With the rising costs of OPS...

[stick9 896]

I notice that most of the new sticks coming out are in the $150 - $200 range. I'm not very hard on my sticks but that's a little steep. So, is it time for rec players and beer leaguers to find a nice price point OPS, or should we stock up now while prices are still somewhat reasonable?

What's a good price point stick?

[Jarick 5]

I'm by no means an expert, never owned a OPS, but most of the guys I play with use either Bauer Vapor V's or Easton Synergy 350's. There's a few guys with really nice OPS' and a few guys with woodies. Most use the price points.

I've picked up most of the price point OPS and I'm underwhelmed, which is why I still use wood. Most of the time, they feel heavy and poorly balanced.

The one price point I really like is the Bauer Endure...it's lighter in weight and has good balance. The Vapor V's feel too heavy for me, but if I were a defenseman they might work. I haven't found a good Easton dealer around here so I've never picked up a Synergy. And there's this Easton mystery stick at Sports Authority (which has NO selection) that feels great. It's dark blue, very light weight, great balance, but only offered in Sakic. I've never seen or heard of it anywhere else.

[Eazy_b97 1]

Wait out deals, you can get sticks which are still close, or are currently top of the line for relatively cheap. This is the best way to go in my eyes. Your paying a price-point sticks for a premium product.

[BK 0]

Last years "top of the line" usually go on sale around this year.. For instance, the Bauer XXX is going for less than $100 now.

Keep on eye out for good deals.

[odp 0]

+1 - tons of great deals on last year's sticks out there. Alot easier to get, with this entire community scouring the world for deals.

[Hidious 0]

Well, since i'm discussing sherwoods in another thread, why not try a RM9 or even a RM7? Not very expensive sticks but i have heard only positive reviews about them, unlike the older momentums. They are not as light as other sticks but they have a very good feel and are pretty durable. I liked the one i tried.

[sc37 0]

I've heard good things about the Bauer Vapor V2...I wound up picking one up on hockey.com with those discounted prices, for $50 shipped. So far, so good. It's decently balanced, slighty blade heavy, I chopped it down so it feels a tab bit blade heavy, but normal length it's decent. It has a good feel to it, but I must admit the performance isn't as nice as higher end sticks. It's good enough for me, a beer leaguer and been pretty durable for the two-three weeks I've had it. No paint chipping even.

[stick9 896]

I've heard good things about the Bauer Vapor V2...I wound up picking one up on hockey.com with those discounted prices, for $50 shipped. So far, so good. It's decently balanced, slighty blade heavy, I chopped it down so it feels a tab bit blade heavy, but normal length it's decent. It has a good feel to it, but I must admit the performance isn't as nice as higher end sticks. It's good enough for me, a beer leaguer and been pretty durable for the two-three weeks I've had it. No paint chipping even.

I snagged a Vapor XX over the summer for $90. I like the stick but I don't really care for the curve. It's not deep enough for me. To bad because I can get Vapor XXX's for about the same price. I almost bought a Sher-wood RM7 a few weeks ago for $75. It was blade heavy and the wrong flex. Maybe I'll like the RM9 better. Since I use a Warrior Starkie I could always clear out the remaining stock of at my LHS. I wonder how bad the Warrior Royal's are...

[KYHockey3 0]

why dont you just try the vaporxx in a different curve? you say you like the stick, so maybe a new curve will do the trick for ya!

[Hockeydog 8]

I bought a Bauer Vapor V2 as well about a month ago, $79 at my LHS. I agree with you, sc37 on your assesment of the stick. Not the best but a good bank for the buck. I'm off to get one for $50 online!!

[stick9 896]

why dont you just try the vaporxx in a different curve? you say you like the stick, so maybe a new curve will do the trick for ya!

I've tried. So far I haven't found a pattern I like. Nothing deep enough for me. Funny thing is, the 07 sticks look to have deeper curves. The 07 Naslund looks deeper then the one I have. I was born and raised on deep curves. From the Coffey to the Thornton all the way to the Smyth. I don't think I have ever owned a legal stick.

[jimmy 194]

Just out is the Synergy 200, sells for $79, no warranty. Feels like a tank.

The RM-9 is a awesome stick, light and balanced for $129.

I also agree go with a previous year closeouts. Most shops have $75-99 deals on sticks that were regularly $170.

[greech 4]

Well, since i'm discussing sherwoods in another thread, why not try a RM9 or even a RM7? Not very expensive sticks but i have heard only positive reviews about them, unlike the older momentums. They are not as light as other sticks but they have a very good feel and are pretty durable. I liked the one i tried.

I actually picked up an RM9 on tuesday night and I've used it four times so far. I've got to hand it to Sherwood, this is a solid stick. Pretty light, well balanced, stiff blade. It was only $120 US at my LHS so, to say the least, I've been pretty impressed with it and I'd definitely reccomend it.

[jimmy 194]

Well, since i'm discussing sherwoods in another thread, why not try a RM9 or even a RM7? Not very expensive sticks but i have heard only positive reviews about them, unlike the older momentums. They are not as light as other sticks but they have a very good feel and are pretty durable. I liked the one i tried.

I actually picked up an RM9 on tuesday night and I've used it four times so far. I've got to hand it to Sherwood, this is a solid stick. Pretty light, well balanced, stiff blade. It was only $120 US at my LHS so, to say the least, I've been pretty impressed with it and I'd definitely reccomend it.

I was told that Sherwood teamed up with a major golf club composite shaft maker to "learn" their techniques of making a superior product. This is likely why the new Sherwoods are head and shoulders above their past attempts.