Stick Transition

[tburns517 3]

So I was able to use my new Reebok RibCor (Datsyuk 85 flex) for the first time the other day, coming from a Warrior Vandal (Draper 85 Flex). The weight difference was significant enough to make me underestimate my shots, passing, accuracy, ect. The stick is so light to me that I feel like I am going to break it off a slapshot. The Datsyuk curve is said to be a lie of 6, and the Draper curve is said to be a lie of 5 (reference: Total Hockey), although I know that there is no standard when it comes to what companies consider certain lie of a stick. In fact, I held the two sticks together and each lie seemed similar. I thought the lie and weight were the two main factors making it difficult for me to adjust to the RibCor, however, I need to give it more time. I really like the stick, but I was just curious if you guys had the same type of difficulties using a new stick, and how long it took you to adjust to the differences. Also, I'd like to hear other experiences with the RibCor if you have had any, or if you have broken one, ect.

[sickwilly 37]

In the past, I've gone between the Datsyuk (occasional use) and Draper patterns. It generally took me 2-3 skates to feel truly comfortable with the different pattern. I think you'll be all set if you give it a little more time.

[B1scu1t 15]

I'm just back into playing after 12 years off. The first stick I picked up was a Sherwood EK5 (because it was cheap) in a P77 Coffey pattern (because I used it in the past). I spent 3 weeks thinking it was going to take a while to get my shot back. Last week I pony'd up the money and moved into a Sherwood EK15 in the P92 Trouba pattern. It has a little bit of a twist to the blade that the Coffey doesn't have. Major difference! Same flex, but wow, did my shots ever get stronger. The weight of the stick is almost non existent. Stick handling became much better I think because of how light the stick is. But I couldn't control my shot. I tried to go top corner and nearly knocked the goalie out (puck right to his chin). I spent the next hour practicing everything (stick handling, wrist, snap and slap shots).

The next night I had my first game and took as many warm up shots as I could and I felt like I had better control. While I missed an open net and we got shut out as a team, I felt like I was where I needed to be. I think it takes a bit to get used to a different stick. I think you just keep practicing and eventually it's just there. That's how it's happening for me after a long time off.

[IDontPretendImGoodAtHockey 2]

I managed to score a Reebok 11K on clearance for $70. It's an 85 flex, Duchene pattern - P42. Pretty significant transition for me as well. While I like a whippier stick (currently using a TPS R2 shaft in a "whip" flex), the pattern is far from what I'm used and I was actually surprised Duchene's curve is as straight as it is. I was a loyal Sakic pattern guy for most of my life, using a Coffey every now and then. I went to a Getzlaf last year and loved it, until I broke that stick. The Getzlaf E5/P5 pattern was a lot of fun to use, so we'll how things go this winter with a significantly more straight curve. I've also never used a Reebok stick before so I have no idea how it'll feel compared to what I'm using now, and have used in the past (mainly Easton).

[z1ggy 81]

I moved from a Coffee, to a Sakic (Hall) to a Gionta, and now finally a Yakupov (E28). The lies were all fairly similar and the curves didn't need me to adjust that much. Weight difference for me is usually the opposite as you have...I have a much harder time adjusting to a stick being heavier than lighter. I went from a EQ30 (total brick) to a Warrior Diablo (a feather compared to EQ30) and it was great. I broke my Diablo and switched back to my EQ one game and I felt like my hands were buried in sand. Everything just felt slower.

[tburns517 3]

Played my first game with it last night (second use) and I am starting to get a better feel for it. My shots are definitely harder but my accuracy is a little off. I feel that would be the case for me as well, z1ggy. I already feel I won't be able to transition back to my old stick, considering the weight difference.

[ericcg82 2]

I HATE going to a new stick, so usually when I find one I like, before they get all discontinued I stock up. I prefer tapered 2 piece sticks over the one piece, currently using SE16 grip but wish I still have some Synthesis grip left. You will get used to it, just takes some time.

[bspec 1]

My main stick is a Ribcor and I have to say, I love it. The grip, balance and kick point all feel great to me, and yes it's a very light stick! I picked up an APX2 a few months after using the Ribcor and I just couldn't really get used to it. Same flex, same curve, just a different stick, but the APX2 has the dual kick as opposed to the low kick for the Ribcor. Plus the slight difference in balance and weight might throw it off too, as well as things like the composition of the blade which obviously effect the feel of the puck. Recently, I picked up a pro stock stick painted as a Ribcor, same flex and curve, and it feels amazing. First game I played it felt amazing. It's unusual for me to not have any 'growing pains' when it comes to new equipment, but not the case this time.

Like you and others have said, give it some time to get used to the stick. Once you get used to the weight you'll be snapping shots with ease ;) Oh, and I got my Ribcor in October last year and it's still holding up well!

[tburns517 3]

I was actually planning on getting another one when the price goes down. I'm assuming it will when the new Ribcor comes out.