When it comes to optimizing your performance on the ice, every detail matters. At Sportszone, we understand the importance of having the right edge for your skates. That's why we proudly offer Pro Sharp Custom Skate Sharpening, a service designed to enhance your skating abilities like never before.

Our skilled technicians are trained to provide radius profiles that are specific to your individual requirements, regardless of the position you play. Whether you're a forward, a defenseman, or a goalie, we tailor the sharpening to suit your unique needs. With Pro Sharp Custom Skate Sharpening, you can expect a multitude of benefits that will take your game to the next level.

Increased Lateral Stability and Movement: Experience enhanced control and agility with our custom skate sharpening. By fine-tuning the edges to match your playing style, we ensure that you have the stability and maneuverability needed to excel in quick turns and tight corners.

Increased Straight Away Speed and Balance: Speed and balance are crucial elements of any skater's game. With Pro Sharp Custom Skate Sharpening, we optimize your skates to provide you with increased speed on straightaways, allowing you to blaze past your opponents with confidence and finesse. Quicker Starts and Stops: Mastering quick starts and stops can give you a competitive edge on the ice. Our custom sharpening technique enables you to accelerate rapidly and come to a controlled stop effortlessly, giving you the advantage in critical moments of the game.

Aggressive Tight Turning, Reduced Muscle Fatigue: Tight turns require precision and strength. With our custom skate sharpening, you'll experience smoother and more aggressive tight turns, allowing you to outmaneuver your opponents with ease. By reducing muscle fatigue, you'll be able to maintain your peak performance for longer durations, leaving you less tired and more focused during crucial gameplay.

Increased Puck Handling and Shooting: Having the ability to handle the puck with finesse and shoot accurately is essential for any player. With Pro Sharp Custom Skate Sharpening, we enhance your puck handling and shooting skills by providing you with the perfect edge, ensuring optimal contact with the ice and increased control over your shots.

But that's not all—Sportszone goes the extra mile to ensure you find your best edge. We offer pre-contoured blades available for demo, featuring the three popular contours: Zuperior, Quad Power, and the all-new Ellipse. This way, you can try out different options and select the contour that suits your playing style and preferences best.

Don't settle for average when it comes to your skating performance. Visit Sportszone today and discover how our Pro Sharp Custom Skate Sharpening service can revolutionize your game. Unlock your full potential on the ice and experience the difference of having the perfect edge. Get ready to dominate the rink like never before.

Trade-In Program: Ready to part ways with your old or used equipment and make room for something shiny and new? Look no further! Step into our store and immerse yourself in our exceptional buyback and trade-in program. With our exclusive 1-for-1 item trading policy, you can trade in your gear and receive cash that will be deducted from the price of your brand-new equipment. Please note that certain items, such as helmets, undergarments, sticks, and baseball equipment, are not eligible for trade-in. Should you have any inquiries about our trade-in program, don't hesitate to reach out to us at 1-888-785-9818 or via email at info@sportszonecanada.com. Junior Skate Buy-Back: Do you have a pair of junior skates (sizes 1-3.5) that you purchased within the last year and wish to upgrade? We've got you covered! Our store presents a fantastic buy-back system specifically designed for junior skates. Bring in your recently purchased pair, and we'll reimburse you with half of the original price to put towards another fantastic pair. Please note that the maximum amount we can offer for your old pair is $125. If you have any questions or need further details about our buy-back program, feel free to give us a call at 1-888-785-9818 or send an email to info@sportszonecanada.com.

When it comes to ice hockey, goaltenders are the last line of defense. The gear they wear plays a crucial role in their performance and confidence on the ice. Bauer has once again raised the bar with their Vapor X5 Pro Goalie Pads. Offering a perfect blend of functionality and style, these pads provide goaltenders with exceptional performance and now a personalized touch with an option to order fully custom for a mid-level price point. This means that goaltenders are able to get any color and any spec they desire without having to buy "top of the line' Bauer understands that goaltenders want their gear promptly. Custom ordering the Vapor X5 Pro Goalie Pads requires an estimated eight-week production time. During this period, Bauer's team of experts will meticulously craft each pad according to the goaltender's specifications, ensuring they get exactly what they ordered. To order the Vapor X5 Pro Goalie Pads, simply go to the Bauer website and utilize the intuitive ordering system or visit us to select your preferred customization options Once the order is confirmed, Bauer's dedicated team will begin the production process, working diligently to deliver the pads within the specified timeframe. On top of this, we have also ordered sets of X5 Pro Pads in select sizes and select custom colors for Wolves, Rangers, Grvphons, and Huskies on the wav. Call or come in store to check availability.

Come and experience the ultimate personalized skate fitting at our store! We take pride in offering you a truly unique custom fitting experience. Our team of dedicated experts is equipped with cutting-edge fitting devices that capture every detail of your feet, ensuring a customized fit like no other. No matter if you're a Bauer, CCM, or True skate fan, we've got you covered. Our team of seasoned skate specialists will work their magic will work their magic to transform your chosen brand into skates that are perfectly tailored to match your individual foot shape and skating style. You can expect to hit the ice with unparalleled comfort and precision in no time. We understand that you're eager to start enjoying your new skates, and we aim to deliver with a turnaround time of approximately 4-6 weeks (though this may vary slightly depending on the brand). Rest assured; we'll do everything we can to get you gliding on ice with the utmost satisfaction. If you or someone you know has been struggling with ill-fitting skates or simply wants to upgrade to the best-fitting option available, we invite you to visit our store. Our knowledgeable staff is eager to start a conversation with you, understanding your needs and providing expert guidance. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, we'll ensure that you walk out with the perfect pair of skates, tailored just for you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your skating experience to new heights. Join us in-store and embark on a journey towards the most comfortable and high-performing skates you've ever worn. We can't wait to welcome you and help you take your skating to the next level!

Making its reveal as of November 6th 2020, the Bauer Nexus Geo Hockey stick replaces the previous 2N model stick with various improvements in weight and new energy loading technology. Coming in at 390g (SR), it is 20 grams lighter than its Nexus predecessor.

The Trigger 5 Pro is a top prospect for being the best stick of the year. The Ribcor Trigger 5 Pro is the elite quick-release hockey stick from CCM. Coming in at 395 grams (SR), and loaded with the latest tech from CCM's lab, this twig stands above previous RibCor stick models. Be sure to check out the new features of Trigger 5 Pro, you won't regret it!

DOES INLINE SKATING HELP WITH HOCKEY ?

Yes. There are differences but they are very similar. If you practice with skates off-ice, your on-ice skating will likely improve. The skills aren't 100% transferable but you're using most of the same muscles, improving your balance, and will likely improve shooting ability if you practice shooting in inlines. 

Ice Skating vs Inline Hockey Skating

When it comes to the history of both these sports, ice skating dates thousand years back while rollerblading, which is only a few hundred years old, evolved from ice-skating. While there are many similarities between the two, they also have differences as well like the skating surface and how you stride .

If you look at the ice skates, they have a blade like bottom which slides on the ice whereas, in rollerblades, there is a line of wheels. Both look very similar though! Inline skates don’t slide like Hockey skates do make turning and stopping different.

Here are some more differences between the two different types of skates:

Stopping

The way you stop is probably the main difference between ice skating and inline skating. In inline hockey skates , you need to transition your weight too the back quickly and make sharp turns or you can also drag your back foot.

In ice skating, you have to maintain your weight more towards the middle of the blades. This way, you can use that particular section of blades to shave the ice nicely and finally stop. It is not easy as it may seem because shifting your weight too much on either side will throw you out of balance and you’ll have a hard fall.

Balancing

As mentioned above, inline skates have wider wheelbase which offers a good balance and helps you to learn rollerblading easily. Also, rollerblades have multiple locking systems which secure your feet in place and helps build the confidence to skate.

Whereas in ice skating, there is a thin blade underneath your boot and balancing is quite tough. It takes quite a while to master it and to stop is even harder.

What can I do to practice?

There are a number of drills which can be used  on the ice which transition very well to the rollers. The reason for this is that there are certain strides which is found  to be almost exactly the same whether you are on the ice or inlines. For example, turning maneuvers and some transition moves are almost identical. Again, however, the key to making inline skates work for the ice hockey player is to try to create new habits, or what is referred to as making “perfect practice.” So proper techniques are vital!

The following drill can be used in both arenas and the pavement:

Two-foot crossunders

This drill is designed to keep the feet low while turning and to build up the strength in your inside, crossing-under leg so that it can tug harder to allow you to accelerate better in your turns. Be sure and perform this exercise both forward and backward and in both directions while going in a circle. The techniques:

• Bend the knees so they are 2” over the toes of your skates.

• Keep both skates touching the ground or ice at all times.

• Make a half-moon cut (C-cut) with the outside foot, maintaining it on an inside edge.

• The inside foot should cross under forming a letter “y” but again never leaving the surface (this leg is actually performing a half-moon cut on an outside edge.

• Put 100% body weight over each push.

• Don’t get frustrated. This is a difficult exercise in the beginning. Keep trying it and it will begin to sink in.

Not always a two-way street

One of the major problems I see involves body weight and getting it adjusted to new skate. The reason for this is that you have a much more solid grip when digging an edge into the ice than you do when trying to dig in on an edge on inlines. Therefore it is natural for you to feel awkward when it comes to how long to keep your weight over a push. Do not worry, because everyone feels this slight instability when leaving the inline for the ice. This will be corrected the more often you get on the ice.

In this article, we will present some of the best softball bats 2020 has to offer.

Sports Zone is committed to providing softball enthusiasts with the highest quality equipment and apparel available, all at unbeatable prices. Visit us today to get your next bat.

Now, let's dig in and take a deeper look at the best softball bats for 2020.

Best Softball Bats 2020

Sports Zone offers close to 50 softball bats for you to choose from before taking to the field this season. But how do you choose which one is best for you? First, check out our softball bat sizing guide, and then consider the following top options.

1. Miken Freak 54 Maxload

Miken is a very popular name when it comes to softball bats, and for good reason. They have a reputation for creating some of the best softball bats out there.

Brand new for 2020 is the Miken Freak 54 Maxload. This is a limited edition bat featuring two-piece construction.

The 14" barrel features Miken's Maxload technology that gives this bat a powerful end loaded weight with a large sweet spot and excellent pop. Also, the Freak 54 offers an optimal handle flex for increased swing power.

If you are a slowpitch player looking for an elite end loaded slowpitch bat, look no further than the Miken Freak 54

2. Worth Krecher XL Ryan Harvey Best Softball Bat 2020

Ryan Harvey was selected 6th overall by the Chicago Cubs at the 2003 MLB Draft, and turned to softball after giving up his big league dreams back in 2013. Harvey became an internet sensation in 2016 after launching a softball into the American flag at Tropicana Field in Florida.

Today, Harvey's name is on Worth's latest softball bat. The Krecher XL is a two piece 100% composite bat that comes equipped with a 13.5" barrel. The Krecher bat series features Worth's 220+ Advantage, which makes for a larger sweet spot for max performance throughout the barrel, as well as CF100 Carbon Fiber for top notch durability.

The Krecher also utilizes Flex 50 Technology, which gives you a thinner handle for increased whip and hitting power.

Start mashing like Ryan Harvey with his namesake bat

3. Miken Psycho MaxLoad Corey Briggs Bat

Miken is back on our list of best softball bats 2020 has to offer.

Corey Briggs is another prolific softball player who, along with Harvey, is a member of the 2020 USA Men's National Slo Pitch team. His signature Miken Phycho MaxLoad is a two-peice, end-loaded composite softball bat which comes equipped with a 14" barrel length.

The Psycho line brings Miken's Triple Matrix Core+ Technology. This enlarges the sweet spot for maximized performance throughout the 14" barrel.

For this bat, Miken also uses their signature composite material for unmatchable durability. 

The Psycho features a Flex 2 Power handle which ensures optimal flex and whip for barrel loading through the zone

4. Mizuno Crush 12" End Load

The legendary Mizuno Crush is more powerful than ever!

Featuring a smaller 12" barrel for more compact hitting surface, the 2020 Crush is constructed with Black Onyx Carbon and a Triple Wall barrel to increase durability with a shorter break-in period.

A thin Micro-Whip™ Grip gives you a better feel, while 2-Piece LINK™ technology reduces vibrations to the hands to give you the amazing feel of solid contact every at-bat.

Engineered details like an Optimized End Cap create a booming sound and an increased sweet spot!

The Mizuno Crush features end Loaded swing weight for added distance

5. DeMarini Uprising

If you're looking for one of the best softball bats in 2020 but are working on a tighter budget, DeMarini has you covered.

Slo Pitch Equipment Near Me

Where is Sports Zone?

Sports Zone is located at 92 Lodge Street in Waterloo, ON. We are your one-stop shop for all "slo pitch equipment near me" inquiries.

Hours:

• MON TO FRI 10AM TO 8PM
  
• SAT 9AM - 5PM
 
• SUN 11AM - 5PM

If you're in the Kitchener-Waterloo area or are interested in shopping online, Sports Zone is where you want to go for slo pitch bats, gloves, cleats, batting gloves, softballs, helmets, training aids, or even umpire products - check out our extensive slo pitch section today!

Check out this video for help with choosing the best slo pitch bat.

Slo pitch equipment near me - what you need!

Sports Zone has a tremendous selection of slo pitch equipment and related products.

That includes:

Bats:

Gloves:

Cleats:

As well as:

• Catcher's mitts
• Batting gloves
• And more!

We carry all the top brands like Rawlings, Wilson, Louisville, Easton, Mizuno and Miken.

The right slo potch equipment can help you dominate!

Slo Pitch Equipment Near Me - Where You Can Use It

Now that you're fully equipped, you may be wondering where you can play this season. The City of Waterloo operates multiple co-ed and men's summer slo pitch leagues for anyone aged 18+.

These leagues run from May to September and feature a one game per week schedule. Games are played at RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex, Hillside Park and Waterloo Park diamonds.

Please note: Registration closes April 6 and all leagues fill up quickly.

• Monday/Wednesday co-ed: register as a team or as a free agent
• Tuesday/Thursday co-ed: register as a team or as a free agent
• Friday co-ed: register as a team or as a free agent *note only 14 games
• Sunday men's: register as a team or as a free agent.

Additional options include the Waterloo Recreational Co-Ed Slo-Pitch League and the Waterloo Softball Association, which includes a women's only slo pitch league option. 

You've found the best "slo pitch equipment near me" - now get playing!

Slo Pitch Equipment Near Me - Trust The Sports Zone Difference!

Like the major chain sporting retailers, we carry all the major brands you need to play your best.The Sports Zone difference, however, is our personalized level of service. 

As a family run business, we offer a personal, small-store service experience but with all the sports equipment and apparel athletes need to excel at their sport.

As Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands of athletes like you with the high-performance sports gear that helped them excel in their chosen sport and we can do the same for you.

Sports Zone has all the slo pitch gear you need at the best price, guaranteed!

Visit us today to get the best "slo pitch equipment near me." Take advantage of our in-store services. Or you can order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area.

What Sports Zone customers are saying:

"Best sporting goods store in town. Mostly hockey and baseball.

Quality equipment. No junk." 

- Matthew Fries

In this article, we will present some of the best baseball bats 2020 has to offer.

Sports Zone is committed to providing baseball players with the highest quality equipment and team wear available, all at unbeatable prices. Visit us today to get your next bat.

Now, let's dig in and take a deeper look at the best baseball bats for 2020.

Best Baseball Bats 2020

Where to buy in Canada

Sports Zone offers almost 50 hardball bats for you to choose from before taking to the field this season. But how do you choose which one is best for you? First, check out our bat sizing guide, and then consider the following top options.

Sports Zone is located at 92 Lodge Street in Waterloo, ON. We are your one-stop shop for all the best baseball bats 2020 has to offer.

Hours:

• MON TO FRI 10AM TO 8PM
  
• SAT 9AM - 5PM
 
• SUN 11AM - 5PM

If you're in the Kitchener-Waterloo area or are interested in shopping online, Sports Zone is where you want to go for baseball bats, gloves, cleats, batting gloves, softballs, helmets, training aids, or even umpire products - check out our extensive baseball section today!

Now let's take a look at some of the best bats of 2020.

1. Easton Alpha 360

Easton is a massive name for baseball bats, and for good reason. They have a reputation for creating some of the best bats available year in and year out.

New for 2020 is the Easton Alpha 360, a one-piece power balanced aluminum bat that delivers solid feel with the thinnest walls in the game.

Advanced Thermal Alloy Construction (ATAC) is reinforced with Carbon-Core, and the Speed Cap provides a more flexible, responsive barrel with natural sound on impact.

It features a Speed Balanced swing weight that provides optimized balance point for fast swing speed, as well as Custom Lizards Skins grip for best-in-class feel, cushion, and tack.

The Alpha 360 provides "Hot Out Of The Wrapper Performance"

2. Rawlings 2020 Quatro Pro End Loaded

Rawlings is the other big player when it comes to baseball bats. Brand new for 2020 is their second generation Quatro Pro, and it does not disappoint.

Proven on-field at the professional and collegiate levels, the 2020 Quatro bat continues to advance off its popular predecessors. Starting with the barrel, a composite inner barrel combined with a reactive high performance outer layer makes for a massive sweet spot and adds just enough weight to create a end-loaded feel.

The Quatro comes equipped with a thin, incredibly reactive outer barrel that creates a huge sweet spot that maximizes pop. Reconstructed collar assembly gives the Quatro a stiff, focused flex while reducing barrel drag and vibration.

Rawlings also added Vibration Dampening Technology (VDT) on the Quatro for a smoother feel at contact as well as Lizard Skins grip for top quality comfort and tack. 

Rawlings 30 Day performance guarantee also comes with the Quatro, meaning if you don't like it after 30 days it can be returned for full refund - so grab one risk free from Sports Zone!

This promo video gives you a great look at one of the best baseball bats 2020.

3. Easton Fuze 360

Easton's has another one of the best baseball bats for 2020 with the Fuze 360.

The Fuze 360 is a one-piece ATAC alloy design that pushes the limits of performance with the thinnest walls in the game.

Advanced Thermal Alloy Construction is reinforced with Carbon-Core technology and 360 Engineering for 360° of barrel tuned precision. The Forged Composite Cap is lighter and stiffer to increase barrel trampoline and provide a Speed Balanced feel for fast swing speed.

Additionally, this bat's Power Boost Soft Knob technology provides more leverage and power potential, all while reducing vibration and improving comfort for the bottom hand. 

Check this preview video of Easton's Fuze 360.

4. Rawlings 5150

Masterfully engineered from the finest aerospace alloy materials, the Rawlings 2020 5150 was developed for heavy hitters who like going deep.

The Hyper-Lite Speed Cap provides batters with a lighter feel so you can have a quicker swing without losing any power.

In addition, the redesigned barrel gives batters a bigger sweet spot too. As a result you'll watch the ball explode off your bat with every contact.

If you want to crush the ball over outfielders and fences alike, you need this bat at the plate.

Become your team's go-to clutch hitter - order your 5150 USSSA bat from Sports Zone now!

5. Easton Maxum 360

Another new Easton bat for 2020 is the Maxum 360.

It lays claim to the longest barrel and biggest sweet spot in the game. The Maxum 360 combines Seamless Carbon Construction with 360 Engineering for 360° of barrel-tuned precision, delivering pure flexural energy, uniform barrel strength and maximum performance from knob to cap.

Computer-controlled precision molding technology produces an ultra-consistent, lightweight wall for optimal performance in every swing, and speed balanced swing weight provides optimized balance point for fast swing speed. 

The Easton Maxum 360 lays claim to the longest barrel and biggest sweet spot in the game

Best Baseball Bats 2020 - Trust The Sports Zone Difference!

Like the major chain sporting retailers, we carry all the major brands you need to play your best.The Sports Zone difference, however, is our personalized level of service. 

As a family run business, we offer a personal, small-store service experience but with all the sports equipment and apparel athletes need to excel at their sport.

As Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands of athletes like you with the high-performance sports gear that helped them excel in their chosen sport and we can do the same for you.

Sports Zone has all the baseball gear you need at the best price, guaranteed!

Take advantage of our in-store services. Or you can order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area and receive free shipping on all orders over $100!

What Sports Zone customers are saying:

"Best sporting goods store in town. Mostly hockey and baseball.

Quality equipment. No junk." 

- Matthew Fries