Stick Flex!

[syinx 139]

So I'm 130 pounds, 5' 7", scrawny and Asian. I can flex an Intermediate TotalOne NXG stick just fine, but had to cut it down 4 inches, giving the originally 67 flex stick an 80 flex. I've found it to be ridiculously difficult when it comes to it, but have been finding it hard to really pick a new stick that would give me the flex I need. I'm getting damned near no flex on my shots at all now because of the stiffness.

I've been told that the Nexus is "softer" than an equivalent flex TotalOne would be, and might consider trying out a 60 Flex stick (chopped down to 70). With a preference to Mid-kicks, do I have any other options out there? I also heard that some people have suggested buying a flex lower than you're able to flex just to get used to the whipping motion of the stick, especially for someone who's just started Ice Hockey. (Used to play ball hockey prior to this, flex mattered less back then).

I wish I could just get a stick exactly the length I need at 67 flex.

[AIREAYE 248]

Sounds like a 60 flex Nexus cut down might work, Warrior also offers 55 flex intermediates, so the AX1 or AX2 sounds like it could work for you.

[bradd94 5]

I think at your height the Warrior 55 flex would not work for you, since you said you had to cut 4 inches off of an Intermediate (usually 57 inches) stick. Warrior makes these sticks in 60' although there is a flex free cut zone.

Miken Hockey used to make sticks exactly at certain flex points for different heights, but I believe they went out of business. If you take more wrist shots than slap shots, I would recommend actually using a low-kick stick. It will feel harder to flex, but you will be actually flexing it more than a mid-kick if you take mostly wrist shots and have your hand higher up the shaft. You could also go with sticks that offer dual flex points such as the CCM RBZ.

The high end models (Bauer APX, etc.) of sticks will offer a 60 flex in an Intermediate. This is probably your best bet. I'm 5'8 and cut my sticks down to a 74. I cut my sticks much shorter than some players (who will cut at exactly their chin on skates or higher) so keep this in mind. You can have a stick cut at your chin but it could effect puckhandling. If you decide this is the route to go, you will usually only need to cut 2/3 inches off making the flex much whippier.

[Larry54 243]

You're in Vancouver right next to BASE Hockey's Headquarters in Burnaby? Contact them and go down there to try their intermediate 65, 55, and 45 flex sticks. I use a 55 Flex SuperNatural cut down 3 inches (to around 65 flex) and I love it!

[syinx 139]

Low-kick sticks never worked well for me. It felt unnatural to me, even when I mostly took wristers, and low-flex sticks feel like they offer me less control. I was toying with a friend's Apex at the same flex, length and curve (P88) and I just preferred the TotalOne's mid flex.

I've considered BASE sticks before. The biggest issue here is I don't play enough hockey to warrant the custom stick. Furthermore, if I do end up getting a high-end stick, it's with a gift card from the 'rents at The Hockey Shop in Surrey.

[Larry54 243]

Low-kick sticks never worked well for me. It felt unnatural to me, even when I mostly took wristers, and low-flex sticks feel like they offer me less control. I was toying with a friend's Apex at the same flex, length and curve (P88) and I just preferred the TotalOne's mid flex.

I've considered BASE sticks before. The biggest issue here is I don't play enough hockey to warrant the custom stick. Furthermore, if I do end up getting a high-end stick, it's with a gift card from the 'rents at The Hockey Shop in Surrey.

But you said you had a TotalOne NXG which is way more expensive than a BASE stick, isn't it? The whole idea of BASE Hockey is to provide custom sticks at an affordable price.

[A2rhino 77]

if I do end up getting a high-end stick, it's with a gift card from the 'rents at The Hockey Shop in Surrey.

Oh how I miss those Surrey girls. Am I right or what? LOL!

[syinx 139]

I apologize for the confusion. I meant that I haven't played enough Ice Hockey to really know my shot. I'm unsure about the quality of my technique, and I thought the fact I'm asking these questions made that obvious. Prior to the TotalOne, I have been using mid-to-low-end sticks, such as the One.6. The TotalOne NXG was a gift. I don't mean to dismiss your suggestion, it's perfectly valid.

I was quoted about 230 CAD over the phone when I called a month ago (140 Stick, 15 customization, 75 consultation fee) for a single stick (it gets cheaper as you increase your volume) which is about the same price as what I'm able to get intermediate high-end sticks for. Considering the price I'd have to dish out for a stick that would be tailored to a shot I'm not even sure is of the correct technique. But for a guy who's still getting to grips with his shots here, I'd like to really develop my shot before going down the custom route. I'm looking to get a retail stick because I currently have the resources to get a high-end one without dishing out cash.

[Amiroo39 121]

Oh how I miss those Surrey girls. Am I right or what? LOL!

hahahahaha briiliant. The dirtiest of them all.

My suggestion would be to get a stick that loads easily, trying finding Widows on clearance prices, a 75flex might just do the trick. keep in mind that it is a low kick point stick.

[Larry54 243]

I apologize for the confusion. I meant that I haven't played enough Ice Hockey to really know my shot. I'm unsure about the quality of my technique, and I thought the fact I'm asking these questions made that obvious. Prior to the TotalOne, I have been using mid-to-low-end sticks, such as the One.6. The TotalOne NXG was a gift. I don't mean to dismiss your suggestion, it's perfectly valid.

I was quoted about 230 CAD over the phone when I called a month ago (140 Stick, 15 customization, 75 consultation fee) for a single stick (it gets cheaper as you increase your volume) which is about the same price as what I'm able to get intermediate high-end sticks for. Considering the price I'd have to dish out for a stick that would be tailored to a shot I'm not even sure is of the correct technique. But for a guy who's still getting to grips with his shots here, I'd like to really develop my shot before going down the custom route. I'm looking to get a retail stick because I currently have the resources to get a high-end one without dishing out cash.

Consultation fee? I may be mistaken, but I think you can try out different sticks without going through the consultation. That's how it was at their performance center in Montreal, anyway. It's now $160 CAD for the customized inter Savoy Special with discounts for higher quantities.

[bradd94 5]

Yeah that's a rip off, especially for a stick manufacturer that is no where close to the top brands.

If you're looking for actual sticks, I would try any of the Easton Stealths or CCM RBZ. Like I said, I don't think Warrior would do you any justice.

[Larry54 243]

Yeah that's a rip off, especially for a stick manufacturer that is no where close to the top brands.

If you're looking for actual sticks, I would try any of the Easton Stealths or CCM RBZ. Like I said, I don't think Warrior would do you any justice.

In what way are they nowhere close to top brands. In marketing and sponsorship, and exposure? I would agree with you there. But as far as quality is concerned, have you tried any of them? It doesn't sound like you have. I've used them, and their performance and durability are comparable to the big-brand top sticks that some are brain-washed to idolize, but at a lower price and customized to your needs.

[bradd94 5]

In what way are they nowhere close to top brands. In marketing and sponsorship, and exposure? I would agree with you there. But as far as quality is concerned, have you tried any of them? It doesn't sound like you have. I've used them, and their performance and durability are comparable to the big-brand top sticks that some are brain-washed to idolize, but at a lower price and customized to your needs.

Oh I believe you they are good. Not really concerned about performance, more concerned about durability. I'd have to see more than several people recommend them based on durability and not just performance alone. Brands such as Miken and Graf for hockey sticks feel like wet paper to me, zero durability but great pop at first. I don't like to handicap either. The Stealths have amazing pop in them with a lower price tag (old RS) and higher availability.

Brands like Eleven Hockey and Miken sell their sticks for cheap or no one would buy them, unless you've got $200 laying around.

[Larry54 243]

Oh I believe you they are good. Not really concerned about performance, more concerned about durability. I'd have to see more than several people recommend them based on durability and not just performance alone. Brands such as Miken and Graf for hockey sticks feel like wet paper to me, zero durability but great pop at first. I don't like to handicap either. The Stealths have amazing pop in them with a lower price tag (old RS) and higher availability.

Brands like Eleven Hockey and Miken sell their sticks for cheap or no one would buy them, unless you've got $200 laying around.

So you say they are a rip-off but you've never used one. O-O-O-OK.

[bradd94 5]

So you say they are a rip-off but you've never used one. O-O-O-OK.

I can say I'm a big "if" on sticks by Miken and Graf because I've heard more than a few not so good things about the durability. I have barely heard anything about BASE durability, so I really can't form an opinion especially for $250. That's over a day's worth of paycheck, no way bud.

If I spend a good deal on equipment, I only use brands that have some history of success. I don't have money laying around, especially that much, to spend on something that risky.

I don't recommend it.

[Chadd 916]

I can say I'm a big "if" on sticks by Miken and Graf because I've heard more than a few not so good things about the durability. I have barely heard anything about BASE durability, so I really can't form an opinion especially for $250. That's over a day's worth of paycheck, no way bud.

If I spend a good deal on equipment, I only use brands that have some history of success. I don't have money laying around, especially that much, to spend on something that risky.

I don't recommend it.

Most of the people complaining about durability from second tier brands have never used those sticks but have no problems replacing sticks from the top manufacturers pretty frequently.

[AIREAYE 248]

I think at your height the Warrior 55 flex would not work for you, since you said you had to cut 4 inches off of an Intermediate (usually 57 inches) stick. Warrior makes these sticks in 60' although there is a flex free cut zone.

That's the point. The 55 flex Dynasty should feel whippier than a 60 flex APX for example. He likes mid-kick sticks too. The AX3 makes 55 flex in 57", which, given his skill level, is a nice comfortable pricepoint to be at.

So on the contrary, I think Warrior could be a good option for you.

[syinx 139]

Thanks for the input. I'm heading into the shop to try out the Nexus, the AX sticks as well as the Easton RS (for comparison's sake). Will report back soon!

[steelnation248 102]

I can say I'm a big "if" on sticks by Miken and Graf because I've heard more than a few not so good things about the durability. I have barely heard anything about BASE durability, so I really can't form an opinion especially for $250. That's over a day's worth of paycheck, no way bud.

If I spend a good deal on equipment, I only use brands that have some history of success. I don't have money laying around, especially that much, to spend on something that risky.

I don't recommend it.

Maybe you shouldn't comment on it then because you just admitted that you know nothing about them. All you're doing is spreading a negative word about something you haven't used or heard about. Maybe leave it for the people who have used them and aren't guessing.

[Amiroo39 121]

Yeah that's a rip off, especially for a stick manufacturer that is no where close to the top brands.

If you're looking for actual sticks, I would try any of the Easton Stealths or CCM RBZ. Like I said, I don't think Warrior would do you any justice.

Care to give us your expertise with regards to why Warrior is such an inferior brand? I'm dying to know.

Fun fact of the day: Miken 'was' Made in USA where as Stealths, RBZ, Bauers are Made In...you guessed it.

[Larry54 243]

I can say I'm a big "if" on sticks by Miken and Graf because I've heard more than a few not so good things about the durability. I have barely heard anything about BASE durability, so I really can't form an opinion especially for $250. That's over a day's worth of paycheck, no way bud.

If I spend a good deal on equipment, I only use brands that have some history of success. I don't have money laying around, especially that much, to spend on something that risky.

I don't recommend it.

I don't know where you got the $250 figure especially after I wrote in post #10 that the Savoy Special Inter stick is $160.

[jimmy 194]

In what way are they nowhere close to top brands. In marketing and sponsorship, and exposure? I would agree with you there. But as far as quality is concerned, have you tried any of them? It doesn't sound like you have. I've used them, and their performance and durability are comparable to the big-brand top sticks that some are brain-washed to idolize, but at a lower price and customized to your needs.

Yup brainwashing for sure. The dolts will keep on buying the sticks even after they break and break and break. Yup, they got their Popular chinese made stick and nothing else matters.

[bradd94 5]

I apologize for the confusion. I meant that I haven't played enough Ice Hockey to really know my shot. I'm unsure about the quality of my technique, and I thought the fact I'm asking these questions made that obvious. Prior to the TotalOne, I have been using mid-to-low-end sticks, such as the One.6. The TotalOne NXG was a gift. I don't mean to dismiss your suggestion, it's perfectly valid.

I was quoted about 230 CAD over the phone when I called a month ago (140 Stick, 15 customization, 75 consultation fee) for a single stick (it gets cheaper as you increase your volume) which is about the same price as what I'm able to get intermediate high-end sticks for. Considering the price I'd have to dish out for a stick that would be tailored to a shot I'm not even sure is of the correct technique. But for a guy who's still getting to grips with his shots here, I'd like to really develop my shot before going down the custom route. I'm looking to get a retail stick because I currently have the resources to get a high-end one without dishing out cash.

This is where I got 250 from ^^

Don't know why you'd $200+ on something that most people in hockey circles have never used nevertheless heard of. I'm not knocking the brand, I'm knocking the idea of going the custom route when like he said, he doesn't even know what he wants out of a stick.

Care to give us your expertise with regards to why Warrior is such an inferior brand? I'm dying to know.

Fun fact of the day: Miken 'was' Made in USA where as Stealths, RBZ, Bauers are Made In...you guessed it.

WOW people here love to parse words. Read the thread, I said it wouldn't work for him due to the length. Context. I'd rather buy USA made but that's not going to stop me from buying any of the top brands. Totally irrelevant. I'm not even going to respond to the other comment on why I'm a "dolt" for buying brands. You guys do know that it takes years and years to master composite stick production, right? Unless it's cheap I would never buy a brand I know literally nothing about.

I think at your height the Warrior 55 flex would not work for you, since you said you had to cut 4 inches off of an Intermediate (usually 57 inches) stick. Warrior makes these sticks in 60' although there is a flex free cut zone.

This was my comment on why Warrior wouldn't be an ideal choice. It could very well be a similar flex cut down, but I think any of the CCM RBZ or Easton Stealth will feel much whippier.

[Xero117 7]

My build is similar to yours (TC) except the height: asian 5'3" ~120lbs.

I use a 55 flex dt1 cut down to about 52-53" (took about 7-8" off since it starts at 60") and it feels ~70 flex when flexing it off ice but plays like a 60-65 flex on ice. It's really easy to load and you can feel it really kick without putting much effort into the shot. I know you said you had a preference to mid-kick sticks but do try out a warrior covert dt1 if you can if not a 60 flex total one (non NXG) or a 60 flex nexus.

IMO the NXG feels much stiffer than the original totalone so looking into a 60 flex totalone would be a good idea as they're on clearance now.

I can barely flex intermediate RS, RS2, RBZ and RBK sticks when I place my hands where it would be if I were to cut it down but it might be different for you. But I can flex a 67 flex total one cut down 4-5" although a 60 flex total one would probably suit me a lot better as it does take some effort for me to flex my current total one.

[Larry54 243]

This is where I got 250 from ^^

Don't know why you'd $200+ on something that most people in hockey circles have never used nevertheless heard of. I'm not knocking the brand, I'm knocking the idea of going the custom route when like he said, he doesn't even know what he wants out of a stick.

WOW people here love to parse words. Read the thread, I said it wouldn't work for him due to the length. Context. I'd rather buy USA made but that's not going to stop me from buying any of the top brands. Totally irrelevant. I'm not even going to respond to the other comment on why I'm a "dolt" for buying brands. You guys do know that it takes years and years to master composite stick production, right? Unless it's cheap I would never buy a brand I know literally nothing about.

This was my comment on why Warrior wouldn't be an ideal choice. It could very well be a similar flex cut down, but I think any of the CCM RBZ or Easton Stealth will feel much whippier.

This is getting pretty pathetic the way you're selecting posts to "prove" your point, even in responding to post #21 in which I repeated what I wrote in post #10 that a fully customized BASE Savoy Special is $160, not $200+.

And if, as you say, the OP "doesn't even know what he wants" from a custom stick, how is he better off paying more for a comparable big-name top-of-the-line stick. Why would he know any better what to choose from the limited choices that they offer. At least he could choose a less expensive BASE stick of identical specs but at the lower flex that he requires which the major brands don't even offer?

And if you "literally know nothing" about a brand, maybe you could just... inform yourself... rather than misinforming others? One of the founders of BASE hockey is Ron Kunisaki who founded Innovative Hockey which he sold to Warrior Hockey, so he's obviously building on years of proven technology. So now you don't "literally know nothing" about them, anymore.