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CCM Tacks XF Pro Skates Review

CCM’s latest flagship hockey skate pushes performance boundaries with remarkable innovations. The Tacks XF Pro introduces a groundbreaking one piece boot design that maximizes power transfer and responsiveness on the ice. These elite-level skates deliver exceptional energy efficiency, superior stride power, and professional grade stiffness that serious players demand.

The advanced FORS composite construction creates a lighter yet more durable boot without compromising stability. A redesigned heel lock system and tighter forefoot wrap provide a secure, anatomical fit that enhances control during aggressive play.

Premium comfort features include ADPT memory foam ankle padding and a responsive foam liner that molds to your foot shape. The PowerFlex Tendon 3.0 allows full stride extension while offering enhanced protection, making these skates ideal for explosive north south skaters seeking elite performance.

Overview

The CCM Tacks XF Pro skates represent a significant advancement in hockey skate technology. These elite level skates feature a revolutionary One Piece Boot POWER design with FORS composite construction.

The lightweight construction doesn’t compromise stiffness, making these skates perfect for powerful north south skaters. The boot maintains professional grade rigidity while enhancing responsiveness on the ice.

The PowerFlex Tendon 3.0 system offers exceptional range of motion for maximizing your stride length. This updated design provides better protection without restricting movement.

Your feet will appreciate the improved game ready fit profile. The boot delivers enhanced heel lock and a snug forefoot wrap for superior control during intense play.

The ADPT memory foam ankle padding and responsive foam liner create remarkable comfort. These premium materials work together to eliminate pressure points and hot spots.

Key Features:

  • One Piece Boot POWER construction
  • FORS composite materials
  • PowerFlex Tendon 3.0 system
  • Enhanced heel lock design
  • ADPT memory foam padding

The carbon coated steel runners provide exceptional edge retention and glide characteristics. Your explosive power transfers directly to the ice through the optimized boot design.

Our Test Skates

The CCM Tacks XF Pro skates we tested came in senior size 8.0 with a regular width fit. The sleek black and silver colorway features CCM’s signature branding on the quarter package.

These skates arrived with factory stock XS stainless steel runners and a traditional 9 foot radius profile. The blades came pre sharpened with a 1/2″ hollow grind.

Weight specifications:

  • Boot only: 785g
  • With holders/steel: 998g
  • Total weight per skate: 998g

The test pair included CCM’s premium waxed laces and molded comfort footbeds. The liner uses responsive ADPT memory foam in strategic zones around the ankles and heel pocket.

We put these skates through 25+ hours of testing across practices, scrimmages, and games. Testing focused on evaluating the one piece boot construction, PowerFlex Tendon 3.0, and the improved anatomical fit features.

Multiple players with different foot shapes and playing styles participated in the testing process to provide comprehensive feedback on fit, comfort, and performance.

First Impressions

The CCM Tacks XF Pro skates exude premium quality right out of the box. The sleek black and silver design catches your eye immediately, while the monoframe construction gives these skates a distinctly modern look.

When you first pick them up, you’ll notice they’re remarkably lightweight at just 775 grams. The smooth finish and precise stitching demonstrate CCM’s attention to detail.

The quarter package feels exceptionally stiff when squeezed, indicating excellent ankle support. The asymmetrical toe cap and reinforced tendon guard showcase the pro level protection built into these skates.

Opening the box reveals premium waxed laces and CCM’s signature yellow footbed. The tongue features multi density foam with lace bite protection, a thoughtful touch for high intensity gameplay.

The liner feels soft yet supportive against your fingers, with moisture wicking properties you can feel in the material. Your initial handling confirms these are true elite level skates.

Technical Features

The Tacks XF PRO Player Skates Senior skates are designed for high-performance hockey players, offering a blend of speed, agility, and comfort. Here are the main features of these skates:

1One-Piece Boot Construction with Game-Ready Fit

Delivers amplified power and explosiveness with a responsive design for superior energy transfer. The higher in-step volume ensures a generous midfoot fit, catering to elite-level players.

FORS Composite + High-End Core

Combines premium composite materials with a high-end core for an optimized weight-to-stiffness ratio, ensuring long-lasting performance and durability.

STEP Blacksteel (+4mm) Runners

Features the highest-quality steel with carbon-coated technology for exceptional edge hardness, smooth glide, and increased skating speed.

ADPT Comfort Tongue with FlexMotion Technology

Designed with a lightweight molded core and ADPT Memory Foam for ultimate comfort and fit. The FlexMotion lace-bite design enhances forward flexion while providing protection.

TotalDri Pro Liner with Responsive Foam + Polygiene®

High-performance moisture-wicking material keeps feet dry and skates lightweight. Responsive foam backing ensures a snug fit, while Polygiene® antimicrobial treatment fights odor and bacteria.

Flex Tendon 3.0 with FORS Composite

Enhances stride extension for increased speed, while offering improved protection and support.

ADPT Memory Foam with Heel Lockdown

Multi-layered configuration with denser ADPT Memory Foam for elite-level comfort. The optimized boot shape and positioning create a secure Heel Lockdown zone, keeping your foot stable stride after stride.

Lightweight Composite Midsole

Provides superior energy transfer from the boot to the blade, maximizing efficiency and power.

Molded CCM OrthoLite Ultra with ADPT Memory Foam

Ultra-lightweight footbed with a molded fit, heel grip support, and an additional layer of ADPT Memory Foam for unmatched comfort.

SpeedBlade XS Holder with Enhanced Dial

Features a quick-release holder and BladeLock system with an enhanced dial that’s 136% larger and improved texturization for better grip and faster blade changes on the fly.

Who Is This Skate For?

The CCM Tacks XF Pro skates are engineered for elite and competitive hockey players who prioritize explosive north-south skating. These skates excel for power skaters who focus on straight-line speed and quick acceleration.

Advanced and professional players will appreciate the pro-level stiffness and responsive feel. The one-piece boot construction delivers maximum power transfer for players who demand elite performance.

If you have a narrow to medium foot width and prefer a snug, anatomical fit, these skates will serve you well. The improved heel lock and forefoot wrap create a secure feel during intense gameplay.

Players seeking lightweight performance gear will find value in these skates. The innovative FORS composite construction reduces weight while maintaining durability and stiffness.

Not recommended for:

  • Beginner skaters
  • Recreational players
  • Wide-footed players
  • Those who prioritize comfort over performance
  • Budget-conscious buyers

The high-end price point reflects the premium materials and advanced technology built into these skates. You’ll get the most value if you’re an experienced player who skates multiple times per week.

Price

The CCM Tacks XF Pro skates position themselves in the premium price segment, retailing at $999.99 for senior sizes.

For intermediate sizes, these skates are priced at $899.99, offering the same professional features in a slightly smaller package.

Junior sizes of the Tacks XF Pro are available at $799.99, while youth sizes come in at $699.99.

These prices reflect the high-end materials and technology incorporated into the skates, including the innovative FORS composite construction and PowerFlex Tendon 3.0.

Price comparison with other top-tier skates:

Model Senior Price Intermediate Price
Tacks XF Pro $999.99 $899.99
Tacks XF 90 $849.99 $799.99
Tacks XF 80 $699.99 $649.99

Pro shops and retailers occasionally offer seasonal discounts, typically ranging from 10-20% off the retail price.

Final Thoughts

The CCM Tacks XF Pro skates represent a significant step forward in hockey skate technology. The one-piece FORS composite construction delivers exceptional power transfer while keeping the skates lightweight and durable.

These skates excel at providing a secure fit right out of the box. The improved heel lock and forefoot wrap create a snug, comfortable feel that high-level players will appreciate.

The PowerFlex Tendon 3.0 system gives you excellent stride extension without compromising protection. This feature proves especially valuable during intense gameplay situations.

Performance-wise, you’ll notice immediate benefits from the premium steel runners. The carbon coating enhances edge retention and promotes faster skating speeds on the ice.

The Key Benefits you’ll experience:

  • Superior energy transfer
  • Enhanced durability
  • Improved anatomical fit
  • Better stride extension
  • Excellent edge control

The comfort features deserve special mention. The ADPT memory foam around the ankles and responsive liner create a custom-like feel that makes long practice sessions more bearable.

For competitive players seeking high-end performance skates, the Tacks XF Pro delivers exceptional value through its combination of innovative technology and practical design features.

matthewmarley