The RinkFor the not so ready for prime-time players, coaches, referees, and the people that have to live with them. Discuss experiences in local leagues, coaching tips, equipment, and training.
Sticks: What do you use, what do you love/hate, and what's next?
Recently picked up a Vapor APX, Backstrom P92, 77flex, and I really like it. I had been using my Easton ST(Iginla)as a back up since the blade went on my Bauer 195.
I normally play with 87 flex sticks but wanted to try something softer to help my wristers, and so far I'm really liking the 77. The only negative is that the shaft seems to shudder a bit when blocking shots.
I really like the balance on the weight of the APX, which is much closer to the feel of my 195 compared to the ST. Still miss my 195.
The Vapor sticks were/are notoriously stiff and had bad puck feel comparatively, so that makes sense. I'd almost say you might want to try a 75-ish flex. What's your height?
About 6 foot. I was considering trying a lower flex but its hard to commit $160 without knowing if it would be useable. (part of the reason for going two cheaper than one top end)
I'd give the Widow a shot then. Right at $160 on clearance, 85 flex should do just fine. It will have much better puck feel than the X60 and they're super light weight.
Thanks for all your help. Just got a widow grip 85 flex kovalchuk (was having a hard time deciding one blade pattern)
Cost $120 so I'm happy (20% off, free shipping, no sales tax in OR)
IMO, it's always fun to try new things, so if I were you, I'd save the money to buy a different stick in the future in order to build upon your preferences.
IMO, it's always fun to try new things, so if I were you, I'd save the money to buy a different stick in the future in order to build upon your preferences.
+1
Unless you're a really high level player and/or go through a lot of sticks, usually you'll always have the opportunity to try the latest and greatest on clearance.
The only stick I've really loved and wanted to re-purchase was the X:60, but the clearance prices were never great. The Warrior DT2 is making me forget about it...kind of.
I think I'm going to try out an APX for my next stick... 77 flex and grip. I made the mistake of not getting grip for my TotalONE LE 77 flex and I miss it. Definitely a fan of gripped sticks. I'm hoping the lower-kick on the APX will help my snap shots and wrist shots. I'm also looking forward to going back to a rounded-edge shaft as opposed to the more boxy TotalONE. Now I just have to decide on if I want to stick with the Backstrom curve or try out a Kane... hmm decisions decisions.
I think I'm going to try out an APX for my next stick... 77 flex and grip. I made the mistake of not getting grip for my TotalONE LE 77 flex and I miss it. Definitely a fan of gripped sticks. I'm hoping the lower-kick on the APX will help my snap shots and wrist shots. I'm also looking forward to going back to a rounded-edge shaft as opposed to the more boxy TotalONE. Now I just have to decide on if I want to stick with the Backstrom curve or try out a Kane... hmm decisions decisions.
the P14 (Toews) is a beautiful curve for snappers and wristers.
I have an APX now with said curve and wouldn't trade it for anything.
Hey guys, i need to pick out a new stick soon and im pretty nervous, I am really picky when it comes to sticks and a bad stick can really effect the way I play. Im using the Blue Ice Nano Pro stick which has served me really well.
Now im wondering what to buy next, im thinking of going back to the larger brand companies.
I use my back hand alot so I need a curve that suits that, I think a sakic curve works the best for me. Any sticks you guys suggest? Im open to any suggestions as long as it is pro stock
Maybe I am using the wrong terminology then, thats what I have heard some sticks being called, pro stock as compared to retail brand. But like I said I could be completely wrong
This is odd, all my friends call them pro stock 
