee cleaning your blade.
After I'm finished a game both my body and my brain are pretty much exhausted. Not having to make sure I don't cut myself while cleaning my skate blades is just one less thing to have to think about as I drink my beer with half my gear still on, trying to work up enough energy to hit the showers.
I'm usually not one for new gadgets, but the Original Skate Squeegee takes up very little space and does a great job of cleaning skate blades, so It's a keeper. Now I can get rid of that stinky skate towel in my bag as well. Order yours online or get a bunch screened as promotional items at: The Original Skate Squeegee.
Now if only I could find a device this useful to help me score more goals ....
The Reebok 10K is available in 2 versions the standard edition and the Crosby 'Gold' edition which is the only version with the Crosby curve.
A light, responsive, snappy stick available in both Grip and non-Grip.
Sick-Kick technology with the tapered bottom shaft gives you a low kickpoint for an explosive shot.
The matrix-weave construction gives you expert control and stability. By keep the blade stable throughout the shot, you get a consistent, precision shot every time.
Reebok's Pure Fiber technology runs single-piece fibers throughout the stick - from the tip of the shaft to the tip of the blade. This gives you maximum energy transfer into your shot.
The high denisity foam in the blade absorbs impact and dampens vibrations giving you excelent control capability.
A light stick with a stiff blade and a solid feel The Synergy shaft uses a combination of carbon with a Kevlar wrap which acts to reduced the vibrations running through the stick, increases durability and liveliness. The tapered shaft creates a low kick-point for a quick, responsive shot release.
Available in Grip and Non-Grip matted finish.
SHOX TECHNOLOGY
Shox™ Technology uses a Resin Transfer molding process that gives these blade unique characteristics making pucks stick like glue through impact. With sticking power like this, you can take the “hardest shot in the world*”
SYNERGY TUNED PROFILE
Reinforced with multiple layers of high grade carbon, the shaft uses a proprietary compression molding process wrapped in a ballistic Kevlar®. Synergy® tuned profile generates power that sets Easton sticks apart from the rest.
The Dolomite Spyne is basically the Kronic with the Spyne technology added to the blade. Lightweight, durable, with a tapered bottom for a quick-release, accurate shot,
Features:
440 grams
New Direct Taper shaft design
Spyne Blade technology
HD High-Density blade
Nipple Grip Coating
5-Skin impact protection
Available in Grip and Non-Grip
Direct Taper Shaft Design - Redesigned shaft taper that boosts performance and increases accuracy. Length and geometry of the taper is modified to reduce slop, increase shot-loading capacity and speed the reaction time of the stick
Spyne Blade – Warrior's patented Spyne blade uses the latest in carbon-molding technology to produce accurate shot control.
Molded structural feature on the back face of the graphite blade.
Acts like a spring, directing energy into the heel of the blade. Releases energy faster with more control and accuracy. Reduces blade torque and reduces weight.
Molded shape creates an internal carbon structure. The stiffness effect follows the shape of the Spyne feature around the edges to control the direction and flow of energy from the tow of the blade into the heel.
HD Blade with Angel Hair Technology – Warrior developed a completely new core material that uses high-impact epoxy combined with Angel Hair micro-strands of carbon fiber. This produces a rigid, durable blade core that has more spring and pop than ever before.
The HD blade core is heavier than a comparable foam core because it carries more flex and impact. This reduces the carbon exterior of the blade to improve response, resulting in a lighter overall weight.
5-Skin Impact Protection -- Proprietary composite skin that protects the shaft against impact. Provides maximum durability and protection.
As you would expect from the top-of-the-line Easton, the S19 is a very light, lively, responsive stick with a strong blade that will hold it's liveliness throughout the life of the stick.
Available with or without the grip coating.
The Kevlar® wrapped compression molded shaft uses multiple layers of thin material creating a very light, very responsive stick and allows it to stay lively longer.
The TORX™ Elliptical Technology in the shaft is shaped to store and release torque and flex simultaneously allowing you to get your shots off faster. (Also available on the S17)
The Micro-Bladder™ Multi Rib™ blade is engineered to control torque and flex when shooting and improve your accuracy. The Carbon wrapped high density core lets you feel the puck so you can look at the target, not your blade.
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.
