So your last hockey season was cut short – A global pandemic shut almost every league on the planet down! We at Going Bar Down hope you and your family stayed safe and are looking forward to getting back on the ice!
While the world quarantined, the hockey stick manufacturers certainly did not take a staycation. There are several new awesome sticks they unleashed for 2020 / 2021. If you are the type of person who likes to cut to the chase, we have crowned the CCM Jetspeed FT3 Pro as our top hockey stick so far of the 2020/2021 season. It is one of the lightest sticks on the market, weighing in at merely 380 grams. The Jetspeed FT3 continues the Jetspeeds tradition of having a hybrid flex profile to allow for quick snap shot and booming slapshots depending on hand placement. CCM put the cherry on top of this stick by wrapping it in their ultra durable nonlite carbon layering.
This is a a proprietary carbon weave known as Sigmatex (you may have heard of us talk about sigmatex on sticks such as the Trigger 4 Pro) which helps shave weight and keep shaft strength up! Our top picks are directly below, and scroll further down to see our in depth reviews to get the low down on all the technologies used in the various sticks we reviewed!
Best Gifts For Hockey Players – Check Our Definitive List!
Curious about the best Youth Hockey Sticks? Check out our guide!
Our Pick
The Best Hockey Stick
Super light weight and strong, with a dynamic flex profile to allow you to Go Bar Down from anywhere!
The CCM Jetspeed FT3 has been making a few appearances in this years playoffs – Players loved the Jetspeed FT2 and have been quick to move to the FT3 to keep a competitive edge! Whether you have a split second to rip a shot in the slot, or have a bit of time burning down the wing to wind up, the Jetspeed FT3 Pro and its hybrid flex profile will help you snipe no matter where you are!
Runner-Up
Our Second Place Choice
Coupling the Vapor’s legendary low kick point and wicked release with a new resin system to boost strength!
Bauer has updated it’s class leading Vapor hockey stick lineup for this year with the top of the line Bauer Vapor Flylite – And it doesn’t disappoint. Coming in very light (383 grams for the senior stick) and with technologies such as XE taper technology and asymmetrical TeXtreme shaft, this stick has a wicked quick release that is very repeatable due to Bauer’s ever improving material engineering. The one-piece Vapor lineup continues to evolve year after year in amazing ways, and we have yet to find poor reviews on this weapon and highly suggest grabbing one for yourself!
Need to get that special hockey player in your life a gift? Check out our list of unique gift ideas for hockey players!
Budget Friendly
Best Budget Hockey Stick
Sherwood is back and better than ever witht he Rekker M90 Grip, a budget friendly but fantastic performing stick
When you don’t have top dollar to drop on the latest, newest hockey stick, sometimes dropping down a price level doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice too much in terms of quality. Building on the one-piece Rekkers of the past years success, the Rekker M90 is a next gen option that will save you 80-100 dollars compared to some top hockey sticks on our lists
Our Recommendations
Our Second Best Choice
Offering light weight, a low kick point, and increased durability, the Vapor Flylite is the top choice for when you expect pro level one-piece performance
Buying Options
The Top Overall Stick
Hot on the scene for 2020 / 2021 and being adopted by more NHL players every game, the Jetspeed FT3 Pro is an amazing hockey stick!
Buying Options
Budget Friendly Performance
Building on the previous Rekker which was a huge success, the M90 comes in super lightweight and durable for a fair price
Buying Options
Are you a forward and are looking for the best stick for your game? Check out our Best Hockey Sticks For Forwards guide here!
Research And Findings
Contents
- The Best Senior Hockey Sticks
- 1. CCM Jetspeed FT3 Pro - Best Overall Senior One-Piece Hockey Stick
- 2. Warrior Fantom QRE - The Lightest Stick
- 3. Bauer Vapor Flylite - The Best Bauer Hockey Stick
- 4. Sherwood Rekker M90 - The Best Budget Friendly Hockey Stick
- 5. Bauer Supreme ADV - The Best Hockey Stick For Slapshots
- 6. TRUE AX9 - Best Hockey Stick For Stickhandling
- 7. CCM RibCor Trigger 4 Pro - The Best Low Kick Hockey Stick
- 8. Bauer Nexus 2N PRO - The Best Mid Kick Hockey Stick
- 9. Warrior Alpha DX - Most Durable Hockey Stick
- 10. True XCORE XC9 ACF - Longest Lasting Hockey Stick
- 11. True XCore XC7 - Best Value True Stick
- 12. Bauer Vapor X900 - Best Value Bauer Stick
- 13. Warrior Covert QRE Pro - The Best Overall Value Hockey Stick
- How To Choose Your Hockey Stick Length
- How To Choose A Hockey Stick Flex
- Choosing The Right Hockey Stick Curve
- Which Hockey Stick Brand Is Best?
- Conclusion - Wrapping It All Up
We will be focusing on reviewing top of the line senior one-piece hockey sticks from all the major brands including CCM, Bauer, Warrior, and True to help you go bar down all the time. We will break down the hockey sticks and rank them by release, feel, power, durability, and cost. You really can’t go wrong choosing any of the hockey sticks we are going to review as they are all high quality, but each one is tailored to a slightly different style of player and we want you to pick the best hockey stick for your game.
Read on in our best hockey sticks of 2019 article for a brief comparison table showing our overall rating for each stick, and see the full reviews below. If you are interested in learning about the basics of picking a hockey stick, based on length, flex, curves, and material, scroll to the bottom of the article to read up on all the essentials! Drop a comment at the bottom if you have anything to say or any suggestions on how we can improve!
Are you a defenseman looking to gain an edge? Check out our best sticks for d men article!
The Best Senior Hockey Sticks
1. CCM Jetspeed FT3 Pro - Best Overall Senior One-Piece Hockey Stick
Specifications and Features:
- Hybrid Kick Point – Creates a hinge effect which allows for greater power while also designed with a soft taper for increased speed.
- JF-90 Blade – Featuring a dampening core to really enhance puck feel on the blade
- Double Concave Shaft – Fits perfectly in your hands with both front and back of the stick being concave
- Upgraded Sigmatex Nanolite Carbon – CCM used 12K woven carbon in the FT2, and has upgraded the FT3 with its premier Sigmatex material for enhanced durability
Advantages:
- Exceptional Durability – The CCM Jetspeed FT3 Pro was designed to endure a lot of faceoffs and slashes without sustaining any loss of stiffness or blade fatigue thanks to its Sigmatex Carbon material.
- Elite-Level Technology – All of the enhancements and features designed into this hockey stick are to help you perform at an elite levels. This stick is a preferred choice by many players in the NHL as almost 10% currently use the Jetspeed model.
- Quick Release – The CCM Jetspeed Pro gives you a noticeably faster and more repeatable shot thanks to the new JF-90 blade that has tons of pop!
Disadvantages:
The Hybrid kick point took a little getting used to not going to lie, but it does offer a nice balance between quick release and getting a powerful one-timer off.
Bottom Line:
Why do NHL players love the Jetspeed model? Because it offers a complete balance between a powerful shot and a quick release. This stick is designed for all players, not favoring the shifty skilled guys or the big physical defenseman. Its lightweight and offers great puck control, without sacrificing durability. Expect to see the Jetspeed FT3 in the NHL playoffs and even more in the 2020 / 2021 regular season!
2. Warrior Fantom QRE - The Lightest Stick
Specifications and Features:
- Minimus Carbon 1500D – This is the biggest upgrade vs last years QRE, which featured the 1200 Carbon
- Edge Taper – Warrior has used the Edge Taper as a way to maintain the torsional stiffness of your shaft before and after you release your shot, improving accuracy and bar down capability.
- True 1 Shadow Feel – Warrior has reengineered the shaft of the stick to create their lightest and strongest one piece stick ever.
- Enigma Carbon Material – A high strength and lightweight carbon-composite weave design that enhances the overall construction of the stick, and allows it to weigh in at a feather light 410 grams.
Advantages:
- Precision Accuracy – The Edge Taper really makes an impact on the accuracy of your shot with the Warrior Fantom QRE stick. The low kick point already gives you a quick release and the new taper gives your blade more stability on the quick shots.
- Responsive Feel – Warrios upgrade from the Minimus 1200 to its new Minimus 1500D boasts more elastic properties, and boosts strengths to levels beyond the original Fantom QRE
- Superior Durability – The Fantom QRE really stepped it up in regards to durability. We felt last years model had some room for improvement in this department but Warrior has definitely addressed this with their Fantom QRE stick. The new Shadow Carbon makes this stick feel a bit sturdier even though its lighter than previous models.
- Heavy Shot – When I was using the Fantom QRE stick, I felt like a got a little bit more on my snap shots and slap shots. The shaft is a bit stiffer and you can definitely the increased power this stick has when you lean into a shot.
Disadvantages:
- Extreme Light Weight – This isn’t an overall disadvantage as it is more of a preference, but for some who haven’t used top of the line composites for long moving from a mid range stick to one of the lightest ever made might feel a bit odd to start off. Regardless of how it feels initially, once you have played with this stick for a few weeks, its light weight should turn into an advantage and your hands will feel faster than ever before
BOTTOM LINE:
Warrior was always a bit of a niche hockey company but have really hit their stride with the Fantom QRE. Making its debut in the playoffs last year, players have been switching to Warrior in droves due to the top of the line performance the sticks put down game in and game out.
More and more NHL players are making Warrior their preferred hockey gear outfitter every year, and sticks like this are the reason why – Check out our links below for the best prices we have found from some of our favorite hockey retailers!
Want to see some replacements for stick tape? Check out our Hockey Stick Grips Guide here!
3. Bauer Vapor Flylite - The Best Bauer Hockey Stick
Specifications and Features:
- Extremely Lightweight – Bauer has done what seemed unthinkable and reduced the weight yet again of the Vapor Flylite – Coming in at a mere 383 grams
- Low Kick Point – Staying true to the Vapor line, the Flylite features a super low kickpoint for lightning quick releases
- Asymmetrical TeXtreme Shaft – A super strong shaft designed to let you lean on one timers a bit more without worrying about blowing your stick up
- AERO-SENSE 2 Blade – Focusing on improved durability and stability, this blade allows you to get consistent shots off
Advantages:
- Lightning Quick Release – The low kick point combined with the improved hockey stick recoil will have you going bar down before the goalie even has a chance to react! You can flick your wrists and the puck is going to fly off the blade of this stick with unbelievable accuracy and quickness.
- Silky Smooth Feel – The previous Bauer Vapor 1X Lite stick was already light as a feather, and now this year’s model is 15 grams lighter! This stick is built for players who are good in tight around the net, who want superior feel to help dangle through the opposition.
- Improved Durability – The new eLASTech feature has significantly improved the durability of the hockey stick, specifically the blade compared to last years model. You will notice the improvement in the blade durability very quickly if your hockey stick is constantly getting beat up from taking draws.
- Consistent Performance – With all the new features Bauer had added to this years Vapor Flylite stick, we noticed over time this stick did not “weaken” or show any signs of decreased performance. Every stick will eventually break, but this was one of the best sticks for keeping peak performance up until that moment.
Disadvantages:
- New Shaft Design – Trust me when I say this it was tough to find something bad to say about this stick, but the new shaft design from last years model took a little getting used to (this is what I blamed a bad game on anyways). They have squared the shaft off a bit which Bauer claims creates better energy transfer, and it has a slightly different feel than the Vapor 1X that precedes it.
BOTTOM LINE:
This is one of the best and most well known sticks on the market, backed up by being one of the most popular sticks being used in the NHL. If you’re a skilled hockey player that needs responsive feel and a quick release shot, this stick will aid your game. They found a way to improve on last years model of the Bauer Vapor 1X Lite stick by increasing the durability while shaving a little weight off through a new carbon fiber technology. I am a true fan of the Bauer Vapor Flylite stick because you can catch a lot of goalies off guard with how quickly and effortlessly you can get your shot off. Overall, this is one of the best Bauer hockey sticks for those seeking elite performance, and the stick is well worth the money.
If you are ready to pull trigger on one of these sticks, Pure Hockey’s Stick Buying Guide is a great resource to look at to make sure you’ve checked all the boxes!
4. Sherwood Rekker M90 - The Best Budget Friendly Hockey Stick
Specifications and Features:
- Dropkick taper – This is Sherwoods quickest and lowest kickpoint yet allowing for lightning quick shots
- Blackline XXV Carbon Fiber – A proprietary weave for a light yet responsive shaft
- VRF4 Blade – This blade improves on past Rekker blades in every way, and has an awesome pop when shooting, yet has a nice feel when receiving passes
- Graphene Technology – Graphene is a type of advanced carbon fiber and is super strong and helps this stick maintain durability
Advantages:
- Dropkick Taper – Sherwoods low taper technology helps players load the stick quickyl for fast, deceptive, yet powerful shots
- Increased Durability – Sherwoods Resinjection system prolongs life and keeps the sticks pop, while the Graphene helps increase structural stiffness
- Soft Feel – The VRF.4 Blade uses advanced foams to give you awesome feel for shooting and passing
- Incredibly Balanced – Sherwoods Flylite II technology coupled with their Blackline XXV carbon fiber gives this stick an amazing balance, especially for the price
Disadvantages:
- Name Brand – In a sport dominated by a few superpowers, you might be a bit wary to go for the underdog Rekker produced by Sherwood. Sherwood was a household name as few as 10 years ago, and we can assure you that this is no fly by night organization – you can definitely trust your hard earned dollars to Sherwood. I for one and super happy they have made a return to the game and think that increased competition can do nothing but make the game better for players like you and me!
BOTTOM LINE:
Sherwood hockey has undergone a restructuring over the past few years and a change in ownership, which is why you might have missed their products on the shelf for the last few years. With the M90 they are back in the game, and at an awesome price point, they will be vying for your dollars, and rightfully so as the Rekker M90 is a serious contender at a fantastic price point!
5. Bauer Supreme ADV - The Best Hockey Stick For Slapshots
Specifications and Features:
- FastCore – An update on the previous Supreme’s RenewCore blade, Bauer has increased the strength and improved loading
- All New Low-Kick Point – Bauer has completely redesigned the Supreme line, now featuring a low kick point with its Sonic Taper design
- Lightest Supreme Yet – Not only did Bauer redesign the kick point and loading, but made this stick 40 grams lighter than the previous supreme, coming in at a feather light 375 grams for the senior stick
Advantages:
- Faster Shot Loading – The FastCore blade is really a revolutionary technology that is brand new for the Supreme lineup. Bauer has used Aerofoam and a Carbon Bridge technology in the blade to create the ultimate ‘pop’ feel off your blade
- Sonic Taper – When you look at the shaft of the new Supreme ADV it appears to bubble out near the bottom. This geometry saves weight in key areas and improves energy transfer to the blade
- Completely Redesigned Flex Point – The Supreme line is no longer the high flex slapshot lineup it once was. A new lowered flex point makes this stick a versatile weapon, allowing quick snapshots but retaining its great strength for big slapshots
- Lightest Supreme Yet – Although the new design and carbon fiber don’t make this stick quite as light as the Bauer Vapor FlyLite, the Supreme ADV stick offers comparable feel while providing a heavier shot. The stick weighs in at 375 grams which Bauer claims undercuts last years 2S by a whopping 40 grams.
Disadvantages:
- No More High Kickpoint – If you are the type of player who prefers the old Supreme design for booming slapshot after slapshot, this might take some getting used to as Bauer has really lowered the kickpoint. In our opinion this should help in the long run as the game gets faster and faster requiring quicker and quicker shots from players.
BOTTOM LINE:
Bauer took the Supreme line back to the drawing board for this one and came out with a really great stick. The new supreme lineup will really compete with other low kick point sticks and it is VERY close to matching Warrior for the lightest stick out. Reviews so far have been shining – we can whole heartedly recommend this stick for players looking to up their game!
6. TRUE AX9 - Best Hockey Stick For Stickhandling
Specifications and Features:
- Braided Rib Technology Plus – True’s BRT+ technology extends a braided rib pattern into the heel of the stick, which allows for a thinner blade wall that is more responsive while still demonstrating excellent durability
- Axenic Technology – True’s Axenic Technology allows the company to make a true one piece stick, resulting in one of the most balanced sticks on the market
- Smart Flex – Utilizing their experience designing true one piece sticks, True has developed a varying flex profile for the A6.0 which helps minimize energy losses in the stick and transfer more power to your shot
- Smart Ply Construction – True uses 25 individual carbon fiber layers to minimize weight while maximizing pop and durability
Advantages:
- Durability – True’s BRT+ system has a braided rib cord run from the base of the blade to the toe, and back through the center of the braid. True claims this increases blade durability and pop!
- Even more Durability! – New this year to the A series lineup is True’s FiberSHIELD tech. They disperse low density particles (10 nano meters in diameter) throughout the blade and shaft to increase impact resistance. Any durability technology is a welcome addition in our opinion!
- Balance – The Axenic technology has everyone at True and all their customers and athletes very excited. Using a compression molded shaft there are no connection points on the stick between shaft and blade, creating a true one piece and giving the stick that amazing feel that True users love!
- Power – True has replaced the SmartFlex system with new SmartPly carbon fiber construction. SmartPly has 25 layers of carbon fiber laid in a unidirectional manner to help maximize energy transfer from your hands to the biscuit in order to help you get every shot off with as much speed and power as possible. SmartPly boosts shot power and overall stick durability!
Disadvantages:
Ultimate balance, or not specialized enough? The AX9 is the closest thing to getting that soft feel of receiving a pass on a wooden stick. However some may think True focused too much on stick feel and not enough on shot improving technologies. In our opinion this stick still has awesome pop and can get great shots off!
BOTTOM LINE:
True prides themselves on sticks that feel better than any others. If you had any concern about the shot taking abilities and thought True may have neglected that aspect, consider the fact that Mitch Marner and Phil Kessel both use the AX9. Knowing that a few snipers such as those two use it, feel confident that the True AX9 delivers on all fronts and competes with any other top of the line stick!
7. CCM RibCor Trigger 4 Pro - The Best Low Kick Hockey Stick
Specifications and Features:
- Ribcor Asymmetric Taper – CCM put focus on the concave side of the Trigger 4 Pro and rounded it out, increasing the kick and allowing for hotter shots off the blade
- X-Flow Technology – This is a proprietary CCM technology that removes any excess resin and voids to increase shaft quality and durability.
- Agility Blade – CCM has thinned out the blade allowing for a much quicker release according to their in house testing
Advantages:
- Electric Shot Release – The new Asymmetric Taper combined with the low kick point of the stick create a lightning quick shot release. This is the best stick to cut some serious time off your shot release and eliminate the number of times you get poke checked.
- Receptive Feel – Everything has seemed to come together in this stick as the lighter blade and improved taper give a really soft feel when handling the puck. This stick will have you handling the puck with ease in tight spaces.
- Solid Durability – CCM uses it’s proprietary Sigmatex technology which features an innovative carbon weaving process – the result? A stronger and more durable stick for you!
- Optimized Vertical Flex – With a great flex ratio of 1 to 1.85, the profile on this stick grants you the ability to slide the puck towards your body into shooting position with greater ease. This feature really comes into play when going bar down through a screen.
Disadvantages:
- We didn’t notice any huge drawbacks from the Trigger 4 nor did most reviewers, but this iteration is definitely a bit of an evolution and doesn’t break any new ground. That being said if you are a big fan of the old Trigger, you will definitely love this one
BOTTOM LINE:
The old saying if it ain’t broke don’t fix it rings true here. The Trigger 4 Pro is an evolution of the wildly successful Trigger 3D and if you love a quick accurate shot, this is your weapon of choice!
8. Bauer Nexus 2N PRO - The Best Mid Kick Hockey Stick
Specifications and Features:
- Control Shaft Geometry – Bauer’s new control shaft geometry design incorporates an ergonomic feel and has 14% rounder corners than last years Nexus 1N.
- Power Sense 2 – Bauer has integrated an absorbent core into the blade of the stick to keep it lighter and create a higher sense of feel for the puck on your stick.
- TexTreme – Bauer has used a new carbon fiber technology called TexTreme which is an ultra-lightweight carbon fiber, 20% lighter than conventional carbon fibers and also more durable.
- Easy-Load Taper – Bauer has changed the taper for the Nexus 1N to make it more moderate as the shaft transitions to the blade, making it easier to load with greater consistency.
Advantages:
- Shot Consistency – The combination of the Power Sense 2 and the Easy-Load Taper gives this Bauer hockey stick a consistent feel for your shot in all situations. The performance doesn’t change whether you’re taking an off balance wrist shot or a slapshot from the point.
- Meticulous Accuracy – The redesigned control shaft geometry and improved sweetspot technology has gone a long way to ensure an accurate shot release every time. With less effort needed to load your shot, you’re able to focus on picking your spots as the power comes naturally.
- Comfortable Feel – The shaft geometry really improves the feel of the stick in your gloves which transfers to how well you handle the puck. The double concave walls of the shaft coupled with the Power Sense 2 blade make puck handling second nature.
- Mid Kick-Point – The mid kick-point is truly an advantage for complete players that don’t want a stick that limits them to just heavy shots or quick release shots. We have a video linked below showing Jonathon Toews, one of the most complete players in the game, using the Bauer Nexus 1N stick with absolute pin point accuracy.
Disadvantages:
- Durability – The durability of these sticks is great, but a little less than some of the competition. I have broke a number of these sticks (and continue to buy them) but the performance you achieve outweighs this risk.
BOTTOM LINE:
This is an exceptional hockey stick and has almost a cult following despite some issues with the durability. This stick gives you top notch performance to go bar down with a quick snapshot or a huge one timer. This is a well balanced stick that suits every player, regardless of their skillset. If you want to see just how good this hockey stick can perform, watch this video of Jonathan Toews and Auston Matthews play “Call Your Shot”
9. Warrior Alpha DX - Most Durable Hockey Stick
Specifications and Features:
- Saber Taper – Warrior has made the taper on the Alpha line thinner and stronger, which couples with the low kick point for a lightening quick release.
- Minimus Carbon 1400 – A high strength and lightweight carbon-composite weave design that improves the overall construction of the stick. This is an upgrade over last year’s MC1200
- Ergonomic Shaft Feel – Warrior has ensured this shaft feels amazing to hold and gives you fantastic feel on shots, passes, toe drags and more!
- FuelCore – The core technology in the Alpha DX blade has multiple composite layers wrapped around a core designed to transfer maximum energy to your shots
Advantages:
- Saber Tapre – The Saber Taper III is enhanced with the Minimus Carbon 1400 technology to give you a lightening quick shot. The lightweight nature of the stick and high recoil rate makes quick snap shots that much easier.
- Improved Durability – Similar to the outgoing Alpha QX, Warrior has also stepped it up with the Alpha DX stick in the durability department. The technological advances that have been incorporated with the Minimus Carbon 1400 have taken this stick a long way to achieve prolonged performance.
- Shot Power – On the previous Alpha model, the quick release was there but the shot power felt a little low. On the new Warrior Alpha DX, the Minimus Carbon 1400 technology has increased the stiffness and you can really feel the energy of your shot come off the blade
Disadvantages:
- No real disadvantages here, this stick is a fantastic option and a good improvement over the Alpha QX, without making any drastic changes
BOTTOM LINE:
The Warrior Alpha DX is a top performer that comes in at a more accessible price point compared to the top of the line sticks like the Covert Fantom, Vapor Flylites, or Supertacks AS2’s. This is a perfect stick for skilled forwards and defensemen that are constantly in tight spots needing a quick and accurate release. The feel of the shaft and blade combine to give this stick superior feel and puck handling abilities.
10. True XCORE XC9 ACF - Longest Lasting Hockey Stick
Specifications and Features:
- Improved Accuracy – True XC9 has an improved flex profile for easy loading, quick and accurate shots
- XCORE Gen 2 Insert – True XC9 has a re-designed and enlarged insert for this year’s XCORE. This helps enhance the feel of the puck when receiving passes
- BRT+ Tech – True XC9 has used BRT+ technology to create a more durable blade, and distribute weight previously found in the blade into the shaft for an overall stronger stick that is less bottom heavy and perfectly balanced.
Advantages:
- Accuracy – True has really honed in on the perfect flex profile to help you load the stick quickly and easily and provide accurate and repeatable shots. True XC9 uses ‘Axenic’ technology to achieve this which focuses shot loading only on the front to back axis of your shot
- XCORE Insert – The namesake of this stick, the SCORE insert is now in its second generation. This insert can be found in the blade and helps make the entire blade a sweet spot for passing and shooting
- BRT+ Tech and Smart Ply – The BRT + features a braided rib structure along the heel of the blade improving the True XC9 durability. The Smart Ply system is found along the shaft and increases shaft durability
Disadvantages:
- A new stick line for True, it is hard to find reviews of this stick so if we are being honest, we haven’t heard of any advantages just yet! If you know of any please comment below!
BOTTOM LINE:
True stays ‘true’ to its values. The XCORE XC9 focuses on ultimate feel for the player. Whether it is receiving passes or ripping shots, there is no bad spot on the blade, and the shaft loads very easily for fast releases. True’s many durability enhancing technologies make this one of the most durable and longest lasting sticks we have come across. The True XC9 also puts a big focus on durability, ensuring your hard earned money will last as long as possible while ripping shots bar down.
11. True XCore XC7 - Best Value True Stick
Specifications and Features:
- Axenic Technology – Features Axenic Tech which is a process that provides a consistent feel throughout the entire stick and fantastic balance.
- SmartPly Tech – The True XCore XC7 has industry leading impact strength giving it increased durability.
- XCore Technology -A huge component to what makes the stick unique; it’s embedded into the core of the blade and produces 30% more rotational puck spin.
- Braided Rib Technology – Braided tubes within the blade give it increased support throughout for longer life.
Advantages:
- Increased Accuracy – One of the most noticeable benefits of the True XCore XC7 is improved accuracy, especially in the wrist shot due to the XCore Tech.
- Superior Durability – A very strong stick thats designed with durability in mind, best in class impact protection and Braided Rib technology give this stick long lasting feel and performance.
- Better Control – The True XCore XC7 has a nice dampening feel in the blade which is great for stick handling and receiving passes, and noticeably older True models.
Disadvantages:
The newest model of the True sticks has some great technology that isn’t a part of the True XCore XC7, but this is still a great value option.
Bottom Line:
This is a premium option as far as sticks go that won’t cost you $300+, this offers exceptional puck handling and feel yet is best in class for durability. I definitely noticed a little more zip and accuracy in my wrist shot as the increased spin rate definitely makes a difference here. I’ve had a True XCore XC7 as part of my rotation (I go through a ton of sticks) and it lasted me a ton of ice times without having my performance decline through blade or shaft fatigue. This is a great option and a versatile stick for every player that is looking to cut down on some of the cost.
12. Bauer Vapor X900 - Best Value Bauer Stick
Specifications and Features:
- QRT Technology – Keeps the energy in the lower part of the shaft while passing or shooting, enabling a quicker release for players.
- 3K Carbon Shaft – This weave is 10% stronger and lighter than traditional weaves and increases energy transfer during every shot.
- Maxbalance Technology – Bauer made sure to include Maxbalance Tech which reduces the overall weight of the stick but still provides excellent balance and feel for the player.
Advantages:
- Improved Durability – The stick comes with major durability upgrades throughout the shaft and blade ensuring your stick performs the same way every single time you step on the ice.
- Quicker Release – The Bauer Vapor X900 has a quicker release than its predecessor and it will keep the goalie off guard on every shot.
- Lightweight Design – A very lightweight stick provided by Bauer, that allows for better handling and a great feel for the puck.
Disadvantages:
This is on the lower end of the price range for our mid-range sticks and it sacrifices a little in the durability department, especially if you’re taking a lot of faceoffs.
BOTTOM LINE:
This stick is a great value pick as the price point is best in class and you aren’t giving up anything in the shot or puck control department. Yes it doesn’t have some of the newest technology upgrades but lets be honest its light years ahead of any wood stick or two piece. I was a huge fan of the quick release and puck handling in this stick, as its definitely designed for more of the skilled players.
13. Warrior Covert QRE Pro - The Best Overall Value Hockey Stick
Specifications and Features:
- Edge Quick Release – The Warrior Covert QRE Pro is easier to load and has a very explosive release.
- Edge Taper – A new and unique edge taper that improves response and improves power by driving more energy down into the blade when shooting.
- Tru 1 Phantom – Tru 1 Phantom construction creates a great stick feel for players, increasing puck control and response.
- Pro Cortex Grip – This particular stick features a textured but soft grip that allows the player maximum control throughout the game as your gloves get sweaty.
Advantages:
- Improved Control – The Tru 1 Phantom and other technology implemented into the Warrior Covert QRE Pro really improve puck control and pass reception.
- Quick Releases – This hockey stick was designed with players that demand a quick release in mind, and this is one of the big advantages over other sticks on the market. The lightweight and soft feel this stick has really comes to focus when you’re handling the puck.
- Ergonomic Design – The shaft is designed in a way that allows you to easily grip the stick, which allows you to be strong on the puck in all game situations.
Disadvantages:
This stick is on the lighter end of the spectrum that we have reviewed here, it still gives you good durability but some players prefer a bit of a heavier stick.
Bottom Line:
Is this the cheapest stick in our mid-tier grouping? No, it is for sure on the higher end but unfortunately to get a stick that is as lightweight and durable as the Covert QRE Pro you have to shell out a bit of cash. This is a great value deal as you typically have to pay premium prices for a stick with this total weight, and the quick responsive release you get is sure to increase your point totals. The best part of this stick is its lightweight durability and increased feel for the puck over some of the lower end Warrior sticks.
How To Choose Your Hockey Stick Length
There are many variables to consider when it comes to choosing your hockey sticks. Before we get to the stick reviews we will break down all the things you need to consider before purchasing a stick. Remember, there are NO absolutes with any of these. Our guidelines are here to get you started but your own personal experiences will lead you to find your perfect combination of features over time.
Hockey Stick Man created a great article covering stick lengths if you want to take a deep dive into it!
Stick length seems simple at first glance but can have the greatest effect on your game. Are you a dangler who likes to get into tight places, or a guy who works the outside and likes sniping from further out? A forward or defenseman? All these can play into a stick length that best suits you.
Short Stick – This would be defined as a stick that is under your chin while you are on skates. This type of length is preferable to guys who like to stick handle, get in and out of tight situations, and take shots from in close. Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby both use quite short sticks, and their style of play is quite different, so you should be able to make it suit whatever your needs are. Remember, as you cut your stick, you are increasing its stiffness, so buy a flex according to what you want your final flex to be once its cut. Most modern sticks will have notches showing what the flex ends up at as you cut the stick down.
Regular Stick (stock height) – This would be a stick kept at the standard length they come from manufacturers, or within an inch or so of it either way. This is a flexible length that you can use for all types of shots, stick handling, or even if you are a defensive defenceman focused on pokechecks. It doesn’t excel at anything in particular out of the box but with enough practice you can use this length to become adept at whatever you choose.
Long Stick – This would either be a longer stick (some manufacturers make tall sticks you can buy) or by putting a plug in a regular length stick. This type of stick is great for defensemen as it really increases your poke check reach and can help you keep forwards within your reach easier. Zdeno Chara has a famously long stick, mostly due to his height, but players like Brad Marchand and Bobby Ryan also sport quite lengthy sticks (for their height) as well.
Recommendation – We always recommend hockey players to purchase an uncut stock stick. From here you can cut or extend the stick to your desire!
How To Choose A Hockey Stick Flex
One-Piece hockey stick flex must be tailored to your individual playing style as well. Senior flexes range from 75 all the way u to 120, meaning there is a huge range for you to choose from
Low Flex (70-85) – This flex requires very little shaft loading in order to get a quick shot off. You can lean very slightly on the stick and get shots off like nothing. Conversely, this will not be the stick you buy in pursuit of the hardest shot title on your team. A word of caution – if you are a more advanced player and can really rip one timers then you are definitely at risk for reduced stick life. Its no coincidence you see sticks explode out of the hands of Ovechkin, Stamkos, or Laine more than anyone else but its the risk you take to get those kinds of scoring chances.
Medium Flex (85-100) – This is your middle of the range flex, suitable for every shot on the board. Your snap shot might not be quite as quick as a low flex, and slapshot not as hard as a high flex, but you will have a much more complete selection of shots making you a threat in every situation.
Heavy Flex (100-120) – This is for the guys that are either ridiculously strong, big, or just like to lean into slap shots all game long. The stiffness in the shaft will allow you to put more energy into the stick than the lower flexes, leading to harder shots. Some examples of heavy shooters and their flexes – Shea Weber uses a 122 flex in game, and rumor has it the big man Zdeno Chara uses a 150 flex!
Recommendation – An 85-90 flex is definitely the sweet spot for most hockey players and is what we would recommend. If you are very heavy or quite light, add or subtract 10 flex off that accordingly as a starting point.
The fellas at Hockey Supremacy have a great article breaking down stick flex to help completely educate you on it!
Choosing The Right Hockey Stick Curve
How do you choose from the seemingly infinite amount of curve choices? I can point you to a good curve for beginners but lets dive into the different types of curves first so you can choose based on your playing style.
Hockey Circles is a great hockey blog that has some fantastic pictures and explanations of all the popular curves used right now. Check out their post on hockey blade curves for some additional info!
Curve (Heel/Mid/Toe) – This refers to where the blade starts curving. A heel curve begins right away and will look like more of a hook. A toe curve will have a longer straight portion and curve at the end. Most popular curves these days are some from of a mid-range curve.
Lie – This can range from 4.5 to 6.5 and it is a reference to the angle the between the stick and the blade. A high lie will have the blade flat on the ice as the stick is held more upright or further from the ice (for players who skate with less leg bend), and a lower lie allows the stick to be held closer to the ice while keeping the blade flat (for skaters who skate in more of a squat position and are lower to the ice).
Face (Open/Closed) – This refers to the curve of the blade and if it is ‘opens’ (think of putting the puck towards the top of the net) or is ‘closed’ and allows for shots to easily be controlled and pointed towards the lower portion of the net. Generally forwards will use a slightly more open curve and defensemen will us a slightly more closed curve (If they aren’t… forwards standing in front look out!)
Depth – If you placed a ruler on the toe of the stick straight to the heel, this would measure the deepest point between the ruler and blade. A larger depth will be quite apparent and the blade will look like more of a ‘hook’ from above.
Recommendation – The Crosby / Ovechkin blade curves (or other brand equivalents) are a decent starting point for anyone. They are big mid curves, with a slightly open toe, allowing this blade to be a jack of all trades. There is a reason these are the biggest sellers and have the big names on them – If you have no idea where to start, we suggest starting here.
Which Hockey Stick Brand Is Best?
There are fivemain hockey stick brands, and to be honest they all make great sticks.
Bauer – One of the oldest and most respected brands. Their main stick lines are the Supreme and Vapor lines, with Supreme being more of a power stick for booming shots and Vapor being for quick, deadly accurate shots. Pros such as Patrick Kane, Patrick Laine, and Aaron Ekblad
CCM – Bauer’s biggest competitor and the most popular stick maker in the NHL, CCM has three main stick brands – Ribcor, Tacks, and Jetspeed. Ribcor being the fast release shot sticks, Tacks being for big booming shots, and Jetspeed falling somewhere in the middle. CCM has been on a sponsorship tear lately and sponsors some of the biggest players in the NHL like Connor Mcdavid, Sidney Crosby, and Alex Ovechkin.
Warrior – The third biggest stick maker in the NHL, warrior was a bit of a niche company for a while but is definitely mainstream now. Their Fantom QRE holds the title as the lightest stick made to date!
True – A relative newcomer to the stick game, under 3% of NHLers use True, but they still have superstars like Mitch Marner working with their brand!
Sherwood – Once the most popular stick in the world (The wooden Sherwood PMP5030) Sherwood is staging a comeback these days but under 1% of NHLers use it. This is an improvement from 0 a few years ago!
Hockey Stick Construction Materials
The hockey stick has evolved in many ways over the years. We here at Going Bar Down have used it all. From wood to aluminum and now to composites, and from the era of two pieces to one pieces, we have probably played with and broken a stick of every material combination. If anyone has an original Silver Synergy, hit us up!
Material – The age of wooden hockey sticks is over. There, I said it. I grew up on one for a few years before aluminum took over in the early 90’s, and after using modern composite sticks for 20 years, I can’t say I miss them. Composite one-piece sticks allow for harder shots, longer stick life, and greater accuracy. Any hockey stick you consider (unless maybe a twig for the out door rink with your buddies) should be a composite one-piece stick.
One Piece vs Two Piece – Two piece hockey sticks still exist, but are now mostly pushed out of the market. Unless you find a deal you can’t pass up or find a good old shaft for nostalgic sake, a one piece stick will be your weapon of choice. Better energy transfer for shooting, as well as eliminating a connection make a one piece the style of stick that has persevered over the years.
Conclusion - Wrapping It All Up
There is no right or wrong answer in choosing any one of these one-piece hockey sticks, all that matter is what they will do to your game. We want you to choose high performance equipment that will make sure you achieve your full potential every time you’re on the ice. For me, that stick is the CCM Jetspeed FT3 – It’s mid kick point, ultra light weight, and fantastic durability really lock it in as our top pick. We hope our review helped you pick a stick!
