CCM has released a new skate called the U+, which is meant to stand for an extension of the player as in “You+Plus”.
These skates have recently been worn by some of the best players in the NHL, including Alexander Ovechkin, Vincent Lecavalier and Jarome Iginla.
Some of these players are using a traditional TUUK blade holder instead of the standard E-Pro blade holder.
What is most interesting about the new CCM U+ is the “Rocket Runner” which is a disposable steel blade instead of the traditional style steel. The idea behind the disposable blade is to reduce the weight of the skate and increase foot speed by using only the amount of steel required for a few sharpenings.
Although it is a novel idea, I’m not sure how many people are willing to shell out $40.00 for new “Rocket Runners” each time their skates need sharpened. That said, installing traditional steel blades should solve that problem - even with the additional weight.
KEY FEATURES OF THE CCM U+
- Patented Ultima Dry inner liner that promotes quick drying and features an anti-microbial treatment.
- Carbon fibre outsole that is engineered for maximum energy transfer through the foot bed
- A thinner tongue that is easily molded to the foot, while allowing for maximum protection against lace bite.
- The Rocket Runner feature that allows for weight reduction of the steel blade, resulting in faster foot speed.
- Custom patented U FOAM that allows for easier break-in and better molding to the foot.
The CCM U+ Skates will be available for the general public in April 2008.
Some online stores, such as Total Hockey.net have a pre-order for the CCM U+ skates to make sure that you get yours on time.
Check out Total Hockey.net to get your CCM U+ Skates
If the CCM U+ is not what you are looking for, you might want to check out these hockey skate reviews.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
I’d be curious how long the “Rocket Runners” last. Is it approximately the same amount of time as a traditional sharpening? If so, I’d definitely be curious how people in the general public would rationalize $40 as opposed to the $5 a typical sharpening costs.
Actually, this is what I’m always curious about with t-blades too.
March 23rd, 2008 at 8:10 pm
the runner is not replaced after every sharpening. it is said to last about 15 sharpenings, but depending on who is sharpening your skates you may be able to get some more out of it. I dont think ccm is stupid enough to market a runner that someone has to pay $40 for everytime they want a sharpening. Plus just by looking at the blade you can see that their is plenty of steel to get sharpened a few times.
March 23rd, 2008 at 9:09 pm
by far the best skate ever. probably the lightest too. about the rocket runner, it lasts, from what ive heard, long enough for like 5-10 sharpenings or something, so better than t-blades. light too. check the link. http://en.ccmsports.com/rocketrunner/index.php?nav=rocket
March 29th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
ive been calling all over the place to see when they have them. i dont think they will be out for a while. they say the retail price will be the typical 599$ for the top of the line skates.
March 31st, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Skates come out in april and will go in the $600 dollar range.
Comparibly light to the One95’s as well.
As for the Rocker Runner i would put normal steel on it
April 28th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
I was lucky and locked in a price of 480 for the skates at the Minnesota hockey expo… I don’t think you’ll find them that cheap anymore but I’m excited to get them here in less than a month
May 11th, 2008 at 6:03 am
[...] CCM Vector U+ Stick is the follow-up to the highly touted CCM U+ Skates and the latest release from the research and design team at CCM. The CCM U+ is the most well [...]
May 16th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
i just got them today, they’re so sweet
June 12th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I currently have a pair of CCM vector pro’s. Right out of the box, these skates were perfect. Other than a few cosmetic scrapes, they have held up great for over two years. I received a pair of Vector 10 SE’s which never broke in the same as my Vector pro’s. I am interested in the new U+ skates but am hesitant because of the problems I had with the Vector 10’s. Can anyone provide me with feedback as to whether or not they are similar to the vector pro’s? Also, my main issue with the 10’s was that the tongue was too thick and stiff and put too much pressure on my ankle area, restricting proper forward flex. Any info would certainly be welcomed.
June 15th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
i really need to know how many sharpenings you can get out of the rocketrunners. because i dont no if it would be worth continuously paying 50 bucks fer replacments
June 17th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
im with andrew baron on this one. really. how many sharpenings? it might not be worth the money.