CCM Tacks AS590 Intermediate Hockey Skates

The highly anticipated update to CCM’s Tacks line is finally here. Engineered for the player who favours taking more powerful strides, the AS-590 looks to offer an elite-level build at a more affordable price point. Materials and tech to make note of include the RFM composite material, Powerflex tendon guard, molded ortholite Ultralite footbed, and one-piece boot.

Skate Fit & Stiffness Profile
The Tacks line has been designed to fit closer and stiffer relative to other CCM lines. To provide the most support for powerful, lengthy strides, the skates bolster a 180 stiffness rating, just 10 down from the next price point up (AS-V). Stiff skates may be tougher to break in, but they are designed to be more durable. Like the higher-end models, the AS-590 includes CCM’s Powerflex tendon guard, new to the Tacks line. This guard provides a wider range of motion despite the skate’s stiffness. The tendon guard not only adds that extra maneuverability you need, but it’s also tough and lightweight to keep that area protected. The AS-590 comes in the following fits:

• Regular (Mid forefoot, mid heel, mid volume)
• Wide (Wide forefoot, wide heel, high volume)

This skate is completely thermoformable, meaning it is moldable and responsive to heat. Baking and fitting the skates while heated will allow them to fully adapt to your foot shape.

Boot Construction
The one-piece boot is constructed with premium-grade RFM composite with a carbon blend. This is an NHL-grade boot construction that is both tough and lightweight to greatly enhance energy transfer and overall durability.

Liner & Internal Padding
CCM included memory foam ankle padding, a Seamless Comfort finish, and a TotalDri Pro liner into the AS-590 to keep the skates feeling close while eliminating as much potential discomfort as possible. The memory foam and comfort liners provide that closer, more comfortable fit you want in a stiff skate.

Tongue
The AS-590 uses a replaceable asymmetrical TriTech tongue equipped with EVA foam for enhanced protection. This is a multi-layer 7mm tongue with added protection against both impact and lace bite.

Insoles
The AS-590 has been outfitted with an ultra-lightweight midsole and molded CCM Ortholite Ultralite footbed. CCM integrated recycled EVA foam in the footbed to enhance cushioning while supporting efforts in sustainability through reusing material. Both the midsole and footbed have been engineered for toughness and comfort to better support powerful strides.

Steel Runner, Holder & Blade Profile
CCM constructed the AS-590 with their Speedblade XS holder and blade lock system. This holder is ideal for keeping your blade locked in place while making it easier and more efficient to change the steel in a pinch. This skate requires you to choose your own STEP steel. The options available include:

STEP Blacksteel: The highest-performing in the renowned STEP steel line, STEP Blacksteel is made of the highest quality steel and coated with a layer of carbon nanoparticles to achieve a finer, harder edge that can withstand more and perform better. Make sure that if you are using a skate stone, you use one that is compatible specifically with blacksteel and mirror finishes.

STEP V-Steel: This polished, mirror-finished steel is engineered to enhance glide by minimizing friction between the runner and the ice. The finish also strengthens the steel, so it can endure more skating and longer ice sessions. With a better glide, you will be able to reach your destination on the ice much quicker and with more efficiency. Similar to Blacksteel, make sure you are using a skate stone that is compatible specifically with mirror finishes.

STEP Steel: Just because it’s the STEP stainless steel runner doesn’t mean it’s any lower quality. STEP has always set a high standard in their blades, and that is no different here. Whether you go for a more specialized runner or the standard, you can rest assured you’re getting runners of the highest quality.

Graphics
One of the most noticeable updates made to the Tacks series was the amended outer design and graphics. CCM rolls out new colours and text logos to represent a fresh start to the line in 2022. In addition to the modern, techy styles on the side of the boot, you’ll also notice the new gold graphics to replace the old yellow, as well as the clean “Tacks” and “AS-590” redesigned logos all throughout.