Pro stock hockey

[bmess6 2]

Does anyone have any opinions on pro stock sticks? Any cons or any pros?

[mc88 160]

Pros:

-It has reportly (or allegedly) been made stronger/thicker (reinforced) to last longer

-Often cheaper since it's been previously used

-Could have been used by a pro sometime during their career

Neutral:

-Customized curves -- you'll see a lot varitations in the curve pattern descriptions, such as: Similar to a P88 Patrick Kane, Big mid curve, closed face (While the P88 Kane has a mid curve, the toe is actually slightly open, not closed)

-Made longer for certain players -- if you're tall, it's great, if you're small, not so (cutting down a 102 flex, for example... ehhh not so great if you're 5'8 160lbs)

Cons:

-Not sure about it's history -- used in a game or used in a practice? More abuse (use) in a game vs. in a practice

-Did it lose it's pop and become too whippy? The reflex broke down over time that's why it's been considered useless.

-Unkown lie pattern -- for me, I need a lie 6. Even if it's a lie 5.5, I feel like my back is going to break

-No warranty

Perosnally, I'd stay away. Too many unknowns and too many variations in the curve patterns that it'd make it a chore to use (majority of players learn off retail sticks patterns, so jumping to "similiar" curve pattern may throw off your entire game).

[JoshV 20]

Pros:

- Usually a top tier stick (These companies that issue pro stocks are not going to give out low end sticks to their players to use)(How many of us really need a stick that performs better than a pro's does?)

- Price

- Options that are not available in the retail market

- Can sometimes pick up a prototype (For example, we had/have RibCor pro stocks painted as 20K and Crazy Lights, much before we knew about the RibCor)

Cons:

- Don't always know what you are getting, without seeing in person

- No warranty

Personally, I love recommending pro stocks. I think they are a great deal.

Cons:

-Not sure about it's history -- used in a game or used in a practice? More abuse (use) in a game vs. in a practice

-Did it lose it's pop and become too whippy? The reflex broke down over time that's why it's been considered useless.

I believe mc88 was referring to pro stocks that you may see at a pro shop near a rink with a professional program.

There are plenty of brand new pro stocks/pro returns out there.

The pro stock market has expanded quite a lot in the past few years, making it much more available to everyday consumers and enthusiasts like us!

[iceman8310 108]

I prefer pro stock sticks over retail any day of the week. I use a pro stock kovy, zherdev, or kreps

[Chadd 916]

The only plus to me is if you can get a curve that you can't find at retail. The problem is that it's often hard to find them when you need them and jut because it has the same name doesn't mean that the curve is the same. A lot of guys use multiple curves or try out different things at different times. I really couldn't care less about the name on the stick or if it has different graphics. When the prices are well below normal retail, it's more attractive but not when prices are anywhere close to those of retail sticks.