Archive for the Recent News Category
The New STX Surgeon RX2 Hockey Sticks- Setting Out To Reshape The Game
In the modern era of composite hockey sticks there have been many innovations and changes. The one thing that has remained constant is the shape. For the most part the shape of sticks has been square or, more specifically, rectangular. STX is looking to change all that with the introduction of the Surgeon RX 2 composite stick line featuring Puregrip Technology.
STX Surgeon RX2 Composite Stick
The Innovative, Ergonomic Profile Of Suregrip Technology
Puregrip Technology gives you an entirely new way to take control of the game. Its innovative, ergonomic design on the underside of the shaft fills the void in your hand left by a traditional shaped hockey stick. The angular shape on the bottom of the stick maximizes hand contact points for advanced stick control and quick, responsive play.
The Puregrip Technology Profile Maximizes Glove Feel
It has the familiar square top, but the bottom is like nothing you’ve ever played with before. It’s like the ultimate hybrid of a hockey stick and a lacrosse stick (STX being one of the leaders in LAX gear being completely coincidental). It has a great feel in the bare hand, but you really need to hold it with hockey gloves to fully appreciate just how different and comfortable this shape is. This unique ergonomic shape creates more contact points in the hand creating greater control.
The STX Surgeon RX2 sticks will be available on June 10th. Stop in and check out the shape of things to come!
Brian’s and Their Custom “Goalies Only” Equipment Are Changing the Game
Brian’s has released the new Sub Zero 3 goalie line, and it is without a doubt one of the best goalie pad designs we have seen. The incredibly light feel, easy smart strap system and customization capabilities have all contributed to the rapid growth of the Brian’s brand. Their dedication to “Goalie’s Only” is evident in their high quality product. Below are some of the highlights:
Lightest Goalie Pad Ever
The new Brian’s Sub Zero 3 goalie pads are 10% lighter than the Sub Zero II, which was previously the lightest pad on the market. The thinner profile has allowed for a weight reduction, but the flat-faced design keeps the pad stiff.
Cutting Edge Design
The Brian’s Sub Zero 3 pads have ditched the leather straps for a smart strap system. The smart strapping system has made the goalie pad 100% adjustable, and allows the goalie to find the most comfortable feel for their game. The design also allows for a smoother pad rotation on the leg for butterfly goaltenders.
Customization Capabilities
The customization of the Brian’s goalie equipment is simply incredible. There is literally no custom design that Brian’s will turn away. The attention to detail is second to none, and the team at Brian’s is enthusiastic about new and challenging designs.
Fastest Growing Goalie Brand
Brian’s is without a doubt the fastest growing goalie company, and you will see it firsthand at the NHL level. They have increased to an 18% market share amongst NHL/AHL goalies. Brian’s has a small company feel with outstanding customer service. Their dedication to serving goalie customers is unmatched, and has contributed to their incredible growth.
Don’t think you can afford the pro-level Sub Zero 3? Try the Brian’s Sub Zero 7.0 series. One of the best value pads currently on the market. We would put it up against many other companies’ pro-level pads. The stiff face creates an incredibly durable pad, at an affordable price.
Customize your next pair of SZ3’s —->Brian’s SZ3 Customizer
Below is a collection of some custom designs that we helped put together at Sports Etc, many of which that were featured as “pad of the week” on www.goaliesonly.com :
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- Paul Barbieri- Burlington High School
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- Sarah Foss- Northeastern University
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- Moe Bradley- UMass Boston
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- Tanner Jones- Virginia Tech
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- Dave Cunningham- Amherst College
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- Custom Brian’s B-Star Vintage Pads
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- Shaughn Sargent
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- Ryan McConnell from Tufts University
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- Sihak Lee from BB&N School
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- USA Chest & Arm Pad
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- Custom Set for the Black Dog
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- Derick Roy- Northeastern University
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- Sean Cleary- UMass Lowell
Spring Is Here, Time To Get Rolling! Roller Hockey Skates & Rollerblades For The Whole Family
Spring has arrived and its time to hit the street running…or make that rolling! We offer a great selection of roller hockey skates and Rollerblade inline skates for the whole family. Get your new skates now and get rolling!
Bauer Vapor X300R Sr
CCM Tacks IR92 Sr
Bauer Vapor X300R Jr
CCM Tacks IR92 Jr
Bauer Vapor X400R Sr
Bladerunner Phoenix Boys
Bladerunner Phoenix Girls
Rollerblade Men’s Zetrablade
Rollerblade Women’s Zetrablade
Rollerblade Men’s Macroblade 80
Rollerblade Women’s Macroblade 80
Rollerblade Men’s Macroblade 90
Rollerblade Women’s Macroblade 90
Rollerblade Men’s Macroblade 80 ABT
Rollerblade Women’s Macroblade 80 ABT
A Guide to the Recommended Skate Sharpening Radius
For most hockey players, skate sharpening is typically a matter of personal preference. Some players like to be able to dig into the ice for a firm “bite” or “grip”, while some players like a more shallow hollow for a better “glide” along the ice. There is generally no right or wrong skate sharpening radius, but below are some general guidelines to skate sharpening:
Forward/ Defenseman
The most common skate sharpening radius we see for ice hockey players is a 1/2″ inch or 5/8″ inch cut. The 1/2″ radius would be our typical recommendation because it is the perfect blend of “glide” and “bite.” Some players opt for the 3/8″ cut, but you are definitely sacrificing some “glide,” which can in turn affect your overall speed on the ice. Likewise, players that choose the 3/4″ cut can really sacrifice their “bite,” which can negatively affect quick cuts that are so common in the game of hockey.
Our recommendation: 1/2″ or 5/8″ inch radius.
Goalie
We see the biggest variety of skate sharpening cuts when dealing with ice hockey goalies. Generally, we find that the more experienced goalies opt for a very deep cut, like 3/8″ inch. This allows the goalie to really dig into the ice, and slide post to post to make reactionary saves. Sometimes this can be a difficult radius for inexperienced or younger goalies because there is too much bite, which leads to their goalie skate getting caught underneath them, often tripping them up when sliding post to post. For this reason, we recommended that a more inexperienced goalie choose a 1″ cut, so it as an effortless glide going from post to post.
Our recommendation: 3/8″ or 1/2″ for the experienced goalie, 1″ for the inexperienced goalie.
Figure Skating
Figure skaters generally like a better “glide” along the top of the ice, so we typically see a 1″ cut to maximize a smooth glide. When a figure skater wants to dig into the ice, they do so with their toe pick, so a sharper edge is not necessarily paramount.
Our recommendation: 1″ inch radius.
Seasonal Sharpening
Sometimes the time of year can play a factor in which radius hockey players choose. In the warmer summer months, the ice gets softer, so many players elect for a duller cut to avoid digging too much blade into the ice.
Likewise, in the winter months, when the ice is harder, players often opt for a sharper cut that is more capable of digging into the ice.
Our recommendation: 1/2″ inch radius in the winter. 5/8″ radius in the summer.
Below is a chart that outlines recommended skate sharpening cuts:
Tips for a Harder Slap Shot
In hockey, there isn’t a much better feeling than completely getting into a slap shot and blowing it by a goalie. But like hitting a perfect drive in golf, ripping the perfect slap shot on the ice can be a matter of consistency- and many times slap shots can become very inconsistent. Here are some tips for improving the velocity and consistency of your slap shot:
Find the Right Hockey Stick
First and foremost, you want to find the perfect weapon that will help you achieve the hardest shot possible. Each player has a different body type and strength level, so you want to make sure your stick suits your game.
A bigger/stronger individual should be using a higher flex stick to get the most power from their shot (something in the 85-110 range; 67 for an intermediate). A player of smaller stature or strength should use a “lighter” or lower flex hockey stick (something in the 75-85 range; 60 for an intermediate).
Zdeno Chara stands 6′ 9″ tall and uses a stiff flex of over 130, which helped him achieve the hardest shot ever recorded.
Nathan Gerbe in contrast to Zdeno Chara, is the smallest player in the NHL at 5′ 5″. He uses a much lighter flex on his stick (something in the 67-77 range).
Another added benefit, which can help add velocity to a player’s shot is choosing a “grip” hockey stick. The tacky grip allows you to keep your bottom hand firmly planted on the stick, while taking a shot. This is important because it ensures that there is no slippage of the hand. When the bottom hand slips during a shot, the player loses power that is needed to “load” the stick for a shot.
Longtime NHLer and shooting coach Scott Bjugstad has been advocating grip sticks for some time now. When we met him at an Easton hockey expo, he explained that a huge amount of velocity can be lost on shots when using a non-grip stick.
Have the Proper Technique
When taking a slap shot you want to make sure you attack the puck properly. The puck should be placed towards your back foot. The stick should hit the ice a few inches behind the puck, so you can really “lean” your body into the shot, which in turn allows the stick to flex and “load” for the shot.
Drive the blade of the stick through the puck striking it between the middle/heel of the blade. As you follow through, the puck will naturally roll towards the toe of the blade, which provides extra torque and spin of the puck increasing the velocity even more.
Striking the ice a few inches behind the puck allows the “load” and “flex” of the shaft, which creates all the power behind the slap shot.
Practice Makes Perfect
It may seem obvious, but players like Alex Ovechkin didn’t just become one of the best pure shooters in the NHL by accident. It takes practice. Grab a stick, a sheet of practice ice, and a bucket of pucks- find a spot in your driveway or basement- and shoot. The more you shoot, the more consistent shot you are going to have. Sidney Crosby shot pucks every single day at his parents washing machine in their basement. Find a method of practice that works best for you and work hard to improve your game.
Want a Pro-Level Goalie Leg Pad for Under $1,000 Dollars?
- As most hockey goalie parents know, goalie equipment can be incredibly expensive. If you are playing competitively, quality pro-level leg pads can range anywhere from $1,600-$1,900 dollars. The benefit of a pro-level goalie pad is that they can withstand the repeated abuse of pucks for someone who is playing 4-7 times a week.
- In the hockey industry, it is almost unheard of to find pro goalie leg pads for under $1,000 dollars, but at Sports Etc. we have a wide selection of pro-level pads, that may fit into your budget. Some of these pads may only be a year or two old, but are the same quality of current models. Below are a few examples:
- Bauer Reactor 6000 Pro Leg Pads– (Previously: $1,699.99, NOW $849.99) A softer faced pad with a traditional full knee roll design for any goalie looking for great versatility and flexibility, while still providing a firm blocking surface and strong seal on the ice. The softer face enhances rebound control, while the pro core inserts help customize a goalies desired pad stiffness.
- Brian’s GNetik Pro Leg Pads– (Previously: $1,699.99, NOW $999.99) The G-Netik has an E foam construction, which reduces weight and increases durability. Smart strap system and traditional strapping options allow for enhanced adjustability. A wide knee cradle creates an extremely comfortable landing platform for the knee. A straight thigh profile and squared roll is perfect for any butterfly goaltender looking for a nice seal on the ice.
- Reebok Premier XLT Pro Leg Pads- (Previously: $1,699.99, NOW $999.99) The Premier XLT features cross-link foam technology adding life to the rebound to direct pucks to the corner and allow goalies to recover. The elimination of bindings on the inside landing area provides a solid seal to the ice. No break on the outer flex allows goalie to maximize ice coverage.
- These are just a few examples of some of last years pro leg pads that are an incredible value. Don’t miss out because once these pads are sold, they’re gone! Visit us at www.sportsetc.net or call at 781-646-1600).
Bauer OD1N Supreme 1S Goalie Pad Sizing
- The new Bauer OD1N Supreme 1S, S190 and S170 goalie pads have a new sizing system, that has been throwing people off a little bit. Instead of a traditional numerical sizing like, 33+1, 34+1, etc. the sizes run Small, Medium, Large, XL, XXL. Below is the sizing system that Bauer is now using for their leg pads:
- BAUER SUPREME OD1N 1S SUPREME GOALIE LEG PAD SIZING
- SENIOR SIZING
SMALL 33+1
MEDIUM 34+1
LARGE 35+1
X-LARGE 36+1
XX-LARGE 37+1
- INTERMEDIATE SIZING
SMALL 30+1
MEDIUM 31+1
LARGE 32+1
- JUNIOR SIZING
SMALL 26+1
MEDIUM 28+1
LARGE 30+1
Best Value Composite Hockey Sticks
- With so many sticks to choose from, it can be difficult to find the “best value” stick. Especially with how routinely sticks can break, it’s important to find a stick that offers high-end performance at an affordable price. Many people just look at the highest priced stick, and assume it’s the best stick for them, but many times that is not the case.
1.) Warrior QR Pro Hockey Stick (Regular Price: $259.99, Sports Etc. Price: $169.99, 2 for $259.99)
- The Warrior QR Pro hockey stick is one of the best value sticks on the market. This “pro-stock” stick has all the qualities of a high-end stick, and is used at both the Division 1 College Hockey and NHL level.
- The QR Pro is a low kick-point stick, which is perfect for snapping off quick wrist shots, or snap shots.
- Sports Etc. offers this stick (normally valued at $259.99) for a discounted price of $169.99, or 2 for $269.99. You are essentially getting 2 pro-level hockey sticks for the price of 1, making it the best overall value hockey stick on the market today.
2.) True A 4.5 Hockey Stick (Regular Price: $139.99, Sports Etc. Price: $99.99)
- True is probably not the most well-known hockey stick manufacturer, but they certainly produce high quality sticks with the best of them. More well-known for their golf shafts, True Temper has begun producing one of the lighter “value” composite sticks on the market.
- At the $100 price-point, this stick is perfect for any men’s league or high school caliber hockey player. The A 4.5 has a mid kick-point, which is ideal for both wrist-shots and slap-shots.
- We have tried it, and we can honestly say the True A 4.5 is the best performing stick at this price-point. The puck really explodes off the blade and truly feels like a high-end stick.
3.) CCM Ribcor Titanium Hockey Stick (Regular Price: $119.99, Sports Etc. Price: $99.99)
- The CCM Ribcor Titanium is a SMU (special make-up) stick produced by CCM, which combines high-end stick technology at a lower price-point. Like the True A 4.5, the Titanium is much lighter than a normal stick at this price-point.
- The low-kick point is ideal for quick wristers or snap-shots, and the puck pops off the blade better than most sticks in this price range.
- We have had awesome feedback from Men’s league players that this performs above and beyond its price-point. The Titanium continues to be a staple for players looking for a quality stick at an affordable price.
4.) Sherwood EK 15 Hockey Stick (Regular Price: $259.99, Sports Etc. Price: $159.99, 2 for $259.99)
- The Sher-Wood EK 15 is similar to the Warrior QR Pro in that it is a high-end stick used at the collegiate level, but is available at a discounted “pro-stock” price.
- The EK 15 offers a low kick-point, which is perfect for a quick snap or wrist-shot.
- Sports Etc. offers this stick (normally valued at $259.99) for a discounted price of $159.99, or 2 for $259.99. You are essentially getting 2 pro-level hockey sticks for the price of 1, making it an incredible overall value.
5.) Bauer Supreme 170 Hockey Stick (Sports Etc. Price: $99.99)
- The Bauer Supreme 170 is an ideal men’s league hockey stick. It’s lightweight feel offers a higher-performing stick at an affordable price of $100.
- The higher kick-point is perfect for a heavy shooter, that enjoys laying into slap-shots, and looks for powerful shots at the net.
The Best Goalie Companies in Hockey
- When it comes to goalie equipment, three companies dominate the industry: Vaughn, CCM and Brian’s. Each company has perfected their craft in their own unique way.
- Vaughn has set the industry standard for goalie pads for decades now. Mike Vaughn has continued to stay ahead of the curve with new trends, and truly innovative technology.
- All pro pads are domestically made in Oxford, Michigan, which allows Vaughn to make THE most quality product in the goalie equipment industry. They simply do not sacrifice quality, and often use more expensive materials to construct their gear than any other company. The result is a quality goalie equipment that lasts longer and performs better. Trust us, we’ve seen it firsthand in their factory.
- A true testament to their success: a whopping 82% of pro goalies wear at least one piece of Vaughn equipment on the ice.
- NHL Goalies in Vaughn Pads: Jonathan Quick, Tuukka Rask, Jimmy Howard, Cory Schneider.
- CCM has the best variety when it comes to goalie equipment, specifically leg pads. They have two equally successful lines of pads: The E-Flex Series caters to the athletic goalie that is looking for a flexible pad to absorb rebounds, while the Premier series caters to the technically sound goalie that looks to direct and control rebounds.
- CCM has a tremendous amount of support at the NHL level, and they continue to make great strides in the goalie industry. The combination of CCM and Reebok into one entity has strengthened their brand exponentially.
- NHL Goalies in CCM Pads: Carey Price, Roberto Luongo, Corey Crawford, Marc-Andre Fleury.
- Brian’s has been making recent waves in the goalie industry with their unmatched goalie pad customization. You can transform any design, logo, and put it on the face of a Brian’s goalie pad. You name it, they can create it.
- Brian’s promotes themselves as “goalies only,” and they are just that- all of their focus and attention is catered to their goalie customers.
- Their smaller company size allows them to provide excellent customer service and attention. No change or tweak to your goalie equipment is too small for the people at Brian’s.
- NHL Goalies in Brian’s Pads: Craig Anderson, Jaroslav Halak, Eddie Lack, Scott Darling.
The Top 5 Hockey Skate Brands
1.) Bauer Vapor Line
- The Bauer Vapor series has been a staple in the hockey skate industry for over a decade now. The Vapor line continues to be a best-seller because of its reliable, excellent fit. The narrow, tapered fit allows the skate to fit snugly on a players foot, which most hockey players desire to achieve the best performance.
- The new “trigger” holder from Bauer has also had a tremendous impact on the popularity of the brand. The ability to change out broken blades, or freshly sharpened blades on the fly has proven to provide excellent value to the skate.
2.) CCM Jetspeed Line
- The only skate that has been able to successfully put a dent in the Bauer Vapor line, has been the new Jetspeed skate from CCM. The fit is very similar to that of a Bauer Vapor, in that it is a narrow, tapered fit, which allows the boot to sit securely on the foot. Once you get this skate on someone’s foot, it has been an easy sell.
3.) Bauer Supreme Line
- The Bauer Supreme series has been Bauer’s second best-selling skate for a number of years now. The Supreme fits a little bit wider than the Vapor, so if someone has a “fuller” foot and wants a Bauer skate, this is generally the skate for them. The contoured fit around the ankle provides an excellent heel lock, while the spacious mid-foot area creates a comfortable fit.
4.) CCM Tacks Line
- The new CCM Tacks line mimcs the fit of a Bauer Supreme- the contoured boot locks the heel in place, while the slightly wider mid-foot adds space for those with “fuller” feet. The Tacks of a few years ago were extremely wide, and created a very sloppy fit, but have been newly redesigned for a more secure fit.
5.) CCM Ribcor Line
- The CCM Ribcor Line is one of the most comfortable “out-of-the-box” fits on the skate market. The slightly wider width allows for a generous fit, while the softer boot creates a forgiving and comfortable fit. Ideal for any player that values comfort over anything else.
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