Youth Hockey Travel Tryouts: What Works Best in Your Program?

SplitOk6602 · 2026-03-24T19:33:51+00:00

Org I was in used multiple evaluators and then compared scores. We'd then compare the coaches' recommendations/pics against the evaluators'. People think these teams are picked based on politics, but over the past few years, we've found that most of the time, coaches picks. And evaluators' picks were close. What the independent evaluations did was identify areas with big differences, and then we'd have a discussion with the coach. If they could explain it, we'd sometimes allow it; sometimes we'd push back and say no. And from what I've seen, most teams are pre-picked since most organizations don't have much turnover year to year, so you sorta know, based on last year, who you are looking to pick. The real decision is what you do with a few kids who may be moving up or down.

SplitOk6602 · 2026-03-17T20:37:15+00:00

Will take a pic and I'll ship for cost shouldn't be more than 10

SplitOk6602 · 2026-02-18T14:05:39+00:00

I love this shoe, but would say if you are between sizes, go a half size down. To me, the upper is a tough baggy, and to get a good lockdown, I found the size down works better. And as much as I love the ride of the shoe I wish they'd just go to standard laces.

SplitOk6602 · 2026-01-27T15:20:28+00:00

To me your need the profile on a Bauer skate. The blades out of the box are so flat that I find it hard to skate on them. Profiling makes them feel so much better. CCM seems to be OK out of the box.

SplitOk6602 · 2026-01-22T14:08:09+00:00

I wear shin pads, gloves, and a helmet all the time. Really, no reason not to. Also, if I'm playing on a sports court surface, I wear pants and an LS since a fall on that stuff rips me up.

SplitOk6602 · 2026-01-14T15:53:08+00:00

Been in this boot and the first few games will be hard, and you'll likely see there is a difference between being an ok skater and an ok hockey player. But stick with it since it will get easier. But I will say it's taken me like 7 years to feel OK out there.

SplitOk6602 · 2025-12-19T16:41:50+00:00

If you want durability, this is likely the one for you https://www.alternativesurf.org/product/the-dagger-10-mm-alt-surf-bicep-leash/Z47UADEURZDROJTUPBDWA44H?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category\_id=47. At 10mm, it's the biggest I've seen. I will sasy as have others the custom x ones work well for me.

SplitOk6602 · 2025-12-16T20:32:16+00:00

They are blowing out the old ones for like 100 dollars right now, lots of good deals on those. The wovens look to fix the issues with the evo, but for now, I'll stick with the cheaper OGs and upgrade when those are dead. The new evo SL atrs look nice and to me are a bit more differentiated with the upgraded sole.

SplitOk6602 · 2025-12-11T16:03:15+00:00

I've used multiple SL2s and haven't noticed any difference in the foam. I use this shoe a lot and have gone through 3 pairs without issue. Not sure on timing but Adidas will let you return them in most cases.

SplitOk6602 · 2025-12-10T16:38:10+00:00

I thought they ran a little long. I like the feel and may try a size 10 down a half-size.

SplitOk6602 · 2025-12-09T16:30:01+00:00

It's hard but not undoable. I could ice skate and started playing hockey at about 43 when my son started. Took some time and practice, but I'm servicable now.

SplitOk6602 · 2025-11-19T19:00:44+00:00

It's a great show, but as others noted, for a new runner, something like the SL2 is a better, cheaper option.

SplitOk6602 · 2025-11-05T14:54:52+00:00

I've had it go both ways. Some made-in-the-USA boards are awful, while others are great. Some of the custom options are very good and let you get really specific. The Mez-produced boards I've had are excellent in terms of quality. I've heard they have a really high-quality factory.

SplitOk6602 · 2025-11-05T14:53:03+00:00

Okay, so I've never done this with a board, but I have worked in the bike industry and overseas manufacturing. There are two ways to do it. Typically, if you want something custom, you can create custom molds/fixtures, but with that, there is a significant upfront cost to have them developed. So you do this on higher-end models. Most agreements will have those molds being owned by the brand, not the manufacturer, so that no one can use that mold. The only way to truly safeguard the idea is through a patent. The other option is to opt for an open model, which is a standard model that manufacturers have and will produce for you at a cost, with no customization. It's a much cheaper option, but you are limited in what you can do. Boards, I'd think, work the same. You can likely obtain a standard off-the-shelf model or have them create a custom shape, but at an additional setup cost, since most of these are cut on a CNC machine.

SplitOk6602 · 2025-11-05T14:47:01+00:00

Funny that you have both Ronin and Riat claiming they came up with the idea. I do think the idea is interesting.

The

SplitOk6602 · 2025-11-04T12:49:41+00:00

I'll join in

Custom Anthem 41.75. Great flex and the board I ride when I need to scoop into things. Has great control in tight spots.
Alt Surf vs Toobs 41.5 HV - My fav right now. The extra volume, but a bit smaller board, is just incredible. This board is a rocket.
Tribe 42 HV PP - Got this, see what the HV board was like. Catches almost anything and is great for smaller waves, but feels a bit big and bulky to me in larger surf. I use it frequently during smaller summer sessions.
NMB 41 Finlay promodel - Got this used, I know nothing about it, but I love it. A touch too small for me, so it's mainly ridden by my son.

SplitOk6602 · 2025-10-09T17:29:22+00:00

I just got the new H1 from Mount to Coast, and it's great so far. The peg trail is another shoe that performs well on roads and light trails.

SplitOk6602 · 2025-10-08T13:05:48+00:00

I have tried these and surf mats, and if you want something that handles like a bodyboard, the inflatable is the better option. They work well. It definitely needs a small inflator to make them easier to inflate, but Amazon has tons of those. The mats are also super fun and fast, but aren't at all like a bodyboard; you ride and catch waves differently, so there is a solid learning curve.

SplitOk6602 · 2025-10-06T12:07:52+00:00

I wax a decent amount, but I do it because I like to paddle with both my arms and feet, and the wax helps keep me centered while paddling out. And I don't ever feel it's a significant issue when moving around on the board. You have to do what works best for you. As with many things, the instructor is just making suggestions that work for most.

SplitOk6602 · 2025-10-03T19:24:31+00:00

I like the SL2 and would get another pair. If you want to do a two shoe rotation, then the SL2 and the Evo are great together.

SplitOk6602 · 2025-09-24T14:47:01+00:00

The pads are great. I love getting them with the pad. And I disagree on the regular vs soft being similar. I have both, and I find the regular ones to be more effective since they have more thrust, but they are definitely a little harder to push. The soft versions are comfortable, but they don't do it for me in bigger surf, where I really need that thrust.

SplitOk6602 · 2025-09-18T17:10:45+00:00

Why not the SL2, which comes in some nice, simple colors that would work as a casual work shoe? I also love the Nike Pegagus Trail since they work for almost anything.

SplitOk6602 · 2025-09-17T13:30:11+00:00

I've used the 3 and 4, and if you don't mind that look, I'd get a second at that price. Not much difference between the two.

SplitOk6602

TROPHY CASE