What's the lowest end OPS you would buy?

[f2racer 0]

I recently got back into playing. I'd like to get a decent stick without breaking the bank. I've already made the mistake of buying a cheap OPS (Bauer XII) which IMHO sucks. Looking for an upgrade, but trying to keep the spend less than $100 if possible. BTW, my biggest complaint with the XII is the fact that I can't shoot (both power and aim) worth a damn with it. What do you guys recommend?

Thanks!

[kovey10 0]

You can find some high-end sticks for $100 or less on closeout, which is a better buy than a low-end OPS. The good deal thread on here usually has some really good finds on closeout sticks.

[Jarick 5]

8k, Dolomite, X:50, those aren't bad at all for being lower priced OPS. I bought my XXV on clearance for $70 and my Sickick for $90...both shoot really well.

[Leafsrule16 5]

I like my 8k 2 piece more then just about any top of the line stick i've used. You can pick up a shaft for $100.

[hamstercaster 2]

I have a Bauer XXV right now and it's a pretty nice mid-point stick. Best stick I had so far at least. They are now down to 100$ at Sportchek in Canada and I'll go grab one or two before they are discontinued. Not sure if that's what's happening but some of my LHS are still selling them at 200$ a stick. Go figure

[sickwilly 37]

There seem to be a lot of 7ks and Vector 10s on ebay at decent prices these days. Can't go wrong (IMO) with buying a high-end shaft, for a 2 piece setup, either.

[Datsyukrulez13 0]

Bauer X:40. Its actually a really good stick for its price range. you would probably find one for 100-110, im not sure because mine is an intermediate, but its a really good stick

[flyerman 0]

X3 for the Nike Bauer Vapor XXV. You can't beat the price:

http://www.hockeygiant.com/nbhvxxvstksr.html

[AIREAYE 248]

Bauer X:40. Its actually a really good stick for its price range. you would probably find one for 100-110, im not sure because mine is an intermediate, but its a really good stick

Ill vouch for the X:40, its new and wont be on sale, but I believe at regular price, its one of the best valued OPS for $100

- not as light as higher end, but noticably lighter than cheaper OPS or other sticks at that price

- With my 77 flex, I can now shoot much better than before

- New kickpoints are worth the try

- As is the Stickum grip

-3 colors (Blue, Red,Black)

- Puck feel may not be as noticable with this compared to other sticks, that's the only flaw I find

[ovechkin_368 0]

mission titanium greatest deal on the market it feel like $200+ stick always on sale at my LHS for around 70$

[AIREAYE 248]

mission titanium greatest deal on the market it feel like $200+ stick always on sale at my LHS for around 70$

I haven't tried this stick, but Ive heard a lot of good things about it and it's definately <$100

[cptjeff 0]

The lowest I buy are top end sticks. Go with closeout models or pro stocks and you can get great deals. If you're buying full price, a good 2 piece is, IMO, a better investment then a OPS. My current sticks are two synergy two pieces and a Vapor XXXX. I got the Vapor for $100, and the shafts of the Synergies average out to $55 (one purchased, one from a broken OPS), and the blades are $60 each.

[snipey 0]

A shaft combo is always the best way to go, or you could always just keep looking for a great deal on a higher end stick. I managed to get a TPS R10 for $40 CDN

[Hazard14 0]

I only go with top-end. Whether it be from this year, or from a couple of years ago.

[phunky_monkey 6]

I've found my Easton S11 to be super durable, and my shot was more powerful than ever, but it lacks puck feel which is why I no longer use it. Back to a two piece with wood blade for me...

[Scoobersti 0]

I usually buy when the model from year before is on clearance or I just buy pro stock versions (if its cheap). But, to answer your question, I'd still buy ones one down from top of the line.

[jumtao 0]

A shaft combo is always the best way to go, or you could always just keep looking for a great deal on a higher end stick. I managed to get a TPS R10 for $40 CDN

Where did you get it from? I've always been a fan of the TPS sticks

[94center 0]

I stick with high end OPS but to get a decent price I check ebay and clearance sections on websites for previous years' models. If I had enough posts I would check the for sale section here.

[f2racer 0]

I'd rather not order online if possible. I'm still figuring out what curve works best for me, so I'd like to see it in person before I buy. Pure Hockey has a bunch of high(er) end sticks on sale right now. Anybody have any thoughts on the TPS R8?

[Jarick 5]

Supposed to be amazing, I've never seen them in stock anywhere.

[syko_hockey 0]

i find the nbh xxv and warrior syko to be decent sticks for the money especially since they're on clearance now

[AIREAYE 248]

i find the nbh xxv and warrior syko to be decent sticks for the money especially since they're on clearance now

I agree about the XXV but I disagree about the Syko. Probably the worst puck feel and control Ive ever tried, I received a respectful pass off the blade and the puck just rocketed off of it, and Im not a bad pass receiver either :P

[tjl_48 0]

I've had 3 R8's and an R10. I think they were all great sticks. If you found one of those for under 100 bucks I'd grab it.

[adam14 182]

I used some Sher-Wood RM9's for a brief stint last season, and was impressed.

[sarmalidu 1]

If you find R8/R8lite/R10s ~$100 or less tell me immediately. I got some R8 lite whip shafts from broken OPS and they are rediculously light. I paired it with one of the smallest / lightest mission prostocks I am aware of and the things is rediculously light at ~360 grams

I am very keen to try a retail R8lite / R10 but the prices are just too much for me.

Anybody know a place that carries R8lite shafts in whip flex?