Bladetech Hockey Goalie Steel: Update from previous post!
I did not want to leave you guys hanging regarding the Bladetech blades.
I received these blades as a gift: https://bladetechhockey.com/collections/blades/products/black-diamond-dlc-steel-for-all-skate-models
I used them during my one hour goalie session this morning. I am coming from the LS3G blade on my Bauer Konekt HF2's (Size 3-3.5). The installation of the blade was a pain in the ass but I am not used to changing out my blades, this is my first time doing so.
First off, the quality of the steel is insanely different and I am impressed.
Once I stepped on the ice I immediately noticed the height difference. I felt taller (I am only 5'3)... But, that did not take too long to get used to as I adjusted pretty quickly. I opted to get my blades sharpened by Blade Tech so I did not have to take them to get sharpened on delivery at the shop. My local shops use SPARX. I believe Blade Tech hand sharpens. I sharpened my blades to the usual 7/16ths and wow, these were SHARP. I got them resharpened to 1/2 to readjust to the steel next time I am on the ice. The nearest hand sharpener near me is about 1 hour one way so I usually just opt for sparx to get the job done.
These remind of my Black Step Steel on my CCM XF Pros.
Actual use: my turns felt sharper, can grip onto the ice with ease (too much ease, these were SHARP!!), shuffling felt great once i dulled my blades down a bit. Butterfly slides felt fantastic, I was able to get full blade impact on the ice. I do not profile. I also had to get used to the toe pick as it dug in a few times during practice.
Sliding drills, sorry for potato quality, livebarn... just wanted to show the ice impact.
For me personally, I will continue to use these blades but will work back to 1/2 to see how I would like them to be sharpened to since the quality is significantly better then the stock steel it came with. It will definitely be an adjustment for me. Bladetech also advertises the "flexforce advantage" which I did not notice. I have noticed though that it is easier for me to get up without my knee / joints hurting. I am sure I will discover more as I use them!
Keep in mind, these are first impressions and may change as I continue to use and adjust to these blades.
I cannot think of any cons so far, since I only have roughly one hour on these blades. But, if I do find anything significant I will update this post with the date.
This is my first and probably only "review" so if I am missing anything, or if anyone has questions, please let me know! I noticed there are bladetech reviews for players but not much for goalies when I went to search online for myself!