CCM Step V-Steel 263 mm (New)

When comparing STEP V-Steel to STEP Blacksteel (Blacksteel), you are looking at two premium aftermarket hockey skate runner options. The main difference is that V-Steel features a highly polished mirror-finish stainless steel, while Blacksteel adds a carbon-based coating (like DLC) over the steel for enhanced glide and edge retention.Both options are made from high-quality steel, come with an increased blade height (which lets you lean sharper without bottoming out), and feature a consistent flat profile. The Breakdown STEP V-Steel:Features a specially polished mirror-finish designed to reduce resistance on the ice.Enhances glide and provides excellent bite.Less expensive than Blacksteel while still a major upgrade over stock (factory) steel. STEP Blacksteel:Coated to provide a smoother glide and superior resistance to rust, nicks, and burring.Holds an edge slightly longer than V-Steel, requiring less frequent sharpening.Can occasionally require a few more passes on the sharpening machine initially to set the hollow through the coating. What the Community Says Opinions in hockey forums regarding the two are mixed. While many players love the sleek look and the premium edge retention of Blacksteel, a consensus of users on Reddit notes that performance-wise, both models hold their edges significantly better than stock steel. Most of the on-ice benefits—like the sharper turning radius—come from the shape and height of the STEP blade profile itself rather than the coating