Several years ago, I was contacted by Marco Thorne, creator of the API. I agreed to do a review of the product and posted it here on Hockeybird. During the transition from the old format to this new one, we somehow forgot to transfer this review to the new server. There are plenty of other articles that didn't make the move, but this one has now been resurrected for your reading pleasure. We hope to get Marco to do an interview with us soon as his product line has increased since this review....and his love of the game only grows.
The following is a complete republishing of all the text, however the formatting has changed and some images were removed.
Disclaimer: I do not work for or represent API. I accepted no payment or any other compensation for this review with the exception of the product itself which API was kind enough to send me. If I thought they were crap, I'd print it that way. I agreed to the review only after it was established that I could say anything I wanted and that it would be fair. ----}- Bird
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Pain has always been associated with playing ice hockey. It's perhaps one of the things that first attracted me to the game. I love all the stories about players who play with serious injuries, enduring incredible amounts of pain and somehow finding a way to overcome it and win. In some sick kind of way, I wanted to be one of those guys. In addition, I felt that I wanted to have all the pressure on me so I became a goalie. Pain and pressure....be careful what you ask for, you might just get it.
My list of injuries is a long one, but I'm sure it's no longer than anybody else's. It's a part of the game. But as an older player I find myself seeking out ways to prevent or lessen pain. Hey, I'm not stupid. Stretching.....lots and lots of stretching. I wear braces on both knees. I take 600mg of Ibuprofen 2 hours before each game to help limit muscle pulls and strains (please consult a doctor before using any medications). I keep my equipment in good condition, and I've
had numerous body parts taped over the years. I'm always on the lookout for anything that can lessen the pain, or at least give me the ability to continue playing. That's why I was excited when I was contacted by the makers of the API. I've got bad ankles to begin with, anything that might help is worth looking into.
The package arrived without issue at my home. I now had a great reason to cut out of work and get in a little ice time. I had a few weeks before the summer season started so I packed up my gear and drove over to the Long Beach Arena (yes, the same rink that the Rangers used to practice at years ago). They have open hockey sessions every Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. I got dressed as usual but this time popped in the APIs and laced up.
Now you should know that I love my skates laced up as tight as possible. I wear them two sizes smaller than my regular shoe size. But I would suffer the nastiest lace bite on the top of my feet. It got to the point that I no longer laced up as tight. I found that the pain was a little bit much for me to deal with, especially early in a game. I've since given up and wear my skates a bit more loose. It removes the pain as well as my skating ability. So my first try with the
APIs was not really fair. I didn't lace up tight at all. Sure, I felt a little extra support but nothing to get excited about. The second time out was a bit different.
Since I had promised to write a fair review, I looked into the API site as to why I didn't feel much effect. Of course, had I read the instructions that came with them I would have been ok. I decided that I needed to try them again, but this time lace up like the old days.......as tight as hell. Another day cutting out of work to play ? You bet ! This time I took my time and followed the SIMPLE
instructions. Wow, what a difference. Unfortunately, I hurt my neck and back and was only able to skate for around twenty minutes or so. I knew these things worked, but I needed to try them for a full skate before posting a review.
The next ice time I was going to get was a real game. Should I try a new piece of nearly untested equipment in a game ? Oh sure, why not.......it's not like I was playing in the NHL or anything, what's the worst that could happen ? I'd blow a game for the team ? Oh, the heck with it.....let's do it. Boy was I in for a surprise.
Game Conditions:
For a guy who plays in the beer leagues, I take it way too seriously. I actually hate to lose more than I love to win. The very idea of trying out some new, unproven stuff in a game is usually unthinkable. But I just had this feeling.......
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Conclusions:
I have no problems giving the API a big Hockeybird endorsement. If you want a tight fitting skate but without the lace bite, you need these. I can only imagine the benefit to a forward or defenseman. While goalies need to be good skaters, forwards and defensemen need to stop and start, turn and kick it into overdrive all in a split second. The additional ankle support has got to be a great benefit.
I'm told that I'm one of the few (if not the only) goaltenders using API. It gave me the ability to tighten up my skates without adding pain. It also gave me some additional ankle support, allowing me to be more comfortable in my stance . It helped reduce the overall pain I incur whenever I play. I'm very happy I found out about these and plan to use them every time I skate. I recommend that you use them too.
Pros & Cons:
Pro - They work as advertised providing excellent protection against lace bite.
Pro - They're cheap enough.....about $20 US dollars or less.
Pro - Easy to use (read the SIMPLE instructions)
Pro - Feels like additional ankle support which should help most skaters.
Con - So simple, I should have thought of it.
Con - I'm not sure how long they last.
Overall - Definitely worth it.
Contact Information:
e-mail sales@apihockey.com
----}- Bird
Posted by Bird at July 22, 2003 01:59 PMeMail this entry!
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