CCM sticks

[diehardfan 0]

So I have been using Bauer's XVI Malkin PM9 stick for about 6 months now. It felt alright, but couldn't lift the puck much and shots were not the greatest. Keep in mind, I am not a very good player but not bad either, just decent. Today, my friend let me try out this CCM Vector (I believe) stick with Recchi's curve and I immediately felt a difference. My shots were a lot better and could easily lift the puck and my passing was a lot crisper.

So now I am looking to buy a Recchi curve stick. I never looked into CCM stick before and do not much about durability. I am not looking to spend too much, very low on cash right now, around $100 Canadian. Which CCM line of stick would you recommend or even other brands with similar curves. Something that is at a good price point and durable.

I play beer league level twice a week.

Thanks

[Rustpot 1]

Get a shaft and a Recchi blade. CCM V08 and Bauer One55 are nice inexpensive shafts.

[diehardfan 0]

Get a shaft and a Recchi blade. CCM V08 and Bauer One55 are nice inexpensive shafts.

I have always been a one piece stick guy, wood and composite and would like to stick to one piece.

But, will take your suggestion into consideration as it looks doable.

How about the OPS CCM V08 stick itself?

Thanks

[Hockeydog 8]

Good question, I was about to ask the very same thing! I had a PM9 as well and had the same issue. I have a Vapor VII with a P88 Lindros and it works much better. My deal is that a 5 lie works best for me. I second the question about CCM durability. Also has anyone played both the Recchi and a P88? Curious to hear what differences you have noticed.

[Hooah4 12]

Good question, I was about to ask the very same thing! I had a PM9 as well and had the same issue. I have a Vapor VII with a P88 Lindros and it works much better. My deal is that a 5 lie works best for me. I second the question about CCM durability. Also has anyone played both the Recchi and a P88? Curious to hear what differences you have noticed.

Depends on who you listen to re: Recchi. It's listed as a 6 lie but according to most on MSH it's closer to a 5.25. The Recchi plays similar to the Lindros (IMO) but the Recchi curve is not as deep. The Lindros has a huge rocker compared to the Recchi.

To the OP you could look into a Heatley or Iginla (similar curves but Heatley is a 5 lie, Iggy a 5.5) from Easton. For beer league the V08 or similar closeouts can be had in that curve and they should serve you well.

[interpathway 9]

Today, my friend let me try out this CCM Vector (I believe) stick with Recchi's curve and I immediately felt a difference. My shots were a lot better and could easily lift the puck and my passing was a lot crisper.

Just to be sure, are you positive his stick (other than the curve) was the same specifications as your current NBH? If his had more flex that might be the reasoning for your improved shot and not the brand name and blade. Also, the height of the two sticks is doubtfully exactly the same. If his is shorter, try cutting your current to that height and see if you make noticeable improvement with your stick. Just an idea to try and save you some money, but by all means please stimulate that hockey economy :).

[lerxst 0]

I switched from a NBH Vapor V2 ($90 stick) Naslund to the CCM v08 Ovechkin and notice a difference immediately. First, it's a few inches longer than the NBH, and second the curve has more of an open face, my shots got up much faster and my passes seemed harder... just need to get used to the curve/length/flex. Only one game of time with it though...

[Hockeydog 8]

Stupid question. How does flex affect the ability to lift the puck? I have an old bubble shaft 100 flex if not more ( may have been cut ) with a Warrior Weight blade and while I thought that blade would add some lift I can't do a thing with it. My Vapor VII with p88 is a 77 flex and I can put the puck where I want.

[interpathway 9]

Stupid question. How does flex affect the ability to lift the puck?

Read the OP statement and make note that he was talking about more than lifiting the puck.

My shots were a lot better

likely referring to added velocity (likely the result of a flex more suitable to him) and

my passing was a lot crisper

which could also be attributed to not 'slapping' at the puck with a stick that the OP couldn't flex.

[Hockeydog 8]

My question was a general one. I was asking for myself about flex and the ability to lift the puck. Same blade, same length shaft, different flex. Which flex lifts the puck better?

[Hooah4 12]

Stupid question. How does flex affect the ability to lift the puck? I have an old bubble shaft 100 flex if not more ( may have been cut ) with a Warrior Weight blade and while I thought that blade would add some lift I can't do a thing with it. My Vapor VII with p88 is a 77 flex and I can put the puck where I want.

I'd say you answered your own question. Relying on the blade face to lift the puck is essentially a crutch that can only lead to bad habits. The right flex will allow a player to get the best results to the best of his/her abilities.

There is essentially no "right" flex for lifting the puck just what works best for us all individually.

[interpathway 9]

There is essentially no "right" flex for lifting the puck just what works best for us all individually.

True, but I would argue (from personal preference) that I prefer a whippier stick to get my shots upstairs with some zip. On the contrary, during a goal mouth scramble I sometimes wish I had a stiffer stick to just 'chip' the puck over a fallen goalie and not have to worry about the stick flexing.

[minwookie 0]

More flex = more contact time with the same "swing". This usually equates to a higher launch, though it can backfire as intersubway said when it comes to chips and softer touches.

[raygunpk 0]

When I had a 77 flex One70 I noticed there was a substantial "lag" while stickhandling, especially with quick left-right movements. There's also a difference in face offs and along the boards.

[interpathway 9]

The lag is exactly what I meant in my description of the goal mouth scramble. Jeez as a fourth year undergraduate English Major you'd think I would have the word lag in my vocabulary. I was offered the option of buying a TPS Whip flex off of a friend for pennies on the dollar, and while I assumed it'd be great as soon as I stick handled with it in his basement I knew I couldn't handle it. It flexes and snaps back on the slightest pass as well, something that I wasn't entirely used to. Much easier to make a quick pass with my 85 flex, about perfectly suited to my style and PP.

[raygunpk 0]

The word lag would stick with you if you were an online gamer =P

That's the dilemma with whippy sticks for me, I love the shot but every else is a bit of a learning curve if you will. I suppose I would eventually get used to it if I played long enough with the whippier stick.

[minwookie 0]

BS you didn't kill me it was lag.

BS I didn't miss an entire clip of spray and pray ak47 it was lag.

BS I didn't miss that AWP shot when you were standing still it was lag.

On a side note, I used to play A LOT of counterstrike.

[interpathway 9]

I love the shot but every else is a bit of a learning curve if you will.

It is no wonder Semin works with a 120 flex and Ovechkin sticks with his 85 (at least he did before he switched to the one95). Semin can dangle the best of them and Ovechkin can shoot alongside the legends.

Although Semin's shot and Ovechkin's stickhandling aren't exactly lackluster...

[diehardfan 0]

Today, my friend let me try out this CCM Vector (I believe) stick with Recchi's curve and I immediately felt a difference. My shots were a lot better and could easily lift the puck and my passing was a lot crisper.

Just to be sure, are you positive his stick (other than the curve) was the same specifications as your current NBH? If his had more flex that might be the reasoning for your improved shot and not the brand name and blade. Also, the height of the two sticks is doubtfully exactly the same. If his is shorter, try cutting your current to that height and see if you make noticeable improvement with your stick. Just an idea to try and save you some money, but by all means please stimulate that hockey economy :).

It said Regular flex on it, my NBH is 87 with about 2" cut off. His stick was lighter. Yes it was shorter too. I might try going shorter first.

In times like these I would like to save up as much $$ as I can.

[raygunpk 0]

I love the shot but every else is a bit of a learning curve if you will.

It is no wonder Semin works with a 120 flex and Ovechkin sticks with his 85 (at least he did before he switched to the one95). Semin can dangle the best of them and Ovechkin can shoot alongside the legends.

Although Semin's shot and Ovechkin's stickhandling aren't exactly lackluster...

What flex is Ovechkin's One95?

[phunky_monkey 6]

The lag is exactly what I meant in my description of the goal mouth scramble. Jeez as a fourth year undergraduate English Major you'd think I would have the word lag in my vocabulary. I was offered the option of buying a TPS Whip flex off of a friend for pennies on the dollar, and while I assumed it'd be great as soon as I stick handled with it in his basement I knew I couldn't handle it. It flexes and snaps back on the slightest pass as well, something that I wasn't entirely used to. Much easier to make a quick pass with my 85 flex, about perfectly suited to my style and PP.

This is something I'm coming to grips with too after switching to an S11 100 flex from an old 105 flex ultralite (the difference is not 5 though, more like 15!) I find myself launching passes at teammates with the new stick, and can physically feel the flex when I tap my goalie on the pads. Definately takes some getting used to.

[hink9 0]

I love the shot but every else is a bit of a learning curve if you will.

It is no wonder Semin works with a 120 flex and Ovechkin sticks with his 85 (at least he did before he switched to the one95). Semin can dangle the best of them and Ovechkin can shoot alongside the legends.

Although Semin's shot and Ovechkin's stickhandling aren't exactly lackluster...

Semins snapshot is pretty lethal, probablly one of the best in the league. I would say that 120 flex is more of a stick length and player strength thing. His stick goes up to or slightly past his nose on skates and ovechkins i below his chin on skates. With my 85 flex I can feel the stick flexing when I pass and reciee passes, but not when stick handling, maybe im lucky but its not a factor for me. If I go up in flex I can really feel my shoulders and arms working to produce the same results as my 85/87 flex.

[Hockeydog 8]

Depends on who you listen to re: Recchi. It's listed as a 6 lie but according to most on MSH it's closer to a 5.25. The Recchi plays similar to the Lindros (IMO) but the Recchi curve is not as deep. The Lindros has a huge rocker compared to the Recchi.

I was at my LHS last night and compared a Recchi with a Lindros. The Recchi may be a lower lie but it plays higher. Held both blades on the ground level with the center of both blades touching. The Recchi toe is higher.

[Race4LastPlace 31]

sorry to threadjack, but im getting the lhs (2 hr drive away) to order me a u+ stick since i really want to try one. Whats the CCM curve closest to the nikebauer p106? did some searching and it looks like the doan, is that correct?