matthewmarleyIf you’re considering a pair of CCM Tacks AS-V Pro skates, you’re undoubtedly aware that anything from CCM guarantees exceptional comfort and top-level performance benefits on the ice.
The question is, does CCM’s latest elite offering justify the price tag? In this review, we’ll delve into the CCM Tacks AS-V Pro in detail – covering the key features of the skates and how they actually perform on the ice.
Contents
Our Test Skates
The CCM Tacks AS-V Pro ice hockey skates we received to test are a size 9. Our test skates weighed in at 829 grams, making them an especially light skate, thanks largely to the lightweight one-piece boot power technology that we’ll talk about in more depth later.
The AS-V Pro features a sleek black and yellow design with the CCM logo prominently displayed on the side. It’s fair to say that CCM opts for a more minimalist design for their elite skates, focusing more on performance than flashy aesthetics.
First Impressions
The CCM Tacks AS-V Pro skates are designed for players who skate at least four or five times per week, or any player looking for excellent comfort and top-level performance benefits.
After a quick session on the ice, it was clear these were a skate designed with power and explosiveness at the heart of their design.
The energy transfer felt exceptional, which is the kind of thing that really makes a difference when an elite-level skater is giving it their all through 60 minutes.
It’s also clear that a lot of effort has gone into creating a liner that combines with the one-piece boot design to keep you comfortable throughout a game.
The TotalDri Pro+ liner with polygiene helps the skater’s foot resist abrasions while also wicking away unvented moisture.
The liner has a tacky feel, helping to lock in the feet, even in high-moisture conditions.
Technical Features
- Shoe Size: 9
- Weight: 829g
- Heat Moldable: Yes
- Holder: SpeedBlade XS
- Runner: Blacksteel, V-Steel, Step Steel
- Tongue Material: Replaceable Metatomic Tongue
- Boot Construction: One-Piece Boot Power
- Liner: Total Pro+
- Footbed: Molded Ortholite Ultralite
- Warranty: 90 Days
- Family: Tacks
Features Breakdown
One-Piece Boot Power Technology
CCM’s One-Piece Boot Power technology is designed to cater to the modern power skater who engages in intense strides and seeks unrestrained explosiveness.
The technology employs a lightweight RFM composite integrated with a high-end carbon material, which is meticulously engineered to accommodate the dynamic needs of power skaters. The carbon composite wraps under the boot, eliminating the traditional outsole. This design ensures that energy is not lost or absorbed by a glued and nailed outsole, but is directly transferred through the boot to the ice, enhancing the skater’s speed and power on the ice.
Replaceable Metatomic Tongue
The CCM Tacks AS-V Pro skate features a Metatomic Tongue with D3O foam, which elevates comfort and protection to a new pinnacle.
The tongue is constructed with a multi-layer 7mm design and incorporates asymmetrical flex points that facilitate a superior wrap.
Additionally, it is equipped with foam inserts that provide a shield against impacts from slashes and pucks. The AS-V Pro skate takes customization a step further by allowing the tongues to be interchangeable.
Skaters have the option to purchase various tongue inserts separately, enabling them to optimize the feel and protection in their skate through the XS Tongue System. This system provides options in thickness to either increase or decrease the inner boot volume, ensuring an optimal fit.
Powerflex Tendon Guard with Carbon
The tendon guard in the Tacks line has been enhanced in this year’s model. CCM employs the Powerflex Tendon with carbon in the AS-V Pro, a technology that augments the range of motion, enabling fuller strides and amplifying skating power. This enhancement is pivotal for skaters who require maximum flexibility and power in their strides, ensuring that they can navigate the ice with optimal efficiency and speed.
TotalDri Pro+ Liner with Polygiene
CCM’s multi-density memory foam ankle padding and Total Dri-Pro+ liner with polygiene are instrumental in providing a custom feel to the skater. The memory foam padding features a seamless comfort finish that anatomically wraps around the foot, ensuring a snug fit and enhanced comfort.
The Total-Dri Pro+ liner with polygiene not only assists the skater’s foot in resisting abrasions but also adeptly wicks away unvented moisture. The liner possesses a tacky feel, which aids in securing the feet, even under high-moisture conditions, ensuring stability and comfort during play.
Speedblade XS Holder and Runner
The Speedblade XS Holder is another noteworthy feature of the skate. CCM has refined their spring-lock system, culminating in the creation of the SpeedBlade Xchange System. This system is a positive-lock mechanism that securely fastens the blade to the holder and facilitates a more efficient process for swapping out blades.
Utilizing this technology is straightforward: skaters simply roll the BladeLock dial until resistance is felt, pop the blade out, insert the new blade into the holder, turn back the dial, and swiftly return to the game without missing significant playtime
CCM Tacks AS-V Pro – Final Thoughts
The CCM Tacks AS-V Pro skates are a fantastic blend of new technologies and trusted features. They offer a great combination of comfort, power, and explosiveness, making them an excellent choice for any player looking for an elite level skate.
The other huge advantage is that they’re less costly than many equivalent elite skates from other brands too – so you get superior performance with some cash to spare.
If you’re the kind of player that’s obsessed with pushing to the next level, the CCM Tacks AS-V Pro is going to be an extremely worthwhile investment
