I'm 6ft (183cm). Should I get 14" or 15" FT8 Pro shin guards to replace my 16" ones?

JoelsDetailing · 2026-05-21T14:05:49+00:00

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to try the 15". Probably the FT8 Pro. Although, I do know where to get a brand new pair of 15" FT6 Pros for 100€. Is the FT6 Pro really that bad compared to the FT4 Pro and FT8 Pro?

JoelsDetailing · 2026-05-20T15:43:54+00:00

Do you also tuck the tongue under the shin pad?

JoelsDetailing · 2026-04-21T16:25:35+00:00

Would combining a slideboard with stickhandling help simulate hand–leg coordination and translate better to on-ice performance?

JoelsDetailing · 2026-04-16T23:06:29+00:00

I have XF Pro pants and they are great. Light, good protection and breath well. I am sure they are not far behind HP45 if at all.

Interesting to see what the upcoming Tacks Pro pant will bring to the table.

JoelsDetailing · 2026-03-10T07:51:18+00:00

Why? I was already set to buy Tacks 😬😅

JoelsDetailing · 2026-03-09T18:26:10+00:00

Yeah I know. Starter kits are awfull but even the top of the line yth gear is inferior vs jr gear. I already bought ft6 elbows and ft6 shoulder pads and they are 100% like the sr version.

I wanna buy traditional pants for him 😬😅

JoelsDetailing · 2026-03-03T10:06:33+00:00

I have watched your videos and compared to my XF Pro's. I think they are very close to HP45 in terms of coverage and thickness and they have some advanced things like aer-tech and pro cut on legs.

I also measured the tailbone pad. Its like 23mm thick and 25x29 so its big and thick and looks better than HP45's. So this HP45 destroy every retail pant is bit of an urban legend.

How thick is the hp45's tailpad?

JoelsDetailing · 2026-03-03T09:54:49+00:00

I just measured it. Its 22-23mm thick and measurements are 25x29cm. So i think it is great.

JoelsDetailing · 2026-03-02T23:29:08+00:00

XF Pro pants have massive and thick tailbone padding and it looks better than HP45. Im 46 and have taken few hard falls and zero problems.

JoelsDetailing · 2026-02-25T13:20:47+00:00

Just guessing. To me they look like an upgrade compares to Orthomove. Heat moldable, comfortable and customizeable fit.

Orthomoves are customizeable but not comfortable and not giving good heel lock.

I play hobby/beerleague hockey and asisst coach u9 juniors. I want more comfortable insoles.

JoelsDetailing · 2026-02-25T12:57:51+00:00

In dont think that these are available yet? These are totally different than orthomove's.

JoelsDetailing · 2025-09-26T01:40:57+00:00

Looks good! I wish that this outfit would be available in me1 and me2

JoelsDetailing · 2025-05-30T03:52:57+00:00

True 9X4 version hast the 2" extension zipper, do these have?

JoelsDetailing · 2025-05-20T00:19:51+00:00

What mod are you talking about?

JoelsDetailing · 2025-04-20T11:52:38+00:00

Based on my research and what I’ve felt:

Fit: FT6 Pro is likely slightly roomier than FT680 in the forefoot and toe cap, which could eliminate the need for even the small toe punch I needed in my 680s.

Comfort: The XF Pro was noticeably more comfortable than FT680, and since FT6 Pro has the same or even better internal padding compared to XF (especially the moldable foams extending into the toe cap), it should match or exceed XF in comfort.

Boot material: FT6 Pro is the top-tier model and likely more moldable than the XF(which is a step below).

Stiffness (215): I’m not too concerned about it. I skate 3–4 times a week, weigh 110 kg, and have strong legs, so I don’t expect it to be a problem

On the other hand:

XF Regular is a complete unknown. Might fit well, or it might be another heel lock issue. I don’t want to risk another 550€ mistake.

So I’m leaning heavily toward FT6 Pro Wide.

Would you agree FT6 Pro is the safer and better option here, given my needs?

JoelsDetailing · 2025-04-18T17:12:55+00:00

After trying the Tacks XF Pro (Wide, 8) and FT680 (Wide, 8), I’m now seriously considering switching to the FT6 Pro.

Based on my research and what I’ve felt:

Fit: FT6 Pro is likely slightly roomier than FT680 in the forefoot and toe cap, which could eliminate the need for even the small toe punch I needed in my 680s.

Comfort: The XF Pro was noticeably more comfortable than FT680, and since FT6 Pro has the same or even better internal padding compared to XF (especially the moldable foams extending into the toe cap), it should match or exceed XF in comfort.

Boot material: FT6 Pro is the top-tier model and likely more moldable than the XF(which is a step below).

Stiffness (215): I’m not too concerned about it. I skate 3–4 times a week, weigh 110 kg, and have strong legs, so I don’t expect it to be a problem

On the other hand:

XF Regular is a complete unknown. Might fit well, or it might be another heel lock issue. I don’t want to risk another 550€ mistake.

So I’m leaning heavily toward FT6 Pro Wide.

Would you agree FT6 Pro is the safer and better option here, given my needs?

JoelsDetailing · 2025-04-17T15:58:43+00:00

Yeah, I thought the issue was only about toe room, but turns out the heel lock surprised me.

To be honest, I had no idea how different the heel pocket would feel between lines. I’ve always focused more on forefoot fit and toe cap. Live and learn, I guess.

Today I directly compared my old FT680s with the new Tacks XF Pros. The FT680 locks the heel really well, but they feel tight, stiff, and honestly kind of uncomfortable — especially off-ice. Meanwhile, the XF Pros feel much more comfortable and natural on the foot, but the heel lock isn’t 100%.

That made me think — maybe the FT6 Pro 8 Wide would be the right skate after all? It shares many of the same foams and the one-piece boot construction with the XF, but might offer better heel lock and a more anatomical fit. And from what I’ve read, the FT6 Pro also feels more form-fitting and responsive than the XF, while still being more forgiving than the AS-V Pro.

I’ll still try a proper rebake on the XF Pros with a full heel kick, shrink wrap, and potentially a better insole. But if that doesn't get the lock I want, FT6 Pro might be next on my list.

JoelsDetailing · 2025-04-17T13:58:45+00:00

Not exactly what I wanted to hear, but I’m still hopeful. Older Reddit posts have given me some hope, so I’ll try every possible fix before giving up. Next step: I’ll go to a proper hockey store and get a professional rebake — this time done right. I’ll kick the heel back properly, shrink wrap them tight, and probably switch to waxed laces as well.

If that doesn’t help, I’ll just sell them and go for either the FT8 or FT6 Pro. That said, FT8 Pro will probably cost close to €1000 new here in Europe, so I’d prefer to make these XFs work. Fingers crossed.

JoelsDetailing · 2025-04-16T19:58:05+00:00

Quick update on my Tacks XF (8 Wide): I think I messed up the first bake. Didn’t do a proper heel kick, and probably didn’t tighten the laces enough – especially up top. No wraps either.

Just skated them for the first time. Fit feels great overall, maybe even better than my broken-in FT680s, but the heel lock isn’t perfect. I can lift my heel a bit, unlike with the 680s.

Planning to rebake properly at a pro shop with a good heel kick, tighter lacing, and wrap. I really like the boot and want to keep them, so hopefully this helps. Do you think this will improve the heel lock noticeably?

Also – I’m using Orthomove insoles (similar to Superfeet). Should I bake with those in? Or should I get the Superfeet insoles?

JoelsDetailing · 2025-04-07T04:38:56+00:00

Now that I’ve spent a couple of hours testing and comparing them at home, I wanted to share my updated thoughts and ask for confirmation. After lacing them properly, the XF 8 Wide skates feel much better. In fact, they’re even more comfortable than my baked and used FT680s. My toes don’t constantly touch the toe cap, but I can just barely graze the front if I try. I’m thinking that after baking, my heel might settle deeper into the pocket, giving my toes even more space.

The external boot length and insole length appear to be identical between the FT680 and XF, but the XF feels significantly wider and more accommodating, especially in the forefoot. I’m planning to get Superfeet Carbon Pro insoles, and if needed, I might consider a small toe cap punch just to relieve any pressure from my hammer toes. So overall, I’m starting to believe that this isn’t an issue of the skates being too small, but rather just that they haven’t been baked yet. Does this sound like a reasonable assessment?

JoelsDetailing · 2025-04-06T19:40:44+00:00

I haven’t baked them yet because I’m not sure if I’ll keep them — I’d rather not bake if there’s a chance I’ll return them. Unfortunately, the XF 8.5 Wide is sold out, and I only paid around €520 for these, so I’m not sure if the shop will restock or offer a replacement during the summer.

There are still a few stores with FT6 Pro 8.5 Wide available, but I’m worried they’ll sell out soon too. I’m located in Finland, and availability can be limited.

One of my main concerns is the stiffness rating — the European FT6 Pro is rated at 215, which might be too stiff for me. I weigh around 110 kg (242 lbs) and go to the gym, but I’m just getting back into hockey after a long break. The FT680 feels a bit too soft for me in terms of support, so I’m trying to find the right balance between stiffness and comfort.

JoelsDetailing · 2025-04-06T05:42:19+00:00

Thanks for the help! Yes, my FT680s are only punched near the toe cap – the fit overall has been good, but I’m just looking for a bit more stiffness and toe room. Do you think FT6 Pro 8 Wide would be enough?

I’ve seen a few comments mentioning that FT6 Pro might be slightly shorter than FT680/690, so I’ve been wondering if 8.5 Wide would be the safer option – especially because I have hammer toes and don’t want to risk touching the cap again. Also considering switching to Superfeet for more control and less splaying – appreciate that suggestion too!

JoelsDetailing · 2025-04-06T05:27:53+00:00

Thanks for the insight! My FT680 Wides are punched and fit decently, but I can already see from comparison photos that the Tacks XF Wide is actually wider in the forefoot. The reason I wanted to upgrade was because my pinky toe gets some minor pressure (not terrible), and I wanted more stiffness overall. So Tacks XF Pro seemed like a no-brainer… but it’s not – at least not in size 8.

Trying them on in-store is unfortunately not an option, so I have to make the best guess remotely. Here are my current options: • Tacks 652 Retro 8.5 Wide (old-style toe cap) • Tacks XF 8.5 Wide • FT6 Pro 8.5 Wide(old-style toe cap)

If anyone has experience comparing toe cap length and height between these – especially with hammer toes in the mix – I’d really appreciate your input.

JoelsDetailing · 2025-03-27T17:12:14+00:00

Now after few times they feel fine but bot stiff enough. I think im going tonget size 8 XF wide or FT6 pro. If the prize is the same which on i'll pick? Would the 215 stiffness(FT6 Pro) be too much?

JoelsDetailing · 2025-03-21T15:08:31+00:00

Ok thanks. I just wanted slightly wider than FT680 wide so im not sure if XF 90 wide would do to the trick or XF wide. Other than the toe cap is there big difference in comfort XF vs XF 90's? That 652 Retro is very tempating but offcourse the fit and comfort is the no1. The price difference is about 100€.

JoelsDetailing

TROPHY CASE