What is the difference between CCM JetSpeed FT4 and FT4 Pro skates?
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.
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.
Player Name | Team |
---|---|
MacKenzie Entwistle | Chicago Blackhawks |
Christian Fischer | Arizona Coyotes |
Johnny Gaudreau | Columbus Blue Jackets |
Luke Glendening | Dallas Stars |
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.
On June 25, 2021, the company will release the CCM Jetspeed FT4 Pro skate. It's the latest model in its popular Jetspeed line and it's being released with some substantial new features, as well as a brand new fitting system that will be used on all models.
In 2022, the CCM Super Tacks AS3 Pros are among the highest performance hockey skates available—and an excellent option for beginner skaters.
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.
There are quite a few forwards that use sticks in the 65-75 range. Alexander Ovechkin is 230 pounds and uses a 79 flex stick, which is probably a big reason for his one-timer.
Skates | Players |
---|---|
Supreme Mach | 106 |
JetSpeed FT4 Pro | 68 |
Supreme Ultra Sonic | 61 |
Vapor 2X Pro | 57 |
Ovechkin uses Jetspeed FT1 gloves and Super Tacks AS3 skates made by CCM.
Why do speed skaters use clap skates?
Clap Skate
At the end of each stride, as the skater picks up her foot, the blade briefly disconnects from the heel of the boot, thereby keeping the blade on the ice longer and increasing the skater's pushing power.
The center of body gravity is closer to the ground, and you lock your ankles: this way your feet can't pronate, roll outward, anymore. Bending your ankles isn't possible with a higher shoe, so inline speed skates always have a lower shoe.

CCM Hockey is currently owned by Canadian private equity firm Birch Hill Equity Partners, after the Adidas Group sold the brand for around $100 million in 2017. As of June 2021, the newly appointed CEO by Birch Hill Equity Partners is Marrouane Nabih.
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.
CCM Jetspeed FT4 Pro Stock - Auston Matthews Toronto Maple Leafs 2022 All-Star Game Used.
The Jetspeed FT5 Pro features CCM's Skeleton+ technology, previously used in the FT4 Pro. This manufacturing technology allows for a lighter, more consistent build in the taper area, improving the stick's reliability in key moments of the game.
Here at IW Hockey, we categorize ice hockey skates into three categories: Recreational, Performance, and Elite. It's important to choose the right level of play in order to maximize your performance on the ice.
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.
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.
- AG5NT Sticks - Low Kick. ...
- Hzrdus Sticks - Low Kick. ...
- RibCor Sticks - Low Kick. ...
- Vapor Sticks - Low Kick. ...
- Covert Sticks - Low Kick. ...
- Rekker Sticks - Low Kick. ...
- Project X Sticks - Low Kick. ...
- A Series Sticks - Low Kick.
Which is better CCM AS4 Pro or Bauer?
Technically, the AS4 Pro is listed as a mid kick point stick—though it's more of a hybrid mid-high stick. If you want the most powerful shot, then you should go with the Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic. However, if you're wanting a slightly quicker release, then choose the CCM Super Tacks AS4 Pro.
CCM Tacks sticks are most similar to Bauer's Supreme stick line. NHL players using a CCM Super Tacks AS2 stick: Conor Sheary (BUF), Jake Gardiner (CAR), Roope Hintz (DAL), Filip Forsberg (NSH).
With different origins, CCM and Bauer have followed similar paths in the past 30 years, continuously pushing innovations in skate, stick, helmet, glove, and pad technology, each company owned for a short stint by the two biggest names in sports, and still the two most popular brands at all levels of play today.
A High-kick point is similar to the Mid-kick point but accentuated and even more specifically designed for hard slap shots and one-timers. Best suited for: POWER-SHOOTING DEFENSMEN. Popular High-Kick stick lines: Bauer Supreme, CCM Tacks, Warrior Dynasty (discontinued).
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.
Inlines are generally easier for beginners to learn with, but quad skates are both highly customizable and better for artistic movements like strutting or spinning. At the end of the day, which type of skates you go with largely comes down to personal preference.
Skates | Players |
---|---|
Supreme Mach | 107 |
JetSpeed FT4 Pro | 68 |
Supreme Ultra Sonic | 63 |
Vapor 2X Pro | 57 |