I am new to hockey as an adult over 30. I am 6'1" and 250 lbs. Research from players suggests as high-end a boot as you can afford for the stiffness and support for a person of my weight. I am not willing to spend $800-1000 (yet). Let me disclose I bought these new from an online seller for $400.00. These seem to be a high quality skate. I really liked that they came with pulse steel and the Tuuk trigger holder. The Curv Composite sounds like a legit technology that is also in the M5 and MACH lines. It is indeed stiff. The Supremes are the only boot that fits my feet with any comfort. I also really liked the all black color scheme. For me personally and what I paid significantly less than retail, I am OK with the purchase. I feel like if I was a legit college-level player I would say you should just spend the $800-$1000 for the elite top of the line. I feel like if I had spent full retail $600 on these I would be disappointed. They seem closer to the M4 than the M5. However I do expect them to last quite a long time, as I currently only skate once a week.