STX Surgeon 500 Stick Review

We were all excited to hear last year that STX would be jumping into the hockey market. Initially, we had thought they might release just one flagship stick. Instead, they’ve impressed with two unique models of top end sticks, both the Surgeon and Stallion. STX sent us both models to review, and we’ve spent some time with each of them. Below my review of the STX Surgeon 500 stick coming from several weeks of use.

Specs: STX Stallion 500, 100 flex, X88 Pattern

Design and Construction:

The STX Surgeon 500 stick has one of the cooler and more unique designs that has appeared on a stick recently. The color scheme is unique to STX, using white, gray, black, and teal throughout the shaft.

The shaft is constructed using 12k carbon fiber. It uses STX’s spear construction for the shaft to meet the blade. In the blade, you’ll find a dual rib construction and a foam core. Additionally, the blade uses the same 12k carbon fiber but with precision stiffness.

The flex profile is designed to be similar to the Vapor series of Bauer sticks. The stick is designed with two flex zones, a lower flex point for quick release shots, as well as a mid flex point for power.

Feel:

The Surgeon 500 stick feels solid in your hands. It’s definitely not going to be the lightest stick you’ve used, but it’s weight is in the same area as other top end sticks.

The stick feels well balanced, however, I’m not sure that it has the highest balance point of any stick on the market. I didn’t conduct any truly scientific tests, but from balancing a couple twigs on my finger, it was not the highest. That certainly shouldn’t take away from the stick though, as it still feels great but it’s worth it to note that weight seems to be distributed more towards the blade.

With all top end sticks, the Surgeon 500 included, you’re going to get pretty optimal puck feel out of it. STX has done a nice job with their first batch of sticks in making the puck feel what you would expect from a top end stick. Sending and receiving passes were both crisp and responsive. Stickhandling was responsive as well.

Shooting and Accuracy:

With a flex profile like what we see on the Surgeon 500 stick, I expect quick snap shots and wrist shots. I want the release to be quick and I expect the puck to snap off on the recoil pretty nicely.

So with that expectation in mind, I was happy to see that the Surgeon stick performed well. My wrist shots and snap shots seemed to do exactly what I wanted them to. Whether it be dragging the puck along and snapping a quick shot, or really leaning into a wrist shot, the quick release and accuracy that I expected were present.

On the downside, the slap shots I was taking were far from accurate. I was disappointed during more than a couple skates when I would wind up for a slap shot and see that it would miss to the right. Being a right handed shot, I attributed this to the blade opening up on my slapshot. I’ve never really ran into this issue before, so I’m wondering if it has something to do with the blade more than with me.

Durability:

The Surgeon 500 stick from STX definitely has a solid feel and build to it. The only durability issues I have experienced so far are minor chips and scuffs, something you’ll see on any composite stick.

Check out some of the pictures below to get a better idea of how the stick has held up to the abuse which I have put it through. I’m happy with the way it has held up and the stick still seems to carry just as much life as it had on day one.

Overall Impressions: 

While STX has been a player in lacrosse for some time, this is part of their initial offering of products for hockey players. While the stick performed like a champ in some areas, it seems like it could still use a bit of refining to make it a truly superb product.

I came away impressed most with the wrist and snap shots, as well as the overall physical appearance of the stick. It’s a cool design, and I received a couple of compliments on it.

On the other hand, I came away less than impressed with the Surgeon’s slapshot capabilities. If you’re a defenseman, or even a Teemu Pulkinnen type forward who utilizes that slapshot, you might not be as happy with this stick.

At a price of $259.99, which is comparable to a lot of other top level sticks, I think people might be a bit hesitant to try something new. Bauer, Easton, Reebok and CCM are all staples to the game, and to the pro’s, where I think it might be a tough sell getting people to pick up the STX Surgeon 500.

If you’re interested in trying something new and like the looks of this stick, you’re definitely still going to get a solid product.

Currently the STX Surgeon 500 stick is available at many hockey retailers across the US and Canada. As I mentioned, it retails for $259.99 and comes in a nice grip finish.

Have you used the STX Surgeon 500 stick? Leave a comment below with your personal review and experiences with the Surgeon to help HWB readers make the best stick buying decision for their needs!