RBZ vs. RBZ 60 (and new member intro)

[Surly D 2]

Hi Everyone,

I haven't purchased a new stick in 8-10 years. I recently broke my Easton Synergy (silver). Now I'm down to my backup stick, a Mission M-1. The Mission is not bad, but it is quite heavy compared to my old Easton and no longer suits my preferences for a primary stick.

I tried out the new CCM RBZ stick at my local hockey shop. They have a net, pucks, and a bunch of sticks you can try before you buy. It's cool to be able to shoot with a stick before buying. It gives you a much better idea of what it will feel like on the ice, rather than just flexing it on the ground next to the stick rack.

Anyway, the RBZ is a tad out of my price range at $250. I paid $100ish for both of my previous sticks and I'd like my new one to be under $150. I skate no more than 3 times a week, and usually only once a week.

I see CCM makes the RBZ 60 for $120. Has anyone tried both? The RBZ 60 isn't available for testing at the shop like the RBZ is. I'm wondering if a beer leaguer like myself will be majorly disappointed with the 60, all things considered.

Background on me (sorry, I didn't see an introduction thread):

I am 31 years old living in Southern California. I started playing roller hockey with neighbors on my street when I was about 7 or 8 years old. The following year, Gretzky came to L.A. and hockey really took off in SoCal.

I played in various in-house leagues for 3 or 4 years before joining the local travel league (bantam level). I really liked the competitiveness and the travel, but as a moody, rebellious teenager, I hated the frequent and often last-minute practices and games. Due to interference with my social life, I quit hockey altogether at age 15. Sometimes I look back and really regret that decision.

Fast forward a few years to my early 20s and I started taking an interest in hockey again. Around 2002 I bought all new gear and started playing sticktime and pickup games. I did that for several years, but college and eventually my work schedule conflicted with my ability to get on the ice. My gear sat on the shelves for a few years after that.

Several months ago I started back up with sticktime. I'm going to try pickup games as soon as I feel my skills are no longer super rusty.

I found MSH because I was researching gear to see how old and obsolete my stuff is. It's nice to see a group of hockey players from all experience levels discussing the game.

I look forward to "hanging out" here and participating in the discussion.

[bolt91 31]

The only difference between the RBZ and the RBZ60 is the blade. The RBZ has channels while the 60 has foam like regular sticks. Not a ton of difference. Go with the RBZ60.

And welcome to MSH!

[Surly D 2]

The only difference between the RBZ and the RBZ60 is the blade. The RBZ has channels while the 60 has foam like regular sticks. Not a ton of difference. Go with the RBZ60.

And welcome to MSH!

Thanks! I read that the RBZ60 is a few grams heavier than the RBZ, but I couldn't tell the difference holding the two in the store. Going to try out the 60. Just wanted some reassurance. Thanks for the reply.

[jbatafuco 6]

I would search around for deals. There are better options at that price point.

[bolt91 31]

Thanks! I read that the RBZ60 is a few grams heavier than the RBZ, but I couldn't tell the difference holding the two in the store. Going to try out the 60. Just wanted some reassurance. Thanks for the reply.

The RBZ60 is a few grams heavier. You honestly won't notice on the ice though.

[AIREAYE 248]

Really now? The RBZ is the top end flagship stick while the RBZ60 is the mid-price point model. The 60 is definitely built to lower spec and is thus heavier by considerably more than a few grams. Very likely that you will notice the difference in weight and balance.

RBZ : 454g http://www.totalhockey.com/product/RBZ_Grip_Composite_Stick/itm/10246-41/?mtx_id=0

RBZ60: 499g http://www.totalhockey.com/product/RBZ_60_Grip_Composite_Stick/itm/11292-41/?mtx_id=0

[bolt91 31]

Depends on how much you're willing to pay for 45 grams. I wouldn't pay $130 for 45 grams.

[Surly D 2]

Depends on how much you're willing to pay for 45 grams. I wouldn't pay $130 for 45 grams.

Nor would I. I don't get paid enough for playing hockey to justify buying a $250 stick.

I would search around for deals. There are better options at that price point.

I'm not set on the RBZ60. I'm still trying other sticks. I really liked the release with the RBZ but I can't justify $250 when I only skate once or twice a week.

I've read great reviews on the Bauer Total One, but those don't seem to be widely available anymore.

[TeamHonda401 54]

If you can find a Reebok 9k or 11k in your curve and flex it might be worth a look. I've gotten two 9k's and an 11k for roughly $250 us dollars due to 20% off sales on icewarehouse and hockeymonkey. They hold up quite well and perform on par with most other brands top of the line offerings.

[bolt91 31]

Nor would I. I don't get paid enough for playing hockey to justify buying a $250 stick.

I'm not set on the RBZ60. I'm still trying other sticks. I really liked the release with the RBZ but I can't justify $250 when I only skate once or twice a week.

I've read great reviews on the Bauer Total One, but those don't seem to be widely available anymore.

Clearance sticks are your best bet. You can get top end sticks for pretty cheap. I've heard good things about the RBZ60.

[Tyler Roy 86]

RBZ 450 grams vs RBZ60 490 grams

RBZ FUSE vs RBZ60 SPEAR

Same flex profile and kick point

RBZ Speedblade with speed channels vs RBZ60 X-stiff with foam core

Both grip

Landerskog curve not on RBZ60*

Weight is just rounded* Just keep them even.

[AIREAYE 248]

Depends on how much you're willing to pay for 45 grams. I wouldn't pay $130 for 45 grams.

That's a completely other case and argument. You can't go around telling people they won't notice a 40-45g difference just because you do not deem it worth the extra money. It's mixing a subjective and (incorrect) objective statement together!

[Stewie 721]

I second the 11k clearance. They perform really well and are built to last I have found. You might want to flex down 10 points or so as they tend to run a little stiffer.

[Buzz_LightBeer 974]

I think spending >$200 for a fused stick is a bit silly. That being said, I feel RBZ60 is probably the best value on the market today.

[bolt91 31]

That's a completely other case and argument. You can't go around telling people they won't notice a 40-45g difference just because you do not deem it worth the extra money. It's mixing a subjective and (incorrect) objective statement together!

No need to get all worked up. I was just stating that it's minimal compared to the price difference of the two.

[Tyler Roy 86]

Its not just the weight....its the balance. I have used a TRON stick that weights 420 grams but is so bottom heavy it feels like it weights 500 grams. Elite level sticks are balanced better than mid or entry level sticks. If you think about it, 50 grams is only the weight of an apple or 10 nickles. That doesnt weigh much but you can notice it if its not balanced correctly. I think the RBZ60 is a great stick for the money but I can tell you that 45 grams can mean a lot when it comes down to it.

"Depends on how much you're willing to pay for 45 grams. I wouldn't pay $130 for 45 grams."

[Xero117 7]

Could give the warrior covert series a try as they are all true1 piece construction.

Here's Miseaujeu's breakdown of each stick in the covert line:

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/61415-warrior-covert-stick-lineup/?p=934741

[Surly D 2]

I'm looking at pro stock and clearance sticks now and there seem to be some great buys available. I'll have to go back to Hockey Monkey and try out some of the clearance/pro stock available sticks to see which one I like best.

In the past, I have broken all of my 1-piece composite sticks, but never within the first 30 days. No warranty on pro stock sticks isn't much of an issue for me considering how much money I can save on some elite level sticks.

Thanks everyone for weighing in.

[Stewie 721]

as to your original question, i did feel around with the RBZ and 60 in a store one day, and in the little time i noticed, it seemed like they were both pretty good sticks in terms of my feel. I did however notice the weight difference, but it wasnt like the 60 felt like a tree trunk or anything.

[icewalker_bg 126]

I would get a previous year on liquidation just for the weight, I have been trying to use an easton st but the the thing just feels heavy at 490grams compared to verything else I have been trying lately. I find it hard to stickhandle with a heavy stick (heavy for me is 480grams+).

[gxc999 7]

The RBK 9k stick is very nice, a real insane deal at that price point.

[splitbtw 2]

Add another vote for clearance sticks. You can get a top of the line stick at your price point and get the best of both worlds. Pro stock would be another option, but you have to know what you want and do your research.

[capthockey 1]

Well if your lucky the RBZ may be on clearance soon, when the new RBZ stage2 hit the market;)

[Surly D 2]

Add another vote for clearance sticks. You can get a top of the line stick at your price point and get the best of both worlds. Pro stock would be another option, but you have to know what you want and do your research.

I have never purchased pro stock gear before. As far as pro stock sticks are concerned, is there research above and beyond what I would normally look into when buying a retail stick?

I am pretty pleased with the price of pro stock 9k's and 11k's. I can get either stick in a flex and curve I would like. However, I have read reviews that some of the Reebok sticks are heavy, and blade heavy in particular.

Guess I'll need to find one to test before I buy.

[bolt91 31]

I have never purchased pro stock gear before. As far as pro stock sticks are concerned, is there research above and beyond what I would normally look into when buying a retail stick?

I am pretty pleased with the price of pro stock 9k's and 11k's. I can get either stick in a flex and curve I would like. However, I have read reviews that some of the Reebok sticks are heavy, and blade heavy in particular.

Guess I'll need to find one to test before I buy.

In my experience, Reebok sticks are blade heavy. Definitely try one out.