best price point stick?

[raygunpk 0]

What's the best low tier stick on the market right now?

I've been using different top of the line sticks for the past little while, and I honestly don't think I shoot any different than with a low end one. It seems like it's all marketing in terms of shooting power, although the weight issues are obvious.

I think my pokechecking might suffer, but it would make me feel better having a cheap stick as a backup rather than a really expensive one which I can just sell off.

The low end Vapors, SCx's, etc... they're all pretty damn heavy...which one's the best for feel/performance/durability?

[big_bt 0]

How cheap are we talking? It all depends on your budget.

Pick up a prostock.

[raygunpk 0]

I've used prostocks, they still run $150+.

[fatwabbit 93]

Hey Raygunpk, I think you're asking the wrong crowd!

It all depends on your budget, and what you are comfortable buying, style you play, league level or drop in.... People can recommend an Octane or Typhoon, but it may not last as long as some others. The guys I play with have differing views as well... some with the latest CCM or Bauer One90 OPS to the guys who dont mind using the Typhoon or really old Nike shafts. One or two are still using some really old Louisville Alu shafts.

You should be able to pick up a decent OPS here on MSH for the price of a newer low end stick... look around, there are guys who dont like the curve, lie, flex etc and it might suit you.

[mickz 107]

Personally I wouldn't bother with an entry level OPS. Weight is not my main issue but the entry level sticks just don't feel balanced and they lack feel for the puck. I would rather buy a high end wood stick instead of a cheap OPS.

[saba 0]

I have been impressed with the ONe70 stick and is on clearance at most of the big chain stores.

[stuie7 6]

I'd personally buy a decent 2 piece (dolo, one90/95), it'll only be slightly cheaper than either the OPS equivilants but you'll be saving money in the long run just by replacing the blades. unless you regularly snap shafts that is..

[ArcArsenal 0]

Right now I use what I guess would be considered a Mid range stick - I bought a CHEAP one40 stick as my "backup"....all I can say is watch just how low range you go. Terribly heavy, not a great feel, etc...If you would notice the same drop going from high to mid as I did from mid to low...you may want to stick with the higher end.

I believe the one40 stick is now my backups, backups, backup...

[Rustpot 1]

Personally I wouldn't bother with an entry level OPS. Weight is not my main issue but the entry level sticks just don't feel balanced and they lack feel for the puck. I would rather buy a high end wood stick instead of a cheap OPS.

I agree. I bought a TPS Intrigue when Monkey was blowing them out for $30. It was terrible. I firmly believe the price points were created once the mentality of the hockey community caught on to "OPS ARE BETTER!" so companies can push out more sticks to people who would otherwise not be roped in to spending $150-200 on a single stick.

Good wood stick or a better shaft with wood blades are both going to be tons better than any cheap one-piece. Fiberglass is your enemy in composite sticks.

[greech 4]

I'd say go with a closeout, top-end stick. It'll be same $$ as a price point but all-around better.

[interpathway 9]

Hell, closeout shaft and blades will always run you cheaper in the end. If blades are your main problem, especially.

[Jarick 5]

I'm really happy with my Fuel Pyro; it feels better and performs better than my Dolomite. Only used it for half a dozen games so I can't tell you about long term durability, but it's taken a lot of hacks and so far just some paint chips and the rubber texture coating coming off the blade. The One70 also feels like a pretty decent stick for the closeout prices.

Beyond that, I've gotten a lot of good deals on shafts used. For the price of a good wood stick, you should be able to find a one-piece stick that's been cut off to make a tapered shaft. Or possibly an older or pro stock standard shaft. Grab a tapered wood blade and you'll have a pretty solid rig.

[roller to ice 0]

the only mid to low level comp i have liked is the one70 and most of the pro shops around me are selling off last years model for around 125-150 which is good considering that this years one75 is only slightly lighter but i gotta go w/ mickz im pretty sure the highest nbh woodie is a one75 and easton is a sy90 if your in canada here in the u.s the highest is a sy50 ive used both woods and was surprised w/ how happy i was w/ them plus you can get 2 or 3 for the price of a crap ops

[B19Kress 0]

I have been impressed with the ONe70 stick and is on clearance at most of the big chain stores.

+1

just got two on tuesday.. can't wait to try them but for about 50 bucks how can you go wrong..

[chiefs17 2]

One70 on clearance, it's a great stick for me so far!

[tro 4]

With last year model clearence, ebay, and the Sell section, there is plenty of top end sticks from $60-120. With a little hunting, quality is out there for a great price.

[Datsyukrulez13 0]

S11 alittle heavier than other sticks but still works fine for me

[firehawkshockey13 0]

hows the S5 on a scale of 1- 10 anyone?

[phunky_monkey 6]

S11 alittle heavier than other sticks but still works fine for me

Big fan of this stick. 515 grams, nicely balanced, decent feel and good price. A touch whippier than I'd like, but I can't see myself using something else for a while.

[cygnusx1 0]

Does anyone have an opinion on the Vector06 ops?

[sickwilly 37]

If you can find a curve/flex that you like, the Winn Well g500's are great. 39.99 at Hockeyworld.com. There are other threads describing what sticks they are similar to.

[westcoastsniper 0]

hows the S5 on a scale of 1- 10 anyone?

I had a sakic 100 flex, it was my favorite stick for about two months of playing twice weekly, but the shaft felt even flexier than my bauer Velocity 77 flex (which is also a low end stick).

that being said the s5 broke in the hosel and then de-laminated the siding which left me without the ability to turn it into a shaft.

I would rate it a 6/10, an 8/10 if you are used to crappier sticks, it's probably the best of the crappy in terms of easton.

[furlanitalia 1]

http://www.the-sports-exchange.com/ has one70 two for $150. They ship.

[Datsyukrulez13 0]

Does anyone have an opinion on the Vector06 ops?

i dont have feeedback, but i would recommend the V08 over the 06, not a huge price difference

[Ahriman 1]

The vector 10 (CCM's top of the line before the U+ was intro'ed) is on sale at the giant (specific model, non grip I think) for $99. Thats a damn good performance:value ratio right there. But you might not be thinking that high, if you're not I second...third..forth, whatever I lost count, the One70 if you can find it in a pattern/flex you like.