Ogie Oglethorpe

Funny, as I recently replaced my old gloves and thought the exact opposite. Fingers seemed shorter and fit was tighter. Certainly shorter cuff.

I drop the top eyelet for better forward flexion and mobility. Just my personal choice.

COVID - we have to stay 6 ft away from new products (plus rinks are just starting to open again; wouldn’t have had an opp to test it)

All Black hockey sticks makes a decent price point twig. Durable and good (not elite perhaps) performance.

Oooohhh,.... scientific techno balls.... its so shiny !!

Oh, and while based on the QX line, I don’t think they are identical. Skimming thru Stick9’s post you’ll note the AK27 SL is 40 grams lighter. https://warriorhockey.com/2017/10/20/warrior-alpha-ak27-collection-limited-release-line-details/amp/

Like Nickmast said; the silver one’s aren’t the SL (super lites) for what it’s worth. The SL is sort of a dark yellowish-gold color and 410 grams based on the QX pro. The non-SL is silver representing the price point and I think is 530 grams based on a QX5

It has a mid-low kick; great for slappers. I have enjoyed mind quite a bit. Light, not harsh vibrations.

For what it's worth, those that want to give it a try can use discount code TWENTY for 20% off. Shipping is outrageous at $39, but it;s still tempting to try because of the nice assortment of flexes. If anyone has actually used one, would love to hear feedback on the balance, performance, durability, etc

Product: BUSCH (distributed by Graf) LASER G9 Pattern (think Modano/Tkachuk clone) / "flex" option (est 90-95 flex?) / right-handed My Stats: 38 year old beer leaguer (although, I personally prefer bourbon), 6'1, a portly 225.... Blade / Curve : Ultra thin and, while not crowbar stiff, is as stiff as someone should reasonably want. Puck feel is just beyond amazing for a graphite (excuse me... Carbon Fibre) stick. Overtime there will be little chips around the edge, but the blade is still solid. I have had other Busch sticks over the years and these take a VERY long time to fatique. However, the high grade is really given for having the best puck feel I've tried in an OPS before (and I've tried a lot). 10/10 NOTE: there is a limitation to the number of patterns that Busch offers. Some won't be fans of it not having a wider range of offerings. THUS, I while I give the blade itself a 10, I give the curve selection a 4/10, as I figure I have to take this into account for the masses (although I am more than fine with the curve I got). Flex: Like EZ97, I also typically use the 110 (or comparable) flex. The ambiguous "flex" descriptor leaves one for want, but this is not whippy nor ultra stiff. I don't hate it though. The thing I *REALLY* like about the flex is that it is uniform. One of my pet peeves is sticks that, when gripped up high on the stick or in the middle flex a certain degree but when gripped lower (for instance for leaning into a slapshot) flexes differently. I like a nice, uniform flex throughout the stick. I am going to come to a comprimise on this since they don't have a number system (everyone seems to like an Easton scale) and anything 8.5/10 Stick handling/receiving passes: I saw Ez97's review and think he's nuckin' futs on ho-huming the puck feel. As touched upon in the blade portion of the review, this is a stellar puck feel stick to which all other OPS companies should hope to achieve. However, I did used to use woodies (heheh... he said "woodie" Beavis!) so know what the target feel should be like. While being a stiff blade, the pucks don't bounce an inch off the blade before you know it's there. The Modano/Forsberg like pattern isn't great for stickhandling, but that's the musician not the instrument. This is a 9.5/10 for me. Shooting: I think a lot of people have gotten used to a tapered stick (I have found myself leaning towards this as well). This is NOT a tapered stick (well... ok, perhaps there's the 4-6 inch taper of the tenon, but...). What I do like, as I mentioned, is the uniform and predictable flex of the stick regardless of where you grip it. There is no "pingy" vibration after uncorking one, no dead spots on the shaft, and I feel like if I want to muscle one through the stick won't break in my hand or cause a stinging sensation in my hand from shaft wobble/vibration or gipping in a place where it's suddenly rock stiff. I'm struggling to remember if they've engineered a kick point in the stick or not (although, I have heard some hypothize that the concept of a kick-point is marketing fertilizer anyway). I think the downside of the stick is going to be this lack of taper/kickpoint science. Probably works just as well with a full windup on a slapshot, but with snapshots? Probably not so much. Busch was one of the first OPS (and a TRUE one-piece OPS at that) and testing was done at the time (at Windsor perhaps? Can't remember) saying, on average, there was a 10% increase in speed over standard wood sticks. I've given this one a lot of thought.... I think the materials of the stick are superior, the one-piece stick concept is superior to fused, flex is superior but with the taper science lacking? A difficult decision but 6.5/10 Weight: Compare my review to that of EZ and this will show the whole personal preference aspect of things. The Lazer comes in at 500 grams. Is that "brick-like"? The lightest stick on the market is 395 grams perhaps? So this comes in at 3.5 ounces perhaps more carried across two hands? That's barely over 1/3 a can of coke, approx 2 shots of your favorite post-game shot hard-liquor? I don't deem that significant really. In fact, I sort of like it as it makes it feel like it has substance. It does lack the "wow-factor" that light sticks get when folks check it out in the locker room. Even if I bear in mind that there used to be wood sticks back in the day that exceeded 800 grams (What was it? Bauer 3090 that was a wood stick with iron-carbon inserts in the side laminent to stiffen the stick? Now *that* was a brick) in today's age almost everyone wants it lighter. I'm torn on this one.... 500 grams.... too heavy? Not in my opinion, but I do see how folks who scrutinize such things would think so, plus if you're shelling out over $100 for a stick don't you want every possible and imaginable advantage? I'm torn on the grade but will grade accordingly for the masses: 6.5/10 Balance: This is one of the best balanced sticks made. Hold it on your index finger right above the C in BUSCH and it balances right about the 45% point of the stick from blade tip to handle end. 9/10 Durability I've used a bunch of Busch sticks ranging from when it was the Sherwood Carbone to the Itech Balance to now when it's distributed by Graf. I can easily say that this is a fantastic stick regarding durability. I went through countless Synnergy type sticks over the span of one of these. I have never had a shaft break - just the blades (and those were from getting caught in a zam door, being stepped on while on the bench). The blade does eventually fatique I suppose (had one like that, but even if not factory-new stiffness, still on par with a new wood one). These are built to last. 9.5/10 Intangibles A true one-pice with seemless infusion. Back in the day, the performance was far beyond wood, but other companies have subsequently surpassed it with other technologies such as taper and weight saving ideas and materials. Furthermore, if you break the blade, you can't as easily "recycle" the shaft like you can other sticks - although, it CAN be done. Unfortunately, it's by augering the shaft out and it will then only take junior blades (forget about wood Jr blades too - it will just snap at the tenon if you're a person of size). It's durable, well balanced, great feel, but performance is now falling into the merely adequate range as folks like Easton and CCM shell tons of money into R&D and the extra weight aspect will have the gram-monitors turning their noses up. For the price? Folks will look past the Busch stick. I'm taking this all into account and give it a sub-par 5/10 Conclusion: This stick is going to be the quintessential personal preference stick. You want great puck feel? Great balance? Great durability? This could be it for you! Only.... so long as you don't mind what some might perceive as being too heavy at 500 grams (the Goldline series is even heavier at 550 grams, but built with an even larger focus on durability). Also, those that have come to like snapshot "pop" that tapered kickpoint specific sticks that have come to be common place in the marketplace today? They're going to be on the opposite end of the spectrum on this one. Personally? I love the stick and keep coming back to it every so often, but it's not a regular in my arsenal as there always seems to be something new and shiny on the horizon for me to try (I'm a stick-ho like that). I will always insist on having one in my closet, though. Taking all factors and the masses into account, I think that this would make a great price-point OPS. However, if they won't throw more into the R&D, reduce weight, put in a sick-taper, etc? I don't see the masses flocking to it over a similarly priced TPS, CCM, or Easton offering (especially with it's limited curve selections). Me? I'm a fan and I recommend everyone and anyone to pick one up *IF* the price is right (read: on closeout somewhere or on heavy discount) However, taking it all into account? If the price tag is at $150+ I just can't see someone picking it over a R6, V10, or S15. Overall – 7/10

Every time I see that picture, the theme song just runs through my head.....

Lamont! You big dummy!

From what I understand, it's more the toe box that you have to worry about. I have heard the the mission toe boxes are short and narrow. Regardless, I don't know which is their "top" for sure, but believe that the S500 is supposed to be their top of the line. BUT, as Justin pointed out, the L7 is a different model and you should go with what fits the best and which one delivers the best results for your skating style. I think the L7 may be lighter (if you put big stock into such matters). Read up on both at www.missionhockey.com

Wouldn't you agree, though, that lace bite (in reality) is more of a problem caused by the wearer, not the skate? (because they choose to tie it too tight, denoting an improper fitting skate, or a person who's into pain) Of course, some skates WILL still offer betteer protection over others, but that wouldn't be something I'd base my choices on....

Check out some epinion reviews at: http://www.epinions.com/CCM_Vector_Pro_Hoc...isplay_~reviews http://www.epinions.com/CCM_Pro_Tacks_Ice_...isplay_~reviews

I have one of the Hesp. Roberts blades (thanks, RR), it is damned near identical to that of the old Inno Kariya. So, so close that I wouldn't be surprised if they are one and the same.

Hey, he's probably too humble to tell you himself, so I'll invite you to check out Salming's US site: www.salmingusa.com (click the hockey link at the bottom of the page). Also, the corporate site is www.salminghockey.com Unfortunately niether have prices - but, good pics and some prod descrips.

Hehehe.....

SalmingUSA addressed that here: http://www.modsquadhockey.com/index.php?sh...pic=10839&st=15 when he said: SALMING:

REVIEW: BAUER VAPOR XX PERSONAL STATS 6'1", 220lbs BACKGROUND: Hockey hack - play twice per week in an adult beer league. Have used this in 20+ games thus far (so, weight write up accordingly). OTHER (COMPOSITE) STICKS/SHAFTS I HAVE TRIED (just for a point of reference when considering the write up): Busch Carbone, Busch Balance, Synnergy Grip, Bauer XX, Louisville Response, Louisville XN10, CCM Vector 120c, Mission M1, Branches Fusion, Easton Stealth SHAFTS: Inno 1100, Inno Novius, Hespeller Kick-Lite, ZBubble, Easton Pro Axis Alum, Easton EFlex, Easton TFlex, CCM Catapult FLEX: : 102 WEIGHT: 445 grams (senior). CURVE: Gagne, P10 - This is a clone of Easton's Shanahan. For me, it represents the most versatile curve I could want. Long paddle, supposed toe curve (but it's closer to a toe-deep mid), open face all without sacrificing the shots off the back hand. Curves are subjective, and totally personal preference, but for me, this is tops. 9/10 WEIGHT/BALANCE: At 445, this is a pretty light stick - not the lightest available - but way light enough (I don't cater much to the lightness hype though). The nice thing about the stick is that it feels SOLID. Know what I mean?Doesn't feel tinnie (not to be confused with tiny) and doesn't feel like it will break in my hands when I use it. Great balance, but perhaps it doesn't seem blade heavy to me because I've added a plug in the end. I'm adjusting my score down a bit to reflect the market's preference towards ueber-light sticks, but for me, it's great 9/10 FEEL: I have not noted any odd vibration when shooting (like some claim in other sticks, such as the XN10 (but... then again, I didn't notice it in the XN10 either). Puck feel is good - not woodlike, mind you, but as more and more time goes by, I'm not even sure I can remember that big of a difference anymore (guess I'm just getting used to composite nuetrality despite my concrete hands). 8/10 BLADE: Stiff. Not quite as crow-bar like as the XN10, but it's stiff. Even after a lot of heavy usage, it has retained it's stiffness. However, I have noticed that it has started to chip here and there. Nothing that comprimises it's integrity, but it's noticeable. It's almost like the edges are too thin for something this stiff - little pieces of the weave chip off around the edges. BUT, it's not concering (unless you didn't tape it up right and were to hook someone across the arm or something - I'm guessing the recipient wouldn't like the serated edge very much). REGARDLESS, good blade. 9/10 SHAFT: Dual concave. It's supposed to have some scientific benefits (which I can't recall off the top of my head), but it's pretty nice. I've gotten used to the dual concavity shape, and found that it's actually kind of cool - it's like it's a little easier to grip/control in your hands. The flex is good, smooth, and even throughout the shaft. I do find it astheticly pleasing though. Not too busy. While it does have stickers, it's not Vector-like. The stickers are just the reflective XX logo, and is totally tolerable and bairly noticeable. I like it, but recall having an adjustment period (more about that in the MISC section), so am adjusting accordingly. 8.5/10 SHOOTING: I play defense, so I probably tend to take a lot more slap shots than a forward likely would. So, I find (distance) shooting to be important. There is only vague/slight torque twist of the blade in shooting, which is what one would want for slappers (I have heard conflicting preferences with wrist shots). For me, it makes it easier to point and shoot - thus getting results consistent with your directional expectations. (That being said, I still can't hit the broad side of a barn, but that has NOTHING to do with the stick ;)) 9/10 DURABILITY: So far, not a single hint at durability being an issue. A few chips out of the blade, but I recall a few games in particular where the stick too more abuse than typical (including being skated over - twice) and no issues. No additional fatigue that I've been able to notice (neither in the shaft, nor the blade) 9/10 MISC: I got a good deal on Ebay for this stick. No real compaints. It did take a while to get used to it. I was using a Vector 120 and XN10 before this (and very briefly a Stealth), and I kept WANTING to like it, but couldn't get past warm ups with it. Then, suddenly, one pre-game it started clicking for me (I'd gradually been warming to it up to that point), and I've been using it ever since. The fuse point is obvious (they don't tinker with it like a Synnergy by laying a stiffener over the joint - which is bad). Looks like they have some sort of composite "spackle" over the fuse joint, which might be why a lot of people have said it's come lose on them or that they can just heat and pull the blade out. This is good if you break the blade and want to re-use the shaft, but not sure it's good to help concentrate shots into a seemless kick point or not. Now, I don't have any super heightened senses, so can't tell, but wouldn't disbelieve someone if they told me they noticed. 8/10 GRIP COATING: n/a CONCLUSION: It took a while for me to buy into this stick. But once I did, I became a fan. I still think my XN10 is a better shooting stick (slapshot wise), but the XX has my favorite curve and the stick is overall more versatile. I've tried my best not to give 10's across the board just because I like it (read many of the write ups, and it seems a 10 score comes quite cheaply), so take that into account when reading this. If you can get it at the right price, I totally recommend it. I look forward to trying the new XX with stick-um sometime in the future. 8.7/10 - O.O. UPDATE 06/19/05 The blade finally broke last night. It was sort of weird. I could tell something was funny in warm ups as the blade seemed to be flexing sort of funny and my shots were a bit more errant than usual (which is a significant statement in and of itself). So, flexed the blade in my hand and it broke in half (didn't put much effort into it either - just snapped). So, overall, I probably got about 25-30 games (roughly 2 to 3 months) of use out of the blade. Back in the day (when I was younger, stronger, and able to be harder on my sticks) this would have been a long time. I guess even now that's still pretty reasonable length though. The shaft, however, is still good and solid, so will see a second tour of duty with a new blade. AND SPEAKING OF WHICH...... removing the blade was INCREDIBLY easy. I don'ty know if this is a good, or a bad thing. Essentially, Bauer just puts some composite goop over the fuse point. I stuck the blade in a vice, heated liberally around the fuse point/goop, and the blade came out (it took a lot of elbow grease, but compared to converting a synnergy to a shaft, it's a piece of cake - no cutting or guess work what-so-ever). NOW, I don't know if this is a good thing or not. I'm having a hard time making up my mind on that. On the one hand, makes the stick more serviceable long term (break the blade, and replace it). BUT... on the other hand, doesn't it mean the Synnergy has something on the Vapor (in regards to OPS) as they weld a stiffener piece of graphite over the fuse point (to both strengthen the fuse as well as lower the kick point)? Not sure.

Word.

That sort of looks like the McCarty http://www.modsquadhockey.com/index.php?showtopic=9862 perhaps just not as obese. I always thought Roberts was supposed to be more of a toe curve though.

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/index.php?sh...=9474&hl=recchi http://www.modsquadhockey.com/index.php?sh...=7786&hl=recchi

I like the new tacks a lot more than the silver, purple and copper colored skates they've been putting out for the last few years. If you want flash, go with the Vector. I agree..... although, I have a pair of said silver/purple/copper flecked skates (ala the 1152) and think it looks like a bad plaid car seat pattern from a 1972 Volkswagon Beetle......

REVIEW: LOUISVILLE XN10 (early pro series/prototype) PERSONAL STATS 6'1", 228lbs BACKGROUND: Hockey hack - play twice per week in an adult beer league. Have used this in 12+ games thus far (so, weight write up accordingly). OTHER (COMPOSITE) STICKS/SHAFTS I HAVE TRIED (just for a point of reference when considering the write up): Busch Carbone, Busch Balance, Synnergy Grip, Bauer XX, Louisville Response, CCM Vector 120c, Mission M1, Branches Fusion, SHAFTS: Inno 1100, Inno Novius, Hespeller Kick-Lite, ZBubble, Easton Pro Axis Alum, Easton EFlex, Easton TFlex, CCM Catapult FLEX: : This is a pro stick, so the flex is not marked. I'd list it at a little over 100 - will give it a seat of the pants rating of 105 for sake or argument. CURVE: Adams pro curve - This is a mid curve with no loft. Also, it reminds me a bit of Sher-wood's Leclaire, as the curve "break" is more angular & sharp than traditional curves, which tend build gradually. There is no pronounced toe-lip (I'd prefer it if it did), which makes it hard to scoop the puck with a simple wrist-twist. However, one man's ceiling is another man's floor - back hands on this are are pretty nice.6/10 WEIGHT: (retail) 395 grams (senior). Since this is a pro stick, could be different (especially due to the longer shaft). TAPER: I can’t find anything definitive on what the taper length is, but believe it to be 11 inch taper based on their add for the new Adrenaline stick. WEIGHT/BALANCE: Perhaps it’s just advertising hype affecting the senses, but it does feel noticeably lighter than the first wave of 460 gram OPS. But, as I’ve said before - I'm not a big believer that lighter is better. I consider anything lighter than 550 grams light (you know the difference between a 550 gram Busch and a 450 gram Synnergy? 1/3 of a 12 ounce soda which translates to just 2 shots of tequila). Slight hint of being blade heavy, but nothing I would have noticed if I weren’t looking for it. This mere hint (which may be worked out on later full production models) is the only thing keeping this from a score of 9 8.5/10 FEEL: Perhaps I’m just starting to get used to the composite sticks, however, puck feel is reasonable. It’s not going to make you think you’re using a wood stick or something, but you get a good idea of where the puck is, and it doesn’t seem to trampoline off the blade when trying to catch a puck. So, no puck bounce noted (so good pass reception), and no excessively numb feel. There is still some room for improvement, on the pre-mentioned areas, but nothing to get worked up over. Also, some other posters have talked about vibration issues, so perhaps I don’t have their heightened sense of touch, as I have no odd vibration noted. 8/10 BLADE: This is about as stiff as concrete. I can’t discern any bend/give at all. It’s rock solid – and that’s a good thing. If I could give it an 11 out of 10, I would – it’s that remarkable. 10/10 SHOOTING: I play defense, so I probably tend to take a lot more slap shots than a forward might. So, I find (distance) shooting to be important. There is no torque twist of the blade in shooting like some of the early OPS had (this is good). Makes it easier to point and get results consistent with your expectations of where the puck is going. Great thing about the stick is that you can get good pop off of a small 12inch wind up (snap shots). On a full wind up slapper you can really get excellent, consistently hard shots off. So… good puck speed for shots. 9.5/10 DURABILITY: So far, not a single hint at durability being an issue. Neither the blade nor shaft have even hinted at fatigue noticed yet (still early, of course). No noticeable chips or chunks missing, and not a single crack. 9/10 MISC: I bought this as a pro return. This is what appears to be the first round of XN10’s. The paint is a flat matte paint (no gloss, what-so-ever) with an unreleased logo. It’s just orange, white, and black. But, you know what? I like it. The paint seems to hold up well and the stick isn’t cluttered with self-pimping advertising glitz. Also, I like the extra long length of the shaft (of course, this might just be because it’s a pro release). I will scale my score down to reflect what I expect most would like, but I’m a fan of the matte finish. 7/10 It should be noted, that the retail release is glossy with more color and glitz. I have one of these, but have not used it yet, so will not comment on it further. GRIP COATING: n/a CONCLUSION: This was one of the more hyped stick of the past season. I had fully anticipated being let down. However, it’s actually quite worthy of the praise. I think it’s fair to call this a “shooter’s†stick, as that seems to be it’s best performance attribute. Since it’s still early, I will give this a 9/10 for now, but reserve the right to bump it up (or possibly down) later after more use. - O.O. UPDATE OK, I've been using this stick pretty much exclusively (aside from 6 games with a Stealth). The shaft is incredibly durable. No chips or cracks out of it. Still a fantastic shooters stick. HOWEVER, the blade? Well, it was once crowbar like stiff. Now? Merely mortal. It can totally flex in my hands now, and despite the graphite weave in the blade showing no signs of cracking or unraveling, it makes that sound now when you bend it in your hand (sounds more like what I would likely think is the foam breaking down inside - and there appears to be no inner/cross beam within the blade). There are certainly other OPS whose blades are just as pliable (even when new), but the difference (from when it was new) is dramatic. Bear in mind, this is just after 2 to 3 months after use (2 to 3 times per week) and I am not shooting as hard as I used to (now that I'm old and fat). Someone who's in shape and in their mid to late 20's would likely turn this blade into a limp noodle within the same time (just a guess). HOWEVER, that being said? I'm not let down. The blade is, as I mentioned, still as pliable as 70% (guess) of the OPS out there, but it is looking more and more like it will soon be Christian Fiber Sock like (damn, those things would bend under a penny) within another few months. Once the blade goes to hell, the shaft will be recycled. It is important to note, that the one I've been using looks like it is likely one of the early prototypes. I also have one of the newer ones, so don't know if the blade will stay rigid longer on it. Still a great stick. I'm not sorry that I bought it at all. In fact, even with the softening blade, I still prefer it over my Stealth (personal preference).