“Every action has a Re-Aktion” is Bauer’s new motto for their new helmet for 2012, the Re-Akt. No numbers in it’s name for this guy because this one is all about advancing protection in the helmet game. Bauer took a look at every possible angle for protection with this one and developed a new helmet that aims to tackle one overlooked issue, as well as others, when it comes to head injuries, rotational force.

Ovi wearing the new Bauer Re-Akt helmet

Lets take a look at some of the key features of the new Re-Akt helmet:

Suspend-Tech Liner

The new liner is a true, free-floating, suspension liner that uses Bauer’s already proven PORON XRD Technology which will offer enhanced protection and maximum comfort. The new liner is shown in the highlighted area in the picture below.

Suspend-Tech Liner (highlighted in yellow/black)

Rotational Force Management

During an impact, the Suspend-Tech Liner moves independently from the Vertex Foam liner in the helmet which helps protect your brain from crippling intra-cranial movement. This allows the helmet to move on its own while having your head stay in place, separate from the helmet to prevent injuries. See diagram shown below.

Helmet displacement during impact.

Central Tool-Free Adjustment

Bauer loves their tool free adjustments but what is new for the Re-Akt is the adjustments have been moved from the sides like on the 9900, 7500, etc. to the top of the helmet. This frees up much needed space on the sides to increase protection. By moving the adjustments, the Re-Akt helmet becomes narrower and sleeker similar to the HH4500 for which the pro design is inspired from. Plus it is now just a single latch that you flip up instead of the two tabs that were required before.

Bauer's new tool-free adjustment

Overall Design

The Bauer Re-Akt helmet is a two-piece design similar to what we see in the rest of their helmet line-up. Bauer likes this design because it allows the helmet to adjust to various head sizes and offer a better fit. Inside you will find the Vertex Foam Liner which is the main impact management protection and Bauer says is significantly lighter than traditional EPP foam of the same density. This along with the Suspend-Tech Liner provide superior head and brain protection during impact. Also along with the new adjustment latch, that has been moved to the top of the helmet, there is the new Occipital Lock 3.0. This adjustment feature aims to stabilize and lock the back of the head into place, similar to what the Giro System aims to do on the Easton E700 helmet. Along with memory foam temple pads (shown below), the foam and pads inside are treated with Microban antibacterial protection to resist mildew and odors. Ample ventilation ports throughout increase airflow.

Bauer Re-Akt helmet other key features

The Bauer Re-Akt helmet is set for a Spring launch this year alongside all of their new 2012 equipment. Be sure to stay connected with www.icewarehouse.com and www.inlinewarehouse.com for availability. Also be sure to “like” us on facebook to stay up to date on releases and giveaways.

New for the 2011/2012 hockey season is Alkali Hockey, a roller specific brand, aim specifically at designing, manufacturing, marketing and selling roller hockey targeted products. For their debut line up of gear they are focusing on the essentials including skates, sticks, roller hockey pants, gloves, girdles, padded vests, and bags. And from the look of things we reviewed, Alkali Hockey went all out in making sure every level of hockey player was getting a great product.

Cofounded by roller hockey legend Joe Cook and designer Justin Hoffman in early 2011, together they bring over 20+ years of roller hockey industry knowledge to the table. Using what they call “Lithium Science” in the design and construction of all their products, they aim to bring the most advanced materials and construction techniques to maximum the energy yield by each and every player.

Skates

The biggest release from Alkali Hockey this year will undoubtably be their skate line. Alkali started from the ground up when developing their skates, to come come up with a truly unique and sleek design. Their top of the line performer is the CA9 skate, which is one of the meanest looking skates we’ve seen in awhile.

Alkali CA9 skate

Starting with the boot in the CA9, Alkali went with high quality EPP foam with Surlyn quarters for top of the line support and performance. Another great part of the design is the Carbon Fiber reinforced tendon guard that is stiff all the way up the back of the skate but at the top the guard is able to flex which is extra important for making turns in roller hockey. A 9mm pro spec tongue with extra ventilation provides superior fit. Excellent heel locking is utilized by strategic memory foam ankle pads and an anti-microbial microfiber liner provides excellent moisture wicking capabilities which is quickly becoming a major concern regarding the harmful nature of bacteria growth. Moving to the outsole of the skate, Alkali uses what they call the MPT (Maximum Power Transfer) carbon fiber outsole. This full carbon outsole is designed for direct energy transfer from your feet, into the chassis and down onto the ground for maximum stride.

Below your feet, Alkali went with their own magnesium alloy chassis that rolls on an all 80mm wheel set up. Now many companies have an all 80mm frame, Alkali is the first to come to the market with all 80mm magnesium chassis. Gripping the sport court and providing the speed will be Labeda Addiction XXX Grip wheels with ultra smooth Swiss 608 sized bearings. Hopefully we all know by now that the Labeda Addicitons are the fastest and grippiest wheel on the market so it was no brainer that Alkali would bring these amazing wheels out on their top of the line skate.

Rounding out the rest of the Alkali skates line up are the CA7, CA5, and the more budget minded CA3 skate.

Sticks

For their debut stick line, Alkali has unveiled the CA9 as their top of the line stick. Using their Lithium Science construction, Alkali went us a lightweight 3K carbon fiber weave for durability without sacrificing weight. Standard shaft dimensions are present with a slight double concave but nothing too large. A smooth finish always for easy hand transitions and fast stick handling. Moving down the shaft the CA9, along with the other sticks in the line up, features a low kick point for maximum loading on wrist and snap shots. A nice addition to the stick is reinforced anti-slash protection to increase longevity. Alkali added a vibration dampening core to the core made of 3K carbon as well for superior stick handling.

Alkali CA9 stick

The rest of their stick line will be made up of the CA5 and the CA3. The CA3 will be aimed at players looking to play both indoor and outdoor hockey and comes with an ABS blade for maximum durability.

Pants

Another special focus of Alkali Hockey is their unique line of pants. Borrowing technology from the garment and sports apparel industry, Alkali went all out on making the best roller pants available.

Alkali CA9 pant

Taking a look at their top of the line pant, the CA9, the first thing you notice is the extra large Lycra gusset. Alkali says this provide up to a 16 way stretch allowing you to obtain your maximum stride. Paired with the ventilated, stretchable Platinum-Flex body fabric, the CA9 pants move every way you want them too. Up a the waist is their Sure-Fit adjustable waist band with Flex Back waistband. The Sure-Fit system is made up of high quality rubber pull tabs on each side of the waist and by pulling on them and velcroing them in place, proper fit is achieved.

Moving down to the knee, Alkali used dual layer 1680D ballistic knee panels for superior durability and has lighter mesh ventilation on the back for breathability. Another unique design Alkali used was using fully sublimated graphics on their whole line of pants. With sublimated graphics, they are built right in the fabric and wont rub or peel off when you fall.

The rest of their pant line consists of the CA7, CA5 and the CA3.

The Alkali skates, sticks, pants and bags will be in stock Dec. 1, 2011 with pre sales up now!!. All Alkali products will be available at www.inlinewarehouse.com and www.icewarehouse.com

We just returned from the Let’s Play Hockey Show held in Las Vegas, NV over the weekend. It was a great turn out with huge booths from Easton, CCM/Reebok, and Warrior plus some exciting roller products from new company Alkali Hockey. Lot’s of great new products were displayed and it was great to hear from all the knowledgable products managers about what was the latest and greatest. Be on the lookout for releases and reviews coming your way soon.

OVI and his new twig of choice...APX Stick

Easily one of the most recognizable names in the game today, Alexander Ovechkin has become the go to player when his team needs a goal or a great play to get his team and crowd pumped up. Starting this season Ovechkin will be using a new stick, the Bauer Vapor APX.

Bauer Vapor APX OVI Edition

The Bauer Vapor APX OVI Edition will feature the actual curve used by Alexander The Gr8. The Ovechkin curve will be referred to as the P08 curve. The P08 curve is as unique as OVI himself. Ovechkin’s curve is a large, open toe curve great for technical puck handling and sniping water bottles.

Bauer APX OVI Stick Grip and Non Grip

The Bauer Vapor APX stick is the pinnecle of Bauer’s player inspired research and development. Bauer has taken the foundation of the X60 hockey stick and combined it with exceptional puck feel of the TotalOne stick to create a stick that captures the best of both worlds. The difference between the APX and X60 sticks are the use of high-grade TeXtreme carbon fiber, a monocomp design for true one construction and Intelli-sense shot technology for increased stick versatility.

The Bauer Vapor APX OVI stick is available at www.icewarehouse.com

The Easton Stealth RS stick is the latest and greatest stick from Easton hockey.  Easton has a long history of pushing the envelope on hockey stick performance, and has continued that tradition with the Easton RS stick.  The RS stick has evolved from the foundation of the former S17 stick and S19 stick.  Moving from the S17 to S19, Easton wanted to improve durability and increase the “pop” on shot release, so they stiffened the elliptical profile and re-engineered the blade. Moving from the S19 to RS, Easton wanted to really fine tune the flex profile and perfect the overall stick feel.

Easton Stealth RS Hockey Stick

Prior to designing the RS stick, Easton wanted to re-visit what their overall goals were for the new stick. What it really came down to was, “making the most out of your opportunities.”  In a typical hockey game your team might get around 30 shots, and each player may only get a couple of opportunities to get a good look at the net.  As a result, Easton really wanted to make a stick that players can trust that has high-end performance and a predictable feel.  When your opportunity comes in the game the RS can help you capitalize on it. When Easton fine-tuned the flex profile, they were able to make it smoother and more consistent, while increasing the “pop” to the shot release.

Easton RS Stick

Easton has also introduced some new materials in the Stealth RS stick that has decreased the overall weight while not sacrificing durability at all. The Easton RS stick features slightly different shaft dimensions than the S19 stick. According to Easton a large majority of their NHL pro players were all using the same shaft dimensions, so they decided to take that as a sign and apply those shaft dimensions to the retail version of the RS stick. The new shaft dimensions have straight sidewalls, and rounded corners.  In comparing the RS shaft dimensions to the S19 it is a slight difference but seems like the RS is just a little bit narrower.

Easton RS Stick

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on the Easton RS stick, and have been extremely happy with its performance. First, just on appearance the stick looks nasty!  The black on black look is mean, and iconic. Also, the matted finish is a nice touch.  The RS stick has an extremely light feel.  It may not be the lightest stick on the market but it certainly is in that category. As far as the shot release goes it felt amazing.  Has a really snappy feel, and felt like the puck was just jumping off the blade.  The RS stick excels most on wrist shots and snap shots, but don’t let this shy you away from taking clappers from the point or one-timers in the slot. All around I have been very impressed by the RS stick, and would definitely not have a problem recommending it.

The Easton Stealth RS hockey sticks are available at IceWarehouse.com and InlineWarehouse.com with free 2-day shipping and no handling fees.

Ice/Inline Warehouse is a global e-commerce business and online retailer for all your Ice and Inline Hockey needs.  We employ a diverse staff and are currently looking for an Assistant Web Editor with ice or inline hockey experience and knowledge.

Ice/Inline Warehouse publishes in-depth reviews on the latest hockey equipment and provides detailed product descriptions for all of the products sold on our website.  Our website features include “how to” and educational material.  An Assistant Web Editor will have solid writing/editing skills and a background or interest in hockey.  We require applicants to have current or extensive playing knowledge and experience to help improve review and content accuracy.  Knowledge not limited to Ice or Inline experience.

The Assistant Web Editor will be responsible for assisting in product descriptions; taking an active role in product reviews; assisting with writing and editing web content; assisting in video product reviews; editing customer feedback; and disseminating information on new products to relevant IW team members.  The secondary role is assisting the customer service staff and team sales in answering calls, emails or retail sales if required.

Ice/Inline Warehouse is located in San Luis Obispo, CA.  While Ice/Inline Warehouse is an online business, the Assistant Web Editor will be required to reside in the area of beautiful San Luis Obispo and fully enjoy its gorgeous California sunshine.  Day-to-day hands-on experience with the products to be written about makes telecommuting NOT an option.

Ice/Inline Warehouse offers a full medical, dental and vision insurance plan as well as profit sharing and employee 401K programs.

How to apply:

- Resumes submissions are required for all candidates. Interested candidates should submit their resume to:  joe@inlinewarehouse.com – ATTN: Hockey Web Editor

- Show Availability

- Tell About Yourself & Any Hockey Knowledge

- Must be physically capable (able to lift 50lbs, climb ladders, etc.)

- Applications must be submitted by September 30^th.

• Location: SLO

• Compensation: Based on experience

• Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.

• Please, no phone calls about this job!

• Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

This Fall Bauer will be releasing the Bauer Vapor X 7.0 LE Hockey skate…which in my humble opinion will be nastiest looking skate on the marketing this holiday season.

Bauer Vapor X7.0 LE Ice Hockey Skate

The Bauer X7.0 LE Skates will have the exact same design and features as the standard Bauer 7.0 ice skate. Which is basically the same skate as the Bauer Vapor X60 skate. Due to the huge success of the X60 ice skates Bauer wanted to ensure they had a skate in their line for those players that fell in love with the X60 and just want to replace that skates. So they kept the exact same design and applied the updated X-rib construction to basically offer the same skate again for the 2011/2012 season.  The Vapor X 7.0 skate features the ultra light weight tech mesh quarter material, and dense durable liner featured on the X60 skate.

The Bauer Vapor X 7.0 ice skate will be available for pre-sale 9/06/2011 at IceWarehouse.com.

(p.s. spoiler alert the X 7.0 LE ice skate will match the Bauer Supreme TotalOne LE 2 stick perfectly!)

This holiday season Warrior Hockey will be coming out with a couple new hockey sticks, the Warrior Dynasty and the Warrior Mojo hockey sticks. The Warrior Dynasty hockey stick will be replacing the Warrior dolomite that had great success for several seasons.

Warrior Dynasty Hockey Stick

The Warrior Dynasty stick will have some similar features to the Warrior Dolomite stick such as: the same top of the line carbon elite material, Multi-Bias fiber placement to improve impact durability, fused one-piece design that offers a more forgiving feel, and the precision taper that focuses the majority of the flex in the lower quarter of the shaft.

Warrior Dynasty grip hockey sticks

The most significant new feature on the Warrior Dynasty stick is the Axy Sym technology. The Axy Sym is the reinforced construction on the back side and bottom of the shaft. Compression fibers have been added to the back side of the shaft, and when the stick is loaded, this causes the front to stretch more. More stretch equals more release. The puck is released faster with no energy loss. Left and right  sticks are built different to spring the force directionally.

Warrior Dynasty Hockey Stick with Axy Sym Technology

When I had the chance to check out the Dynasty stick you could actually feel that the when flex the stick in the regular direction it had stiff snappier feel. Then when flexing the stick on the backhand it felt softer. Another new feature on the Warrior Dynasty is the Slick Grip which according to Warrior “…ensures proper hand-lock/nonslip during high-load shots.  By adding extra grip on back hand and bottom of shaft with Nipple Grip raised edges, Slick Grip allows for easy movement in fingers for up-and-down shaft stick handling and transitions between shots. So basically, the slick grip is the nipple grip coating on two sides of the shaft.

Warrior Slick Grip stick coating

The Dynasty hockey sticks feature the same blade core found on the premier Warrior Widow hockey sticks, the D-Lite blade core. Using an internal polymer core, D-Lite technology allows for a very stable heel and base area which transitions to a very light and springy mid-toe area. The center of gravity of the blade is also moved closer to the heel area, which makes the blade feel lighter but does not affect stability at impact. Taper hosel area is hollow, allowing for more weight savings.  Additional aramid internal blade cap helps impact durability and prolongs blade life. Warrior has also introduced the X-Weave in the blade. X-Weave fiber matrix allows for increased strength on back side and bottom of the shaft and blade for increased recoil forward into the shaft.

Warrior Dynasty Blade Close-up

Warrior is also introducing the Mojo hockey stick that is at a lower price point, but shares many of the same features seen on the Dynasty. The Warrior Mojo hockey sticks feature the same Axy Sym technology, X-Weave fiber matrix, precision taper, and slick grip. The biggest differences between the Warrior Dynasty and Mojo stick is material (Mojo features carbon deluxe), and blade core (Mojo features a soft core blade rather than the D-Lite blade core.

Warrior Mojo Hockey Stick

The Warrior Dynasty and Warrior Mojo hockey sticks will both be available for pre-sale 9/15 at IceWarehouse.com and InlineWarehouse.com

Bauer is getting ready to unleash, yet again one of the most highly anticipate hockey sticks of the year. The Bauer Vapor APX Hockey Sticks will be available 9/06/11 for pre-sale and have estimated in store delivery of 10/06/11.

Bauer Vapor APX Hockey Stick

The Bauer Vapor APX hockey stick picks up where the X60 stick left off, and takes the Bauer Vapor stick line into a whole new stratosphere.  So to start it off let’s go over what Bauer has kept the same on the APX as the X60 stick, both sticks feature: the high-grade TeXtreme carbon fiber, monocomp design (true one-piece construction), Intelli-sense shot technology (flex profile), Micro Feel II shaft dimensions (slightly smaller and rounded shaft dimensions).  The picture below graphically shows the softer and stiffer portions of the stick. The yellow areas are softer and the red areas are stiffer. So from this picture you can see the APX stick will have the same low kick shot release as the X60.

Bauer APX hockey stick

One of the areas where Bauer wanted to improve on was the blade core and puck feel of the X60 stick. Bauer felt they had really nailed the ideal puck feel with the TotalOne sticks and wanted to duplicate it in the Vapor stick line, although they ran into a problem. Since the Vapor line has the lower kick point the heavier blade core was making the blade deflect too much which they did not want. So to get around this they used the heavier dense Power Core III material on the lower portion of the blade where the puck has contact. Then on the upper half Bauer utilized the Aero Foam II which is a much lighter material. This way they were able to decrease the overall blade weight while, capturing the same puck feel as that the TotalOne sticks have, and eliminating the blade deflection.

Bauer Vapor APX grip hockey stick

The other feature that really sets the APX stick apart from others is a new resin they are using.  According to Bauer the new resin helps extend the life span of the stick in a few ways. First, this resin is suppose to help the stick maintain its pop throughout the sticks life. In my trip to Bauer’s head quarters in New Hampshire they mentioned that one complaint on the one95 stick was that it lost its pop after a while, and they wanted to address this issue. In Bauer’s lab testing the APX with the new resin has far surpassed any other stick they have ever made. Another way this resin really helps is in the sticks overall durability. Often a player with take a slash or block a shot with their stick during play and it will not break the stick but it will cause a very small fracture in the stick. Over time this crack will spread much like a crack on car’s windshield.  Till one day that play takes that “magical” shot that just destroys the stick and it breaks. The new resin on the Vapor APX stick helps prevent those small crack from growing and spreading over time.  According to Bauer the Vapor APX stick will be the most durable top of the line stick they have.  So what’s the catch right? Well that’s its…there is no catch, the new resin is not suppose to add any weight or have any other notice attribute to the sticks feel or play.

Bauer Vapor APX Stick Blade

The Bauer APX stick will have a sticker price of $249.99, and of course the Bauer Vapor APX sticks along with the rest of the new Bauer Vapor line will be available at IceWarehouse.com and InlineWarehouse.com.