The CCM Vector line of ice skates, particularly the U+Pro and Vector Pro models, has garnered attention from hockey players for their performance and fit. This article delves into a detailed review of these skates, exploring their features, durability, and overall on-ice experience.
In 2008, CCM reached the pinnacle of its mid-2000s Vector skates line with the release of the CCM Vector U+Pro. These skates directly preceded CCM’s 2011 Crazy Light line, and represented the final skates released under the Vector imprint that began in 2005.
CCM U+Pro: A Closer Look
Full disclosure before we begin: I have strong attachment to the U+Pro. I wore a pair of original U+Pros for almost five years until I was no longer able to repair them. I subsequently shelved my original pair and purchased not one but two additional pairs of U+Pros, one pair of the 2009 Pro Reloaded boots and one of the original 2008 models. For fear of never finding a skate that fits me again, I am now hoarding all U+Pros with the selfish fervor of Daffy Duck while I try to find a boot made after 2010 that my feet will tolerate.
The skate had and continues to have a very distinct look, as was the case with most of the skates from CCM’s Vector era. I think the U+Pro/Pro Reloaded is the best-looking of the Vector-era skates, some of which toed the line of being gaudy. Even as recently as the just-concluded 2013-14 NHL season, you can easily spot players such as Joe Thornton and Loui Eriksson continuing to use the U+Pro.
But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I love the U+Pro for sentimental reasons, but I do not believe it is the most aesthetically-pleasing boot CCM has ever released. As I wrote in my Honest Hockey Review of the Crazy Light skate, I think the CL is a much-sharper looking boot.
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Fit and Comfort
The biggest feather in the cap of the U+Pro is that like its sister skates, CCM’s U-Foam can be molded and remolded, ensuring a terrific fit. If you have irregular or misshapen feet like I do, I cannot recommend the U+Pro strongly enough. The U-Foam takes the guesswork out of customized fitting, and the exterior of the boot is forgiving enough to allow the skater to achieve proper Foot Wrap. The only boot that I have ever tried on that gives the skater better Foot Wrap is the Easton Mako, which is of course a one-of-a-kind boot.
Having had the opportunity to wear a Crazy Light on one foot and a Pro Reloaded on the other, I believe that the U-Grip Rebranded foam in the Crazy Light conforms like no other. My feet are extremely irregular, and the fit along the bottom of the foot/outsole that I get from the Crazy Light is just tremendous. Having said that, as I wrote in the CL review, I got a stronger overall fit from both the U+Pro and the Pro Reloaded.
Speaking personally, I did not have nearly the problems getting the U+Pro to fit my foot that I did with the CL. I think the Crazy Light’s rigidity along the eyelet cuff largely accounts for this. My view is that the original U+Pro hits a sweet spot between conformity and stiffness that the Crazy Light does not. After the break-in period, which is limited, the U+Pro fits your foot perfectly.
Durability and Performance
One of the main concerns with the original U+Pro seemed to be durability, which led to the release of the Pro Reloaded. Due to the wear on my original U+Pros, it’s not fair to compare the quarter package of my original U+Pros to my Pro Reloaded skates, but my opinion is that the quarter package of the Pro Reloaded seems to be more rigid - stiff, but not quite a “ski-boot”, as some modern boots have become.
It should be noted that I was no longer playing college hockey by 2009, so I cannot personally say how the retail U+Pro/Pro Reloaded would hold against to college or professional-level shots and wear. As mentioned above, I did a number of repairs on my original U+Pros, but I am a barefoot skater, a decent-sized guy, and someone who plays anywhere from 3-7 times per week.
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The U+Pro and Pro Reloaded both came with CCM’s E-Pro holder, which compares favorably to contemporaries such as the Bauer Lightspeed 2 and the Graf Cobra. I found that the U+Pro conformed to my foot very well and helped maximize performance. As written above, I believe the U+Pro is more sound overall than the Crazy Light due to superior performance.
It again occurs to me that CCM maybe hit the sweet spot between technological advancement and maintaining natural fit with the U+Pro.
CCM U+ 12 Ice Hockey Skate
CCM Vector Pro: An In-Depth Look
Lucked out and got a NEW pair of Vector Pros (scalloped runners), a week ago, and did 2 hrs of sticktime on them last night - first skate. Awesome Skate! As with older model CCMs, these seem made for my feet! And I've always loved the stock profile I had on my tacks, these seem very similar.
Great balance, on center feel and easy to get extreme angles on. Felt especially solid on backwards skate and maneuvers. Baked them and they are very comfy - which is saying a lot considering the condition of my feet. Their D width might be a little on the D-, which is fine for me and needs no further adjustment. These are way better than the Grafs I'm comin from. I LUV these Vector Pro skates!
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The vector pro is one of the most durable skates that I have ever seen.
Baking and Comfort
I bought a pair of these skates off of somebody who had never used them for $25 I remembered the skates and knew when they came out they were top of the line and around $400. I have skated in them a few times now and I have looked all over the internet and I am curious if I can bake these skates. I'm sure they will break in fine but I would like to speed up the process.
Baked them and they are very comfy - which is saying a lot considering the condition of my feet.
Durability Considerations
They are fragile, take good care of them and make sure to watch for loose stitching and stuff.
Additional Considerations
If you are looking at picking up a U+Pro, you are obviously looking at an aftermarket skate. At this point, the U+Pro is a different generation than CCM’s current lines. As I write this, CCM is about to release has released its 2014 Tacks line, which will post-date CCM’s 2013 RBZ line and of course the 2011 Crazy Light line.
If you are currently in the market for skate and set on the CCM family, I highly recommend you get your foot into an affordable pair of skates from the Tacks line before you make a purchasing decision, and a pair from the RBZ and Reebok CCM RibCor lines as well. I recommend you consider Reebok skates strongly, even if like me you have affection for the CCM brand.
Having said that, if you can pick up a old pair of U+Pros at a good value, I think you will be quite pleased. A low-profile silver waffle quarter package and anatomically positioned foam ankle pads offer aspiring players excellent comfort and durability.
Sizing and Fit
The easiest way to determine the size for your hockey skates is to go 2 sizes down from your shoe size, then consider how wide your foot is.
Coming out of a pair of Missions L4's, I would say these, like other CCM's I have owned, fit very large. I was extremely snug (by choice) in 10.5 E L4's. I just got my Vectors in 9D, and could have easily gone with an 8.5C. In spite of that, however, these skates fit well - snug in the ankle, and just right in the forefoot.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the CCM Vector ice skates, particularly the U+Pro and Vector Pro models, offer a blend of performance, fit, and durability that appeals to many hockey players. While the U+Pro boasts a customizable fit and solid performance, the Vector Pro provides durability and comfort. Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the right pair for your game.