CCM vs Bauer: In-depth Analysis & Review

Having spent countless hours on ice, I’ve personally felt the difference good gear makes. I’ve played extensively using both CCM and Bauer equipment, and today I’ll share my genuine experiences to help you decide what suits you best on the rink.

CCM vs. Bauer: Ownership & NHL Presence

Two of the biggest names in hockey — CCM and Bauer — are often mistaken as rivals under the same roof. But here’s the truth: while both brands were born in Canada and have long histories in the sport, they’re independently owned and fiercely competitive.

Today, CCM remains Canadian-owned, while Bauer now operates under U.S. ownership. Both dominate NHL locker rooms — just in different ways.

Based on the latest data from GearGeek and verified public sources, here’s a quick snapshot of current trends. (Note: Figures are estimates and may vary slightly depending on the source.

Learn about the various Hockey Skate Brands, understand how to sharpen hockey skates, and discover the differences between Hockey Skates and Figure Skates to enhance your game.

CCM vs Bauer On-Ice Gear Comparison: Firsthand Insights

General Comparison: CCM vs Bauer Hockey Skates

When it comes to skates — the foundation of every shift — Bauer and CCM each bring something unique. From firsthand experience and feedback from dozens of players and forums, here’s how they stack up in 2025.

CCM skates give you comfort right out of the box — especially if you have a wider foot. Bauer’s fit is more anatomical and locked-in, giving you explosive power and more responsiveness on edge work. If I had to prep for a long tournament weekend, I’d go CCM. For sharp game-time turns? Bauer.

Community Feedback (From Reddit, Teammates & Forums)

• “The CCM AS-V Tacks changed everything for me. No more bunions. I skate four times a week pain-free now.”
• “Switched to CCM FT2s — best quality-of-life upgrade I’ve had in years.”
• “Loved my Bauer Vapors. After an ankle injury, I moved to Tacks for better support and haven’t looked back.”

Skate Line Breakdown

Bauer Lineup:

• Vapor: Low-volume fit, ideal for speed and agility. Perfect for quick transitions.
• Supreme: Medium-volume fit, built for strong strides and maximum energy transfer.
• Nexus (discontinued): High-volume fit. Great for players who want space and comfort.

CCM Lineup:

• Ribcor: Tapered fit — snug heel, flexible forefoot. Ideal for nimble skating.
• Jetspeed: Medium-volume fit, a hybrid of speed and control. Feels dialed-in across all zones.
• Tacks: High-volume anatomical fit. Delivers unmatched power and stride stability.

Fit Stories From the Ice

• “Skates change year-to-year. Get what fits your feet, not what’s hyped.”
• “Tried everything. Landed on Nexus years ago — now thinking of going back to CCM.”
• “Supremes hug my feet better than any skate. Won’t switch.”

Fit Systems: Are They Worth It?

• Bauer FIT System (Fit 1, 2, 3) helped me find the right depth and width without compromising ankle support. It’s as close to custom as I’ve gotten without the full custom price tag.
• CCM 3D Fit Scanner was a game-changer — scanned my foot at a local shop and recommended Ribcor for better heel lock, which instantly improved my confidence during transitions.

These systems aren’t marketing fluff — they genuinely reduce guesswork and help find the perfect boot profile for your foot shape.

Youth & Intermediate Fit Tips

If you’re upgrading gear for younger players or in that awkward middle stage between junior and senior sizes, here’s what I’ve found:

CCM Youth Skates:
Moldable liners, soft boot walls = quicker break-in, fewer blisters. Ideal for beginners.

Bauer Youth Skates:
More structure and stability. Great for kids building skating fundamentals.

Intermediate Skates (the in-between phase):

• CCM: Prioritizes comfort and growth-room. Great for developing players.
• Bauer: Offers better edge response and stiffness for more competitive skating.

Gear Cost Comparison: Bauer vs. CCM

Bauer gear often starts at slightly lower price points. Youth Bauer skates can start around $45, with elite-level adult skates capping near $1,000. CCM’s youth options start closer to $60, while high-end adult skates like the FT6 Pro can run $1,300 or more. However, CCM often includes newer materials and structural tech in their mid to top-tier ranges, which some skaters feel justifies the higher price.

Use the table below to compare average price ranges for skates, sticks, and protective gear:

Tips for Choosing Between Bauer and CCM 

• Try Them On: Fit varies by line—don’t rely on brand reputation alone.
• Consider Your Style & Position:
  • Bauer Vapor = agility, fast skaters
  • Bauer Supreme = powerful strides, defensemen
  • CCM Ribcor = flexibility, quick movement
  • CCM Tacks = stiffness, explosive power
• Check Forums & Reviews: Reddit, Discord, and player forums are goldmines for real-world feedback.
• Be Flexible: Players switch brands often as feet and skating style change.
• Fit Comes First: Comfort and support > marketing claims.

Detailed Skate Reviews 

Moving forward, let’s dive into a more detailed review of some specific skate models from both CCM and Bauer and understand their respective fit systems.

Bauer: Supreme, Vapor, X2.7, S27

From my experience, Bauer’s Supreme skates deliver serious power. The stiff boot and anatomical shape help transfer energy through each stride, making them ideal for defensemen or players who push hard every shift.

The Vapor line — including the popular X2.7 — is my go-to for quick footwork. It’s lightweight and built for agility, and I especially like the responsiveness during tight turns. The S27, while more budget-friendly, still retains core Supreme characteristics and is perfect for advanced recreational players or newer adults making the leap.

CCM: Ribcor, Jetspeed, Tacks

If you’re all about quick cuts and lateral movement, CCM’s Ribcor is an excellent choice. The boot has great flex, and I felt way more control during fast transitions.

Jetspeed hits that sweet spot between power and speed — it’s the most balanced skate I’ve used when switching from backcheck to offensive zone rush.

Tacks are built for power. The stiff boot and supportive fit help explode through long strides — something I appreciate when pushing the pace.

Here’s a quick side-by-side breakdown of how Bauer and CCM skate lines compare in terms of fit, purpose, and unique features — based on latest models and real user feedback.

Stick Comparisons: From the Faceoff Circle

General Comparison: CCM vs Bauer Hockey Sticks

After testing a wide range of sticks — from beer league games to competitive tournaments — I’ve come to appreciate the unique strengths each brand offers.

• Bauer sticks (especially the Vapor line) consistently stand out for their quick-release tech. The puck just flies off the blade — something I noticed instantly when switching from heavier mid-kick sticks.
• CCM sticks, particularly the Ribcor and Jetspeed lines, deliver excellent puck feel and consistency. The Ribcor’s low kick point gives me quicker release in tight spaces, which is a game-changer during pressure plays.

From personal conversations with teammates, online forums, and Reddit threads, many players echo the same sentiment: Bauer leads in responsiveness and tech-forward design, while CCM excels in durability, feel, and value.

Specific Stick Comparison: What Is the CCM Equivalent to Bauer Supreme?

If you’re a power shooter or play defense, Bauer Supreme has probably been your go-to. Its high kick point allows you to load up for powerful slap shots or booming snapshots. The closest CCM counterpart? CCM Tacks. It’s built with a mid-to-high kick profile and offers stiff shaft performance, giving you similar energy transfer.

For quick-release lovers: CCM Ribcor aligns closely with Bauer Vapor, thanks to their low kick points and lightweight builds — ideal for forwards who need to shoot in stride.

As of 2025, both brands offer sticks in multiple flexes and curve options, but the real difference lies in how they feel in your hands and respond to your play style. That’s where trying before you buy makes all the difference.

Stick Line Comparison: Specs at a Glance

Here’s a combined table that brings together kick point, feel, purpose, and key design notes—so you can easily match your play style with the right twig.

Market Presence and Sponsorships

Market Share in the NHL: CCM Vs Bauer

While both CCM and Bauer have a strong presence in the NHL, Bauer currently holds the majority market share. Bauer’s skates and sticks are particularly popular among NHL players. However, CCM is not far behind, and many NHL players also swear by CCM’s gear, especially their hockey helmets and gloves.

Notable Sponsorships and Partnerships

Both CCM and Bauer have partnerships with some of the biggest names in hockey. CCM sponsors stars like Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Alex Ovechkin. Bauer, on the other hand, boasts partnerships with players like Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews, and Henrik Lundqvist.

Innovation and Technological Advances

CCM and Bauer continue to lead the gear innovation race well into 2025, but their focus areas have diverged slightly.

Bauer leans into performance tech with:

• The Supreme Shadow skates, designed for maximum energy transfer and forward flex thanks to AMP Flex Facing and a new Aerolite 2.0 tongue.
• The Vapor Hyperlite 2 stick, weighing just 360g, delivers one of the quickest shot releases on the market with ACL 2.0 carbon layering and an upgraded dual-density blade.
• And their TUUK Lightspeed Edge holder still dominates NHL locker rooms for fast blade swaps and tight edge control.

CCM is investing heavily in fit, comfort, and biomechanical efficiency:

• The Jetspeed FT6 Pro skates feature their new Aer-Tec ventilation system to regulate temperature and reduce fatigue during long shifts.
• The AS-V Pro skates introduce a new carbon layering pattern (RFM composite) and a stiff one-piece boot design for powerful strides.
• The Ribcor Trigger 8 Pro stick features an updated low-kick profile and Agility 2 blade core for faster puck release and superior feel.

Both brands collaborate closely with NHL athletes, biomechanics labs, and elite-level testers — ensuring innovations aren’t just marketing fluff but real performance enhancers.

History and Ownership

Let’s dive right into the history and ownership of these two heavyweights in the Ice hockey world.

CCM’s Story

I first encountered CCM as a kid. Originally a bicycle maker founded in 1899, CCM shifted gears into hockey equipment by the early 1900s. Now owned by Birch Hill Equity Partners since 2017, CCM remains deeply rooted in hockey tradition.

Bauer’s Background

I grew up seeing Bauer skates everywhere. Founded in 1927 in Ontario, Canada, Bauer pioneered skates with permanently attached blades—a real game-changer. Today, Bauer is owned by Peak Achievement Athletics, supported by Fairfax Financial and Sagard Holdings.

Social Responsibility and Sustainability (2025)

CCM’s initiatives:
CCM launched its “Play Better Planet” program, aiming for a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. They’re also expanding their skate recycling and foam reuse programs, while working with youth community centers to donate refurbished gear.

Bauer’s initiatives:
Bauer continues to lead grassroots hockey development through their “First Shift” program, while also expanding their “Re-Skate” initiative, which reconditions donated gear for low-income players. In 2025, they committed to sourcing 70% of their protective gear foam from recycled materials.

Common Questions on CCM vs Bauer

Is CCM better than Bauer?
That depends on your foot shape, playing style, and personal feel. CCM often wins on comfort and break-in time, while Bauer excels in edge response and customization.

Is CCM owned by Bauer?
No. CCM is owned by Birch Hill Equity Partners. Bauer is owned by Peak Achievement Athletics (Fairfax Financial & Sagard Holdings).

What’s the Bauer equivalent to CCM Tacks?
The Bauer Supreme line is most comparable—both are anatomical fits focused on power and stride efficiency.

Can you use CCM blades in Bauer skates?
No. Blade holders are brand-specific (e.g., TUUK vs. SpeedBlade). Only same-brand runners will fit unless you modify holders, which can void warranties.

Final Verdict and Thoughts

Choosing between Bauer and CCM is more about fit and feel than logo loyalty. Whether you’re buying your first pair of skates or considering a switch, here’s a quick roundup of the most important insights from this CCM vs Bauer comparison.

Shane Potter

My name is Shane and I am a semi-pro hockey player who enjoys playing hockey more than anything else.I test and rate hockey Gear so that you can find the best gear that helps you play better.