Stick advice!

[Ninja Hertl]

So, i'm starting up roller again after playing until I was sixteen. I was never really obsessed with gear because I didn't have too much money to splurge with, and my parents didn't want to spend it on me. I'm a defenseman who mostly wrists from the point (not too much slap), and doesn't really try anything tricky puckhandling-wise... i'm usually just looking to pass right away.

Any recommends? Brand/model?

Thanks in advance.

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[RangersMoogle]

Hey, I'm a Dman who never shoots and hates handling the puck, too! Why the hell do I have a Synergy? I see some Dmen with a Bauer Vapor XX, they seem to be able to take a beating. If you don't want to spend $100 on a stick, go get...damn it, what's that wood model you people like here? Someone answer this man.

 

[UserName]

get a composite/wood combo, have it a little whippy for the wrists shots.

 

[SoundwaveIsCharisma]

get a composite/wood combo, have it a little whippy for the wrists shots.

I'm using an Easton Comp/Wood (Z-Carbon) and it's working out pretty good and it's been able to take quite a beating as well. The blade is composite while most of the shaft (exterior) is wood, it has a nice feel and comes in a 95 Flex.

The wood seems to chip and shave pretty easy though so you may want to tape it up, that or hope you sliver people on the way by.

 

[Qui Gon Dave]

If you are after a composite then the old Innovative sticks (now Warrior) have always had a good rep for durability plus they offer good performance too. I've been using an Inno Novius for the past few months and haven't had a single problem with it.

I've also found the RBK 5K shaft was very good for the money, it has that snake grip thing on it which i thought helped a little bit and again gave good performance and seems to last very well.

 

[stick9]

I can vouch for Warrior sticks. I have one and love it. Very durable and a nice feel. Like the other poster said, Innovative has always made good sticks.

Louisville TPS's are a decent stick.

An Easton Z-Bubble shaft and a nice blade is a good option if you are someone who breaks a lot of blades.

There are a lot of nice sticks out there now. Find a blade pattern you like at a decent price and you'll be set.

 

[Ninja Hertl]

Sweet! Thanks for the advice.

I noticed no one recommended CCM... bad idea?

 

[sc37]

CCM sticks have a reputation for good reliabilty/duability while having no feel. Honestly I would recommend a Nike Apollo, closeout deals right now for cheap. Nvr used them but cheap composites for like $50, worth a try. I've heard good things about them, and probably can't get any better at $50 a pop.

Don't mean cheap as in quality..these are high end sticks, just cheap cause of closeouts to make space for new models...I'd check 'em out.

 

[Brodeur]

Don't know how badly your surface chews up blades, but a two piece stick is usually what I'd recommend for roller hockey players.

I personally like the Easton Cyclone, it's the lightest shaft Easton makes and the shaft shaft is less boxy than others which helps since I have relatively small hands. Shaft will cost around $75. For blades, I personally like the CCM V-20/V-40/V-60 as they wear down very well and they're relatively cheap $20-$30.

The Mission L-2 is another one I've been wanting to try. It's a tapered stick and tapered sticks generally behave the same one piece sticks, but you have the ability to swap blades. The L-2 also comes with 2 blades for ~$170. The shaft alone sells for $100 and each blade is $50. So it's a decent value.

But like the other guys have said, there's nothing wrong with a nice $35 Sherwood woodie. Somebody with noodle arms like me would notice the weight difference, but most guys won't.

If you can hold off for a few more weeks, the 2006 model sticks will be coming in. And there will be some more options in each price range.

 

[toroytorero]

I have the L-2 and personally love it. it's a really light but has held up well. and the blades are strong as well.

 

[crashlanding]

I'd suggest going with a decent composite shaft and a cheap *** blade. If it's outdoors I'd definitely look into an ABS blade, it's a sturdy plastic instead of wood which wears down really fast and chips at the bottom. It's been perfect for ball indoors and out and I've been using that blade a lot lately with a puck outside and it shows no extra wear. The only problem I've had is the odd blade the splits down the middle, usually not a big deal since the blade itself costs like 15 bucks and a good one will last a while.

Since you're a defenseman I'd suggest going with a slightly heavier shaft because you're not looking to stickhandle as much as you are to tie up other people's sticks. Good luck, a decent composite shaft should last you about four or five years so while it may be a big expense up front, it's not that bad in the long run.

 

[PensFanInCBus]

I got a Easton Ultra Lite shaft on Ebay for like $55 USD. Slap a wood blade on it and you got yourself a decent stick that will take
a beating for less than $80. The upside of the Easton UL's is that
they are crazy light but durable as a mother. I've used the same shaft for 2 sessions now and I love it.