Beginner stick question for puck handling and wristers.

[alex3 0]

(I am 6'2, 175lbs)

Hello!

I'm an intermediate player that plays as an offensive minded defenseman. I have only ever used a Winnwell GX8 ($80) http://www.totalhockey.com/product/GX8_Composite_Stick/itm/6029-41/?mtx_id=0

with the backstrom curve and 77 flex and the Bauer Nexus 600 ($110), 87 flex, with The Stamkos flex and 5 lie http://www.totalhockey.com/product/Nexus_600_Composite_Stick/itm/9104-41/?mtx_id=0

I got the Nexus 600 with the Stamkos flex because I noticed that my stick wasn't sitting flush on the ice with my winnwell. Once I cut down both sticks, they are both flush with the ice.

I've been using my winnwell as my primary since cutting it down because it is lighter, I can stick handle better and the blade helps me lift my shots. I can't lift my shots with the nexus (because of the blade?).

I'm looking for a new stick to grab with an emphasis on stick handling, wrist shots, snap shots and then slapshots last. Both of my sticks have been low to mid range and my team mates suggest going for a top end stick because they are really that much better. Most people recommend the Vapor APX ($250) and some the Easton RS Stealth (Clearance $150 but I can't find a right/77 flex/P3 on any site). Are those two sticks my best bet? I'm worried about the reviews saying the APX has low durability. On the other hand, I can't find the 2012 RS in the pattern I need. Should I consider the new RS II? Bauer will release their new APX in October, should I go with Easton until then? Does warrior have a comparable stick?

Thanks for the advice!

[beerleaguecaptain 1004]

All good sticks... just PP.

I liked the RS and haven't tried then RSII. I did bust an RS and I never break sticks - I have another tho that has lasted. My T-One's held up nicely.

I think you have to find a curve and lie you like and then rest is something you wont know till you get out on the ice - its a feel thing.

[bolt91 31]

Look for top end sticks on clearance. Warrior Dolomite and the Widow are great sticks.

[HockeyStop 7]

I second warrior. I own a dolomite w/ DD blade and a widow and they are my go to sticks. The widow is on clearance for 130 right now and is a great bang for yo bucks

[alex3 0]

Thanks for the advice! The only widow I can find that is 75 flex / Kopitar curve is on Totalhockey http://www.totalhockey.com/product/Widow_SE_Composite_Stick/itm/7185-41/?mtx_id=0

It looks like they have an extra 3" on the end. Is the flex affected by those 3" or will the flex only get higher once I cut it past 60" to about 57-58"?

[Souldriver 64]

with tbose warriors they only start upping the FEEL of the flex once you go past 5 inches..