Try putting some epoxy over the crack, then cover it with something such as adhesive shot blockers or helicopter tape. A few guys on MSH used it on their True skates with good results. I may add some to my skates as well, depending on how they hold up. 

I received the Catalyst Pros from PSH today. I decided to go with a pair of 7R because the retail 7.5D Catalyst 9's and these 7R Catalyst Pros have the same 7R sized shell. On top of that, they came with 263 Edge holders mounted from the True factory, so I wouldn't have to do the extra work and drill more holes. My first impression was that they were way too short (my toes were curled up when putting them on) but after a bake with saran wrap, they opened up to where my toes were barely brushing the toe caps. I sat down with my knees bent per True's recommendation, which really helped mold the heel pocket and pull my toes back. In addition, the toe caps have thick foam that can be punched/stretched to add some extra length. I punched the foam a little bit with my Custom Skateworks boot punch, which added just enough room to make them fit like a 7.25. If you're in between sizes, go with the smaller size. 

I have yet to skate on them, but they feel great so far. They have a much better build quality than the overseas-made Catalyst 9's and have thicker, softer, and more comfortable padding around the ankles. I put CCM Orthomove insoles in both skates - high instep in the left, medium in my right. The stock True insoles didn't offer much support for me, although I've heard good things about them from other True users. With the thick True tongues, there is absolutely zero negative space in these boots. I'm very excited to try them out. 

Unlike Bauer and CCM skates, you 100% have to bake these before using them. They won't even come close to fitting if you don't. If I would have tried these on a the store as-is, I would have put them back immediately. There is zero negative space, so every single part needs to be heat molded to your foot. 

I was able to acquire a pair of retail Catalyst 9's in a trade. The skates fit like butter after a bake, so I'm looking forward to using them. Unlike the TF9's, the sizing is the same as Bauer and CCM. You may be able to get away with 1/2 size smaller since these open up a lot after baking. 

A few notes:

-These are extremely light with very thin outsoles. They are much lighter than the VH and original Trues that I've used before. I used the same #5 rivets that I use on Easton Makos. If you are a fan of the Mako family like me, you will probably like these. They are very heat moldable and fit like a glove after a bake. 

-Like the Makos, the shells on these seem fragile. The original owner said they only used them 5 times and there are some pretty big gashes in the carbon fiber. The scratches are superficial and don't seem to go very deep, but I'm worried that they might in the future. I may add some helicopter tape for extra protection, as noted by some users on MSH. Some carbon fiber shot blockers would look great as well. 

-I'd get the holders remounted before using them. These came with 263 Edge holders that were mounted very crooked, a few mm off of center. I've heard many people say that the original True holders have been mounted crooked with warped steel from the factory, so I'm assuming the original installer wasn't very experienced and just followed the old holes. If you choose to buy these, I'd recommend having your most trusted skate guy take a look at them and make adjustments as necessary. 

-I'm not a fan of the stock tongues. They are very thin and similar in shape/fit to the Hyperlite tongues. They rolled over and bunched up in the boot, which caused some discomfort on the top of my feet. I ordered some thick True tongues with metatarsal guards to replace them. There is some room on the top of my feet, so hopefully the thick tongues should take care of that issue. EDIT: Thicker true tongues helped these fit much better for me. If you like classic felt tongues, I'd recommend switching them out. If you like the thinner tongues, the stock tongues should be fine. 

After skating on the Catalyst 9's, I can say that they are some of the most comfortable skates I've ever worn with great heel lock. Very comparable with the Mako II's with a few small differences. I swapped the tongues with thick True tongues, which made a huge difference in comfort and wrap around the foot. I have some Catalyst Pros coming in, so I'll be able to compare them with the retail model in a few weeks. My biggest concern is durability, but time will tell. 

The durability is my biggest question as well. I rotate through my skates a lot though, so they'll most likely only be used a few times a month.

Catalysts with shot blockers:

I just got off the ice with the Catalyst Pros and all I can say is wow...these are some of the best skates I've ever worn. Even the retail models fit like a glove, but the pro models are even nicer. If you're on the fence, there are a ton of pairs on PSH and SLS for ~$500. Some may have Tuuks or XS holders, but otherwise the stock holders can be removed and sold. The downside is that they won't come with a warranty or customer support from True. 

+1 for putting Powefoot inserts in your skates. I'd skate in them a few times before making any decisions about the tongues. They break in and wrap around your toes after a skate or two. New tongues change the volume of the boot, not the toebox. If you want less volume, I'd get the thick 10mm CCM tongues with black felt. 

You can put True tongues on CCM XS boots, but it'd be costly and a lot of work. You'd have two options: 1. Removing the XS inserts from one pair of tongues and sewing them onto the True tongues 2. Removing a pair of XS inserts from a pair of CCM tongues, sewing them onto a piece of velcro, attaching that to the FT4 toebox, then attaching the true tongue to the velcro. I wouldn't recommend either unless you're absolutely dead set on having True tongues on your boots. If you do, you'd need an equipment manager or actual pro skate shop (not Pure Hockey) with knowledge and experience with tongue swaps to do this type of work. 

I can do it at my shop. I've done this mod a few times before, so message me if you're interested. I have a few extra XS inserts that I can sew onto the True tongues so they sit under the toe box.

The profile of your steel will make all the difference. If you get the same profile that you've had on all your old runners, it'll be much easier to transition from your old holders to the True holders. 

New holes will have to be drilled. True holders are symmetrical whereas XS holders follow the same hole pattern as Lightspeed Edge holders. 

I can't comment on the True holders since I bought a model with Lightspeed Edge holders, but I love my pair. I've done many holder swaps from the True holders to Edge and XS holders because people like to stick with what they know. As for the skates themselves: don't judge the fit of them out of the box because they need to be baked to fit properly. My toes were jammed against the toe boxes when I first tried them, but they now fit like a glove after a bake with the saran wrap method. They are much lighter than my previous models of Trues and are built better than the retail Catalyst 9's, which also fit me very well. 

Check my last few posts in the True thread for more info: https://www.sports2k...-skates/page-19

These are awesome and nicely priced! If you ever come out with a Sharks pair, I'd buy them. 

In my opinion, these were the most comfortable elbow pads ever made. I used these (along with the shins) back in high school. If only they were a medium... https://sidelineswap...-ep4-elbow-pads

Jake, or anyone else looking for Sharks pants. Pricey, but…


https://sidelineswap...code=Mdwsta4413

If I still wore pants instead of a girdle/shell, I'd be all over these. So tempting. 

https://sidelineswap...-made-in-sweden Holy grail elbow pads

Good deals on some older size 7-7.5 skates:

OG Jetspeed: https://www.playitag...e-hockey-skates

One95 (contact the store to make sure they're 7.5 skate size) https://www.playitag...e-hockey-skates

2S Pro (ignore title, they're 7.5D) https://www.ebay.com/itm/155688678457

True customs with Swedish flag on heel (only ships to Canada, otherwise I would have bought them) https://www.playitag...e-hockey-skates

I guess everyone has different experiences. For me, they were very light and comfortable. I never had a problem with slippage, which I did have with the Bauer APX2's I bought right after.

They were like pillows on my arms, but had good protection for an entry-level pad. I loved them and the shins, but turned them into PIAS about 10 years ago. I wish I would have kept them. 

Back when these first came out, I regarded them as one of the most gorgeous pairs of skates ever made. Even after all these years, I haven’t seen much of anything that’s changed my mind. If only they were a few sizes bigger…

https://www.ebay.com...emis&media=COPY

Do you know how they fit compared to modern Supreme skates? They're my size and look super comfortable. 

Brand new medium U+ Crazy Light shoulder pads, get these while you can: https://www.ebay.com...:Bk9SR_j5r6_PYg

Great deal on medium Nike pants: https://sidelineswap...ey-pants-size-m

Much narrower

I figured, so that'll be a no from me. Cool looking skates though!

Game-worn Luc Robitaille leather MIC Eagles with long cuff and one-piece fingers (not a fan, but I know some guys here like them) https://www.ebay.com/itm/275716036687

If wanting a pair of these in mediums is wrong, I don't wanna be right: https://www.ebay.com...me:vlp_homepage

Find a pair of medium APX2's and I can make these for you. 

Great deal for those that wanna get into some True skates

 

TRUE TF9 Stock Senior Hockey Skates | Sportchek

Great price. Make sure to go 1/2 smaller in these than Bauer/CCM. If you wear a 7.5 in other skates, get a 7 in these. They feel like crap out of the box, but open up a ton and fit well after a bake with saran wrap. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/285629939341 Vintage Wilson tan gloves. Not sure if they're worth $100, but they're definitely a cool piece.