Dangles83

EASTON STEALTH RS Model Specification Flex: 100 Pattern: Cammalleri (PM9) Finish: Grip Aesthetics/Intangibles The overall look of the stick is very slick. The black and yellow contrast has a very nice visual appeal, although I do like the non-grip version's matte finish a bit more, but the grip version is still very nice. 9/10 Blade/Stickhandling/Receiving Passes This is one area where I tend to be pretty strict when testing out new sticks. Ever since the Bauer ONE95, I have been spoiled when it comes to the feel of the puck on the blade. The RS does a decent job here, but I would have expected a bit more of a puck-dampening feel. It's not that the feel is bad, but it just doesn't have the feel of being "one with the stick." I would say the RS is more of a stiffer/harder blade and that isn't conducive for receiving passes or stickhandling. 6.5/10 Shaft/Flex The flex of the RS feels true to the number printed on the shaft. I have certainly experienced sticks with higher flex profiles that are too whippy and the exact opposite, but Easton does a good job here with flex accuracy. The feel of the grip shaft is very nice, not too grippy, but certainly not nearly as smooth as the matte non-grip version. The shaft walls and corners feel nice in your hands and provide a comfortable experience. 8/10 Shooting One thing I noticed right away with the RS is the release. The release on this stick was definitely noticeable as the puck seems to pop off the blade. It didn't take me long at all to dial in the accuracy when using this stick for the first time, it was very responsive and delivered power through the shot. 8.5/10 Weight and Balance The weight of the stick was very nice, pretty much on par with many of the newer sticks on the market; it is not too heavy and not too light. What I was really impressed with was the balance of the RS. The balance of the RS was very good, not blade-heavy at all and the distribution of power felt even throughout the stick. Having used the S19, SE, ST and EQ50, I personally feel that the balance of the RS was the best of the bunch, with the EQ50 slightly behind. 9/10 Durability My 1st RS broke in half taking a one-timer after only about 4 games, so I have to say I was very disappointed; especially considering the price point. Up until that moment, the integrity of the stick appeared to be uncompromised. Luckily I had a 2nd RS in the holster and I have been using that quite a bit and so far so good; perhaps the 1st one was just a fluke. I have noticed that the tip of the blade has began to chip a bit and I tape my entire blade. I'm also a center and take a lot of draws so to be fair, the first signs of damage on most of my sticks is in that precise location. 6.5/10 Conclusion Overall I would say that the RS is a very good stick, possibly best in the Easton family (MAKO review coming), but not sure it is worth it's hefty price tag. Durability issues are a big red flag and when retail is $250, my expectations are a lot higher. Price aside, the stick is very nice. The areas to focus on are durability, puck feel and shooting. If you are willing to sacrifice puck-feel for shot power and equal power distribution, I would certainly recommend the Easton RS, but again, because of it's durability issues, the price tag may leave a lot to be desired. 7.5/10 player reference: 6'0 / 165lbs / A League (3x/week)