Adults using intermediate sticks?

[Wolfpack_1986 154]

I'm a grown ass man and I use intermediate. But I'm tiny. Fun sized, even.

At any rate, my sticks are intermediates, and I cut a good amount off still. I used senior 75s for a while because I liked the shaft dimensions better, but ultimately made the switch when I found intermediates with low blade torque.

[gxc999 7]

Meh, use what you feel comfortable with. Everyone is different size/strength wise but there's also a wide variety in terms of technique and preference. Personally, I HATE to have my sticks flex on normal passes. It feels off, so I generally prefer something slightly stiffer. If you like that whippy feeling, go for it. Who cares what the stick is labeled, ya know?

[bunnyman666 445]

I played hockey when there weren't flex ratings and the like on sticks. Back in the old days, you bought a stick, cut it down, play with the curve if you must, then tape it. Some sticks had a few layers of fibreglass or graphite laminated to make them a bit stiffer, but that was extent. First it was wood, then it was aluminium with wooden blades. I have been twenty-plus years removed from the game. That being said, twenty years of advancement and twenty years of regression (on my part) has happened. The big thing I have discovered is how engineered the sticks have become.

I wish I would have known about this forum before making my initial purchases. I could have saved myself some hassle and a bit of money. I do thoroughly understand composites (as I used to build bike frames and parts from carbon fibre) and now see how composites play a fair bit differently than what I grew up with. The way the game is played has changed as a result of the engineered sticks. Now that I am understanding how flex works, I have come to the conclusion that I need a not very stiff stick.

I am going to try an Easton Stealth 75S with a 65 flex, along with my Montreal stick. I am going cheap (i.e. discontinued models) so I can try as many as possible. My game will improve and the stiffer sticks could end up being used later. Or, I could sell them.

Thanks for the suggestions and observations. Keep them coming, please.

[minnsy 15]

I am going to try an Easton Stealth 75S with a 65 flex, along with my Montreal stick. I am going cheap (i.e. discontinued models) so I can try as many as possible. My game will improve and the stiffer sticks could end up being used later. Or, I could sell them.

A few guys on my beer league team use the 75S, and for the price, it's a darn good stick they say. Their opinion on the matter is that Easton (and many other companies) mid-level sticks retain most of the feel and usability of the highest level stick in their line, with the primary difference being weight.

But who wants to spend an extra $100 on 50 grams?

[Neo5370 132]

But who wants to spend an extra $100 on 50 grams?

Shaggy and Scooby.

[minnsy 15]

Shaggy and Scooby.

...well played.

[bunnyman666 445]

Shaggy and Scooby.

Ding!!!!

[Stewie 721]

this thread officially has a winner, lock please ! lol

[osicks 6]

One more...

FWIW, before the Leafs game tonight, Aaron Ward was analyzing one of Phil Kessel's goals. He said he uses an intermediate stick. Can anyone confirm?

[Seano 4]

I cant confirm, but i hear that Kessel uses an intermedite sized stick with an 85flex pattern is similar to the PM9. There are few of his prostock sticks on prostockhockeygear.com now but it doesn't say if it is an intermediate or senior size.

[bunnyman666 445]

I had bought a Reebok 23K in an 85 flex (w/6" cut off) and it was a weird ride. Flexy, but not to where I could flex the blade for my benefit. Just felt not quite there. I know it is a low, low end stick... The Montreal shafts seem to do well for me. I do have that Easton coming I had mentioned earlier in the thread that may or may not be the magic bullet.

But let's face it- my slap shot could be stopped by a small kitten. It's my flips, wrist, and snap shots that screw up the goalie. I can get a seemingly innocuous flip shot ramped over a novice goalie's blocker. There is no fear for my slapper...

[bunnyman666 445]

Well, it is confirmed that intermediate is the way for me to fly. While I am still not flexing the stick, it feels millions times better. The Iginla curve is my new favourite curve. I liked the Thornton, but this one feels better. Maybe it is just that now I have the correct flex...