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. 

I'm so tempted to replace my now 2 (or 3?) generations old Trues early next year. I've stuck with the Shift holder this time, but I think I may switch it up if I do go for another pair. What I can't decide on is which holder to choose. With Step being so hard to find for Tuuks, it makes sense to go with the XS holder. But I've heard the new Bauer steel is just as good as Step now, so maybe just go with the Powerfly holder. Too many decisions.

The new JRZ steel is on par with Step Steel and fits both the XS and Edge holders. If you want a stiffer holder, go with the XS or Powerfly. If you want something a bit more flexible, go with the Edge.

Is that an option now, or did you get lucky somehow?

They came from PSH that way, so I'm assuming it's an option for pro players. I do know they can send the boots without any holes, as I've mounted a few for customers.

The Catalyst and TF boots feel similar to me, however my TF9's are roller skates and I've never used the TF on ice. 

True SVH customs. Much better than the Hzrdus Pros that I tried and eventually sold. The jury is still out on durability (some stitching and glue coming apart) but they're extremely comfortable. 

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 Hzrdus Pros are very stiff; much stiffer than the Catalyst. It came as a shock to me since I'm used to more flexible boots like the Ribcor 70K, Mako II, and Catalyst Pro. The first time on the ice with these was very difficult, but a second bake and skate really helped dial them in. Superfeet comfort footbeds and unwaxed laces helped as well. They have been very comfortable and form-fitting boots from day one, but I did not expect that level of stiffness from a pair of Trues. That may be a positive or negative depending on the type of skater you are. Regardless, I'm going to sell them.

With my PSH points, I was able to pick them up for around $430 + shipping. They were made for another player, but have the same shell size/shape as the retail models. I baked them twice, once using the normal baking method with saran wrap and another "maintenance bake" with less time in the oven to really dial them in. They now fit like they were made for my feet. I also attached velcro to some Powerfoot inserts to stick onto the tongues and remove all negative space in the toebox. They still need to be broken in quite a bit (especially the tongues) so I'll update this after a few ice times. In my opinion, ordering customs with a foot scan is worth the price tag. However, you still may be able to find a pair from PSH, SLS, or another pro stock outlet that will work for you. 

My right foot is about a 7.25 and my left is right around a 7. I used to wear 7D's, but have worn 7.5's over the last few years now that skates have been getting tighter and more form-fitting. I ordered a 7D/R in these Trues and I'm glad I did.  I know customs don't have an exact size, but PSH had them labeled as such. They fit better than my 7.5R Catalyst 9's, which still fit great but have a tiny bit more room. If you're in between sizes, go with the smaller size. I could easily get another 1/4+ size out of these if that was the goal. 

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.

+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. 

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. 

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

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. 

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

9.5 Mako II's (IMO the most comfortable skate of all time) for a great price. They may new holders, but for $65 you can't go wrong. https://sidelineswap...5-hockey-skates

https://www.ebay.com/itm/134671695493 Not sure if Kane ever wore them, but incredible gloves nonetheless.

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

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

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

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. 

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

https://www.ebay.com...:Bk9SR_LEp7bDYw