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Silverback Chrome Stick: Initial Impressions

Feb 6

Posted by Eddie in Reviews | No Comments

The Silverback Chrome prior to skating with it for the first time earlier this week.

The newest stick I’ve had the opportunity to use for review is the Chrome composite stick from Silverback Hockey. Their mission is to provide the best quality hockey sticks for players of all ages and to have the best, strongest, goalie destroying goalie stick ever constructed. From the first couple of times using this stick, they are well on their way. Check out the initial impressions of the Chrome, where we lay out the specifications and features. Check back after a few weeks of first hand, in-game use for a more in-depth review.

Stick: Silverback Chrome

Weight: 428 grams

Curve Specs: Columbus Curve/5.5 Lie/Mid Curve Depth/1/2″ Curve Depth/Neutral Face Angle/Round Toe

Similar To: Easton Iginla/Bauer Lindros/TPS Messier/Warrior Draper

Shaft Style: Matte finish with Grip

Flex: 90 (Also available in 80 and 105 Flex)

Price: $150 at Silverback Hockey

Aesthetics:

The stick has a white base with blue and gray  writing along the middle of the shaft. The bottom half of the stick has blue and gray trim before turning to black at the blade. The middle of the shaft features the “Gorilla Skin” grip texture that is designed to provide the same consistent grip for your bottom hand. The gripped area of the stick is 25″ long and encompasses the entire “SILVERBACK” word mark as seen in the photo above. The finish is smooth just like the rest of the stick. Most companies have been going with dark colors and a matte finish. This stick uses uses a color combination not commonly seen which I like a lot. It speaks volume with the white/blue/gray color but it doesn’t have the visual noise seen here.

For those who have read our reviews in the past, it feels exactly like the BattleAxe BX7 stick we reviewed last year. I still play with the BX7 and outside the differences in name and curve it feels exactly the same.

Features:

Along with the Gorilla Grip, Silverback prides their stick on Gorilla Armor. Gorilla Armor features 100% Toray Industries Carbon construction throughout the stick, delivering some of the same technology seen in sticks made by major manufacturers.  The low-kick flex point provides the shooter with consistency in any shooting situation.

One feature I like is the Silverback wordmark is in white on the forehand side and blue on the backhand side. There is no mention of country origin on the stick. With the shaft, it is concave on all four walls for extra grip. I like the concave walls because while playing with the stick, it feels more stable and stronger while taking harder shots.

Balance:

This stick feels very balanced in my hands. The first time I used this stick I noticed how light it is. I know they make sticks lighter than 428g, but at 62″ this is the lightest stick I have ever played with. Handling the puck up and down the rink isn’t a problem. I was even able to cradle it while coming in and out of the corner without losing the puck. The low kick-point meant my slap shot went significantly lower (just under the crossbar versus sailing above the net from the point). This stick is ideal for both defensemen and forwards.

Ending Notes:

Overall, I’m looking forward to using this stick more and writing more reviews on it. It’s going to take another skate or two to become comfortable with the curve as it has a more neutral face than the BX7 I used prior to receiving this stick. I became more confident as I was able to fire a couple slap shots inside the crossbar during warm-ups of our weekly inline skate last week. Because of the length, I am not sure if I am going to cut 1.5 to 2 inches off the top like I did with my previous stick. I’ll make that determination after using it a few more times.

Check back in a few weeks when this stick has seen more in-game action. For more information on this or any of the gear Silverback has in their arsenal, check out their website.

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Reebok Ai9 Hockey Stick Review 2

Jan 30

Posted by Matt in Reviews | 1 Comment

Reebok Ai9 Hockey StickLast October, Reebok Hockey sent us their brand new Reebok Ai9 one-piece hockey stick to review. In my initial review, I liked the feel of the stick and experienced some of the hardest shots I had ever taken. With continued use, the Reebok Ai9 has impressed me more and more. Now, it seems as though Reebok’s latest stick is one of the best available. Read on for my full review:

Player Specs: I’m approximately six-feet tall and weigh around 190 pounds. My preferred stick is a 100 flex with a slight mid-heel curve, 5 lie, and round toe.

Stick Specs: Reebok Ai9, Griptonite Grip, Crosby curve, 85 Flex

Modifications: None

Appearance and Design:

The Reebok Ai9 has maintained a fresh design and can compete with offerings from any other brand in terms of eye appeal as it continues to draw looks and compliments from players. The matte finish on the lower third of the stick compliments the design nicely, but it still maintains some shine on the top two thirds. Despite the stick having a stock length of 60 inches, it feels longer. Transitioning to a different brand for a game proved to be difficult as the other stick felt much shorter. Not to blame the Ai9, however, as the stock length pleases me with ice skates on and provides the perfect length and lie for someone who likes to stickhandle a bit away from their body.

Feel:

The traditional shape of the shaft on the Ai9 gives it a very natural feel in my hands and took no getting used to. The Griptonite grip of the shaft is subtle enough that I can still slide my hands easily up and down the length of the shaft, but provides enough grip to keep my hands locked in place when I want them to be. The presence of the grip on the shaft really had no adverse effects, and fans of a grip stick should be pleased with the Griptonite technology.

Feel for the puck with the Reebok Ai9 was tremendous. While I did go through a bit of an adjustment period after I first began using it, the Ai9 has proven to not only provide reliable puck feel when stickhandling, but accurate feel as well. Beyond just feeling that the puck is on my blade, I find I have a better feel for where the puck is on my blade – whether its on the heel, mid-blade, or toe. While the point may seem small, it’s a feel I was unable to achieve with an Easton EQ50 that led to a recurring problem of fanned shots.

After a few months of continuous usage, the Reebok Ai9 still flexes as though it were new. While I typically use 100 flex sticks, the 85 flex Reebok has proven to be very strong. The only other experience I have had with an 85 flex was on a Warrior Kronik, and it was unbelievably whippy. If you’re expecting a whippy 85 flex with the Ai9, you may want to reconsider which flex you choose. This 85 flex stick provides me with enough resistance on shots to really load up the shaft and expect a hard, fast shot.

As I noted in my initial impressions review, I had a bit of trouble catching passes when I first switched to the Ai9. When attempting to receive hard passes, the puck would sometimes jump off the blade or bounce when making contact. This problem has resolved itself, however, and I can attribute it to nothing more than an adjustment period as I got used to using a new stick. My best advice would be to make sure you use this stick in practice a couple times and are comfortable with the dynamics of the new stick before you take it into a game.

Shooting and Accuracy:

Where I truly expected to experience an adjustment period was in my shooting and accuracy. Using the Crosby curve, which I had been unfamiliar with, and a change in flex, I thought it would be a skate or two before I could place shots like I’m used to. To my surprise, however, my shot was hard and accurate from the first time I stepped onto the rink with the Ai9.

Wrist and snapshots, which I use frequently, pop off quite well from the mid-flex point shaft. As I stated above, the 85 flex loads up a bit heavier to me, more like the 100 flex Eastons that I’m accustomed to. The big selling point from the Easton Stealth RS that everyone talks about, besides its great design, is the way the puck pops off your blade on each shot. From my experience, the Reebok Ai9 produces just as much pop as an Easton Stealth RS, and costs a bit less too.

The great pop isn’t just noticeable on wrist shots, however, it’s also a big part of the reason why slapshots feel so good with this stick. My accuracy has always been less than terrific with slapshots though, and the Ai9 provided no exception. When it comes to picking a general area – high, low, left and right – I have no issues in hitting the right spot. However, when aiming for a top left corner above the goalies shoulder, my chances of hitting the corner will be about one in four. Of course, this can only be attributed to the player and not the stick, but it’s worth noting that the Ai9 does not improve my slapshot accuracy.

Reebok Ai9

Despite minor paint chips on the Reebok Ai9, it has been an incredibly durable stick

Durability:

My favorite part about using the Reebok Ai9 has been feeling comfortable with how strong the stick is. This stick has blocked shots, been hacked, slashed, stepped on, used for stick lifts and board play, but shows no awful signs of wear. Like any stick that has been used for period of a couple months, our Ai9 has its fair share of dings and paint chips. At the end of the day though, I never second guess leaning into a hard slapshot because I am so confident in it’s ability to load up and perform the way it did on day one.

In terms of stiffness, at this point the shaft feels just as potent as it did when we received it. Typically you can expect a shaft to be able to incur a maximum number of actions, in this case a flex and release, before it begins to lose stiffness. After using the Ai9 for a few months now, I’m very pleased with its slow rate of wear. The response has been similar with the blade, as it has suffered no loss of stiffness and remains strong in durability, along with puck feel.

Overall Impressions:

The Reebok Ai9 has been one of the better hockey sticks that I have used. I’m generally pleased with all aspects of the sticks performance, but especially pleased with the durability. If you’re paying an obnoxious amount for a hockey stick, as most of us do, the least we can expect is for it to not only perform, but last a long time as well.

When comparing this stick to other high end products on the market, you will definitely be pleased with what it has to offer. Overall performance is going to be similar to what you would see with an Easton Stealth RS, but it looks like Easton still has some durability issues to work out. While the Reebok Ai9 has gone up in price ($239.99 at Pure Hockey) compared to the Sickick III, it still comes in priced less than the Stealth RS and Bauer APX sticks (both $249.99). However small it may seem, this is still a win for the consumer.

At the end of the day, Reebok has produced a terrific high end hockey stick for a great value. I’ve never been a fan of Reebok sticks in the past, always using Easton or Bauer, but the Ai9 has definitely turned me into a believer. If you’re a fan of the other brands too, don’t shy away from this offering just because it’s a brand you haven’t used in the past. The Reebok Ai9 has changed my perception, and could definitely do the same for you.

Thinking of buying a new stick? Be sure to check out our reviews of other sticks including the Easton Stealth RS, the Warrior AK and the Miken Razor Z9. And be sure to visit Pure Hockey before you buy and use the coupon code HOCKEYWORLD  at checkout to receive 10% off your purchase.

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Miken Razor Z9 Hockey Stick Review 2

Jan 28

Posted by Matt in Reviews | No Comments

The following is a guest post written by Andy, who agreed to test the new Miken Z9 hockey stick for HockeyWorldBlog.com.  The Miken Razor Z9 was provided to us for review courtesy of Miken Hockey. Be sure to read Andy’s Miken Razor Z9 initial impressions review for a broader picture of the sticks look, capabilities and performance.

I’ve been using the Miken Razor Z9 for about 2 months now. I was immediately impressed by its feel and my instant connectivity to the stick. It felt like I had used this stick before and was very easy to switch into my arsenal. I was naturally concerned with the pro-stock feel, as they tend to break much easier than regular sticks. So, how has it fared? Check it out:

Miken Razor Z9

Miken Razor Z9

Specs:  Miken Razor Z9 Clear SR, Non-grip, BP40 curve, 100 flex

Modifications:  Cut 4-5” off the butt-end (essentially turning it into a 105 flex)

Appearance and Design:

I was originally excited to see the white stick when I first got it. I knew the paint would chip a little, but not many people had a white shaft on their stick, and felt it stood out. However, what I failed to realize was the dye from my gloves could wear off on the stick. I now have about a 4” light-blue smear midway down the shaft (around the “Z9” logo) from my bottom glove wearing on the stick. This is a very light mark, and hardly noticeable, yet is still there.

I also have a few chips out of the stick, namely on the blade. A few gratuitous slashes have taken small chunks from the top of the blade, and there are quite a few gashes and cuts in the paint along the bottom of the shaft. The blade faces seem to be in very good condition still, with no cracking to this point.

Feel:

Using this stick for ice and roller has given me the chance to really put it through the ringer. The stick is extremely light, and my arms don’t feel any more tired from holding it – which means I can put more power into my shots. The ice and roller pucks seem to stick to the blade and don’t kick off. The blade feels solid when catching passes and I feel confident even with the bouncing of the roller puck.

Shooting and Accuracy:

I have had no issues with shooting with this stick at all – in fact; my accuracy may have even improved. I feel more confident picking the corners, and the puck sauces off the blade perfectly on shots and passes. The puck explodes off my stick with slap shots, even breaking a roller puck (Sorry, Matt). My snap shots feel crisp, and go exactly where I have aimed them. Wrist shots don’t flutter, and feel smooth when released. I don’t feel I have lost anything in switching from my Easton S14, and have no problem switching between the 2 at will.

Durability:

As previously stated – this stick has worn very well considering its aggressive use. Sure, paint has been slashed off, and there are minor chips in the top of the blade, but overall, the stick still feels solid.

Miken Razor Z9 Blade

Miken Razor Z9 Blade with paint chips, but no cracks or serious damage

The first time I brought this stick out, I received a barrage of advice from others, letting me know how much they regretted buying other Miken sticks. They had told me horror stories about taking shots and feeling the stick disintegrate in their hands, or how the stick just lost its feel and seemed to decline in performance over time.

I have had none of these issues. The stick still feels like new. The shaft is still rigid, and the blade is still in stunningly great shape. There aren’t even any cracks forming on the faces. I take lots of slap shots, and the blade still feels solid, even after 2 solid months of use.

Overall Impressions:

For having that pro-stock feel, this stick was built well. My experiences with this stick have left me a believer. My shots haven’t lost any speed or accuracy, and the puck seems to stick to the blade when catching passes. We hockey players live by the same mantra – The better you look, the better you play. Aside from a few cosmetic wear marks, this stick has me looking better, and playing better.

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Bauer Supreme Total One LE White Hockey Stick

Jan 14

Posted by Matt in Gear | 3 Comments

Bauer Hockey is at it again with another limited edition release of their popular Total One hockey stick. For the latest version, the Total One LE white stick, Bauer has brought us a predominantly white hockey stick with black as its secondary color. The graphics all appear to be the same, but Bauer simply swapped in a white and black finish instead of the original black and gold.

While the physical appearance of the stick has changed drastically, don’t get your hopes up for any new technology in the white Total One LE stick. You can be sure, however, that it will have the same feel that you would expect out of a Supreme Total One stick.

Check out the photos below for a better look at the Bauer Supreme Total One LE white hockey stick and let us know your thoughts!

The new Total One LE white hockey stick is now available for purchase at PureHockey for $229.99.  Be sure to use the coupon code HOCKEYWORLD when shopping and save an additional 10%.

Bauer Supreme Total One White Hockey Stick

Bauer Supreme Total One White Hockey Stick

Bauer Supreme White Total One LE Hockey Stick

Bauer Supreme White Total One LE Hockey Stick

White Total One LE Hockey Stick

Bauer's new White Total One LE Hockey Stick

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Bauer Nexus 1000 Stick

Jan 10

Posted by Matt in Gear | 17 Comments

Bauer Hockey is finally bringing the popular technology used in one of its pro spec flex profiles to the retail market with the release of the Bauer Nexus 1000 stick. The Nexus 1000 stick is described by Bauer as being “ideal for the player looking for a balanced feel with a quick, effortless release with natural power.”

The first thing you’ll notice on the ice with the Nexus 1000 stick is the Nexus Tru-Mid Flex profile. This flex profile is described as having a powerful natural release, with a softer handle and hosel and a stiff section mid-shaft. Bauer’s .520 power taper will give the Nexus 1000 stick a boost in torsional stiffness, allowing increased load on the shot and minimal twisting of the blade. Essentially what you’re getting is a stick that will flex more like what you may be used to with a wooden stick, all the while being accurate and precise on shots and passes.

The power core 3 blade which you’ll find in the Bauer Nexus 1000 is similar to what you will find in the Total One or APX stick. The foams inside the blade will maximize puck feel, absorb energy on hard passes, and help improve balance and stability.

To increase durability, Bauer is continuing with their eLASTechnology, also found on the APX stick. Bauer describes this feature as a “proprietary resin system with carbon nanotube reinforcements increasing durability by reducing the spread of micro-fractures caused by slashes and puck impacts, extending a stick’s ‘pop-life’ to keep it feeling newer, longer.” While they aren’t the first manufacturer to use carbon nanotube technology (Stealth CNT), they’re doing it in an efficient and effective way which will benefit players by increasing longevity of their Nexus 1000 stick.

The Bauer Nexus 1000 stick will be available in two finishes – griptac and matte. Both options will feature the same black and dark grey color scheme, which looks awesome. You can also expect to see retailers carry stock of all of your favorite Bauer flexes and blade patterns on the Nexus 1000, however, the new P08 (Ovechkin) pattern will be a custom make-to-order option.

Check out the new Bauer Nexus 1000 stick below and let us know what you think! Is there any chance you’ll swap out your go-to twig for the new Nexus 1000?

Bauer Nexus 1000 Stick

Bauer Nexus 1000 Stick

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Miken MV5 Pro Radial Hockey Stick Review 2

Dec 8

Posted by EB in Gear, Reviews | No Comments

Miken Hockey has given Hockey World Blog a stick to review. Despite being discontinued as newer twigs have come out such as the Miken Razor Z9, the stick is still able to be found in some stores at a reduced rate. Here is an updated review.

Stick: Miken MV5 Pro Radial

Weight: 488 grams

Curve/Lie: BP 40 (Easton Zetterberg, Bauer PM9, Reebok P34, and Warrior Savard)

Flex: 100

Price: $199.99 original price, $160-ish at Inline Warehouse

Aesthetics:

Although the new stick designs are coming out with a white-out finish on the bottom third of the stick, the matted black finish with red lettering and grey and white accents still is pretty eye-catching. The decals have held up well against the two-handers and shots, leaving the stick to look almost as good as new.

Performance:

The Miken MV5 Radial has taken some time to get used to. Feel, stiffness, etc… But I can say my learning process has ended and now I’m overall happy with the end product.

The stick was eventually cut down to the right size providing better stick-handling, all that goes well with the BP-40 curve. The round, slightly open blade allows for some pretty decent toe drags.

Passing seems to be pretty spot on, although making a high saucer pass does take some practice. The open toe leaves pucks coming off on an angle that is sometimes hard to collect for the target. Wrist shots follows the same pattern, coming of a bit wobbly instead of a solid shot. On the bright side, this all is mere player capability. Sure I’m an alright hockey player so some may be a bit cautious, but truth be, if I had my choice I would have chosen a different curve and all would be perfect.

The shafts low kick point is still kicking slappers without any loss of flex. This is good, however it does seem the breaking in takes a little longer time than previous sticks I have used. So a few more slapshots are needed a game, who’s complaining? Well, maybe the goalies as they go whizzing by.

Durability:

My initial concerns for durability have speedily faded. The toe has seen better days as there was a little opening that happened early on. Since though, the stick has not seen any more wear, even to the toe. I’m quite surprised as I did expect it to slowly break down and leaving me with a stick looking like one of those party favor clappers. Instead I am left with a one piece that feels indestructible.

Ending Notes:

I’ve played with the MV5 for over 3 months now on a constant basis. I have been quite pleased with the performance, with the ability to hit players at full speed with passes with relative ease. Wrist shots have seen better days but that is merely because of the blade itself. Slap-shots on the other side are still as strong as ever and accurate too with the dependable shaft. Speaking of strong, the stick is solid, so solid I don’t even carry a back-up most nights. It is made in America for all those looking to support the homeland (depending where you are from), as well as a good price point for the product. I would recommend picking up a Miken MV5 Radial and giving it a shot, just make sure you pick the blade of your preference.

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Miken Razor Z9 Review: Initial Impressions

Dec 4

Posted by Matt in Gear, Reviews | No Comments

The following is a guest post written by Andy, who agreed to test the new Miken Z9 hockey stick for www.HockeyWorldBlog.com. Keep checking back for future posts from Andy regarding the Miken Z9 hockey stick as he continues to put it to the test!

Miken has been kind enough to send the folks at HockeyWorldBlog.com another stick to review – this time around, it’s their new Razor Z9 model. After a few favors, and a lot of pestering, the guys let me put it through the ringer.

I will be comparing the Razor Z9 to my current stick, the Easton S14. I am very happy with the stick. Although it took a bit of time to get used to, the S14 is my new baby. The S14 is a step down from the S19, comparing to the S15 line. It is well balanced and has a low kick point, helping with crisp passes and hard shots. The stick has grown on me, as I have left behind my old TPS XN10.

Miken boasts about its exclusive Z1000 fiber, which is “the highest grade material utilized in sports equipment.” This is aerospace-grade material. The strength of the shaft, along with the Zipfoam (foam core injected) blade means the stick is very light, and feels great in your hands. The Z9 is a pro level stick, and reminds me of previous pro-stock models I’ve used (but subsequently destroyed) before.

Miken Razor Z9 Hockey Stick

Miken Razor Z9 Hockey Stick

Stick: Miken Razor Z9 (Clear SR, Non-grip)

Weight: 455 grams

Curve/Lie: BP 40 (Easton Zetterberg/Bauer PM/Reebok P34/Warrior Savard)

Flex: 100

Price: (TBD)

Aesthetics:

Shiny black, tapering into a bright white about ¾-way down the shaft, the stick looks slick. There are touches of orange in the writing, and the “Z9” is all orange. The stick takes me back to my house hockey days, playing on the Flyers. Unlike the MV5 Pro Radial stick, there is no mention of “Made in USA” anywhere on the stick.

Performance:

Changing to a new stick generally takes a few uses to get used to, to appreciate the little nuances of the stick, and to fully appreciate the updates in technology. That being said, the first time I felt the puck on this stick, I knew I couldn’t go back to the S14. The S14 felt hollow, but the Razor Z9 feels solid and comfortable. The stick doesn’t vibrate when catching passes and slap shots come off smooth and true. My snap shot even feels quicker, as the stick flexes in the perfect spot.

I have no issues handling the puck – it seems to stick to the blade. The puck doesn’t bounce off the blade when handling and I can feel it better than I could with my last stick.

Durability:

Immediately the pro-stock-feel raises red flags, as previous pro-stock models I’ve used seemed to disintegrate within weeks; however, this stick does not seem to have this issue. Yes, the white paint towards the blade of the stick has chipped a little due to gratuitous stick checking by opponents, but the stick still feels solid. The shaft doesn’t groan or crack when flexing, and the blade feels solid. Before my first few shots, I was nervous I would shatter it within days, but I feel confident leaning into shots, knowing the stick won’t break.

Ending Notes:

I’ve skated with the Miken Razor Z9 twice now, and even after such a short period of time, this is my new favorite stick. My slap shot feels harder, snap shots are quicker and more accurate, passing is crisper, and stick handling is soft. I look forward to many more uses out of it, hopefully for years to come.

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Reebok 20k Hockey Stick

Nov 25

Posted by Matt in News | 3 Comments

At this point, we’ve all seen the upcoming Reebok 20k skates. But now, thanks to HWB reader Anthony, we now have our first glimpse at the upcoming Reebok 20k hockey stick. He spotted the new Reebok 20k stick in a video where Matt Duchene talks about how he tapes his stick. At about the 22 second mark of the video, you can see the 20k stick hanging out next to Duchene, in the top right corner of the video. Anthony took a screenshot of the stick for us, which you can see below. You can take a look at the full video below as well.

The Reebok 20k hockey stick looks pretty nice, what do you guys think?

Reebok 20k Hockey Stick

Reebok 20k Hockey Stick

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Easton Mako Hockey Stick

Nov 15

Posted by Matt in Gear | 18 Comments

Easton Hockey is preparing to launch the new Easton Mako hockey stick in April, 2012. The Easton Mako stick will fall in the Synergy line of sticks, and is expected to carry a few new features. Among the new elements rumored are a new shaft, a new handle, and a new blade. According to the photo below, the new Easton Mako stick will have Easton’s proprietary woven Kevlar/Graphite shaft, a non-skid blade coating, a micro-bladder blade process, multi-rib blade construction, and a matte non-grip coating. The Easton Mako is expected to retail for $229.99.

Visually, the Easton Mako design is starting to grow on me. The black shaft with grey Easton graphics looks nice but the fade to white in the lower half of the shaft, along with the white blade, are a bit unique. The lower half of the design is a bit reminiscent of the Easton S19 Pure which was released last year. It’s widely known that a lot of pro’s will spray paint the lower portion of their stick black, but there are some that paint it white too. The black paint and tape will help to hide the puck on a shooter’s blade, while the white shaft and blade will make the stick itself, especially in the flex zone, blend in with the ice. The different options will have varying effects on different goalies, but it definitely looks like Easton is trying to give any advantage it can to the player’s with their sticks.

Take a look at the Easton Mako stick below and let us know your thoughts!

Easton Mako Hockey Stick

Easton Mako Hockey Stick

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Reebok Ai9 Stick Review: Initial Impressions

Oct 27

Posted by Matt in Gear, Reviews | 2 Comments

Reebok has pushed forward in the hockey stick market with their latest release, the Reebok Ai9. With a blend of sick looks, new technology, and plenty of NHL stars backing it up, Reebok hopes to have one of the hottest sticks on the market with the Ai9. Thanks to Reebok, the members of Hockey World Blog were sent an Ai9 to determine if the stick will sink or swim in an increasingly saturated composite stick market.

Specs: Reebok Ai9, Griptonite Grip, Crosby curve, 85 Flex

Modifications: None

Reebok Ai9 Hockey Stick Features

Reebok Ai9 Hockey Stick Features

Appearance and Design: The Ai9 is easily one of the best looking sticks Reebok has designed. The blade of the stick is finished in a slick matte black, but also contains a transparent window which allows you to see the weave pattern used underneath. The matte finish succumbs to increased red graphics as you climb up the taper, and eventually turns into Reebok’s griptonite finish.

The griptonite shaft feels like a traditional grip model, but has a subtle, diamond looking, raised texture on the forehand, backhand, and top of the shaft. This element is also present on the clear version, and definitely adds to the visual appeal of the stick. The shaft fades from black to white as you climb further up the stick towards the butt end. Reebok and Ai9 logos are also extremely prevalent, but blend in modestly to the overall design.

The Reebok Ai9 also features a bit of new technology, including their 2:1 Power Taper Ratio which essentially means the top and bottom of the shaft is going to be twice as stiff as the sides. This is going to provide increased blade stability when shooting, allowing you to effortlessly pick your corners. Additionally, the Power Taper Ratio is going to increase the power and kick on your shots.

You will also find Reebok has changed to a mid kick-point on the Ai9, as opposed to the low kick-point featured on the SickKick series. This change is going to provide additional power, as the stick will take more time to load. This will definitely benefit defenseman taking slapshots from the point, but could hinder players who primarily have a quick release with snapshots and wrist shots.

Balance: Upon picking up the Reebok Ai9, you’ll immediately notice it is a well balanced stick. It feels a bit heavier than some other top of the line sticks out there, but the optimized balance helps the increased weight to go unnoticed. The new Optibalance technology featured on the Ai9 integrates weight at the top of the shaft to improve the balance. The idea behind Optibalance sounds a bit like the adjustable weights featured in the EQ50, but in the case of the Reebok Ai9, you have no ability to adjust the weight. To increase quality control, Reebok is now checking every Ai9 stick before it leaves the factory to ensure it’s optimal balance point. While this might not mean much to some people, others appreciate the little things that the equipment manufacturers do to provide the best product for a consumer.

Feel: As with most one piece sticks these days, the Reebok Ai9 has provided a terrific feel for the puck during the time I have used it. Feel for an ice hockey puck was great, but what surprised me most was the ability to feel a lighter roller hockey puck on the blade as well. Typically I’m used to glancing down at the puck a bit more while playing roller hockey, due to its lightness, but had no real issues with the Ai9. Sending hard and accurate passes was done without a hitch in both places, but I did notice a bit of difficulty catching a few passes on the ice. This wasn’t a frequent occurrence, but led to quite a bit of frustration when it did happen. This could simply be the part of the adjustment to a new stick however, and we’ll have more detail on that in our full review.

Shooting and Accuracy: Shooting the puck with an Ai9, especially slapshots, is an awesome feeling. You can feel the mid flex-point really load up on a slapshot and powerfully launch the puck. I can confidently say that the Ai9 has allowed me to shoot some my hardest and fastest slapshots ever. Fortunately, the accuracy aspect has been spot on as well. Despite using an unfamiliar Crosby curve, I was able to place slapshots up, down, left or right as I pleased.

I did not spend as much time with the Ai9 on wrist or snap shots, but from the experience I did have, I was impressed. These shots tend to be my bread and butter, so I will be all over them in our full review. From an accuracy standpoint, I had the ability to pinpoint specific locations much better than on slapshots, and rightfully so. In fact, as I played a game of 3-bar from about 20 ft. back, I was able to knock off all three bars in only four shots, which is somewhat unusual for me.

Overall Impressions: This is my first long term experience with a Reebok stick, and so far it has truly impressed me. The Reebok design team nailed the look, as it has eye appeal, along with a handful of new features and great performance so far. Balance and feel are terrific out of the gate, and my slapshots have never looked faster. If you’re a Reebok fan, I think you’ll be impressed with what they’ve done with the Ai9. Coming from any other brand, you will be just as pleased with the power and performance found in Reebok’s latest stick.

Although our review starts here with our initial impressions, follow us in the weeks to come as we put this stick to the test in game situations to see how it holds up as we continue to put it through the grind. We will continue to assess many of the areas we have covered here and also get a better feel for the durability of the stick. Keep checking back for more!

If you’re thinking about purchasing the Reebok Ai9, head over to Pure Hockey to grab one. You can get the clear or grip Reebok Ai9 for $239.99, and use the coupon code ‘hockeyworld’ for 10% off select items.

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