CCM Ribcor 80K Skate Review
Written by: Chad Purdy.
The Ribcor 80K skate is a thing of beauty. It has a clean, traditional look that quietly says it doesn’t need flashy graphics to do all the talking. The 80K continues to refine upon a design that gives skaters greater stride mobility by providing more forward flex. In order to achieve this greater range of forward flex without sacrificing performance in first stride push offs, Ribcor’s FlexFrame technology is utilized. Here’s how it works…
FlexFrame Technology
A full composite boot with carbon composite outsole allows the 80K to be stiffer and lighter. The boot construction is reinforced behind the heel for stiffness and rigidity to help maximize energy transfer and more flexible in the front for better wrap and forward flex. This allows skaters like Crosby and MacKinnon to get more forward lean because of the flexion in the boot. And this is important because it allows them to push further outwards with their toes, creating more power.
Fit
Similar to the fit of the 70K, The Ribcor 80K skate continues to feature a lower volume forefoot, medium height instep, medium heel width. This is one of the most common foot profiles our skate fitters see on a daily basis. Although we classify the heel as medium width instead of narrow (which is normally something we prefer), Ribcor’s contoured heel and ankle shape along with improved ADPT memory foam ankle pads are how the 80K skates provide a great heel lock. And some good news for players with wide feet, the new Ribcor sizing has been adjusted to be even wider for EE widths.
ADPT Memory Foam Comfort Pads
This ankle foam won our skate fit team over big time when it debuted in the 70K skates and was the most requested spec on custom Tacks and Jetspeed skate orders. The ADPT memory foam is an improved design over the original and wraps perfectly around any ankle shape for a truly comfortable fit right out the box. This ankle donut foam is a big part of the secret sauce that has made Ribcor such a popular choice with players.
Tri-Tech Tongue
CCM's Tri-Tech tongue features pro-style 7mm felt and a lace bite pad insert that molds to the skater’s feet. This proven tongue design is comfortable and also provides a good level of protection.
Steel & Runner
Speedblade Xchange System I think this is one of the most exciting things about this year’s CCM skates. CCM has finally come to market with their quick-change blade system that makes changing your steel a breeze. Their BladeLock system is easy to use and the steel locks firmly in place, and most importantly, is really well engineered. The technology uses a lock dial mechanism that tightly secures the blade to the holder. When playing around with the dial at first, I wondered if it might come loose during play but I’ve been really impressed with how it locks in and don’t have any concerns about untimely steel “pop-outs” on ice.
The steel on the 80K is Speedblade XS1 Black (+2mm). This is a premium oxide-treated blade that provides longer edge life and is 12% taller than the original Speedblade Black blade for more aggressive turning and extra sharpening life. All the little design details have been thought of - there’s a notch at back of holder to make it easier to change steel and the lock mechanism is replaceable for aftermarket repairs if necessary. Add it all up and the connection between holder and steel is very firm and solid, which ultimately should translate into better energy transfer when skating.
Footbed
CCM’s Orthomove footbed comes shipped free with every pair of Ribcor 80K. This insole allows you to customize the arch support to your foot’s fit profile. These adjustable inserts allow maximum customization in an insole – remove the insert if you have a low arch, add the 4mm insert for a medium arch, and add the 7mm insert if you have a high arch. I like that you can play around with the position of the inserts as well. Customization is always a good thing when it comes to skate fitting.
Final Thoughts
It might not be the skate with biggest amount of hype behind it with CCM’s one-piece boot construction taking all the headlines but the Ribcor 80K skate delivers on skating performance in ways other skates don’t. More forward flex and great fit are just two of the reasons you should consider giving the 80K a shot if it’s time for a new pair of wheels. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
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