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Introducing the CCM Super Tacks AS1 Hockey Stick- Dare To Dominate!
Just arrived! The 2018 CCM Super Tacks AS1 hockey stick pushes the boundaries of performance and has become the new standard for Mid-Kick point sticks. The stiffness profile has been revisited to maximize loading while providing great stability and control. Not only can players benefit from a great, powerful stick, but the feel has been substantially improved. The new X-Flow technology allows for a 10g weight reduction while improving compaction for better durability.
Check out some of the highlights:
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KICK POINT: Max loading, mid-kick point. A soft mid-section allows for a longer loading period which increases the energy stored, while the stiff taper maximizes stability throughout the shot
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SHAFT TECHNOLOGY: X-Flow Technology is an optimized molding technology which allows for better compaction of the stick’s fibers, while also providing increased durability and lighter weight
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BLADE: ACU3 Blade: A lighter but very stiff layup with a tactile surface for maximum shot control. Also features a reinforced toe and heel for unparalleled durability.
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INTERMEDIATE GEOMETRY: Designed with the help of Elite women’s hockey players and a cross-section of youth players, rounded corners and concave sides for better control and comfort.
Sports Etc Performance To Value Rating- 9 out of 10- The CCM Super Tacks AS1 is a performance hockey stick offering the most natural flex point of any stick on the market today. The softer mid-section of the stick creates a longer loading period, which maximizes energy and power. Combined with a 10 gram weight reduction, the AS1 is a can’t miss stick for 2018!
Introducing the Bauer Nexus 2N Pro Hockey Stick!
The Bauer Nexus 2N Pro hockey stick is the latest edition of the extremely popular Nexus line of sticks from Bauer. The Bauer Nexus 2N Pro provides a mid-kick point and Sweet Spot technology, features a Textreme construction for a lightweight and dependable feel that will hold its flex over time with the help of the new Duraflex resin system. The easy load taper technology allows for quick shots, while the mid-kick profile allows for more powerful and accurate shots. The eLASTech blade on the Bauer Nexus 2N Pro combines with the new ACL blade technology to provide a responsive blade with tons of feel. It also features the new R-Lite Blade system, which creates a more balanced feel in the stick through reduced blade weight as well as an overall stick weight reduction of 10 grams compared to the 1N.
Sports Etc Performance-to-Value Rating: 9 out of 10. The new Bauer Nexus 2N Pro composite hockey stick is designed for a versatile hockey player looking for a stick that can perform at any level. If you are a player looking for an advanced lightweight mid-kick hockey stick check out the Nexus 2N Pro.
The Release of the Bauer Supreme 2S Pro Hockey Skate
Coming to stores on July 13 2018, Bauer will be releasing the newest skate to their Supreme line. The Bauer Supreme 2S hockey skate will include some of Bauer’s most innovative features to date. Here are some of the key highlights:
– LS5 Carbon Steel- The LS5 Carbon Steel from Bauer features a carbon chrome coating, which hardens the edges of the blades, and increases overall durability. The internal core of the LS5 Steel is also softer than a typical blade, which improves the sharpness and consistency at the edges. According to Bauer, the LS5 Carbon Steel will have an approximate 61-69% improvement in overall sharpness level compared to LS2 and other similar blades. The change is so drastic, Bauer suggests that you may need to choose a duller radius on the Bauer Supreme 2S skate. They feel that you will be able to maintain a strong bite on the ice, with a more shallow hollow because of the improvements made in the quality of the steel. A Bauer/NHL study found that most players chose a more shallow hollow after trying the LS5 Carbon Steel.
– Speedplate 2.0- The Bauer Speedplate 2.0 is a full custom footbed with multi-layer foam to help increase comfort and support. This in upgrade over the original Speedplate, which did not offer as much foam support, affecting the overall comfort of the product.
– 3 Piece 52 ounce felt tongue- The 3-piece felt tongue offers a unique blend of flexibility (3 pieces) for full range of motion, and protection with the 52 ounce felt padding throughout the tongue.
– Precision Fit Technology/Curv Composite Boot- Consistent with the high-end Supreme line over the most recent years– the 2S skate will feature a full Curv Composite boot, with an anatomical precision fit for a true custom fit around the contours of a persons foot.
Another interesting fact about the Bauer Supreme line– through 50 thousand foot scanes, the Bauer 3D Skate Lab found that 45% of players are an ideal fit for the Supreme line, over Vapor (43%), and Nexus (12%).
The Official Launch: Bauer Supreme 2S Pro Goalie Skate!
On May 18, 2018 the Bauer Supreme 2S Pro Goalie Skate will be released for sale. The new goalie skate has a new Curv Composite boot, carbon coated stainless steel, lock-fit pro liner, and a new heel lock with an eyelet comfort pad. These upgrades make the 2S Pro one of the most elite goalie skates on the market today. Here are some of the highlights:
- Carbon Curv® composite boot
- Asymmetric goalie specific boot design
- Lock Fit Pro liner
- Asymmetric recoil tongue
- VERTEXX EDGE goalie holder
- Full composite outsole with ventilation
- Goalie specific toe cap
- LS5G Carbon-Coated Stainless Steel
- Lundqvist loop
Sports Etc Performance To Value Rating– 10 out of 10– One of the best skates available for elite level goalies looking for a performance skate. The lightest goalie skate ever made.
New to 2018: The CCM Super Tacks AS1 Hockey Skates
The CCM Super Tacks was the first skate in 2016 to introduce the one-piece benefit to the hockey world. Building upon that design for 2018, is the new CCM Super Tacks AS1 skate. Featuring the engineered and patented Monoframe 360 technology, the Super Tacks AS1 pushed the limits further than ever before! Here are some of the key features-
One Piece Benefit– A newly designed fully anatomical shape that molds to every inch of the player’s foot and helps provide more foot-to-skate contact
Carbon Composite Frame– A one of a kind carbon composite material that helps players generate extreme power in their skating stride
SpeedBlade Black– A premium, oxide treated runner that helps provide advanced performance, a longer edge life, and higher resistance to corrosion
CCM Super Tacks AS1 will launch on April 27, 2018
The Best Value Hockey Sticks of 2018
With so many hockey sticks to choose from, and prices topping out at $300+, it is important to find the best value when shopping for a hockey stick. Here is a list of the top 5 sticks for 2018 based on the best bang for your buck:
1. The Warrior Alpha QX Pro Hockey Stick- $199.99
The Warrior Alpha QX Pro may be the best value in a performance level, quick release composite stick that we’ve seen. The QX Pro delivers at about 2/3 the price of most pro sticks– and contains most, if not all the benefits of a high-end hockey stick. The QX Pro is essentially a “team stick” that is used at the collegiate/junior/European professional league level, and is now being offered to consumers that are looking for a high-end stick at an affordable price.
2. The CCM Ribcor Pro PMT Hockey Stick- $149.99
Combined with its low kick point, optimized flex ratio, and PopMatrix technology, the Ribcor Trigger Pro PMT delivers excellent feel and a quick release in all situations of the game. One of the better value sticks on the market with high-end technology at an affordable price point. You will be surprised how light this stick is at a $150 price point. It has the weight and feel of a top-end hockey stick.
3. The True T-Pro Hockey Stick- $149.99
The True T-Pro “pro stock” may be one of the best stick bargains on the market today. This performance stick is used in professional leagues across Europe, and has an excellent overall value. Similar to the Warrior QX Pro, this is a can’t miss deal. A unique opportunity for a consumer to buy an affordable “team stick” used by professional hockey players overseas.
4. The STX Stallion HPR Hockey Stick- $249.99
The STX Stallion HPR has a lighter blade, which allows the ability to redistribute the weight up the shaft, providing you with a higher balance point for a lighter feeling stick, without compromising durability. This stick is extremely light at 420 grams, but is designed to be more durable than your average high-end stick. At around $50 cheaper than your average top of the line stick, this stick is an excellent value.
5. The Bauer Supreme Comp Hockey Stick- $119.99
The Bauer Supreme Comp has the same kick-point and feel of the Bauer Supreme 1S. The kick-point is located higher on the stick, which makes it ideal for powerful slap-shots and snap-shots. At 475 grams, the Comp has a similar weight to high-end Bauer sticks such as the X900, S190 at a more affordable price.
Top Secret: The Bauer Advanced Series ADV Limited Edition Hockey Stick
The secret Was revealed on January 27th– the ultra-limited edition Bauer VAPOR ADV hockey stick hit the shelves With stores only allowed to sell 12 sticks each! The response has been phenomenal!
After three years of top-secret development, 2,000 hours of on-ice testing, and just 3,000 sticks made worldwide, the Advanced Series is ready to be unveiled as the lightest stick ever made. This once-in-a-lifetime stick is so limited, you might be the only one on your team who has it. Some of the highlights:
- 3 years of top-secret development
- 2,000 hours of on-ice testing
- Advanced Carbon Layering: less weight without sacrificing durability
- Speedier recoil for quicker releases
- Only 3,000 made worldwide
- 12 sticks per participating store: 6 left-handed, 6 right
- 67, 77, 87 flex
- P92 pattern
Introducing the Vaughn Velocity VE8 Goalie Line
New to February 2018, Vaughn will be releasing their latest line of Vaughn Velocity VE8 goalie equipment. The custom made pro carbon products are handmade in London, Ontario and Oxford Michigan. We have seen their operation in person, and can safely say that each piece of VE8 goalie equipment is handcrafted with care to achieve pro spec quality– creating the highest performing goalie gear on the market today. Here are some of the highlights and improvements:
VAUGHN VELOCITY VE8 CARBON PRO LEG PADS
- Single break outside roll
- Full pro core internal padding
- Stiffer ankle break area
- Wide knee with knee strap that has two attachment position options
- Center calf strap with wider adjustment area
- Thin profile outer side panel
- New magnetic buckle quick attach system
- Adjustable skate strap position
- Full Carbon fiber reinforced front surface
- Solid inside knee drive block
- Smooth inside edge for easy movement on ice
- Lower profile outside roll
- Thin front face cushion foam for more puck action
- New graphic with visually disruptive graphic
- New design top thigh rise creates more blocking surface
- Large inside landing area for greater balance and precise movements
- Full 11″ width
VAUGHN VELOCITY VE8 CARBON PRO CATCHER
- Two piece cuff thumb design for active glove feel
- Carbon fiber palm and back thumb
- Large wide span T-web with new spilt VE8 design
- Pre-formed palm flex area
- Carbon fiber front palm/back thumb segments
- Offset t-web creates deeper pocket
- Full grip interior palm surface
- Dual pull wrist strap for greater glove control
- Pro-Spec construction with reinforced perimeter edges
- Adjustable inner hand padding for precise fit
- 45” max perimeter size
- Padded wrist strap
- Light weight
- Full grip interior palm surface
- Hand security strap across fingers
- Heat moldable for custom fit and quick break-in
- Internal finger grip rail
VAUGHN VELOCITY VE8 PRO CARBON XP CATCHER
- Full grip interior palm surface
- Hand security strap across fingers
- Solid thumb/cuff design with more open front surface
- Adjustable inner hand padding for precise fit
- 45” max perimeter size
- Padded wrist strap lined with Neoprene
- Light weight
- VAS high impact foam padding in palm and thumb base locations
- Floating cuff design allows glove to be held at a more acute angle to the arm.
- Heat moldable for custom fit and quick break-in
VAUGHN VELOCITY VE8 CARBON PRO BLOCKER
- Full coverage formed finger protectors
- Higher hand position
- Four palm attachment tabs for increased glove control
- Back hand internal cushion padding
- Tapered side profile
- Fitted palm for control and grip
- Full Pro spec construction
- Double layered side index finger guards
- Carbon reinforced front and side shield
- Large side shield with HD ridge on inner edge
- Full coverage formed finger protectors with 3mm thick carbon fiber
- Higher hand position
- Laced down front face for superior puck control and deflection for greater durability
- Full adjustable wrist strap
- Tapered side profile for board shape
- Palm with VX suede and grip overlay construction
- Full Pro spec construction
- Dual layered side index finger guards with carbon fiber insert