CCM JetSpeed FT4 Pro Hockey Skates Review
Intro/New Features
New for this season in the Jetspeed lineup is the FT4 Pro skate. The newest rendition of CCM's popular skate model has some legacy features matched up with several new additions. One of the biggest changes made was to the fit. New for the top two Jetspeed will be tapered, regular, and wide fit options. These three redesigned fits are a result of the most common shapes captured by CCM’s 3D Scan system that was introduced a couple of years ago.
The FT4 Pro skate also comes standard with Step Black Steel. If you’re not already familiar with it, Step BlackSteel is the gold standard of performance steel. This is a really solid upgrade over CCM’s previous stock steel for their top price point skate.
*note: the pre-release FT4 Pro skates we received for the review pictured below did not have the black steel which is standard on the FT4 Pro Skates
Skate Fit Profile
CCM has made the Jetspeed skate family more accessible to different foot shapes and profiles. The top two Jetspeed models will be available in tapered, regular, and wide fit options.
The Tapered Fit will be slightly narrower than the previous Jetspeed fit, whereas the Regular Fit will be most like the Tacks line, and the Wide Fit most like the previous Ribcor skates but with slightly more width in the toe box.
The main thing I noticed was that the heels in all fit options have been tightened up quite a bit. This is something that our staff are pretty excited about because a snug heel fit is the key to a performance fit. The new fit looks like a winner.
Boot Construction
CCM’s One-Piece Boot Speed Technology improves on energy transfer and reduced weight. The composite one-piece design reduces empty space within the boot for a better fit to maximize the energy from the body through the skate and onto the ice.
The FT4 Pro boot will be the middle stiffness level offered amongst CCM skate models and is designed to maximize agility and quickness. On their stiffness performance index, the FT4 Pro comes in at 195, which is in between the Ribcor index of 180 and the Tacks index of 215.
Liner & Internal Padding
The FT4 Pro skate features the TotalDri Pro+ liner. Like any good moisture-wicking liner, it’s designed to keep your feet dry and the skates light during an ice session.
The TotalDri Pro+ liner also features wear patches in the common high-wear areas. This will increase the overall durability of the liner and should help maintain the long-term comfort inside the skate.
The internal padding features redesigned multi-density memory foam comfort pads to provide a comfortable wrap around the fit and to optimize the comfort of the skate. The injected smooth contour pro pad at the top of the boot provides additional comfort in a potential high pressure point area.
Asymmetrical Toe Cap
New this year is the asymmetrical toe cap. Maintaining the same level of protection, the redesigned toe cap decreases the amount of negative space in the boot, improving the overall fit and again focusing on energy transfer.
Tongue
The tongue on the CCM FT4 Pro is similar to previous renditions of the Jetspeed tongue, with a multi-layer metatarsal guard and 7mm white felt to improve ankle and foot wrap while also providing lace-bite protection.
However, the tongues are now interchangeable to allow a more customized fit and protection level. The available replacement options, or custom options, are the Pro tongue with 10mm black felt, and the Lightweight 4mm tongue.
Insoles
The Molded CCM Ortholite Ultralite footbed in the FT4 Pros is an ultra-lightweight insole to provide maximum comfort and support for your arches.
Lacing System
The Jetspeed line continues with a tried-and-true standard eyelet lacing system. The top eyelets have also been reinforced for increased durability.
Steel Runner, Holder & Blade Profile
The FT4 Pro features the best in class steel - Step BlackSteel. This carbon-coated steel is regarded as the highest quality steel on the market, providing superior edge hardness and glide. Step BlackSteel is also 4mm taller, increasing attack angle and turning radius.
The CCM XS holder is mounted on the FT4 Pro skates, providing the sturdy quick release system that has become standard amongst top end players around the world.
Reviewed By: Chad Purdy
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