The CCM JetSpeed FT4 hockey skates are one of the top skates offered by legendary hockey skate manufacturer, CCM. The JetSpeed FT4 skates counterpart is the CCM Ribcor 100k skate. We’ll talk about the differences further on in this deep dive of the CCM JetSpeed FT4 skates. The FT4 skates are one of the best pairs of hockey skates on the market today, for good reason. They’re constructed using superior, high performance build materials designed to provide unmatched performance on the ice up the the highest level of play.
The JetSpeed FT4 skate lineup is popular at the highest levels of play, like the NHL. Worn by countless pros at the NHL and semi-professional level, including Division 1 and Junior hockey across the world, the FT4 needs no introduction as far as top-of-the-line hockey skates are concerned.
The CCM Jetspeed FT4 skates are a highly touted skate in the hockey industry. While not the latest model CCM has released, they feature quick acceleration and comfort.
If you’re looking to save a couple bucks, the CCM JetSpeed FT4 Senior model (not the JetSpeed FT4 Pro) has many of the same build qualities as the FT4 Pro.
The CCM JetSpeed Senior hockey skates are a step down from the CCM JetSpeed FT4 skates. If you're looking to save a couple hundred on your skates, consider the CCM JetSpeed FT4 (Non Pro Model).
Reviewing the CCM JetSpeed FT4 Pro Hockey Skate
The CCM JetSpeed FT4 is one of the most popular skates at the NHL level, for good reason. We tested this skate for several months, during the Winter of 2022.
The before the specs conclusion? The CCM JetSpeed FT4 Pro skate is no joke. This is one of the single most comfortable, supportive, protective skates we’ve ever worn. The ankle stability and overall skate balance is second to none, though we expect that out of every high end skate we test.
There are varying levels of the CCM JetSpeed lineup. Of course, the FT4 Pro is the most expensive skate in the lineup, as it’s the one professional athletes use. It’s built using the highest quality materials CCM has access to. As a result, it ends up costing the most.
Other skate models in the JetSpeed lineup
- CCM Jet Speed FT4 Pro
- CCM JetSpeed FT4
- CCM JetSpeed FT485
- CCM JetSpeed FT475
By the time the CCM JetSpeed FT475 rolls around, this is as base model as it gets when it comes to skates. The FT475 skates are the cheapest JetSpeed model available and are nothing like the FT4 Pro option. Of course, these are also the lowest performance skates in the lineup.
For the sake of our deep dive into the JetSpeed FT4 Pro skate here, we’re going to stick to this skate. It’s the main skate in the FT4 lineup we tested extensively on the ice and any other commentary on lower-end models is just that, commentary. For comparisons sake, we always test the 2nd tier option with any high end product, so in this case, we did skate with the FT4 Senior version (just a step behind the FT4 Pro).
Construction of the One Piece SPEED Boot in the CCM Jet Speed FT4
The FT4 skate utilizes a one-piece boot, known as the “SPEED” boot. A one-piece boot is designed for superior energy transfer as the skate is driven into the ice. This is specially designed to increase maximum acceleration and performance, while maintaining a high level of protection and a light weight. Lower end skate models utilize a two piece boot construction, which allows for a cheaper cost to build the skate itself.
Step Blacksteel Blades
What was once a custom option for skate blades has now become the stock offering. Step Steel is a type of skate steel that is higher in height than it’s standard steel counterpart. The Step Steel blade design is built to allow skaters more agility than with a shorter skate blade profile. The Step Steel used on CCM FT4 skates is “STEP Blacksteel” a carbon-coated steel designed for maximum hardness, durability and for increased glide.
Editors Note: in every single on-ice test we’ve done of both hockey and goalie skates, Blacksteel has outperformed the standard steel that comes stock on lower end hockey skates.
Moisture Wicking TotalDri Pro+ Material Inside
The CCM FT4 skates are specially built using the highest quality moisture wicking material inside the skate boot itself. If there is one major advantage expensive hockey skates have over their entry level counterparts, it’s the interior of the skate itself.
Speedblade XS Holder
The FT4 skates use a quick release blade holding system designed for blade changes quicker than ever before. While quick release Tuuk systems were new several years ago, they’re becoming standard on just about every skate on the market (even cheaper skates).
What we loved about the CCM JetSpeed FT4 Skate
When it comes to breaking in a new pair of skates, it can take months for them to feel comfortable on your foot. Features and technical specifications of this skate aside, these skates felt natural from the first few times we had them on the ice. The boot has held its shape quite well for 4+ months, something that hasn’t always been the case from CCM. I would absolutely recommend the JetSpeed FT4 skate lineup to anybody looking to splurge a bit and get into one of the best hockey skates that money can buy.
CCM JetSpeed FT4 vs CCM Ribcor 100k Skates
The main difference between the FT4 skates and the CCM Ribcor is not as big as many assume. In fact, the major difference between the two skates is mainly marketing jargon. The FT4 skates are marketed as the “Speed” option of skates manufactured by CCM, whereas the Ribcor lineup is for “agility”. In reality speed, performance, and agility are all highly important to a hockey player, so there is no major differences in the two lines of skates.
Build Differences Between CCM JetSpeed FT4 and CCM Ribcor 100k Skates
As you’ll find, there are no major differences in the CCM Ribcor skates and the JetSpeed FT4 lineups.
Both skates use CCM’s patented one piece boot design, albeit with different names. Until the Ribcor 100k lineup, the Ribcor skates did not use a one piece boot design. The change brings them closer than ever before to the CCM Tacks and CCM JetSpeed skate lineups.
Both skates use STEP Blacksteel designed to improve attack angle when skating.
Both skates use CCM TotalDri Pro+ moisture-wicking build material.
Both skates use the Speedblade XS Blade holder. CCM has opted to go with the quick-release blade holders in recent years, a necessary improvement to stay in step with their top skate competition, Bauer.
Is there any difference in the CCM FT4 Pro skates and the CCM Ribcor 100k skates?
Unsurprisingly, not really. CCM doesn’t try to hide the fact that these skates are highly similar. If you’re weighing your options between the FT4 Pro and the Ribcor 100k skates, the main difference you’ll find is simply in their appearance. Outside of a slightly different looking skate tongue, these skates are highly similar and use almost identical build materials.
CCM JetSpeed FT4 Pro vs CCM AS3 Pro Skates
The major difference in the CCM JetSpeed FT4 Pro and CCM AS3 Pro skates are simply the order in which they were released. The new JetSpeed FT4 skates are one of CCM’s most recent skate releases, and thus they have some “upgraded” technology. With that being said, with where we are at in the hockey skate technology world, there isn’t much outside of marketing terminology that can be changed each time a new product is released. Sure, the CCM AS3 Pro skates boast removable tongues, so that players can customize to their preferred fit, but they’re not all that far off the CCM JetSpeed FT4 Pros.
Coming up, the CCM AS3 Pro skates will drop in price, as they get further and further from their original release date.
The Tacks AS3 Pro skates are the best skate in the Tacks lineup by CCM. Expect premium quality material and better performance.
