Time for a new stick. Any hidden gems out there?

[alex3 0]

Hello!

I was wondering if anyone could share their recommendations for a new stick. Here's what I've used so far:

- Winwell GX8 (Backstrom, 75 flex): First stick ever. I didn't know it at the time but it was a really good stick in hindsight. It was only $80. I'm looking for something similar!

- Bauer Nexus 600 (Stamkos 85 flex): Did not click for me at all.

- Warrior Widow (Backie 75 flex): Very whippy! Don't think I like them that whippy. Only lasted three weeks (blade cracked).

- Warrior DT1 (Backie 75): Less whippy than the widow. Felt okay but not a game changer. Didn't last very long (blade cracked).

- Warrior AX1 (Burrows 75): Completely wrong for me. Couldn't stick handle with this blade.

- Vapor APX2 (Backie 75): This stick felt right. I really liked it. It broke fast a few months in. I bought another. It broke fast as well.

- All Black Hockey Stick (Backie 75, 85): These sticks were good and lasted on average 6 months before the blades broke. They didn't quite elevate my game I think. The 85 was a bit too stiff for me.

So all of my upper end sticks broke too quickly for me to consider purchasing another. The best sticks I used after the APX2 were the GX8 and the allblackhockeysticks and they were $80-$90 each. The mid kick sticks weren't good for me nor was a flex higher than 77. So I'm looking for a stick under $100 with a low kick point and either a backie curve or I'd like to try Bauer's P14 Toews curve which is a bit less open than the P92.

The allblack sticks are still available but I didn't feel like they elevated my game. I feel neutral about their impact on my game. The APX2 felt like it elevated my game.

I play upper intermediate if it matters. Thanks!

[althoma1 575]

The Sherwood Nexon N12 would probably fit the bill. It's a low kick stick that was top of the line a few years ago (and sold for around $160 which was a great value compared to other top end sticks), received positive reviews and you can find it on clearance for under $100 as it was replaced by the Rekker EK15.

The N12 is available in 75 flex and the backstrom equivalent curve is the PP26 Statsny - the PP92 is basically the same curve with a 5 lie instead of a 5.5.

I don't know where you're located, but I've seen them at Sport Chek stores in Canada for around $80. Since they've been clearance priced for a while availability will be limited, but they're still around.

The Reebok 20K is a low kick stick that's also on clearance right now, has received positive feedback from users and is available at some places for under $100 (Total has the intermediate 20K for $89.99 and lists the reg. price at $239)

[kovalchuk71 212]

I still think the Vapor X800 is an unbelievable value at $129

[alex3 0]

The Sherwood Nexon N12 would probably fit the bill. It's a low kick stick that was top of the line a few years ago (and sold for around $160 which was a great value compared to other top end sticks), received positive reviews and you can find it on clearance for under $100 as it was replaced by the Rekker EK15.

The N12 is available in 75 flex and the backstrom equivalent curve is the PP26 Statsny - the PP92 is basically the same curve with a 5 lie instead of a 5.5.

I don't know where you're located, but I've seen them at Sport Chek stores in Canada for around $80. Since they've been clearance priced for a while availability will be limited, but they're still around.

The Reebok 20K is a low kick stick that's also on clearance right now, has received positive feedback from users and is available at some places for under $100 (Total has the intermediate 20K for $89.99 and lists the reg. price at $239)

Thanks! I'm in the US so I'll browse what sites have last year's top end sticks on clearance.

I still think the Vapor X800 is an unbelievable value at $129

Why do you think so? How does it compare to the APX2 or the X700 for example? Thanks.

[iceman8310 106]

check out the true

[nudave 1]

check out the true

+1.

I bought the 2.2 on Friday, and now wish I bought the 4.5.

[jonesy9020 77]

Which of the Trues (A6.0, A5.2, A4.5) are low-kick and which are mid-kick? It's been talked about on this site a few times but I don't know if we've ever actually gotten it totally figured out.

[kovalchuk71 212]

Thanks! I'm in the US so I'll browse what sites have last year's top end sticks on clearance.

Why do you think so? How does it compare to the APX2 or the X700 for example? Thanks.

I use them and have experience with them. You can't compare a stick that retailed for $259.99 with a stick that retails for $129.99. You just can't. They are in completely different performance classes. It's like comparing a Honda Civic to a BMW 325i. I am however, very happy with the performance and weight of the X800. That's why I think it's a great value. Nothing is like it in its class, IMO. The X700 isn't bad for the $99, but the difference is pretty significant between the X700 and X800. Don't be cheap. Just pony up the extra $29.99 and get the X800.

[rawkstar 45]

true 4.5 and below are low kick, 5.2 and 6.0 are smartflex which supposedly gives you the benefits of both low and mid kick. I just got a 5.2 75 flex for $89 at hm, want to see what all the hubub is about. If you look up their curve profiles there's all the usual suspects, i think tc2 is the p92 clone.

As for x800 its listed as 476grams, thats not exactly feather light. That must be a hell of a balanced stick. Technically the qr4 is lighter than it on paper and $30 cheaper, but I know a lot of it is feel with these things.

There's also the stx surgeon, I guess thats maybe worth a try.

In my experience the one stick that really seemed to have made a difference in my game was the ribcor, shots were flying off of that thing, i didn't even try, it was ridiculous, but then it broke after maybe 6-7 uses. It was the cleanest looking broken stick i've ever seen, barely had any chips on it. Went to make a pass and the blade just fell right off. I've heard other people have had great durability with it though, so maybe I just got unlucky. They're all on closeout now, might be worth a try checking that out, or maybe grab the ccm version.

[sbecks72986 51]

pretty sure all the true sticks are mid kick or what true calls a graduated mid kick

[A2rhino 63]

I recently picked up a Warrior DT1ST and have been very happy with it. If you can find a DT2 I strongly suggest that. I picked one up on closeout and now wish I got a couple. Really good performance and very durable.

[Knights15 3]

CCM 30K, great value for money and built like a tank.

[alex3 0]

I use them and have experience with them. You can't compare a stick that retailed for $259.99 with a stick that retails for $129.99. You just can't. They are in completely different performance classes. It's like comparing a Honda Civic to a BMW 325i. I am however, very happy with the performance and weight of the X800. That's why I think it's a great value. Nothing is like it in its class, IMO. The X700 isn't bad for the $99, but the difference is pretty significant between the X700 and X800. Don't be cheap. Just pony up the extra $29.99 and get the X800.

I tried both of them at the store yesterday and the X800 feels so good. This is the first time I've picked up a stick and realized "Wow, this is balanced". The x700 felt so clunky and the X900 was feather light but the balance felt off. The x800 felt just right. I will grab one!

[z1ggy 81]

Honestly, I really love my dt4. I've only had maybe 5 top level sticks in my day (usually opt for sticks like dt4, but end up disappointed) and I have to admit, I like this one the best. Puck feel is pretty good, it's been very durable, and it's not too much heavier feeling than my AX2 or my QR1. I will be very sad when this stick breaks. I also got it for just $20 on a huge sale... Wish I had picked up more.

[Hoserob 4]

I honestly believe that the AllBlack sticks are game changes. Great price and great value

[SirJW 207]

Plenty of deals on past years models and also in the gear exchange right here.

[demmer12 5]

CCM 30K, great value for money and built like a tank.

I like this stick, but I've had two crack on me recently from partial shot blocks to the lower third of the shaft. And, the P40 85 flex is no longer in stock in any independent or chain pro shops near me. I'm mixing it up and trying a Bauer Nexus 6000 now, but I only have 1 skate with it so far.

[stick9 896]

check out the true

It would be a crime not to. I haven't had the opportunity to use one at length, but the 4.5 & 5.2's feel really nice in your hands. Nice balance and surprisingly light given their price points.

If you can find a CCM Tacks stick on closeout, go for it. It's little brother the 6052 should also be worth a look.

[AmeriCanadian 3]

For you honestly I'd say either stick with the bauer vapor line or try the ribcor's. although tsr has a lot of bauer pro stock sticks, especially vapors although due to the nature of pro stocks it may not always be what it's painted to look like