PRODUCT REVIEWED: JETSPEED FT4 PRO
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Retail version
SIZE: 7.5
WIDTH / FIT: Regular Fit
HOLDER SIZE: 263
OPTIONS: The skates were thermoformed and I replaced the laces by Howies Wax Laces
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SKATES:
The FT4 PRO model is CCM's latest one-piece boot from the Jetspeed line. These skates are built with stiff quarters and are designed for elite level players or any other player looking for high end skates that will offer lots of performance.
For this new series of skates, CCM are offering 3 distinct fits (Tapered, regular and wide) which should suit almost everybody. They are also offered in Customs if you have special needs or requests. This new model comes with a lower, but pretty wide toe cap. The width isn't a bad thing as it gives a bit more room at the forefoot area. As for the size selection, it's quite important to take them tight as they will get bigger once they are baked. Personally, I should've tried on size 7 tapered boots even though they felt quite small coming out of the box. The size 7.5 regular felt a bit too big once I was on the ice.
VISUAL ASPECTS OF THE SKATES:
There is no way you will go unnoticed with these. The red and white color striped pattern reminds me of some of the 1990's winter ski outfits…It looks pretty flashy and cool ! The black runners on them look fantastic. Taking a closer look at the boot, the construction is pretty clean except for the comfort edge area that could've been fabricated a bit better. The stitching in that area is pretty intense. The toe cap and boot jonction is nicely done. The holders are well installed and the runners are super snug in them.
OVERALL PLAYABILITY:
STRIDES / POWER:
The one-piece boot delivers lots of power on every stride. The boot quarters are super stiff and react very well with every movement. It's pretty easy to get up to speed with these skates. On a personal note, I would've preferred a stiffer tongue for even more energy transfer but I know players are now aiming for more forward flex so I'm just being picky about this. (:D)
AGILITY:
Like I mentioned before, the quarters are super stiff and very reactive while the tongue is on the softer side. This combination makes it easy to get over your toes, do tight turns and quick pivots. So yes, these skates are pretty good for agility.
COMFORT:
Comfort is such a personal thing. Plus, my feet are super sensitive. So I'll just make an abstraction of that. The ankle pads are very cushy. They offer awesome comfort. The heel / tendon section is a bit narrow but really locks your heel down. One thing though, CCM should put a little more padding in the heel area. That would feel better and help to prevent heel bumps. The asymmetrical tongue is such a great idea. It relieves a lot of pressure from the medial (inside) maleoles as the felt doesn't pinch as much on your bone. Speaking about the tongue, the metatarsal protection is well made in the upper portion but it could offer more protection on the lower portion. It is still a great tongue. Overall, the boot is super comfortable once baked.
CONCLUSION:
You want flashy skates? You're in search of responsiveness with a good blend of agility and power? If you answered yes to these questions, then the JetSpeed FT4 Pro skates might just be the ones for you. They offer elite level performance in 3 distinct fits while keeping your foot in place with one of the best heel locks on the market. They are well built, lightweight and prefered by some of the best NHL players out there. Just remember to take them pretty snug out of the box if you want to get the most out of them once they are thermoformed to your feet.
So? Are you ready to GO ALL OUT?
