CCM Tacks Goal Skate Review

The newest addition to the CCM goal family is the Tacks goal skate. This goal skate is designed with a stiffer boot than the RibCor to give you stronger pushes, and an asymmetric flex system that counteracts the restriction of a stiff boot. Therefore, CCM has created the Tacks skate to give the modern day goalie the optimal power and flexibility that they desire.

The main focus of the Tacks skate is to generate more power in your strides, T-pushes, etc. This can be accomplished by creating a stiff frame, because less ankle movement in a boot allows one to create more force and increase efficiency. CCM uses a power form texturized composite boot that is made by layering metallic mesh composite. The texturized boot is designed to lock in the ankle, create stability, and optimize energy transfer during on-ice pushes.

CCM’s RibCor 50K skate uses a tacky nash and clarino liner that grips the foot for total control. The Tacks use TotolDri liner which is a moisture wicking material that keeps feet dry and the skates light; this is a feature that most goalies should look for in their skates, because we all know how much heavier wet gear is!

Crucial to the performance of the Tacks is the asymmetric flex stance contour. This flex zone counteracts the stiff boot to allow one to reach deeper stances and make quicker rebound recoveries. To add further comfort, there is multi-density memory foam padding in the ankle for a customized fit. This little feature provides the same function as the Pump on the RibCors, just in a different way.

The Tacks skates also feature a heel loop for the boot strap of the pads. This little feature was first seen from Bauer, though it isn’t very major, and it allows you to put your boot strap around the heel of your skate. When doing this, it will pull the pad higher up on your leg to help avoid your pad dragging on the ice. This feature also relieves pressure on your ankle when in the butterfly.

Essential to energy transfer when making strong strides is the midsole. Like the RibCor, the Tacks uses a lightweight composite midsole. The composite midsole acts a sturdy layer between the goalie’s foot and blade, guaranteeing no uneven pushes. Atop the midsole is the air system footbed: a lightweight, comfortable footbed with aeration vents to keep your feet cool, and to help vent out sweat.

What stands out, other than the sweet look, on the Tacks is the tongue. It’s a pretty heavy duty tongue. It is a multi-layer D3O tongue with lace-bite protection. This tongue is seriously layered: extra thick felt, D3O foam with impact absorbing properties, and then a lace-bite protective layer overtop the D3O. This combination is hands down the best lace-bite protection you can buy off the shelf. As well, this increases how thick the tongue is and will result in a tighter fit. This will be good for the Tacks’ purpose of making powerful pushes.

Although the cowlings on the Tacks and the RibCor look identical, they are not. The RibCor uses the Prolite GS, and the Tacks uses the Prolite Lo-Curve. So, what’s different? The Prolite Lo-Curve is a lightweight version of the Prolite GS that reduces weight by using less plastic. The edges of the Prolite Lo-Curve are shaved down to the very bottom of the Tacks boot—this is another step towards, essentially, a cowling-less design. Similar to the RibCor, the Tacks’ Prolite Lo-Curve cowling also has carbon impact inserts to protect its structure when making impact with a shot.

Not only is the cowling different, but so is the steel. On the RibCor, you have CCM’s traditional Prolite G Stainless Steel runner; on the Tacks, you have CCM’s newer Prolite G Black runner. The Prolite G Black steel is treated with oxide to help increase the edge life of sharpening’s, and help resist corrosion over time. The black steel also looks sick! Definitely, a great way to add a subtle touch to your on-ice style.

The CCM Tacks lineup will be available this July, 2016 and now available for pre-order! Make sure to also check out CCM’s RibCor skate line up, in store now!