Looking at Budget OPS

[Fixxer 0]

I am looking for my 1st OPS, and I am on a very very tight budget. I still have a great stick for a backup. I am more or less just wanting to see what all the hype is about, and cant stand to think of breaking a $170 stick after a few games. $90 or so is more like an amount I can deal with if it breaks after the 30 days. Which of these do you think is the best performance and durability wise? Is there 1 or 2 companies that stick out in the OPS department? For example, I have heard that Eastons tend to break very easily compared to others.

[Fixxer 0]

Forgot to add Nike Bauer V2.

[top_shelf_24 0]

If you can find one, I would say go for a Nike Apollo. This stick has been great for me and is going on 2 years.

[topshelf11 0]

The Vapor XX was top of the line a few years ago, and it's a great stick for 90 bucks. I bought one to use as my backup.

[McCabe24 0]

Try to find former top of the line models with quality reputations that are on sale. You will get more technology for your money and should end with a better impression of what OPS technology really is. I would suggest TPS: Response Plus (your best bet), XN10, etc.

[Hooah4 12]

If the Vapor XX is the only "closeout" top end you will consider, go with that. You're getting much better technology for a "budget" price. I also agree with the response plus @ HG for $99.

[stroz9 0]

Also the RBK 4K is very good for the price (About $70 US). Many of the guys in my league swear by them.

[Fixxer 0]

XX isnt the only close out I would consider. These are just ones I know I can find. If anyone has links to some excellent sticks from say 04 on closeout that would be cool.

[shnuggs 0]

EBAY. Would never buy a low price point stick in stores. For like 15$ or sometimes the same price more you can always find old top of the line sticks on ebay or hockey websites. Bauer xx 89.99$ at hockey monkey. Bauer xxx 99.99 at hockey giant, and plenty more on ebay. My buddy just bought a brand new pulse for 81 $.

[KYHockey3 0]

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/clearance-sticks.html

hockeymonkey has quite a few sticks on clearance.

btw kempshockey.com has 10% off all sticks, blades and shafts

[sc37 0]

I would really try to maybe spend an extra $10, or go bargain hunting. I'm in the same boat trying to find something that would suit my needs and price. But I've had lots of people tell me the NBH V2 that you mention is a pretty good.

[Fixxer 0]

I have also heard the V2 is good, and the VIII is good from a few friends of mine.

Oh well I will see what I can find.

[sc37 0]

The VII is the V2 with slash protection stuff I believe. I doubt it's worth the extra $10 in that case.

[DamnLocust 0]

check out the sell section here, or even better, you could ask teammates or friends if they're looking to sell a stick. Lots of guys buy a stick to try a pattern or flex, or just because it's a deal, and wind up with something they don't want anymore. As they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure. That said, be sure you're getting the curve/flex that you want.

I voted for the vapor XX. I have one and absolutely love it. The Vapor V/ VI are pretty good too, but not as durable. The blade on them is nice and stiff.

edit:

Check out the WinnWell G-500s at hockeyworld.com (formerly 1800faceoff.com)

they're Basically repainted Vapor XXXs, but they have a little bit more curve and flex selecton than HG has for the actual XXXs.

[odp 0]

Yeah, +1 on spending a little bit more to get a top-end (or 2nd from the top) stick that's 1-3 years old. Vapor XXX at Hockey Giant and CCM V120's can be had at most places for cheap.

Check out ebay for decent "Buy It Now" prices. For example, there's a LH 85-flex Leopold2 Hex-1 with free shipping for $90.

Item: 110054749056

And some Prostock Synergy ST's with Drury/Sakic curves for $65 + 15 US/20 CAN shipping.

Item: 190051589954

[shnuggs 0]

Dont buy from Hockey Monkey.

Just got off the phone with them.

I hate bashing people - business-- but there custom service fucken sucks.

I am fuming.

[Fixxer 0]

Well I went out, held a few sticks and noticed nearly NO difference in weight from the Synergy 350 and ST. Then again what is 60 or 70 grams?

I did however find that I though the 300 felt stronger, but it had much less give to it, which may make it much easier to snap, and I noticed I prefered the way the ST felt when using it.

There was a Nike Bauer Velocity Stick'um for 100 bucks... I didnt know much about them so I didnt buy.

Overall after trying some random CCM OPS (its yellow, has a grip texture and just says vector, no numbers like 6.0 or 110 or anything), the NB Velocity, Synergy 300 and Synergy ST, I found that I liked the ST the most, and it was only $150.

So I promised my self if I make my high school team this week in 1 try out out of 2 (i am only able to attend the 1st one due to work), I'd go out and buy the ST, or perhaps a stealth from hockeymonkey.

Which is stronger :D , Stealth or ST Because I cannot notice a difference between the weight of the Synergy ST and Synergy 300 :P

Edit: Haha okay maybe I will look somewhere other than monkey.

[KYHockey3 0]

Dont buy from Hockey Monkey.

Just got off the phone with them.

I hate bashing people - business-- but there custom service fucken sucks.

I am fuming.

what happened?

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

I was/still am in the same boat, where the thought of breaking an expensive stick just guts me.

I picked up an OPS, and 3 shafts and 4 blades (3 separate sales) here, for under $100 total.

Look in the sell section here, most of the people selling are honest, and I have only had good experiences buying on MSH

This board has saved me so much money and allowed me some guilt free gear-whore-ery

[markthedeadhead 0]

I voted for the XX: I love that stick. I think it has a good mix of feel, balance, and durability. If you can find your pattern, I don't seen any reason to get a V2 or a Vapor VI, VII, etc. over a XX. I'd take a XX over almost any other stick.

And some Prostock Synergy ST's with Drury/Sakic curves for $65 + 15 US/20 CAN shipping.

I like my pro-stock ST, but the shaft got really whippy on me. The blade is still great, and if the stick lasts long enough for the shaft to go soft anyway, that's a pretty good deal.

[dietzie27 0]

dont forget about the warrior royale. also, hockeyoutlet has inno ops for $99

[bmxbrendi 0]

Have had some really good feedback on the One40 OPS - strong with a good kickpoint seems to take a beating as well....

"Upstairs with the cheddar"

[srv2miker 0]

dont forget about the warrior royale. also, hockeyoutlet has inno ops for $99

I bought a Royale and wasn't impressed. The balance was incredible, but the blade was badly chipped after one ice-time, and a crack formed along the bottom after two. Its still limping along, but its only good for wristers at this point; one slapper and I can kiss it goodbye. My .02.

PS Gotta back up everyone else on the closeout idea. I got a Si-core two years ago and I really liked it (except for the Lidstrom pattern).

[sc37 0]

Have had some really good feedback on the One40 OPS - strong with a good kickpoint seems to take a beating as well....

"Upstairs with the cheddar"

Can't detect sarcasm well if it was meant to be that...but ONe40 is a woodie I believe.

[Justin K. 0]

Have had some really good feedback on the One40 OPS - strong with a good kickpoint seems to take a beating as well....

"Upstairs with the cheddar"

Can't detect sarcasm well if it was meant to be that...but ONe40 is a woodie I believe.

Correct, and it doesn't even look like a composite... not one piece of wood either, it's laminated ;)

now the One60 could fool some people, because it has a composite-ish paint job but is still 98% wood/fiberglass, with 2 strips of carbon down the front and back to stiffen it up or something. Does OK for the $30 I paid for it