Recommendations for new stick

[Caz 0]

I usually get cheap sticks ($75-125), but for NA/EJ tryouts I want to give myself as much of an edge as possible. I have been training with a weighted stick (550 grams) so by the time I get a lighter stick I can really use it well.

Price range isn't a problem. I like a stick around 450 grams.

I am a 5'10" 185 lbs power-forward with a left shot.

Things that are important to me are;

1. Feel

2. Durability

3. Low Kick-Point

In that order. Feel free to give me suggestions on curve and lie, but I like my sticks at 75/85 flex (like em wippy).

If you guys need anything else let me know, but I am having a tough time deciding, epically because I am probably only going to buy one, and done, and I want it to be perfect.

Thanks.

[raganblink 82]

Good feel is gonna go by personal preference. Durability between the companies personally isnt a problem. curve lie etc is all personally preference. Go out to lhs and feel some out.

[Axxion89 32]

A few Low kick sticks i can think of are the Widow and x60. So far I have heard good things about Widow and the dagger taper for a low kick.

[sickwilly 37]

If you're still interested in saving some loot, you might consider the RBK 8k shaft/blade setup. As of a moment ago, the monkey had the shaft in a 75 flex for 70 bucks and a few different LH patterns (depending on what you like) in the blades for like $47. Pretty good bang for the buck there, IMO. I'd put that shaft up against the 11k that I'm currently using. The 8k may actually be lighter, it feels it to me. The shaft/blade setup may be more economical would give you the chance to pop a new blade in if you broke one, plus give you the ability to change patterns with less expense in case you don't get the blade/pattern "perfect" on your 1st choice. Good luck with your tryout!

[danglerod26 0]

Hey Caz, I personally think you should go with anything warrior. I played in the ojhl and ejhl. And played a little college puck, and out of allll the twigs I've ever used, warriors held up the best. Very good stick, and the blade stays nice and crisp for a lOt longer. Easton blades break down very quick. Try finding a dolomite HD if possible. Look at hockey monkey, they have them at a really good price.

[steelnation248 102]

If you're still interested in saving some loot, you might consider the RBK 8k shaft/blade setup. As of a moment ago, the monkey had the shaft in a 75 flex for 70 bucks and a few different LH patterns (depending on what you like) in the blades for like $47. Pretty good bang for the buck there, IMO. I'd put that shaft up against the 11k that I'm currently using. The 8k may actually be lighter, it feels it to me. The shaft/blade setup may be more economical would give you the chance to pop a new blade in if you broke one, plus give you the ability to change patterns with less expense in case you don't get the blade/pattern "perfect" on your 1st choice. Good luck with your tryout!

I have an 8k 75 flex shaft and I have been very happy with it. The flex feels great and is very light. Although, I play recreation and not anything like Caz is going for. The only thing that might make or break it for some people is the grip on it. I don't mind it but I know some people HATE it.

[sickwilly 37]

Steelnation makes a very going point about the grip on the 8k. Also, the one I'm talking about it an older model that's on clearance. As far as I remember, it was their top-end shaft/blade setup when it came out.

[Hradsky 1]

For feel I would recommend a Warrior Dolomite, One95 or last year's U+ CL (haven't tried the new one, yet.)

But it is sort of personal preference.

[s_franchise 5]

If you're that dead set on a low kick, i would say maybe the x60 or widow like previously stated. im not entirely sure on the s19 if its a low kick point or not, thats also a solid idea. feel i think the totalone probably reigns supreme in that department, but thats not a low kick.

[Scotty 8]

The Dolomite sounds about right for what you want.

Some guys in here seem to just be tossing around the names of every top end stick they can think of...

[tscharf 0]

S19 does have a low kick point and I've yet to find someone who hasn't liked that stick. Honestly, you'll never know which works best for you until you start trying them.

[tareatingrat 4]

The '11 Dolo DD was great, but the blade durability was terrible in my case, and my Dolo Spyne broke quickly too. Feel was great on the DD, and I much preferred the DD to the HD.

I'd buy them again, but only in a two piece.

They were good enough that I took the chance on a Widow. Who knows how long it will last, but it felt pretty good when I used it, although I've only played one game so far with it.

I loved my S19. Technically it's more of a mid/low kick, but it was a very good stick and I liked the feel, I'd say it was similar to the Warrior DD. Maybe not quite as nice in terms of puck feel. Broke pretty quickly, though.

Haven't tried the Reebok line, but they're supposed to kick quite low, too.

If you can find a Salming M11 KZN, they kick low and perform well with a decent feel, too. In my opinion, anyway. Weird shape, though, so who knows how durable they are.

[saber26 0]

i have a reebok 11k and i like it alot. id say that it is definitely low kick, i personally love the feel, its very responsive. and as for durability, i cant say because i have only used it a couple of times.

[Caz 0]

After reading through these guys (THANKS!!!!) I will probably go with a Dolo DD 85 Flex, Lie 4, idk on the curve yet.

But, I will go with that for now, and then later I will go with some Widow's. And maybe some Pro-Stock Sticks in-between, I'm thinking about buying a EASTON RS off ebay too though.

Keep the feedback coming guys!

THANKS!

[Scotty 8]

Great choice.

[Caz 0]

Great choice.

Its funny, I have about 6 broken 2008 Pro Stock Dolo's in my basement.

[Caz 0]

Anyone know the differences between these two sticks?

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/warrior-hockey-stick-dolomite-dd-clear-sr.html < DOLO 2011

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/warrior-hockey-stick-dolomite-sr-clear-2009.html < DOLO 2009

Looking for physical differences. Weight, feel, Taper?

EDIT - Just found out that maybe the 2009 dolo is 440g, and 2011 is 475g?

Let me know.

[stuie7 6]

Says on HM they're both 440?

[Caz 0]

Says on HM they're both 440?

I know right, what the ---- is the point in buying the more expensive one? LOL.

[sharks25 9]

The blade feel is different. The dragon is pingy, the '11 Is softer. I prefer the '11 for blade feel.

[tareatingrat 4]

I think the '11 just comes with different curves. If they're both DD models, they should be pretty similar. I hear the previous DD's didn't feel quite as nice, but I had only used the HD blade before the '11 DD.

Careful with the Dolo, though. Warrior's own site has a ton of bad reviews regarding durability. Seems to be a common theme from what I've read.

If you can afford it, it performs well, though.

[Gefiltefish 9]

The 2010/2011 Dolo (more expensive one) has MUCH better blade feel. I have owned the newest version and the older DD "Dragon" and the Dragon blade is much more pingy.

The new one also has slightly more traditional shaft dimensions. The Dragon was fairly rounded.

[Caz 0]

The blade feel is different. The dragon is pingy, the '11 Is softer. I prefer the '11 for blade feel.

Thanks man, been waiting for someone to give me some feedback, I might still go with the Dragon, but if I have enough cash the 11 might be good too.

The 2010/2011 Dolo (more expensive one) has MUCH better blade feel. I have owned the newest version and the older DD "Dragon" and the Dragon blade is much more pingy.

The new one also has slightly more traditional shaft dimensions. The Dragon was fairly rounded.

I love the double concave walls, do they both still have that feature?

[ben_trial 0]

stay far from the DD especially the 2011!!! ive heard ton of bad reviews on the blade cracking really easy...even at the LHS they told me the same...so my personal opinion would be a BAuer...for the low kick the x60 and mid kick the one95 or totalone

[Scotty 8]

Its funny, I have about 6 broken 2008 Pro Stock Dolo's in my basement.

And seeing as you're talking about pro stock sticks, that statement holds little to no validity.