AS3 Pro Goal Skates First Impressions/Review

[WizYuan]

Former Skate: Bauer One80

Last Skate: CCM 9080s

This is all in my opinion so don't shoot me. This review is pre-game used and just impressions.

Doing a quick review on the AS3 Pro Goal Skates. I'll touch on some parts that are different to me.

Size: These skates are 7D. I normally (always) wear EE skates. My LHS did not have the AS3 Pro in a EE size so they gave me a 9380 7EE skate to try. I found that the AS3 actually *feels* wider than the 7EE. Tried an AS3 Pro in a 7.5D and found it was slightly tighter in the forefoot area [due to having the forefoot area shifted]. My assumption is that there are softer foams in the AS3 Pro skate as compared to the 9380, which could be attributed to the memory foam tongue used also. I had to bake twice in order to widen the forefoot area enough so it does not hurt. My foot shape I would classify as a reverse pizza. First skate aside from the Bauer Nexus line that I can fit in a D.

Insole:

CCM Ortholite. The 'The Hockey Shop' review indicates that the insole is the Ortholite (true) with 3 customizable arches (false). Those are the Ortholite Moves they are referencing. They feel like a premium traditional insole as they use a better foam than the ones you typically get in most skates. It's all the same though. Swapped immediately to my Bauer Speedplate 2.0 as they are fully heat-moldable.

Build/Materials: Extremely stiff skate. The material has the same flex as a fiberglass mask chin. I found it slightly stiffer than the Ultrasonics. Unlike the Ultrasonics, the AS3 Pro is definitely more uniformed/symmetrical. The skates have a textured rubber that will touch/bite the ice. My assumption is that it benefits for pushes and down-low play. The lundy loop has rubber to create a more rigid and better feeling loop. Being a traditional modern skate, it still has the tendon guard unlike the Ultrasonics. This defnitely had me leaning more into purchasing the CCMs as it impairs movement/ankle roll to add stability. Sandard plastic cap. The tongue is definitely different than all skates as it features memory foam and a integrated lace bite system which feels like a heat-moldable piece of plastic they put. Definitely widens out the pressure that laces cause. Very comfortable tongue but non-sock users will have to get adjusted to wearing pleather.

Against the Ultrasonic:

I found that the Ultrasonic skates were definitely lighter even though CCM has improved their weight by quite a bit. I was able to get my foot into the 7D (no EE) Ultrasonics but had to pull out after a minute as my forefoot was being crushed to death. I preferred the inner liner in the Ultrasonics as it felt like they had a bit softer foams. The Ultrasonic's design imo looked sleeker. The AS3 Pro feels more vibrant. The Ultrasonics did not feature a tendon guard which improves mobility. The CCMs have a innovative tongue with memory foam. The plastic cap on the Ultrasonics are asymmetrical and looked way better. Each their own.

[Puckstopper]

Good looking wheels man!  I'm way more impressed with CCM than Bauer in the skate department at this point.  The ankle and tongue padding on the upper end AS3 skates is really well done. 

Edited July 16, 2020 by Puckstopper

[coopaloop1234]

It's a nice looking skate.

I'm taking a guess to say that the customizable foot liner is more for custom orders instead off of the shelf.

[dstew29]

@WizYuan great review, feel like this forum needed a shot in the arm int he review department lately. I'm in the True 1-piece right now but always interested to hear about the newer stuff out there.

I know you prefaced with "off-ice impressions" but just want to leave you with some follow ups if you get to use them on ice and report back.

1. For the AS3s, how is the energy transfer on pushes? And do they "howl" like the True 1-pieces? It's white noise to me now, but after a fresh sharpening the energy loss on pushes is so minor that you hear that "howl" from the increased friction against the ice. I almost wonder at times if a little "give" and absorption from the riveted holders is a good thing.

2. You mentioned the Ultrasonics, have you skated in those yet? I'm very interested to see what the asymetrical boot does. I get that it will help get you pre-set for a shot but wondering how it effects movement like pushes or skating in general.

[coopaloop1234]

20 minutes ago, dstew29 said:

2. You mentioned the Ultrasonics, have you skated in those yet? I'm very interested to see what the asymetrical boot does. I get that it will help get you pre-set for a shot but wondering how it effects movement like pushes or skating in general.

Pretty sure the asymmetrical boot has been on Bauer skates since at least the 1S, if not earlier. 

[mr_shifty1982]

I was really getting excited for this skate, however it doesn't come in my size at 6 or 6.5 E or EE. My feet really suck. 

I went the custom route and due to my feet needing added volume, CCM suggested I go with the FT2 because eyelids 1 to 6 already come 1/4 advanced, where the AS3 1 to 3 only are advanced which wouldn't be enough. I was really disappointed but I went with comfort. I'm coming from 2x 6.5 EE and that's giving me issues so a change was needed.

I also changed the steel to step 4mm which they only offer in black, there was an upcharge on that. 

Don't go custom if you don't need, will charge you an arm and a leg!

Good looking skates!

[CJ Boiss]

I'll definitely be giving CCM skates a hard look when I go to replace my Bauers.

[WizYuan]

Update to the skates:

Finally got a skate in. First time seeing wear on the toe caps which I assume are common with cowling-less skates. I did not take any shots on the skates so I cannot comment about the protectiveness.

Feel: Definitely easier to break in than all the other skates I have used. The Rocketframe/Monoframe construction honestly adapts better to the foot than my Bauer Ultrasonic Player Skates. I definitely recommend the 9370 or higher for the boot construction if you have non-"average" feet for the moldability. Definitely felt the memory foam in a good way.

Durability: Minor wear on the toe caps from the ice. Few cuts here and there I would assume either from the post or other players. Nothing to comment about as I assume it's quite average with cowlingless skates now.

Movement: Actually had an adjusting period. The issue I was experiencing was in the butterfly, my toes would actually bite the ice without doing anything. Adjusted within 2 minutes on a subconscious level and never had the problem again while playing. What a difference. My movement definitely improved. On power butterfly pushes, I could stop immediately and get to the other way. Easiest to explain would be in two cases I face against:

• Playing on the crease corner, 2 on 1 situation. Defense got beat and puck was passed to attacker. Butterfly pushed to the other side and before I got to the opposite post, was passed back. Was able to stop and get to the original post side and make the save.
• Behind the net play, was set up as a triangle. Played on RVH with active stick as it was in-between the trapezoid. Passed to other other player behind the net which was popped out to the slot. Was able to keep up with the play and get to the top of the crease corner to make the save

I typically suck with these sort of setups as I would have problems getting an immediate bite which would lead me to covering the shot too late or not getting the edge at all. Happens on fresh blades too in my old skates.

On 7/16/2020 at 7:53 AM, dstew29 said:

1. For the AS3s, how is the energy transfer on pushes? And do they "howl" like the True 1-pieces? It's white noise to me now, but after a fresh sharpening the energy loss on pushes is so minor that you hear that "howl" from the increased friction against the ice. I almost wonder at times if a little "give" and absorption from the riveted holders is a good thing.

2. You mentioned the Ultrasonics, have you skated in those yet? I'm very interested to see what the asymetrical boot does. I get that it will help get you pre-set for a shot but wondering how it effects movement like pushes or skating in general.

Energy transfer is great. Definitely felt I got more power on the pushes. Had some screeching in the beginning when doing shuffles and basic skating. Eventually went away if it's the same thing. Never skated in the Ultrasonics though. In my opinion, the asymmetrical boot allows you to get a lower crouch stance due to the boot having a softer 'neck'. Should also get a better angle as the skate should be able to flex in to bite depending on your leg position, in a theoretical sense.

[KB_TheDireWolf]

I have total custom as3 eta for jan 26...

[KB_TheDireWolf]

On 7/16/2020 at 7:53 AM, dstew29 said:

@WizYuan great review, feel like this forum needed a shot in the arm int he review department lately. I'm in the True 1-piece right now but always interested to hear about the newer stuff out there.

I know you prefaced with "off-ice impressions" but just want to leave you with some follow ups if you get to use them on ice and report back.

1. For the AS3s, how is the energy transfer on pushes? And do they "howl" like the True 1-pieces? It's white noise to me now, but after a fresh sharpening the energy loss on pushes is so minor that you hear that "howl" from the increased friction against the ice. I almost wonder at times if a little "give" and absorption from the riveted holders is a good thing.

2. You mentioned the Ultrasonics, have you skated in those yet? I'm very interested to see what the asymetrical boot does. I get that it will help get you pre-set for a shot but wondering how it effects movement like pushes or skating in general.

True uses 4mm steel while CCM is using 3mm. They have lest bite.