Reebok 8.0.8 stick

[hockeygoon22 0]

I was looking into purchasing a Reebok 8.0.8 stick seeing that the price has dropped to a more managable range now. I haven't seen anyone using one in a while and i have never actually picked one up and felt the weight or flex or balance, ect. So I was wondering if anyone has used one and i would like to know your opinion on it. I am 5' 10" ,200 lbs and I like to take a lot of slashot ( I am a defenseman). Would this be a good stick for what i want?

Thanks

[AIREAYE 248]

It is a midkick point, so optimum for slappers.

Poor balance/weight compared to other sticks at the price range.

Improvement over the 9KO durability-wise

edit: I compared it to a price point X:40 I had...and the X:40 was lighter imo

[cooperalls 4]

I recently purchased a 2011 white/Duchene 8.0.8 stick. I can't say if RBK changed anything between the 2010/2011 production run, so the model that has the price reduction could possibly be different from the one I'm using? I was interested trying it last year, but until the Duchene pattern came out they didn't have an offering I was willing to spring for. I had been waiting until I'd used it enough times to post a review, but since you asked I'll give you my opinion now. Keep in mind I've had it for a month and used it about 10 times, so I feel pretty confident on my opinion of the performance, but the overall durability is yet to be proven as far as I'm concerned.

Despite it's relatively low popularity, I think this is a great stick. It's light weight, and has very good puck-feel. If you know you like a mid-kick stick, and it's available in a lie/flex/pattern you're comfortable with, it's definitely worth spending $140-$160 on. At that price point, it's a great stick. At $180-$200, its probably not special enough to pick over the other top-end offerings available. If you're used lightest available sticks, it may feel slightly heavier, but the balance is as good as any stick I've picked up, it's neither blade nor handle-heavy. I came from a One95, which is marginally lighter than the 8.0.8. Both feel very light, and more importantly have the kickpoint and puck-feel I prefer.

I am about 5'11", 200#. I took a lot of slap shots with my One95, but only because I had confidence (based on having other One90's and One95's) that the blade wouldn't crush. My experiences with other top-end sticks has left me hesitant to wind up with my 8.0.8 very often. The times that I have taken slapshots it has felt good. Its got a lot of "pop" to it,and I find the flex to be true to its rating. That said, the blade/heel/shaft have a few minor chips, nothing I wouldn't expect after the amount time I've used it. The blade still feels as stiff as when I bought it. So far the durability seems ok, not as good as my One90/One95, but better than my experience with the U+CL, S17, 10K or Dolomite.

The only downside I've found so far is people on the bench asking questions like: "Hey! Do those holes make your shot harder!?!" The short answer is no, they don't really make the stick that much lighter, and I don't notice any decreased wind-resistance or increase swing speed or anything like that. However, if you like the performance of the offered by other RBK models but prefer a mid-kickpoint over the lower Sickick offerings, it's a good stick. Just hold it blade down on the bench and it will keep the questions about the "speed-holes" to a minimum...

hope that helps

[hockeygoon22 0]

Thanks I my biggest concern was the durability of the stick is all. I have used the reebok 8k before and the blade broke off right where the blade meets the shaft. I heard that this was a problem in reebok sticks and I just wasn't sure. But sounds like it is pretty solid from your description. Was the white Duchene 8.0.8 a pro stock or retail? Thanks again :)

[cooperalls 4]

Thanks I my biggest concern was the durability of the stick is all. I have used the reebok 8k before and the blade broke off right where the blade meets the shaft. I heard that this was a problem in reebok sticks and I just wasn't sure. But sounds like it is pretty solid from your description. Was the white Duchene 8.0.8 a pro stock or retail? Thanks again :)

You're welcome. The Duchene I have is retail. I think since he is RBK's signature professional for the 8.0.8 they made his curve with different graphics, similar to what they've done in the past with the Crosby 7K. Same stick, different paint.

Like I said, I still couldn't really give a complete appraisal on it's durability since I have limited hours on it. I don't want to over-sell you on it, but it's held up well thus far. I think I had a similar experience to your 8K with a 10K. That was one of those "never again" sticks for me. I value durability almost as much as I do performance, and it's been difficult to find a stick that has an acceptable amount of both. The Easton ST is definitely super tough, but it doesn't really cut it when you're used to the weight/balance of higher-end sticks. The Bauer Supreme series has been the most consistent high-end stick for me. If both the 8.0.8 and the One100 were the same price, I'd give the nod to the One100...but as you said, the price has dropped on the RBK, which I think makes it a good deal.

[stuie7 6]

it will keep the questions about the "speed-holes" to a minimum...

I've used that one before!

[hockeygoon22 0]

ok thanks soo much if you have anymore input later on after using it longer that would be really cool thanks so much coop