WTF is this kickpoint stuff?

[jds 20]

Just started playing hockey this year and have noodled around with several types of sticks. Bought a wood one (like I used playing road hockey as a kid), got a two piece and bought a one piece. I know there is a lot more tech that goes into these but what is "kick point" that I hear everyone talk about. I have a crap shot and I figure that kickpoint, flex and all that other stuff will be pretty much pointless to me until I refine my technique...unless there is some magic stick out there that will let me drill a slapper from the blue line. How about a primer on all this stick tech for an old geezer just taking up the game?? (Like I desperately need some other reason to spend more money on gear).

[Ogie Oglethorpe 14]

An engineered point where the stick will flex to channel the energy more efficiently causing the blade/shaft beneath the point to 'kick' giving the lower part a whip like effect giving the blade more head speed and "snap".

If you want to become a gear-ho, you have come to the right place. We try to convert all to the needless/excessive spending herd....

[Goonsquad 209]

Hi my name is goonsquad and I am becoming a stick whore..

[jds 20]

yeah,I think I'm there. Came from a triathlon background so I am quite familiar with the gear obsession deal. So much for $10 Titan sticks as the top of the heap. I already have five sticksand can't raise a slapshot. Must be the stick

[aarondevera 0]

Essentially, the kickpoint of a stick is where the flex is focused on the shaft. Sticks with a lower kickpoint close to the blade are traditionally for the guys who use wristers and quick snapshots, while the low-mid or mid level kickpoint is often for the guy who takes clappers from the blue line. Like most every other sport though, it's all personal preference.

[Aussie Joe 0]

Maybe some of us should get together and draw up a glossary (I'd call it a "modsquadpedia") on hockey terms/definations. It might make it easier for the newbies and the vets like me who sometimes can't keep up with the jargon/lingo.

I don't know, is this something thats viable/appropriate Mods?

[gxc999 7]

If your shot sucks, no stick is going to be a magic bullet. A really good stick will enhance someone with a great technique and turn them from a very good into a great shooter. However, it can't turn someone from an awful shooter to an overnight sniper. Practice, practice, practice. As for lower vs high kickpoints, high KP's usually result in better slappers and one timers but it doesn't mean they won't shoot harder on wristers or snappers. There are also a few low kickpoint shafts that take good slapshots. In the end, it's just preference.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

Maybe some of us should get together and draw up a glossary (I'd call it a "modsquadpedia") on hockey terms/definations. It might make it easier for the newbies and the vets like me who sometimes can't keep up with the jargon/lingo.

I don't know, is this something thats viable/appropriate Mods?

That's what the How Do I section is for...post things in there that you may think will help newbs out.

[SolarWind 23]

That's what the How Do I section is for...post things in there that you may think will help newbs out.

except that no offence, but 'how do I' section has quite a few topics already & a lot more suggested - and no answers.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

Because nobody is answering them...it's supposed to be an interactive forum. We basically set out to make a forum full of stickies.

If you know the answer to something, put it in.

[raygunpk 0]

What sticks out there other than the One90 have an advertised mid kickpoint?

[LkptTiger 1]

I believe the RBK 9k is ADVERTISED as having an "extremely low kickpoint"...but I don't care what they try to tell me, it's pretty damn high on that stick.

[Chadd 916]

I believe the RBK 9k is ADVERTISED as having an "extremely low kickpoint"...but I don't care what they try to tell me, it's pretty damn high on that stick.

I tend to disagree with a lot of marketing regarding kickpoints.

[LkptTiger 1]

Well, duh. Marketing (in general - but especially in the hockey industry) is to be taken with (at minimum) a grain of salt. That's why we have MSH.