From Salming’s 0405 website:

· FlexSupport^TM for better fit and mobility

· Clarino^TM lining gives a soft feel and increased durability

· Anatomical padded inside for great comfort and support

· Anatomical inner sole for increased foot support

· Dull durable plastic toe cup offers increased impact and abrasion resistance

· Heel stabilizer for stability and comfort

· Pre-shaped anatomical tongue

· Composite outsole for light weight and torsional stiffness

· Sizes: 6-12, full and half sizes, D and E widths

· Colour: Grey / Black / Cyan

From my experience:

· Light.  The composite soles and T-Blade system make the F1 lighter than comparably priced skates ($280 retail).

· Durable.  I’ve had my F1’s for over two years and skate an average of 3 times per week. I’d estimate the boot has 90% of its original rigidity.

· Dry.  The inner lining has a micro fiber that aids in drying, so I haven’t noticed clamminess when I’ve used the skates on back-to-back days.

· Comfortable.  Straight out of the box, I had about thirty minutes of tightness on the side of my heels during my first skate, then another ten minutes of tightness during my second skate. That was it. I’ve had others tell me they baked the skates to perfection.

What others have said:

· “When I played with the Maple Leafs, I went through three or four pairs of blades before breaking in a new pair of boots. I was very pleased to be able to use your skates from day one in my alumni games. ” Ron Ellis, Toronto Maple Leafs great 1964-81

· “These are the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn.” Kevin Lough, adult hockey player upon trying the F1’s for the first time

· “They were so gosh-darned comfortable, I nearly forgot they were on.” Ron Bourdeau, owner Got Puck? Promotions, wearing the F1’s while watching TV to aid in break-in

· “Very deep fitting along the top of the foot, maybe the largest volume skate I've ever worn…I reffed a game in the skates the other night because neither of the refs showed up…The boot is very comfy and works quite well for reffing. There was no fatigue or pain after spending 90 minutes in them.” Chadd Sullivan, ModSquadHockey

· “I got my F1 skates today and just got back from a 2 hour drop-in session. I'm in love. Never in my life did I expect to put on a pair of skates new out of the box and have them feel so ‘right.’" Andy Perry , adult hockey player

· “Nice wide and comfy just as advertised." Ken Silvers, adult hockey player, normally wears EE-width, wearing Salming E’s

· “I got the skates and blade yesterday, and the skates fit wonderfully!!” Peter Guan, adult hockey player, normally wears EE-width

Size:

The F1's run betwen 6-12 including half-sizes, with D and E widths. In general, I’d say the skates run about about one-and-half sizes smaller than shoe size, unless you're one who usually goes barefoot or like your skates very snug; in that case, you might be better off going down two sizes. They can also be baked to conform better to your feet.

The skates will feel a bit wide when you first try them, since the sides are so sturdy they don’t “break over” immediately. I kept mine tied tightly while I wasn’t wearing them; after two weeks, they fit perfectly. I have other sizes listed, including comfortable E-widths if you’re looking for a wider skate.

T-Blade System:

The T-Blade system is a performance system that Graf and CCM have placed on their high-end models. Anyone who has skated on them at least five times will tell you that they’ll never switch back to fixed blades. Here’s why:

· Convenient.  T-Blades come in three rockers and four hollows, are perfectly machine-tooled, and can be replaced in about three minutes each. I don’t know what type of metal is used, but it’s much harder and sharper than traditional blades. The local shop tried to sharpen an old pair of mine and it wore down their wheel. If you want to take out nicks, which aren’t as common since the metal is stronger, you have to use a side stone that is made specifically for T-Blades. I had my last pair on for three-and-a-half months, while I’ve had my current pair on five months and used the side stone once.

· Economical.  A pair of T-Blades cost about $15 and you should get the equivalent of at least five sharpenings. Mine have lasted much longer.

· Faster.  It turns out we don’t skate on ice – we hydroplane on water. The friction of our skates turns the ice into a glaze of water we glide upon. The T-Blade is a thinner blade, so it heats quicker and hotter than other blades. This heats the ice surface sooner, allowing you to skate faster.

· Agile.  Because there is less metal used in a T-Blade (maybe 3/16 of an inch versus ¾ of an inch), it can literally bend. Consequently, when you turn it flexes with you, cutting down your turning radius.

· Lighter.  The circular design of the T-Blade holder is structurally stronger, so it allowed T-Blade to use lighter materials in their holder.

As great as T-Blades are, you have to understand that the T-Blade system is a performance system. Their design almost forces you to skate more properly. However, it will take about five skates to get used to them; until then, you’ll feel as though you forgot how to skate. Just set up in the traditional starting position that skating instructors teach -- knees bent, heels together, toes out -- then push. In about three strides, you'll be able to tell at what angle you'll need to keep your knees for the strongest push. Last, because the blades are so much sharper, they cut deeper into the ice, which will be noisier if you don’t hit your stride properly.

Epinions:

You can see a very thorough review written about the F1’s at www.epinions.com.