A BRIEF COMPARISON OF CCM HOCKEY SKATES
The main difference among the Jetspeed, Ribcor, and Tacks skate families is their fit, with each skate constructed to suit a different body type and style of play. But the distinctions among the models are a little more involved than small, medium, and large.
Originally a bicycle manufacturer, CCM has been one of the world's premier makers of ice hockey skates since 1937. Each member of the CCM skates lineup - Ribcor, Tacks, and Jetspeed—offers models at all price points, from the recreational to the professional level, with multiple offerings in between.
JETSPEED VS. RIBCOR VS. TACKS—FIT
CCM JETSPEED
CCM says the Jetspeed line has a "tapered" fit. Comparable to Bauer's Supreme skate, the Jetspeed is a medium-volume skate for players with average toe, forefoot, instep, and heel dimensions. Tight at the heel and more narrow at the forefoot, the new Jetspeeds are made to be slightly more snug than the older RBZ generation hockey skates. So, in truth, they're almost a hybrid, medium-to-narrow fitting skate, but they still fall between the Ribcor and Tacks lines, in terms of fit and feel.
The top-of-the-line FT2 skate features CCM's Liteframe 360 Evo technology, a new one-piece frame developed with no outsole, stitching, or glue in the high energy transfer zones. It's lightweight and offers a high level of stiffness for the player looking for explosive power.
CCM RIBCOR
Ribcor skates are the track shoes among CCM's skate families. CCM calls the fit in the Ribcor "flexible" - it is a low-volume skate akin to Bauer's Vapor skate. The Ribcor is designed for skaters with narrower toe and smaller forefoot, instep, and heel dimensions. That said, this is CCM's most adaptable skate with the most flexible boot, particularly in the top-end 80K model. CCM maintains that though the skate is measured for narrow feet, the boot's adaptability makes the Ribcor suitable for any sized foot. This adaptability was once achieved with the Ribcor pump, a technology CCM has moved away from.
This is CCM's skate for the agile skater. The top-end 80K Ribcor features CCM's 3D-lasted, composite quarter package boot design with FlexFrame technology. The premium Ribcor is designed for the speed demons on the squad, accustomed to leaving defenders in the icy dust.
CCM TACKS
The Tacks skate family offers what CCM calls an "anatomical" fit. This is their higher volume hockey skate, comparable to Bauer's Nexus skate, though it is again somewhat of a hybrid medium-to-high-volume skate with an anatomical heel and a wider forefoot. Skaters with medium- to larger-sized toe, forefoot, instep, and heel dimensions should find the fit in the Tacks skate comfortable.
Also a one-piece skate, the top-end Super Tacks AS3 Pro features CCM's MonoFrame 360° technology that wraps around and beneath the foot for maximum foot-to-skate contact and a maximum transfer of energy. CCM's "all-around" skates, the entire Tacks family is great for the two-way player looking for awesome response and maneuverability.
JETSPEED VS. RIBCOR VS. TACKS—SKATE DESIGN
Aside from the general fit and a handful of structural differences between the families, the main difference among the top-end Super Tacks AS3 Pro, Jetspeed FT2, and Ribcor 80K skates is the boot construction: the AS3 Pro and FT2 come in a one-piece boot design while the 80K is a two-piece boot.
CCM introduced the one-piece skate to the market several years ago and the design has become popular in the NHL, with as many as 150 players choosing to wear it. There are three main advantages to the one-piece boot design.
- Weight reduction: the outsole—the piece that connects the boot to the holder—is gone, as are the nails and glue that attach it to the boot.
- More direct energy transfer: without the outsole, energy is transferred more directly to the ice for increased, immediate performance.
- A more complete fit: the boot wraps around and beneath the foot, reducing internal negative space, for more skate-to-foot contact, and creating a more direct feel for the ice.
All these add up to a more direct transfer of energy, and faster, more powerful strides.
The Ribcor 80k two-piece design offers a traditional feel for skaters who prefer a conventional boot construction, including the use of an outsole, albeit a reinforced composite one that's super stiff and responsive. And there's nothing wrong with that – just ask Sidney Crosby.
Which CCM skate is right for you? You'll have to figure that one out. But, we suggest you consider your style of play, your typical position, and your foot size. All these should inform your decision. After all, you should think of a good pair of skates, and particularly the top-end models mentioned here, as an investment you'll enjoy for several years.
FAQs
The main difference among the Jetspeed, Ribcor, and Tacks skate families is their fit, with each skate constructed to suit a different body type and style of play.
What is the difference between CCM super tacks and Tacks? ›
First and foremost, Super Tacks skates fit completely differently than the original Tacks skates. As stated above, the original Tacks had a wide fit - most commonly seen in Bauer Nexus skates. Now, the Super Tacks have a super snug, stiff, and contoured fit, like a Bauer Supreme skate.
What is the difference between CCM Jetspeed and Ribcor stick? ›
The difference between the two is in the kick point. The Ribcore 4 Pro is designed for the forward that favors a low kick point with a very quick release, while the Jetspeed FT3 Pro is for the players that want more power with slightly slower release times. The Ribcore Trigger 4 Pro is very popular amongst forwards.
Are CCM Ribcor skates good? ›
CCM Ribcor skates are geared towards players looking to make agile, quick and extremely tight turns. The FlexFrame™ technology provides excellent forward flexion to help players generate power and lateral stability which helps to maximize energy transfer with every stride.
Why are CCM skates called Tacks? ›
The Tacks began as a boot designed by shoemaker George Tackaberry in 1905 after Hall of Famer Joe Hall felt the boot of his skate wasn't good enough and went to Tackaberry to design a better one. CCM got the Tackaberry name when the shoemaker died in 1937 and started putting out the Tacks line of skates.
Are CCM Tacks skates good? ›
The CCM Tacks AS-V skates are a great option for the player looking for high-level performance and comfort at a lower price than the AS-V Pro. The AS-V model features the all-new “Power” one-piece boot and the asymmetrical toe cap for the same customized fit and feel of the higher-end Pro model.
Do CCM skates fit bigger than Bauer? ›
The following information and charts will provide general guidelines on sizing equipment. Generally, skates will fit 1 to 1 ½ sizes smaller than your shoe size. For women, this size is 2 to 2 ½ sizes smaller. CCM skates tend to be wider, and Bauer's tend to be narrow.
Are CCM skates good for beginners? ›
In 2022, the CCM Super Tacks AS3 Pros are among the highest performance hockey skates available—and an excellent option for beginner skaters.
Are Bauer sticks better than CCM? ›
Best High Kick Point Stick: Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic
The winner for high kick point goes to the Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic. Honestly, the CCM Super Tacks AS4 Pro is an incredible stick. The main reason Bauer gets the advantage here is simply because it offers a slightly higher kick point than the AS4 Pro.
What kind of skates does Connor McDavid use? ›
Connor McDavid Autographed CCM JetSpeed Hockey Skates.
The NHL's Most Popular Gear
| Skates | Players |
|---|
| Vapor HyperLite | 244 |
| Supreme Mach | 106 |
| JetSpeed FT4 Pro | 66 |
| Supreme Ultra Sonic | 61 |
1 more rowHockey skates are fast and maneuverable and offer good support of the foot, making them a good choice for beginners. Hybrid ice skates are with their soft-boot also a good choice for beginners who are only interested in using them for cozy rides.
Which company skates are best for beginners? ›
- Round Wolf SKATES In-line Skates - Size Free UK. Red. 3.9. ₹1,589. 47% off. ₹1,509. with Bank offer.
- ₹4,999. 54% off.
- ₹2,022. 25% off. ₹1,434. with Bank offer.
- ₹898. with Combo offer + more.
Main endorsers of CCM players gear include Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Patrice Bergeron, Nathan MacKinnon and, Connor McDavid.
Is CCM owned by Adidas? ›
Reebok bought CCM, maker of hockey helmets and sticks, in 2004 for nearly $400 million, including debt. The next year, Adidas bought Reebok. CCM's value, and its business, have fallen since then.
What is the best skate for hockey? ›
Best Hockey Skates for 2022
- Bauer Supreme Mach Ice Hockey Skates.
- CCM Tacks AS-V Pro Ice Hockey Skates.
- Bauer Vapor 3X Pro Ice Hockey Skates.
- CCM Jetspeed FT4 Ice Hockey Skates.
- True TF9 Ice Hockey Skates.
- Graf PK5900 Ice Hockey Skates.
- True TF7 Ice Hockey Skates.
- Bauer Vapor X3. 5 Ice Hockey Skates.
The clap skate (also called clapper skates, clapskates, slap skates, slapskates, from Dutch klapschaats) is a type of ice skate used in speed skating. Unlike in traditional skates where the blade is rigidly fixed to the boot, clap skates have the blade attached to the boot by a hinge at the front.
What skate sharpening do most NHL players use? ›
Hockey player and goalie skates are often sharpened with a ROH from 3/8” up to 1-1/2”.
Is it better for skates to be too big or too small? ›
Hockey skates do run big in comparison to street shoes. You want to find a pair that's about 1 – 1.5 sizes smaller than your normal shoe size.
Is Bauer owned by CCM? ›
Like CCM, Bauer received attention from the biggest names in sports, and eventually got bought out by a larger manufacturer when Nike purchased them in 1994.
Generally speaking, the higher the price, the better the skates will be. But, most players don't require top-of-the-line skates, so you don't need to worry about buying the most expensive ones you find. Instead, you should first determine your spending limit and then look for skates that are priced within that range.
What are the easiest skates to use? ›
While many people expect quad roller skates to be easier to learn than inline skates (or roller blades as they are commonly known), the truth is that many children and adults find inlines to be very easy.
What skates are easier to ice skate in? ›
A pair of figure skates are better for beginners because the shape of the blade distributes weight more evenly over the foot, making it easier to balance. The blade is long and has a curve near the toe called the “rocker,” which allows the skater to make long and graceful turns.
When did CCM stop making Tacks? ›
"Tacks" have been ccm's company signature skate until late 2006, when the Tacks line was replaced with the "Vector" line, and "U+" these were not that popular so the Tacks name is back and the new top line skates are looking great again! The original CCM went bankrupt in 1983.
Who makes a better skate CCM or Bauer? ›
Bauer equipment is more accurate when it comes to sizes and also has better quality overall. Other than the equipment aspect of the brands, another factor plays in: pricing. The most expensive pieces of equipment are the skates and sticks. The majority of people use Bauer more because of the cheaper prices.
What stick did Gretzky use? ›
The movement was started by none other than Wayne Gretzky who signed an endorsem*nt deal to use an HXP 5100 aluminum shafted stick made by Easton. The late 80's saw initial use of aluminum shafted sticks, but it was Wayne Gretzky who made them popular in the early 90's.
What's the difference between CCM JetSpeed and tacks hockey pants? ›
Since this is my first time buying hockey pants, I have no preference or basis on what to buy. All I know is that the CCM Tacks and Jetspeeds are the most comfortable. The only difference I notice between the two is that the stomach portion is a lot shorter on the Jetspeeds compared to the tacks.
What is the difference between JetSpeed FT4 and FT4 Pro? ›
One main difference from the top-of-the-line FT4 Pro model is the boot stiffness and the slightly heavier skate in the FT4. The FT4 features an asymmetrical toe cap. This design helps to reduce the overall volume of the skate, ideal for players who need that low-profile fit to play their best.
What stick does Connor McDavid use? ›
Connor McDavid Stick Spec Check
McDavid's custom curve is a variation on the popular P92 pattern, with a smaller, slightly squared blade face. He has been using the curve since he was a young, and for the most part has stuck with it throughout his pro career (with some brief experimentation here and there).
Is a JetSpeed a mid kick? ›
The Jetspeed is CCM's mid-kick point stick line, designed for players who take a variety of shots, both quick-motion and full-motion, and who value versatility.
CCM Jetspeed FT4 Pro Hockey Skates
The ability to choose from Tapered, Regular, or Wide and get the fit that will best help you to achieve top performance.
What's better Bauer or CCM? ›
Bauer equipment is more accurate when it comes to sizes and also has better quality overall. Other than the equipment aspect of the brands, another factor plays in: pricing. The most expensive pieces of equipment are the skates and sticks. The majority of people use Bauer more because of the cheaper prices.
What are JetSpeed FT490 skates good for? ›
The JetSpeed FT490 is an excellent example of this evolution, and is a great option for the player who skates 3-4 times per week, who also performs best in a tapered-fit model. Gives you a quality, long lasting blade for solid performance and good edge retention.
Do Bauer and CCM fit the same? ›
CCM skates tend to be wider, and Bauer's tend to be narrow. If you have wide feet, you might find CCM's are much more comfortable, whereas if you have narrow feet, you might find them too loose.
What skates does Ovechkin wear? ›
Ovechkin uses Jetspeed FT1 gloves and Super Tacks AS3 skates made by CCM.
