Our local friends at Warrior Hockey provided us with an opportunity to use and review their newest stick, the Warrior Covert DT1. Building upon both the Warrior Diablo and the Warrior Widow from last year, the Covert DT1 is a top of the line one-piece hockey stick featuring their patented Dagger Taper Technology.
Specs: Warrior Covert DT1, Zetterberg curve, 85 Flex
Modifications: Cut down 1 inch
Appearance and Design: Thankfully, Warrior has gotten away form their tribalesque like patterns, instead, moving to a bolded WARRIOR writing down the shaft. The primarily black shaft with white and silver accents provide enough style without over doing it. The Warrior logo is on the front top end of the stick while THE MEANS TO DOMINATE is written on the back side, clearly informing you of your potential, much like Arthur yielding the sword Excalibur from the stone.
Warrior uses what they call Dagger Taper Technology. The stick is wider on the bottom of the stick in comparison to the top that is thinner, allowing for a more powerful shot by maximizing the load to the shaft. This technology also permits the stick to flex more like a bow at both ends of the stick opposed to a traditional stick, allowing for both a quick and accurate release.
Balance & Feel: Weighing in at 442 grams (less than the CCM RBZ), the stick itself is made with Warrior’s True 1 construction; a single-piece, fully molded shaft and blade. Warrior touts that the True 1 construction provides better control for both flex and weight of the stick because there are no fuse or connection joint of the shaft and blade.
The shaft has straight sidewalls with rounded corners made with a carbon fiber weave throughout the entire stick for a traditional hold and added durability. For feel, the stick has a raised diamond print that provides a little more grip then a flat, smooth finish.
Shooting and Accuracy: Warrior had some durability issues with the blade of their previous sticks and looked to improve upon those with the Covert DT1. They have increased the strength of the blade by using a Hardcore X Blade Core providing higher compression resistance; a Carbonized blade of glass fiber to resist cracking and chipping; Two fiber carbon support structures reinforcing the blade core; and an Aramid Sole, super-tough fibers used in bullet proof vests that wrap over the bottom edge of the blade for better impact resistance. Think layer upon layer of durability and you understand their engineering.
The stick has a very low-kick point compared to other sticks. This feature, in conjunction with the amplified bow-like bend of the shaft, provides for a quick release. The stick is ideal for those who prefer quick wrist and/or snap shots opposed to big slap-shots.
Overall Impressions: I have never used a Warrior stick until the Warrior Covert DT1. Presently surprised, the stick has exceeded my expectations and is quickly moving to the top of my list of best sticks.
The technology emphasizes durability, a concern for their previous sticks. A low-kick point provides for quick release shots, but definitely takes some getting use to if you are used to taking powerful slap-shots. The flex on the shaft is true to their bow like description, where other sticks seem stiff and fails to bend near the hand, the Covert DT1 bends throughout, offering a more efficient and better feeling flex. It feels light throughout the shaft and the blade, bettering stick-handling capabilities without losing feel. It looks sharp, and feels like the price-tag of $239.99. My only suggestion to date is purchase the grip version. Although the raised diamond pattern provides some grip, it still is a bit too smooth for my preference. I have not felt the grip version, but if it is anything like the Reebok 20k dual grip, it would be perfect.
Readers receive a 10% discount at PureHockey.com by using coupon code “HOCKEYWORLD”.
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how is this blade different than eastons 3 rib blade design?
I’ve done some searching and what I have gathered, they are very similar in the sense that it is somewhat like a cross beam providing durability. Easton has three while Warrior has their two Twinspar. From there though, Warrior has the carbon-plated glass fibers while Easton has a 3k carbon weave.
I do really love this stick, I’m 13 and broke one already form a slap shot but I bought another. Great stick for overall durability and balance. But another thing is I prefer the Bauer vapor 1x but the price is really the only differance to me