Warrior Covert DT2

[steelnation248 101]

Warrior Covert DT2
Flex: 85
Curve: W88 Zetterberg

Height: 5'10"
Weight: 220
Postition: RW/C

Time-frame of use: About 2.5 months as my main stick, currently splitting time with another.

Aesthetics: I like that Warrior has cut down on the bright colored, crazy artwork, and random pictures that they use to put out on their sticks. I am a fan of how the Covert line keeps the same graphic package but uses different colors to differentiate between the specific model. Although, I will say that I really don't like the giant W on the back heel of the blade. It got spray painted black as soon as I got the stick.

Weight and Balance: Even though this isn't the top of the Covert line, I still feel the stick is very light considering it's around $50-$60 cheaper than the other top of the line sticks out there. The stick feels slightly blade heavy when holding it at home, but everyone feels it differently. I haven't owned a DT1 to compare it directly to so I can't comment on that directly. The blade/shaft combo opposed to the true one piece design might have a slight effect in either category, but I don't think a difference would be noticeable during game play. (8.5/10)

Blade + Stickhandling and Passing: The blade on this stick is very stiff. I am a fan of the more pingy type of blades out there. It seems like I can feel everything on the blade but in a different, and personally preferred way, then with the softer "wood imitating" blades out there. I have no problem stickhandling with the blade. The liveliness helps me know the location of the puck on blade. Passes are very accurate as well. The stiffness of the blade helps to ensure that the puck ends up where I want it to go. (10/10)

Shaft/Flex + Shooting: I am a big fan of the shaft on this stick. It is very well rounded, which is what I prefer. The texture of the diamond grip is also another preferred feature I look for in sticks. I feel as though the stick fits well in my hand and stays put with the addition of the grip. I do think these sticks play a little whippier than rated. I believe this has to do with how the flex of the newer Warrior sticks are measured. I was nervous about having to cut off about 5" off this stick since they 3" longer than most retail models. However, I was happily surprised that the stick stayed whippy and plays a softer than I expected

I am a very big fan the dagger taper. I seem to always like very low kick sticks and this was right up my alley. I don't try to power though every shot, instead I pick a flex that allows me to shoot quickly but still get a nice amount of flex in it. The taper on the Covert line really allowed me to do that. I am able to shoot hard without requiring a big windup. The stick snaps back quickly after loading and always me to get off hard, accurate shots. I don't notice the blade torquing even though the taper is so thin where the shaft and blade meet. However, It's not my all time favorite shooting stick when all is said and done but it's definitely up there. I really do like how this stick loads up and shoots. (9.5/10)

Durability: This stick has been a tank for me. It has taken a beating a held up extremely well for me. A lot of people have reported problems with Warrior's blades in the past but I have never experienced any, especially with the DT2. The blade is still very stiff with no chips or cracks. The shaft has also help up remarkably well. I've taken many decent hacks without any cracking, chipping, or gouging. I usually expect some viable damage of some kind, but I haven't been able to find anything worth reporting. It's quite surprising even to me! (10/10)

Conclusion: I really like this stick. I keep finding myself going back to it even over some other higher price point sticks. I originally bought it thinking that I might move up to the DT1 if all goes well and it gives out eventually. However, I haven't noticed anything that has made me want to ditch this stick and upgrade. I feel as though Warrior really has something nice in their dagger taper technology and I will definitely keep an eye out for current and future products offering it! (9.5/10)