Warrior Covert QRL

[AIREAYE 248]

Stick History (no order): Bauer MX3, Bauer 1X (2015), True A6.0, True XC9, Warrior AK27 SL, Warrior Widow, Bauer Supreme One95, Easton SE16, CCM RBZ

Stick Info: INT 70 Flex, W03, +1"

Skater: 5'9", 140lbs, winger, rec-level hockey

Blade (8/10):

I'm not a particularly skilled puckhandler, so the quality of a stick blade, particularly its composition in allowing it to provide responsive puck feel while being able to cushion/cradle the puck is vital to me. From my experience as per Stick History above, I hold the latter day Bauer blades (MX3, 1X) as the benchmark in excelling at those qualities. The blade on the Warrior QRL doesn't reach that benchmark, but it comes respectably close. Puck feel is still responsive in stickhandling and the puck cushioning is satisfactory on tougher passes. The blade is stiff enough and loads enough energy as expected from a top end model. Solid.

Shaft/Flex:

I'm not the biggest or strongest at 145lbs, so over the years, I've taken to moving from 75/77 flex seniors and into intermediates recently. The 70 flex is ideal for me, but the only personal thing I would've preferred would be slightly larger shaft dimensions. No issues either way. No rating provided given that this is purely personal preference.

Stickhandling/receiving passes (8/10):

Please see 'Blade' above.

Shooting (9.5/10):

This the QRL's shining quality and, in my opinion, it is the best low-kick/quick shooting stick on the market by far. Shot loading is effortless, the puck flies off the blade with precision and the shooting qualities are very easy to dial in, especially given my recent stick history in using a mix of different kick points. It's not a perfect 10/10 simply because it doesn't provide the same response on slapshots, which is, of course, completely expected from a pure low-kick stick.

Weight/Balance (10/10):

Top-notch balance and lightness without it being so blade-light that you forget it's there. Ideal.

Durability:

No issues, minor paint chips. I don't play hard enough and I'm not tough on my sticks, so I'll omit a rating here.

Intangibles:

Looks fine, I still prefer the limited edition MacDaddy/Super Dolomite and other retro graphics though! Perhaps in the next Covert iteration? Bring back the Kronik? Chrome Dolomite Spyne?

Conclusion:

9/10

A crowning achievement for Warrior. I've tried many of their sticks over the years and I really do think this is their best product by far and one of the best sticks I've ever used. This is my everyday go-to now. Shooting is pure joy. I haven't used this stick for that long but I love it enough to have bought a second in the Super Dolomite colorway.