Graf 2012 Stick line

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

As you all know, we went to the LPH show and determined that we weren't going to speak on the products that we saw due to the fact that the show was in October. However, just like with Miken, Graf's new stick line will be a holiday release.

John Pagotto and Claude Lemieux walked Chadd and I through the line -

Very impressive showing by Graf across the board. They will have 6 new OPS for Dec 2011; starting with the Ultra G75 Lite. At 420g, 100% carbon fiber and 5 patterns, it comes in 75, 85 and 95 flex.

The G75 comes in a touch heavier at 440g, but full run of sizes down to a 40 flex in junior AND youth (so two junior flexes, 50 and 40).

The G55 is at 470g, SR to JR -

G45 is at 490g, SR to JR. So you have 4 sticks, all 100% carbon fiber, even below the $99 price point.

Even the G25 (550g, 50/50 CF/fibreglass) and the G15 (590g 10/90) still felt really good especially at where their price points are. All of the sticks maintain the same features (flex zone, balance point, textured grip on bottom of shaft, taper.)

[Axxion89 32]

Very nice, hoping the pricing comes in cheaper than what the major brands have been charging for their sticks, especially along the higher end lines!

[innotastic 12]

i'll always ask "why should i buy this stick over ...say.. a dolomite?" (dynasty now, but same idea)

the t90 had it right being priced well. 420g is pretty sweet though.

[MyBoxersSayJoe 134]

Love their skates, at the right price point I'd probably try one out.

[jazz4all 9]

will they release the 2 piece version as well?

[Chadd 916]

I don't recall seeing a two piece version of any stick in their booth. The G75 lite feels great in the hands, very impressed with them. The white 55 has a great look to it and the 45 feels a lot better than one would expect for a stick at that price point. One other feature of their sticks, the junior sticks will come in an optional "whip" (don't recall their name for it) flex that is softer than a normal junior stick. Shops may have to keep them behind the counter to prevent the in-shop stick flexers from leaning on them, but great for getting kids used to having their sticks flex or for kids that need them cut down a bunch.

BTW, the glove on top is really nice. More on that later....

[th6252 25]

I don't recall seeing a two piece version of any stick in their booth. The G75 lite feels great in the hands, very impressed with them. The white 55 has a great look to it and the 45 feels a lot better than one would expect for a stick at that price point. One other feature of their sticks, the junior sticks will come in an optional "whip" (don't recall their name for it) flex that is softer than a normal junior stick. Shops may have to keep them behind the counter to prevent the in-shop stick flexers from leaning on them, but great for getting kids used to having their sticks flex or for kids that need them cut down a bunch.

BTW, the glove on top is really nice. More on that later....

out of curiosity, are you gonna be going into the new "era" protective line(s) as well? (hope i'm not going too OT here)

[Dupes 1]

the t90 had it right being priced well. 420g is pretty sweet though.

Pricing of the new Graf sticks will compare to the Nexon line at Sher-Wood.

Nothing compares to a T90 IMO :)

[Hammers44 4]

Not sure if you guys can answer this but is their any clue on what patterns they're going to carry?

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

G75 Lite Sr. $229.99

G75 Sr. $189.99

Int. $179.99

Jr. $149.99

Tyke $44.99

G55 Sr. $129.99

Int. $119.99

Jr. $99.99

G45 Sr. $99.99

Int. $94.99

Jr. $89.99

G25 Sr. $79.99

Int. $74.99

Jr. $69.99

G15 Sr. $59.99

Int. $54.99

Jr. $49.99

[All Flash 49]

^{Is the Ultra G75 Lite a true OPS or a fused 2 piece?}

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

"true" like all others out there

[Davetronz 109]

I used a Graf Cliche stick for part of the Summer season. For around $100 CDN (on sale) it held up a bit better than my CCM Crazy Strong, but got "soft" faster. The CCM CS snapped after 3 months, but felt strong until it blew up. The Graf, albeit soft, is still in one piece and now used for shinny and coaching.

I'd definitely give one of their new sticks a try, likely the G55.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

GP#022 = Sakic

GP#044 = Drury

GP#055 = Lidstrom

GP#066 = P88

GP#077 = Ovechkin (toned down)

[hehatemefrisbee 0]

Wow, no modano clone? Thats surprising.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

Same thing I thought.

[adam14 182]

just to clarify a toned down ovechkin, are we talking a toned down toe curve, or the toned down heel wedge from ccm?

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

Toe.

[skyscrape 5]

I wonder if it is the old montreal euro curve?

[Durbo20vT 4]

Similair to the Bauer P08 I'm assuming...

Looks cool and might consider trying one out

[chippa13 1844]

Principle precludes me from trying anything Claude Lemiuex is involved in.

[Tondog 12]

Principle precludes me from trying anything Claude Lemiuex is involved in.

Same for me.

"I can't believe I shook his hand.....that just pisses me right off!!!"

[BoDangles 0]

G45 may just turn out to be a decent deal at that price, but only 20g heavier than the G55.

[Chadd 916]

G45 may just turn out to be a decent deal at that price, but only 20g heavier than the G55.

While I have no idea on performance, the G45 balances much better than the G55 for me.

[All Flash 49]

The Ultra G75 Lite felt great in my hands , nicely balanced, the whip flex felt stiff to me but just handling it I'm very impressed.

Tough market out there Claude.