Stick Questions high end to low

[icewalker_bg 126]

we dont really have any closeouts here in Canada. I am lucky enough to have family the US of A.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

When I get out of the US, I think I'm going to have to get a PO Box in Buffalo, or something. Maybe have my wifes parents mail stuff to me. Online shopping in Canada is BRUTAL.

[Stewie 721]

I'm pullin miken razors for 100 right now after coupon code and broken stick recycling! For me a mid level stick of any other manufacturer won't give me that kinda performance for value. Everyone is different and has different needs but a top end stick for 100 is amazing

[Stewie 721]

I'm pullin miken razors for 100 right now after coupon code and broken stick recycling! For me a mid level stick of any other manufacturer won't give me that kinda performance for value. Everyone is different and has different needs but a top end stick for 100 is amazing

[icewalker_bg 126]

When I get out of the US, I think I'm going to have to get a PO Box in Buffalo, or something. Maybe have my wifes parents mail stuff to me. Online shopping in Canada is BRUTAL.

we do not have many online retailers besides hockey supremacy as far as i know, theres a few that sell msrp but its not worth it. and then again if you order from hs theres like 20$ shipping if its under 150$ , and 15% taxes, and most prices are similar to stores prices so its not that great.

You guys have it easy in the states, trust me.

But i look at it on the bright side, i only have 10 sticks, 5 pairs of pants, 5 pairs of gloves....if i was an US resident you would probably triple that because of my crazy shopping skills, and then the gf will divorce me for sure.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

we do not have many online retailers besides hockey supremacy as far as i know, theres a few that sell msrp but its not worth it. and then again if you order from hs theres like 20$ shipping if its under 150$ , and 15% taxes, and most prices are similar to stores prices so its not that great.

You guys have it easy in the states, trust me.

But i look at it on the bright side, i only have 10 sticks, 5 pairs of pants, 5 pairs of gloves....if i was an US resident you would probably triple that because of my crazy shopping skills, and then the gf will divorce me for sure.

Though it's been a few years since I lived in Canada (lived there for 23 years before I moved here... god, has it been that long?!), when I was there the online shopping experience sucked for ALL things, not just hockey. At the time, there was no amazon in canada, no newegg in canada, etc. And even now, half the sites I buy stuff from are US shipping only.

But thats a rant for the vent thread, I suppose :P

[thawu 5]

Buying gear in general in Canada sucks! I bet it's because they know we'll pay the premium. Sticks especially, I get them shipped to Buffalo now.

Also, I see so many deals on the gear exchange now, I don't even need to shop anywhere else haha. I've accumulated more than I can use because of the deals I couldn't pass up from the gear exchange forum! :P

[mack 44]

Since this is now the "complain about international ordering" thread, I'll say that I miss the days where I could order 20 or so pro stock blades from Cyclone Taylor and end up paying about $60.

[hockeyguy1 1]

It's not a bad way to start into composites. I started with a $60 Easton. Then went up from there. If you can....go into a local shop and pick up some sticks to feel weight differences. It's also cool to see blade patterns too.

I'd say One30 isn't a bad way to go to test the waters.

So i went into hockey monkey this past weekend and tested some sticks. The blade curve thats right for me is the kane from Bauer and Iginla from Easton, not a crazy concave curve but definitely not flat. Thats the kind of curve that I played with when i was growing up. So along with all the other equipment i ordered today off the site i got the bauer supreme one30 sticks with the kane curve and a 85 flex. it retailed for 112 for two sticks and got it for 65 on clearance. Its a starting point for me and Ill only work my way up to the more advance ones that are in the $100 range.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

So i went into hockey monkey this past weekend and tested some sticks. The blade curve thats right for me is the kane from Bauer and Iginla from Easton, not a crazy concave curve but definitely not flat. Thats the kind of curve that I played with when i was growing up. So along with all the other equipment i ordered today off the site i got the bauer supreme one30 sticks with the kane curve and a 85 flex. it retailed for 112 for two sticks and got it for 65 on clearance. Its a starting point for me and Ill only work my way up to the more advance ones that are in the $100 range.

One30 is a good place to start. Enjoy!

[hunt3rsean 44]

So i went into hockey monkey this past weekend and tested some sticks. The blade curve thats right for me is the kane from Bauer and Iginla from Easton, not a crazy concave curve but definitely not flat. Thats the kind of curve that I played with when i was growing up. So along with all the other equipment i ordered today off the site i got the bauer supreme one30 sticks with the kane curve and a 85 flex. it retailed for 112 for two sticks and got it for 65 on clearance. Its a starting point for me and Ill only work my way up to the more advance ones that are in the $100 range.

That's a good deal and the One30 is definitely a good model to start with. I LOVE the Kane pattern. It's got a nice curve without being extreme and just open enough at the toe that it makes getting the puck up pretty easy. I played with the Sakic like curves for awhile and found that I continuously sent the puck to high. The P88 is the prefect balance for me. The cool thing now is that by the time you have gone through both sticks you'll have a better idea of what you want in a stick. Not only flex/blade pattern but weight, shaft dimension/shape, and things like that.

[pittu 15]

Not to hijack the thread, but I've been looking for a stick that plays similar to a heatley curve in an S19. I tried the Kane curve on a Totalone and even though it is labelled a lie 6, it is really close to the lie 5 heatley when you compare them. The difference that I see is that the Kane has a lot more rocker to it.

My question is, what part of your game is improved by having rocker versus a flat bottomed blade? Or is it just a feeling of comfort that it gives you when stickhandling? Sorry if that is a dumb question. But I notice that the Kane is not a comfortable blade for me compared to the heatley, at least just messing around with it for a 1/2 hour or so at a stick and puck.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Not to hijack the thread, but I've been looking for a stick that plays similar to a heatley curve in an S19. I tried the Kane curve on a Totalone and even though it is labelled a lie 6, it is really close to the lie 5 heatley when you compare them. The difference that I see is that the Kane has a lot more rocker to it.

My question is, what part of your game is improved by having rocker versus a flat bottomed blade? Or is it just a feeling of comfort that it gives you when stickhandling? Sorry if that is a dumb question. But I notice that the Kane is not a comfortable blade for me compared to the heatley, at least just messing around with it for a 1/2 hour or so at a stick and puck.

I'd been using a heatley for about a year. I moved recently to the Reebok P38, and it's been a pretty easy transition. It's certainly not the same, but it didn't take long at all to get used to it. Maybe that will help you.

[BraveFart 1]

I've posted something about getting deals on hockey gear previously....for those that live in Toronto. That being said, the same would apply for those seeking deals on hockey sticks. When I bought my first one-piece stick (yellow Easton Synergy stick) many years back, I was in absolute love with it - I still own it and it's in relatively good condition. I went on a stick purchase binge and probably bought about 2 dozen one-piece sticks in about a year and a half. It's stopped since then. What I have noticed from my experience, is that there is an abundance of sticks to choose from and there are many deals to take advantage of without having to go south of the border. For those that live in Toronto, it's best to buy pro return stock because it is significantly lower than the retail price. Other people have mentioned two-piece combinations, and even purchasing sticks that are in the $100-$150 range for previous models that are a season old. My recommendation to you is to choose something that is obviously within your budget - and sticking with it. Depending on your level of play, frequency of play, and position, would be contributing factors. When I was playing in a competitive B league, as a defenceman I would go with one-piece sticks that would be stiffer (110 flex) and have a regular curve. Playing pick-up hockey but, typically playing defence, I usually stick with a 100 flex stick with a heel curve because of the fact that no one ever really plays their real position. ;) best of luck!

[hockeyguy1 1]

Nothing wrong with low end composites if that's the level you're at. What we're all saying is that the $100 price point is the sweet spot for cost/performance. That certainly doesn't mean you can't go lower.

For me personally, I'm at a skill level where I should probably be using low end sticks... but $100 every 6 months or so isn't expensive enough to not just get a stick in that range.

i got on the ice yesterday and today to play hockey for the first time in 11 years. it went well. Im playing with the bauer supreme one30 with the Kane curve. its especially my first time playing with a one piece and im coming from when i used to play with all wood so it is a bit of a change. the stick is a little heavy but not bad for a starter stick. i am curious to know which blade out there would be a step up from the kane blade in terms of having a little bit more curve to it though. any advice?

[XveritasX 13]

i got on the ice yesterday and today to play hockey for the first time in 11 years. it went well. Im playing with the bauer supreme one30 with the Kane curve. its especially my first time playing with a one piece and im coming from when i used to play with all wood so it is a bit of a change. the stick is a little heavy but not bad for a starter stick. i am curious to know which blade out there would be a step up from the kane blade in terms of having a little bit more curve to it though. any advice?

I would probably look at the p92 backstrom if you stick with Bauer (each company has this curve but in different names) it has a little more curve and opens up more.

[hockeyguy1 1]

I would probably look at the p92 backstrom if you stick with Bauer (each company has this curve but in different names) it has a little more curve and opens up more.

awesome! im going to try it for my next set of sticks. im just looking for a little bit more pop with my swing. thanks for the advice

[ProFixSports 0]

I would probably look at the p92 backstrom if you stick with Bauer (each company has this curve but in different names) it has a little more curve and opens up more.

If you go with a Fischer stick instead of Bauer, Curve # 11 would be what you want. Fischer sticks are 30% stronger than any other on the market today and the highest end stick is only $209.99.

[gosinger 122]

@ProFixSports: Are you sure about that #11? I have just ordered a Fischer #11 SX1 blade under the assumption that it is a (mid-)toe-curve (described http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php?/topic/59726-2012-fischer-hockey-catalogue/?p=907513'>here as similar to Easton P2)?

[ProFixSports 0]

@ProFixSports: Are you sure about that #11? I have just ordered a Fischer #11 SX1 blade under the assumption that it is a (mid-)toe-curve (described here as similar to Easton P2)?

gosinger:

Yes, the #11 curve is similar to the backstrom.

[Kessel'sOversizedSuit 18]

@hockeyguy1, If you want to check out Reebok, look for the datsyuk curve. I have a one95 in the backstrom pattern and find it a little too open for my tastes. This year I've been playing with a 9k datsyuk and it is is almost the same pattern but less open. If that's your thing, it's a great pattern. FWIW the 9k has been great as well. My only beef with it is that the clear coat on the blade is so smooth and slippery (with the exception of the dimpled section) that my tape cuts and moves on it especially easily, meaning I have to retape more often. The dull finish on the one95 blades was definitely better in that respect.

Welcome back to the greatest game there is!

[hockeyguy1 1]

@hockeyguy1, If you want to check out Reebok, look for the datsyuk curve. I have a one95 in the backstrom pattern and find it a little too open for my tastes. This year I've been playing with a 9k datsyuk and it is is almost the same pattern but less open. If that's your thing, it's a great pattern. FWIW the 9k has been great as well. My only beef with it is that the clear coat on the blade is so smooth and slippery (with the exception of the dimpled section) that my tape cuts and moves on it especially easily, meaning I have to retape more often. The dull finish on the one95 blades was definitely better in that respect.

Welcome back to the greatest game there is!

just checked out the Datsyuk curve, i like it but not sure about the square toe. how does it differ/compare to the round toe? ive only had round toes before. does it alter shooting the puck or handling it?

As to what you are saying about the clear coating and the tape, im experiencing that with the bauer supreme one30, cause after just a day of playing for about 1.5hrs the the tape was beat up like hell and was tearing up on the bottom. not sure if it was the tape or what. right now im using the Renfrew cloth black hockey tape. what are you using?

[Kessel'sOversizedSuit 18]

@hockeyguy1

IMO the toe isn't a true square toe in the vein of an easton getzlaf or or a bauer kronwall etc. but is rather merely "squarish" which is to say that it is still decently rounded. To be honest, I haven't noticed the difference in the toe at all in terms of both shooting and puck handling. I have an Easton with the getzlaf curve, and that I did notice. It'd be hard not too, as the thing is like a three inch scraper at the end of your stick.

However, as with most things in life, LeVar Burton was right and you shouldn't take my word for it. Ultimately you'll need to try it out and decide for yourself.

In terms of the tape issue, it's entirely normal for my tape (I use renfrew white, wide), on any stick, after 1.5hrs, to be beat up and especially for it to be torn up along the bottom. Lets face it, after ten minutes, that smooth sheet of ice isn't so smooth. I'm not sure any tape or blade combo could withstand that sort of friction. I know that some people will put a line of tape along the bottom of the blade before doing the regular tape job, I suppose to prolong the life of the tape on the bottom of the blade, but honestly, that's not for me. I do however do that to the toe of my blade for a bit of extra (placebo?) protection.

What I find is happening on the smooth reebok blade is that once the tape is cut up a little (again, that's going to happen no matter what in hockey) the tape moves around way more then on other blades I have. Not the end of the world, but still annoying.

[Mattc555 22]

I got back into playing hockey last year after a ten year hiatus. I needed a new stick and went cheap with an EQ30. I didn't really like it, so I upgraded to a Warrior AK. I loved that stick until it broke recently. I replaced that with a TotalOne LE closeout from HM. WOW, this stick is amazing. Lighter, more feel, harder shots, etc. Everything is better with this twig. I mean, I still suck, but the world is a better place with the TO in my hands.

[smcgreg 81]

I got back into playing hockey last year after a ten year hiatus. I needed a new stick and went cheap with an EQ30. I didn't really like it, so I upgraded to a Warrior AK. I loved that stick until it broke recently. I replaced that with a TotalOne LE closeout from HM. WOW, this stick is amazing. Lighter, more feel, harder shots, etc. Everything is better with this twig. I mean, I still suck, but the world is a better place with the TO in my hands.

Similar here. 20 years off though. Talk about shaking off some rust.

Never had anything other than a wood stick, so no frame of reference for the new ones, even if it hadn't been 20 yr. So, I started with an EQ40, then EQ50, then TO LE as well. Probably the same close out. Wow.... what a difference! The TO made all aspects of my stick play better. The EQs are really blade heavy, so, not sure how the TO compares to lower sticks in the supreme line. The TO was light years better than the EQ50 though.

But... because I don't have a slap shot to save my life, I wondered how a low kick stick would play, so, just picked up a Warrior Widow. Holy crap... even better than the T-1 in my opinion as limited as the recent experience may be. Now I'm tempted to pick up a DT1.