Composite Stick for a Newb

[AIREAYE 248]

Keep in mind too that it's a wood stick after all. Even with laminate technology and fibreglass, the wood grain being a natural materiel allows for some inconsistencies.

[jimmy 194]

Looking for a decent composite stick on a budget. I don't need anything crazy. I just play beer league 1-2 times a week, and I'm just getting into hockey. Is the Easton Synergy Elite 2 in a 65 flex with zetterburg curve worth anything? What do you guys suggest? College kid just getting into hockey so I'm trying to get the best bang for the buck.

Skip the SE2, all fibreglaas. Look for a closeout from last year, you'll get a much better stick at a great price. Plus, 65flex is prob not good for you, more for a early teen, not an adult. Look for a 85 flex to start. The Se2 is low end, trust me you are going to end up with something better in the long run so look for a S11 or other mid-high end stick on closeout, much better stick, and it has carbon in the blade. If the blade does not have carbon, stay away from it. You usually can see the carbon pattern.. If not sure, ask here. If you can find a Easton ST, this is the perfect first composite stick.

[XveritasX 13]

Skip the SE2, all fibreglaas. Look for a closeout from last year, you'll get a much better stick at a great price. Plus, 65flex is prob not good for you, more for a early teen, not an adult. Look for a 85 flex to start. The Se2 is low end, trust me you are going to end up with something better in the long run so look for a S11 or other mid-high end stick on closeout, much better stick, and it has carbon in the blade. If the blade does not have carbon, stay away from it. You usually can see the carbon pattern.. If not sure, ask here. If you can find a Easton ST, this is the perfect first composite stick.

He is only 5'8 and 150lbs, I would think 85 would be a little too stiff once it's cut. I do agree not to get the SE2, the balance is horrible on it and I assume shooting wouldn't be great either. For your price range though there are many nice sticks out there. I personally would look at the t90, haven't used one but I know a few people who have and they all really like them. They also have the slimfit t90's which may be great option for your size.

[black hills tj 5]

He is only 5'8 and 150lbs, I would think 85 would be a little too stiff once it's cut. I do agree not to get the SE2, the balance is horrible on it and I assume shooting wouldn't be great either. For your price range though there are many nice sticks out there. I personally would look at the t90, haven't used one but I know a few people who have and they all really like them. They also have the slimfit t90's which may be great option for your size.

The T90 does look like it'd fit the bill. Price is a little high, though. Maybe I'll wait and save up for it.

[Jarick 5]

If you can spring for an X:60 on clearance, they have 75 flex intermediate sticks which are perfectly in the middle. I'm also 5'8 but 185 (unfortunately not muscle) and not that strong but it's so much better than either the really whippy intermediate sticks or the really stiff senior sticks.

X:40 or X:50 on clearance would be an option, but you would have to choose between 67 or 77 flex, and once you cut it down it's more like 75 vs 100 flex. I didn't like the T90 balance for the money they charge. At $100 maybe that changes my opinion. In the low $100's there are also clearance sticks like Dolomites and Reebok 9k's floating around.

A 2-piece stick is an option too. I've got a 70 flex Warrior AK27 sitting around which feels the same flex as my X:60 but I haven't found a blade that balances nicely with it. The shaft goes for only $100 but you'd need to spend $60 on an AK27 or Total One blade to match it. The performance would be awesome though because it shoots bullets and those blades have great feel.

[black hills tj 5]

Here is what I ended up getting...35 shipped!

Threw a Hall Curve Easton wood blade in it, and I liked it. Unfortunately someone either stepped on it or whacked it hard enough tonight at a little scrimmage that part of the top corner of the blade broke. I think I can just tape it up and use it for a while, though. I'll get pictures in the morning.

[black hills tj 5]

Here are some pictures with the Easton Hall Blade

And the damage. I'm going to tape it up and play with it, but in your opinion, how much damage to a blade is too much before it needs to be replaced?

[ponder 0]

I personally just use wood blades till they die, which is generally very, very quickly for me. Go ahead and keep using it IMO, just tape nice and tight over the toe, if you shoot hard you'll be destroying wood blades every few skates regardless. Once you're more sure of what curve you want to stick with I'd suggest switching to a composite/carbon blade, you'll save money in the long run.