beansbats

3 hours ago, Chenner29 said:

Build quality is fine, but I've gotten smoked in the arms a few more times than I can count.

This was the worst one - image is reversed, it's actually my blocker arm - pic taken maybe 6 hours after getting off the ice.  The bruise spread out even more on day 2 to the point the entire front of my arm was covered

The only bruise that I have received in mine is in the same place on the blocker side where I was a little sideways on the shot.  FYI....  That looks like the blocker arm to me, I'm full right

On 4/3/2020 at 11:17 AM, RichMan said:

Is the toe cap as substantial as the Bauer one? Also, being that the Bauer cap is much more square, how does the pad feel when sitting on the Graf? I know you tried that already, admit it

On 4/15/2020 at 2:45 PM, SaveByRichter35 said:

@beansbats Can you please post a picture of the inside portion of one of the skates(not the literal inside of the skate but the side of the skate that would touch the ice during a butterfly push).  I'd like to see an up close look of the scuff guard Graf uses to protect the stitching from wearing down due to possible repeated contact with the ice.

On 4/17/2020 at 5:59 PM, GoGriffs said:

How do the new Grafs compare to a True as far as comfort goes? Is the heel cup deeper in the Graf?

I took the Grafs for a half hour test ride on the synthetic ice last night, and they felt great.  I have home baked the skates to start on the customized fit.  My feet are shoe size 12 (Graf size 11), normal width, and really bony ankles.  The one thing I should have done before using the skates was put a deeper hollow on the steel.  They arrived with a 7/8" hollow which is way to slidey.  My 1S are cut to 1/2" and have a good bite on the plastic.  I'll sharpen the Grafs to 1/2" before I try them again.

Round Toe Cap - I did not notice ant difference in how the pads (VE8) sat on the skates, or in the rotation compared to the 1S.  The only point that I'll speculate on is that I think the Graf toe cap will be more protective than the 1S, but I can't confirm this until someone drills me with a puck.

Inside Toe - A pic is attached of the inside toe and stitching.  A far as how it will wear, I have no idea.  I'll pay attention as I put more time on the skates.

Graf vs True Comfort & Heel Cap - My Trues are very comfortable and so are the Grafs.  I don't have enough time on the Grafs to make definitive decision in the comfort battle.  As far as the heel cup, the Graf heel cup is deeper.  I did not experience any slippage while working the movement progressions.

Please let me know if you have other questions.

-steve 

On 4/3/2020 at 11:17 AM, RichMan said:

Is the toe cap as substantial as the Bauer one? Also, being that the Bauer cap is much more square, how does the pad feel when sitting on the Graf? I know you tried that already, admit it

On 4/15/2020 at 2:45 PM, SaveByRichter35 said:

@beansbats Can you please post a picture of the inside portion of one of the skates(not the literal inside of the skate but the side of the skate that would touch the ice during a butterfly push).  I'd like to see an up close look of the scuff guard Graf uses to protect the stitching from wearing down due to possible repeated contact with the ice.

Since there is no ice right now I have been ignoring the shiny new skates.  I just set up some synthetic ice panels and will try the Graf's out tonight and take some more pictures.  I'll also be able to do a compare vs the 1S.  This will probably be the only time on the synthetic with them because I do not have any spare steel yet.  Does anyone know where to get more steel for these?

-steve

On the way!  My new Armstrong Custom / Kustom Composite.  It may be too pretty to wear on the ice, ok, I am going to wear it.

On 4/7/2020 at 7:48 AM, jevi3 said:

Here are my old Itechs fully restored by New Image Goalie Mask.  The 961 was restored last year and 9601 I just got back yesterday.  Both came back gorgeous from Ray at New Image.  I really like the single center bar cage, and they can really take a beating without bending!

Ray at New Image does great work!  I just received a Warwick back from him.

Here are some more pics.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Pictures added

-steve

14 hours ago, dualshowman said:

@beanbats If you could, good brother, litter this thread with photos of the skates, we'd all be very grateful. 

12 hours ago, RichMan said:

THIS! And if you could do a photo and description comparison to your previously used skates please. Thanks

I will take some more photos today and post them later.  As far as recently used skates, I currently switch between Mrazek 1S Pro stock and Leighton True 2 Piece with the Vertex holder, so I've been cowling less for a while.  I will write a comparison (As well as a review) once I manage to get the Graf's on the ice. 

1 hour ago, RichMan said:

My question is; initial fit and impression please.

The pre-bake fit feels like a slipper, and I'm planning on baking them once it gets closer to ice time   My first impression is that this is a very well made skate.  The workmanship is great.

-steve

2 hours ago, Big2 said:

Great looking skates !

Question - the tab in the middle of the holder is it permanant anchored there or its part of the blade ?  Also are these 3MM or 4MM blades and do you know if Step will be making blades for these skates ?

The tab is a part of the steel to prevent pucks from getting through.  They are 3mm in width.

Because of this thread, my new Graf cowling less skates just arrived.  I'm a size 12 shoe and bought an 11 Graf.  They fit perfectly.  Hopefully I'll be able to get them on the ice someday.

-steve

New to me, Curtis Sandford game used Dillon mask with paint by Pepe.  It fits well and I plan on wearing it once we are allowed back on the ice.  My new favorite mask in the collection

Add my dream mask to the collection.  New old stock Jerry Wright Bauer 961 Stars and Stripes edition.  I'm not sure if I'm going to wear this one

6 hours ago, Aquilzz said:

Who makes that mask? Never seen one with a shape like that before. The shorter chin looks super comfy for neck mobility.

It is an Eddy GT.

5 hours ago, chile57 said:

fairly certain thats a now defunct Eddy

in fact - looks like the one straight off the how its made show on goalie masks i saw moons ago

Correct on the Eddy part

I may have to look for that episode of how it's made.

From my >40 draft league a couple of weeks ago.  Champion for Wednesday night.  Drafted to a new team on Thursday   

My new mask for beer league

46 minutes ago, MTH said:

When did this become the lacrosse goal? Was always the 'Michigan'.

Probably an Ohio State fan trying to get Michigan removed from the language.  On a side note, I was at the game when the Michigan happened

I think the older (Myself included) "Get off my lawn crowd" would like this move because it shows another weakness in the RVH.  If Rittich was in a traditional standing post hug mode this move fails.  I say no ban....  for now

My .02 

5 hours ago, SonnyWard said:

@beansbats so which do you like better, Sparx or Wissota?

I liked the Sparx and love the Wissota. I prefer the Wissota because I can completely control the process (Good or bad).  The Sparx did it's job and was pretty much automatic.  There is a fairly steep learning curve to use the Wissota properly, and I spent a lot of time practicing on old steel before I finally stepped on the ice with my own sharpening.

I sold my Sparx and bought a Wissota so that I could mess with in between hollows.  On my 3mm steel I usually run approximately 3/8", and on my 4mm it is closer to 5/8".  I'll make minor adjustments based on outside air temperature.  I also raise the inside edges and dull the outside ones.  Frequency?  Every three or four skates in the summer on softer ice, and every couple of skates in the winter.  I have purchased the FBV adapter from Wissota and some dressing wheels from Blackstone and plan to give FBV a shot in a couple of weeks.   I love sharpening my own skates!

-steve

On 8/20/2019 at 10:05 PM, kyledjean said:

Should have clarified a little more on my question. Did you find it on a site like sideline swap or a forum? Just wondering where I could find items like that in the future. Sweet bucket though. Beautiful paint job. Hope it serves you well.

Sorry I just saw this.  I saw the mask on GGSU, but I think he had it on several other FB Groups as well.

1 hour ago, kyledjean said:

Might I ask where you procured this fine item?

Sure.  From a guy in Traverse City Michigan.  I have no idea where he acquired from.

1 hour ago, MangoRhinehart said:

On the inside of the mask there should be a description in silver pen. 

The silver pen description reads,  "Custom made for Erik Ersberg".  So I guess it is an Eric Ersberg model  

Well, my mask buying binge continues.  I have always wanted a Warwick, and I was able to pick up this 2014 Warwick made for Erik Ersberg of HV71.  Additionally, it was painted by Dave Art which wasn't mentioned in the ad.  So I am really stoked!  Does anyone know what model of Warwick this is?  Thanks!

9 minutes ago, southpawtendy48 said:

So sick, just now noticed the old school mask on the right side, and if you don’t mind me asking what brand of mask is this? 

It is a New Image Patriot. *  newimagegoaliemask.com *  I highly recommend them.  The paint is 1980 USA Olympic tribute, and the mask is Jim Craig's

-steve

My New Image Patriot Pro just came back from the painter. Huge thanks to Sean Nance!  My take on a 1980 USA tribute mask.   I can't wait to get it on the ice on Sunday.

-steve