Total Hockey: Virtual Skate Fitting

The great thing about shopping online is that you can always find what you want. But what happens when you’re not sure what you want? What happens when you find so many options that it’s more baffling than beneficial. That’s how shopping for ice skates online can be—visit TotalHockey.net and you’ll find 97 different ice skates from 7 brands. The information overload is enough to make you head for your car keys.



Anyway, why would you even contemplate buying an item online that requires perfect fit for comfort? Convenience. No driving to the store, which may be 30 minutes away or more. No try-ons with staff who may or may not be helpful. No trip to another store when the skate you want turns out to be out of stock. When I heard through the grapevine that Total Hockey offers virtual skate fitters—customer service personnel specifically trained to help you select skates via phone or chat—we had to try it.

Select skates in the time it takes to drive to the store…

My 13-year-old son and I had 30 minutes before a practice one day, so we made the call on speaker phone in front of the computer. My son asked for “a pump skate” he was interested in. Our skate fitter helped us immediately find the skates, and then started asking and answering questions:

• How old are you?


• How many hours a week do you skate?


• What model skates do you have now?


• What size are you wearing now?


• How do your current skates fit?


• What is your interest in these particular skates?

After confirming that the skates we were interested in were ideal, we started in with our questions:

• What is the difference between this year’s model and last year’s?


• Are these good for narrow feet?


• How will these help with his ankle problems?


• What is the life of these skates, given how many hours he skates?


• Will he outgrow them before they wear out?


• Can you take off the lace lock?


• Can you get another color?


• How is the blade?


• What if we need to return them?


• Why these skates? What makes them so special?

Our knowledgeable skate expert answered all our questions, with no hesitation, no matter how obscure. He helped us place the order for these skates, with assurances that we can just call UPS to pick them back up at your house if they don’t work.

Then on to my 8-year-old. We described his boxy feet, his aggressive skating, his current shoe and skate size—and, of course, our price range for a rapidly growing kid. Our virtual skate fitter helped select the perfect skate and size for him as well, a bargain at under $100.

But do they fit…

The order process was painless and took less time than driving to store. But the big test of the virtual skate fitting occurred when the skates arrived. Do they fit? From what we could tell, yes. But for the purposes of this story, we took them to a brick-and-mortar store to check. (Plus, we still needed heat molding and the all-important first sharpening.)

The fitter at the store confirmed that my 13-year-old’s skate choice was ideal, especially for his specific ankle issues. In fact, the employee even mentioned that the skate was “far and away the most comfortable skate he’d ever worn.” My 8-year-old’s skates turned out to fit perfectly as well. And it wasn’t a waste of time buying online and then heading to a store for molding—because the junior skate, a brand-new model, wasn’t in yet and the youth skate was out of stock.

Give it a try…

Total Hockey’s virtual skate fitters are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time, at 866-929-6699. Or, visit TotalHockey.net and click Chat in the lower-left corner. The product specialists can help with all your hockey needs—sticks, pads, helmets, etc.—and answer all your questions.

Total Hockey: Tour Code Tabu Inline Skates

Overview: The Tabu skate offers a high level of comfort, support, grip and speed. The secret is in the wheels. Every inline player knows the importance of the wheel. It is the “drive train” of the skate. It’s what propels you through hard turns. Other than assisting in speed production, the wheels main job is to help your feet grip the playing surface when you skate and these wheels do just that.



Tour knew that in order to build the best skate possible, they must have the best wheels available. The wheels Tour selected were three years in the making. These wheels are the new LABEDA Addiction wheels and they love to do two things—grip the playing surface and produce speed.

• Frame: LABEDA HUM’ER 9000


• Bearing: BEVO ABEC-9 ULTRA PRO (8mm)


• Carbon Graphite Structure: The sole and frame of the skate consist of durable carbon graphite. This means there is no torque in the boot, which makes the skate more durable and protective—plus it reduces its weight.


• A New Standard of Comfort: The Code Tabu skates have Maximum Memory Comfort, which allows a customized and much more comfortable feel inside the boot. The comfort lining, a request from the pros, is another feature that puts these skates in a class all of their own.

Skill Level: This skate is intended for a high level inline hockey player, as most of these concepts and technologies come directly from the pros themselves.

Competition: The Tour Cobalt Q, Bauer RX-60 and Mission Commander SE skates are comparable skates.

Conclusion: Tour has produced the most “pro” inline skate on the market.

Retailer: Total Hockey is your source for all hockey equipment, including the Code Tabu skates from Tour. With a huge selection of equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers, Total Hockey has it all. Visit totalhockey.net today. Total Hockey, We Don’t Do Anything Else.

Total Hockey: Bauer Supreme ONE100 Pro Goal Skates

Overview: Much like the TotalOne, the goalie version of this new Supreme Line splurges with innovation.



When all the pro goalies asked Bauer for a skate that doesn’t slip out when they’re in a wide stance, Bauer dared to try something new. “What if we change the angle of the cowling on the skate so that goalies can widen their stance and still maintain a strong grip for lateral pushes?” So they did. And it worked. Introducing the new features that make the ONE100 one of a kind:

• ATTACK ANGLE: The ONE100 goal skates feature an increased angle of 28% allowing goalies to bite the ice at their widest stance.


• VERTEXX COWLING: Cutting a hole on the side of the cowling (outside the foot) not only contributes to the attack angle, it also makes the skate the lightest of all goal skates on the market. That hole is covered by a composite patch to ensure protection.


• BOOT COMFORT: Since goalies are on their feet more often than not, Bauer designed a footbed with extra padding to increase comfort. Additionally, they made the tongue longer and added a flexible ankle collar for a softer feel on the ankle.


• REMOVEABLE RUNNERS: The super-strong stainless steel blade removes with the turn of the screw.

Skill Level: These skates are intended for elite goalies as most of these concepts and technologies were requested by the pros themselves.

Competition: Many goalies wear Reebok or Graf skates, but Bauer may have set a new standard in goal skates with the production of the ONE100.

Conclusion: Bauer listened to the pros and created a skate that will allow goalies to increase their lateral movements, thus enhancing their power-pushing, butterfly slides and overall game play.

To Buy: Total Hockey is your source for all hockey equipment, including the Supreme TotalOne skates from Bauer. With a huge selection of equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers, Total Hockey has it all. Visit totalhockey.net today. Total Hockey. We Don’t Do Anything Else.

Total Hockey: Bauer Supreme TotalOne Skates

Overview: These are the most customizable skates on the market, featuring an adjustable tongue and many other features created by NHL players themselves. Let’s break this down scientifically.

• ANAFORM FIT: Through anatomical thermoforming, the skate can be heated to create a natural, 360-degree custom fit. This leaves less negative space, allowing for a real performance advantage on the ice.


• REFLEX TONGUE: All the pros had different preferences of tongue stiffness in their skates. Some like a medium, bendable tongue and some liked stiff or even extra stiff. With Reflex Tongue, you can customize the stiffness of your skate’s tongue with Bauer’s state-of-the-art ALIVE composite tongue design, which allows the player the option for a medium, stiff or extra stiff tongue.


• TOTAL EDGE COMFORT: The Total Edge Comfort feature is designed for the player to avoid abrasions high on the ankle during the break-in process. This idea came from the pros also, as they were requesting the top edge of their skates to be soft and spongy.


• TUUK FUSION RUNNER TECHNOLOGY: This runner design fuses the strength of Bauer’s stainless steel with high-grade aluminum, reducing the weight of the runner by 27% and allowing for greater pull on the ice.

Skill level: This skate is intended for the high-level hockey player, as most of these concepts and technologies come directly from the pros themselves.

Competition: Bauer’s legacy has been high-quality and innovative skates for 82 years. To many, there is no competition. However, some players prefer to wear top-of-the-line skates from Reebok, Graf or even CCM and Easton.

Conclusion: Bauer has produced the most customizable skates in this market’s history. If you really do want to skate like a pro, this will get you one step closer.

Retailer: Total Hockey is your source for all hockey equipment, including the Supreme TotalOne skates from Bauer. With a huge selection of equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers, Total Hockey has it all. Visit totalhockey.net today. Total Hockey. We Don’t Do Anything Else.

Total Hockey: Stick and Win!

Total Hockey's Stick and Win contest challenged participants to place their Total Hockey stickers in a fun, creative and unique place. After the sticker was placed somewhere cool, participants were asked to take a picture of their creativity and submit it to www.stickandwin.totalhockey.net.



Total Hockey’s Panel of Judges selected seven finalists and then opened the voting to the public for one week. After more than 1,200 votes were submitted, Emilee Herbolich earned the most votes and was proclaimed the winner. For her winning entry entitled Eat, Sleep, Drink, LIVE Total Hockey, Emilee won a pair of the brand new pair of Bauer Supreme TotalOne ice skates. See all of the winners here.

Stay tuned for more contests from Total Hockey. Total Hockey. We Don't Do Anything Else. www.totalhockey.net.

Review: Brian’s Zero-G Custom Goalie Equipment

Overview: Brian’s, one of the oldest custom goalie equipment manufacturers, has made its comeback with the Zero-G series. The lightweight construction and innovative features along with the handmade craftsmanship really make it one of the best pads in the industry. The pad’s top feature is its revolutionary closed cell Briotek construction, making it the lightest goalie pad – ever.



Skill Level: If you’re not a serious and skilled goalie playing at a high level, then don’t bother.



Competition: Vaughn Velocity 4, Reebok Pro, Bauer Pro



Conclusion: Brian’s, known for its comfort and customization, just found a new niche.



Get It Now: Total Hockey is your source for all hockey equipment, including Brian’s Goalie equipment.  With a huge selection of equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers, Total Hockey has it all. Visit totalhockey.net today. Total Hockey. We Don’t Do Anything Else.

Total Hockey Review: Warrior Franchise Gloves

Overview: Warrior’s Franchise Gloves are what the pros wear. Very similar to other brands' “pro” gloves in comfort, weight and feel, the Franchise gloves are designed to be game-ready right off the shelf. Franchise is a high-end glove consisting mostly of nylon materials, which are very popular in the NHL because of their light-weight feel and easy break-in time.



Skill Level: Warrior Franchise gloves can be worn at any level, but are designed more for skill levels in the high school to NHL range.

Competition: Bauer Pro Roll, Reebok Pro Roll and Eagle PPF gloves all compare. All of these gloves feature pro-like qualities, like the Franchise gloves.

Video: The below video shows the Warrior Franchise Gloves:



Conclusion: If you want to have hands like the pros then you should consider putting your hands in what the pros are wearing.

Get It Now: Total Hockey is your source for all hockey equipment, including the Warrior Franchise gloves. With a huge selection of equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers, Total Hockey has it all. Visit totalhockey.net today. Total Hockey. We Don’t Do Anything Else.

Vaughn Velocity 4 Series, Improves Upon Previous V3 Perfection

The Vaughn Velocity 4 series includes leg pads, blocker and catch glove. It is an enhanced version of the popular V3 series, offering increased protection and a lighter feel. The following is a review from TotalHockey.net on this new technology for top-notch goalies!



Overview: Vaughn’s new Velocity 4 "V4" (leg pads, blocker and catch glove) is an upgrade from the very popular V3 Series. The new V4 series is similar to V3, but with many improvements.

Two key upgrades in the V4 leg pad construction include a narrowing pad body, which decreases the pad's weight making it 15% lighter than the previous version. Brand new internal HD boards allow a stiffer blocking surface that keeps the pad in its original shape without losing height or stiffness during the break-in process. Additionally, the straps are reconstructed to allow for adjustments. Vaughn also moved the location of a few straps to increase mobility.

The Velocity 7600 Blocker features a higher level of finger protection as well as a contoured palm design with curved fingers for a more natural, comfortable feel and better grip on the stick. In addition, the new V4 blocker's front board is tilted forward allowing for a better blocking angle on the puck.

The catch glove, like the pads and blocker, is much like the V3 with some improvements. The new V4 catch glove has a wider thumb loop "tunnel" for more control and protection, reducing the thumb angle. This glove also features a pro-spec beefed up palm and increased finger padding designed for added protection.

Skill Level: The Vaughn Velocity 4 is made for  goalies who are playing at the highest levels: - junior, college or professional. This series is worn by many goaltenders in the NHL.

Competition: If you liked the V3 series then there is no competition! This set is an upgrade of this existing top-of-the-line series.

Conclusion: The Vaughn Velocity 4 7600 Series is what the pros wear. If you want to elevate your game or if you plan to move to the next skill level, the V4 series could be the perfect selection to enhance your game.

Total Hockey Note: Do you have a product you would like us to review? If so, please feel free to email us at aroewe@totalhockey.com.

Editor’s Note: Total Hockey is your source for all hockey equipment, including the Vaughn Velocity 4 With a huge selection of equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers, Total Hockey has it all. Visit TotalHockey.net today. Total Hockey, We Don’t Do Anything Else!  Receive 10% off your purchases from TotalHockey.net when you use the code “GTGCBJC” (Some Restrictions May Apply).

Elevate Your Game with Reebok Revoke Pro Zone Series

The Reebok Revoke Pro Zone Series offers a complete selection of goalie equipment, including leg pads, blocker and trapper. This series was developed for the NHL and is now available for purchase. Below is a review by TotalHockey.net of this professional goalie equipment package.



Overview: Reebok’s new Revoke Pro Zone Series (leg pads, blocker and trapper) is taking goalies by storm. Made in the infamous Lefevre Factory in Quebec Canada, a pioneer in goaltending equipment, the Revoke PZ set features aspects similar to the Premier III Pro Series, as well as some new features.

Along with a new design, one major improvement in the Revoke PZ Leg Pads is the Double Knee Break, which allows for softer flex for an easier butterfly. Additionally, the Goal Catch Glove features an EPE-injected cuff constructed not only to absorb impact, but also to prevent puck skip over.

Skill Level: The Revoke PZ set was created for NHL goalies; thus, it should be worn by serious goalies who aspire to taking their game to the next level.

Competition: The Reebok Revoke PZ is worn by many of the best goaltenders in the world, making them one of the top contenders in the goaltending.

Conclusion: The Reebok Pro Zone Series is exactly what the pros are wearing. If you want to elevate your game or if you’re moving to the next level, then Reebok’s Revoke PZ’s could be perfect for you to enhance your game.

Total Hockey Note: Do you have a product you would like us to review? If so, please feel free to email us at aroewe@totalhockey.com.

Editor’s Note: Total Hockey is your source for all hockey equipment, including the Reebok Revoke Pro Zone Series. With a huge selection of equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers, Total Hockey has it all. Visit TotalHockey.net today. Total Hockey. We Don’t Do Anything Else!  Receive 10% off your purchases from TotalHockey.net when you use the code “GTGCBJC” (Some Restrictions May Apply).

Make Your Move with the New Reebok 11K Hockey Skates

The new 11K Skates are the latest offering from Reebok. The following review from Total Hockey.net details features of this state of the art skate.



Overview: Reebok unveils the newest version of the pump skate series in the 11K. These lightweight skates are designed to literally lock your foot in place, maximizing energy transfer from foot to blade with every single stride. This allows players impeccable acceleration in both power and speed, which means you can go from a complete stop to a breakaway within a matter of seconds.

The construction of the 11Ks are improved from the 9K, providing the player with increased mid-ankle support and a snug comfortable heel fit that contours to the foot. This optimized structure is designed to strengthen and enhance the overall performance and endurance of the skates. In addition, the redesigned pump inflator and lace lock create an even more customized fit than before.

Video: The following is Reebok's short promo video of this newly released skate.



Skill Level: The 11K skates are designed for all players looking for the most personalized fit that also provides comfort and increases speed.

Competition: The 11K skates are the lightest skates ever produced by Reebok. Reebok’s improved heel lock system and ankle support provides players with more acceleration power and speed in every stride.

Conclusion: The 11K skates are the latest invention produced with Reebok’s innovative technology. The 11Ks provide players with incomparable comfort and overall feel and their lightweight design maximize energy transfer through improved stability and structural support. The 11K skates are unlike any skate in the history of Reebok.

Total Hockey Note: Do you have a product you would like us to review? If so, please feel free to email us at aroewe@totalhockey.com.

Editor’s Note: Total Hockey is your source for all hockey equipment, including the 11K skates. With a huge selection of equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers, Total Hockey has it all. Visit TotalHockey.net today. Total Hockey. We Don’t Do Anything Else! Receive 10% off your purchases from TotalHockey.net when you use the code “GTGCBJC” (Some Restrictions May Apply).

Next Page »