Stick Life

[hockeytim18 0]

How come most high end sticks such as the synergys, stealths, and other sticks that are expensive but don't last too long. I always hear of these type of sticks breaking but then the price point sticks don't have too many problems. For instance I got a synergy 350 and a Mission Pulse about the same time and the Pulse is now done with but my synergy for $80 is still going strong.

Tell me why this is.

P.S. I understand the higher end sticks are lighter so they are more prone to breaking but I dont want a $200 stick breaking within a month or two.

[hockeymom 2]

I guess the easy answer to your question is the higher priced sticks offer better performance - don't confuse performance with durability. The price point sticks aren't as great in performance, but usually offer better durability.

[Hooah4 12]

I do notice the price point sticks making a surge in the beer league ranks. I agree that performance does not equal durability. In he same context a lightweight performance skate will not withstand long term abuse.

[LkptTiger 1]

Well, I think one thing to take into consideration would be the level of play these sticks are being subjected to.

Most (not all) of the guys that use the price-point sticks are going to be the players in the recreational or lower-level travel leagues. These guys, obviously, want a decent stick, but aren't willing to shell-out $200 for an SL or an XXX Lite or what-have-you.

Players at the AAA, Prep and Junior levels are usually more willing to pay the big bucks for the better technology (and it doesn't hurt that there are, occasionally, LHS or even manufacturer discounts to be had). Players at this level typically put their sticks through much, much more abuse than those of the other demographic.

Another, and possibly the greatest, reason for the difference would be the purpose of the stick. Most of the price-point sticks are made with heavier materials that are going to stay stronger for longer periods of time. The more expensive sticks, however, are built with performance in mind and are thus made increasingly lighter and thinner.

[hockeytim18 0]

I understand what you're saying but I know kids that play high intensity hockey as do I for inline but will just get a price-point stick. Between a high end and price point stick the lower end sticks have come out lasting longer. So why aren't these top of the line sticks lasting for the price that one pays for them. I play 5 times a week, 3 games ice and inline and still my synergy 350 outlasted my Pulse.

[LkptTiger 1]

Simply because they're not designed to. It's the difference between a Ferrari and a Honda. The Ferrari is going to cost you a lot more, and, sure, you're going to have a Hell of a lot more fun driving it, but, if you're looking for a car that is going to last you 200,000+ miles, you're going to go with the Honda.

Personally, I'm concerned with performance. I'm willing to pay the extra $100-$120 (at full retail) for the balance, the extra kick, the feel and all the other intangibles that come with the more "elite level" sticks - even if it means that I'll be lucky if the stick lasts me a month. That's why I usually buy my sticks 2-3 at a time - I know I'm going to break them.

It's all about the consumer's mentality.

[top 0]

i dont know about you guys but when i dish out 300$ for a stick when i drop it on the ground it sure as hell doesnt sound like a fat chick taking a shit at Mcdonnalds. Price point stick maybe last longer but are twice as heavy and bulky as oposed to a lite and better performing stick

[LkptTiger 1]

i dont know about you guys but when i dish out 300$ for a stick when i drop it on the ground it sure as hell doesnt sound like a fat chick taking a shit at Mcdonnalds.

It doesn't sound like a skinny girl letting one rip, either. What is your point?

[TBLfan 25]

From what I've seen the price point sticks aren't that much more durable. It's just finding a durable stick out of the bunch instead of buying something based on price.

[hockeytim18 0]

Alright so what's one of the high end sticks that seem to actually last a decent amount of time.

[hockeypunk3 0]

For me the Original Response lasted a fair while and right now my Vapor XX that i got on close out is still going strong.

[TBLfan 25]

I hear that with the CNT stealth it's hit or miss but they've been found to be durable for some. The ST is supposed to be pretty durable and have heard that most are happy with them. TPS makes some pretty durable sticks. I could go on but if you search around you'll find more that a couple topics on durable sticks and check the review section.

I really only know from personal experience about the XXX, the XXXlite, Easton SL, a couple woodies and shaft/blade combos, so if you look around you'll find people that have used other sticks and get their opinions. Best to hear from people that use the sticks instead of people that have heard from people that use the sticks.

[rogue 0]

One idea that I thought of when it comes to the lack of durability in high $ sticks is the need to replace them (recurring business).

When someone buys a $200 stick they usually do so because they believe it is worth it for the balance, weight, shot speed, etc. Since they obviously feel that these aspects are worth at least $200 they will tend to purchase another high end stick when that one breaks. If the stick lasts 3 months the company will only be taking in $800 / year from each person. If the stick lasts 1 month the company will be making $2400. Which would the company rather do?

Sure there will be some lost customers who go to a different brand because they feel the stick broke too quickly but many more people are reluctant to change sticks if what they were using was working good for them.

If a company could build a near indestructible shaft would they? They would have to sell it for $800-2400 to make up for what they are loosing in just one year of stick sales. Makes me think of the Easton Aluminum shafts though they did have problems with bending but I'd be suprised if new memory metal technology couldn't solve that problem.