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2019 Staff Stick Recommendations For Tourney Time
There is no more important time of year for a hockey player than tournament time! Tournament time is the culmination of the season. It also tends to be the time of the year when your stick has seen better days after numerous slappers, blocks and slashes. Fear not, this is a great time to consider a new stick and we have a few recommendations to narrow down the choices.
Bauer Nexus 2N Pro– This premium, pro level stick is the latest version of the Bauer Nexus line. Nexus stands out as the first of the “Hybrid Flex” sticks featuring a mid-kick point and Sweet Spot Technology for a natural flex. This is Bauer’s most versatile, elite stick.
Warrior QX Pro– A staff favorite for overall performance-to-value in a pro stick. This is the same stick used by junior hockey and college hockey teams. They are exceptionally lightweight and durable, and are offered in an extra tall. The QX line offers a “natural flex” coupled with the Saber Taper and Minimus Carbon 800 for a versatile, high performance experience. Compare this stick to sticks that cost $80-$100 more and you’ll have a new favorite too!
Warrior QRE Pro– Another staff favorite for overall performance-to-value in a pro stick. This is the same stick used by junior hockey and college hockey teams. They are exceptionally lightweight and durable, and are offered in an “extra tall.” The QR line offers a low kick point, the most popular kick point in hockey, coupled with the unique Edge Taper and Minimus Carbon 1000 for a high performance, quick release stick. Compare this stick to sticks that cost $80-$100 more and you’ll have a new favorite too!
CCM SuperTacks AS1– The new SuperTacks AS1 pushes the boundaries of performance and will 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, the feel has been substantially improved. The new X-Flow technology allows for a 10g weight reduction while improving compaction for better durability.
CCM Tacks 9080– Another stick that rates highly in the performance-to-value ratio. Featuring the same mid-kick, maximum loading taper and intermediate geometry as the AS1 in a more affordable stick. At nearly 1/2 the price of an elite stick, this is one of the best deals around.
Your Guide to the Most Popular Hockey Stick Curves
When choosing your hockey stick curve, it is important to pick a pattern that suits your style of play. There are a wide variety of options, and sometimes it may feel overwhelming when looking at all the stick manufacturers, and types of sticks, but it is not as confusing as you may think. Each hockey stick manufacturer produces the same exact curve patterns, they just give them different names based on the player that represents their company.
Here is a simple breakdown, and a look at the most popular hockey stick curves on the market today based on sales:
Bauer P92 (Ovechkin), CCM P29 (Crosby), Warrior W03 (Backstrom), TRUE TC2, STX X92
- Most popular curve in the US, Canada & Europe
- Used in 95% of European Pro Leagues according to Bauer
- Mid-Toe Curve
- Open Face/Toe
- Ideal for toe drags/controlling puck when stick-handling
- Perfect for elevating the puck on quick wristers or snapshots
- A shooter’s curve
Bauer P88 (Kane), CCM P40 (MacKinnon), Warrior W88 (Zetterberg), TRUE MC, STX X88
- Second most popular curve on the market today
- Standard Mid-Curve
- Slightly open face
- Ideal for stick-handling/puck possession
- Perfect for puck control and accurate shooting
- A playmaker’s curve
Bauer P28 (Eichel), CCM P28 (McDavid), Warrior W28 (Gallagher), TRUE TC4, STX X28
- Quickly rising in popularity at all levels, including the NHL
- Mid-Toe Curve
- Open toe with a large hook
- Makes toe drags easy
- The ultimate shooter’s curve- easy to elevate the puck and pick corners, but can make stick-handling more difficult for beginners
- Ideal for a skilled goal-scorer
In today’s hockey market, 9 out of 10 players will choose one of these 3 curves, which has led to a shift within production for hockey manufacturers. Most, if not all companies have begun to reduce the amount of stick patterns available for the consumer. For this reason, you may find it difficult to find a unique stick pattern, that you may have once used.
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.
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