Habfansincebirth said:
The Easton Stealth is the lightest, best performing and most expensive stick on the market. The only true one piece. The first batches produced had some problems with breaking at the top of the shaft and near the blade. (not uncommon with new technology.) The problems were recognised and fixed, so that new batches are much more durable.
I like the original Synergy (Silver), overall a great stick. You can also get the Grip or Si core versions, But I like the regular model best.
If you want value, try the Synthesis 2 piece. It performs like a Synergy, but if it breaks, you just have to replace the broken part.
I am biased towards Easton product, because they are the best made.
I used to believe so as I always used Easton sticks.
I had one of the first stealths ever made right when they came out, and it broke at the top of the shaft when I came into contact with another player on the 30th day of the warranty.
I don't think the stealth is the best performing stick. You can rip wrist shots, but slap shots IMO suffer because of the weight reduction. That's why I like my XX better. I think the ideal weight for a stick is 420 grams. I'm interested in trying a Bauer Vapor XXX stick eventually. The stealth was very expensive too, but after I got the second one back from the company, it was constructed differently and I don't shoot as well. To profit most, you need really strong wrists. My wrists and forearms aren't that strong and IMO one timers are bad with the stealth unless you have forearms like a pro and can hold the stick steady through the shot. It is not stable like a heavier stick is. The Vapor XX is light enough for me. I used to have the original grip synergies (2 of them in a row), then I got a Si-Core, which was great. I broke it and got a Vapor XX and it was awesome. Then I got a stealth and then another XX. The stealth is now sitting in my room and has only been used for like 3 shots in warmup of practice. Like I am a forward and a goal scoring player. LIke I avoid traffic and find the open holes. I'm not a powerforward and I'm really light at 155 and 6'0 (just turned 16) and you'd think the stealth'd be the ideal stick for me as I did, but the Vapor XX is a much better stick unless you're a top level player. I play the highest midget travel hockey in Florida FWIW, so I'm no slouch, but I even like the Synergy Grips way more than the stealth due to the weight problems. Also, for when I penalty kill, if you swat at the puck with one hand, the stealth is so light that it gets under the puck and doesn't propell it where you want it to go. Also, on Faceoffs, as I am a center, I usually win about 80% and with the stealth, it dropped to about 50-60%. Also, when other players pressure your stick, with the stealth, you have to use all of your strenght to overcome that, while with the XX, you can use some of the weight. All in all, unless you're a junior hockey player, top AAA player, or pro, I don't recommend the stealth.
