Starting in the quarter package, Reebok will be featuring the Max Armour V technology, along with grade A nylon composite embedded in specific areas to increase stability, and durability, all while keeping the skate light weight.

Moving inside the boot, Reebok has loaded the 18k skates with a dual zone liner – part clarino and part duratex grip. The clarino is used to enhance durability, while the duratex grip will improve heel lock and keep your foot in place. The tongue will be a pro felt and EPE foam hybrid. The molded shape of the tongue will help enhance comfort and prevent tongue twist, while the EPE foams will increase the level of protection found in the tongue.

The outsole of the Reebok 18k skates will be carbon composite to improve energy transfer and increase feel, and will be vented as well, helping to keep your feet dry all game long. Reebok’s 18k skates will come stock with the E-Pro holder, and Performance Lite 10″ stainless steel runner.

Reebok will continue to feature The Pump technology on their skates, helping to ensure a more complete custom fit around your ankle. You’ll also notice that they have continued use of their SkateLock system as well.

Check out the Reebok 18k skates below. What do you think, are you a fan of the new look?

Reebok 18k Ice Hockey Skates

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.

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.

Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images

Toronto Maple Leaf’s Joffrey Lupul carries the puck last night against the Minnesota Wild. Toronto took down the Wild by a score of 4 – 1. Both teams have had unexpected success this year. The Wild jumped out in front early but has seen a slow and painful fall as of late, currently sitting in 9th place. Toronto has followed the same path, currently in 9th place in the Eastern Conference.

Lupul currently leads the Maple Leafs with 51 points, a combination of 20 goals and 31 assists. His career high is only 2 points away. Last night alone he had 3 assists. Rocking the Reebok swag and Easton stick, Lupul is going to break his career high point total and possibly help take the Maple Leafs to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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

Reebok 20k Hockey Stick

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

Modifications: None

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.

Reebok’s 20k skates will use a new Dynamic Support System, or DSS, to help maximize power transfer. This is done by creating an optimal balance between boot flexibility and stiffness. This will effectively take place in two areas on the boot, the spinal zone and the flexion zone. In the spinal zone, the heel and back of the skate, composite fibers were wrapped at ninety degree and zero degree angles to support the players heel and help keep it in place. In the flexion zone, the composite fibers were placed at a forty-five degree angle to help enhance forward flex as the player takes each stride. To help further increase energy transfer, as well as improve durability, Reebok has reinforced the Reebok 20k quarter package with metal mesh.

As I previously mentioned, the Reebok 20k skates will utilize Reebok’s Pump technology. The Pump has been used for several Reebok skate releases now, and is still considered by many to be more of a gimmick or source of frustration. When functioning properly, the pump should work to fill gaps between the skates padding and the players ankles, thus creating a better fit and helping to keep your foot locked in place.

Another new feature to the Reebok 20k skates is the flexible tendon guard. It is designed to improve agility by giving the skater a greater range of motion. This is something Bauer has done on their Supreme skates for some time now, but only recently has it become more widely adopted.

Quickly running through the remainder of the specs on the new Reebok 20k skates, you’ll find the quarter package is still constructed of Reebok’s Pro Armour IV materials. It contains strategically reinforced areas which will provide additional support and stability. The dual zone liner will be part tacky nash and part clarino. The tacky nash will help keep the foot locked in place, while the clarino will help keep the foot dry. Reebok’s 20k skate will continue to use a combination of pro felt and EPE foam to create a tongue which is comfortable and provides good protection. The outsole on the Reebok 2ok skates will be lightweight carbon, and low-profile as well. The carbon will help maximize energy transfer, and the addition of vents in the outsole will help keep the foot dry.

What are your thoughts on the new Reebok 20k ice hockey skates?

Reebok 20k Ice Hockey Skates

Reebok 20k Skates

David Perron will not be ready for the start of the 2011-12 NHL Season

While a lot of focus this off-season has been put on whether or not Sidney Crosby will return from his concussion, we forget that there is another talented youngster who has been sidelined since last November due to concussion symptoms. David Perron was on the receiving end of a blindside hit from Joe Thornton on November 4th, which caused the concussion. Perron continued the game, even contributing a goal in the Blues 2-0 victory, but missed the following 72 games of the season.

On August 3rd, St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong announced that Perron would not only miss training camp, but the start of the 2011-12 regular season as well, due to his ongoing concussion symptoms. He has made improvements, however, which is a great sign with something as serious as a concussion. The talented young winger “took a big jump a few months ago,” Armstrong said of his progress.

David Perron was expected to take on a large role with the Blues last season, after netting 20 goals and adding 20 assists in the 2009-10 season. In the 10 games Perron did play last season, he posted seven points on five goals and two assists. Expectations for him will be just as high once he returns to action. However, the Blues took some action this off-season by adding Jason Arnott, Jamie Langenbrunner, and Jonathan Cheechoo to the line-up.

While Blues fans continue to patiently wait for Perron to make his return, Bruins and Penguins fans do the same with Marc Savard and Sidney Crosby, respectively. Savard is still experiencing concussion symptoms from separate hits by Matt Cooke and Matt Hunwick. Crosby, on the other hand, has returned to the ice to skate and train by himself, but has not been cleared for contact drills.

The seriousness of these long term concussion injuries really brings to focus, once again, the extent of punishment for blindside hits to the head. Should the hitter sit just as long as the injured player, or is a shorter suspension more appropriate? Companies such as Reebok can enhance the levels of head protection like they did with their new Reebok 11k helmet, but when someone takes advantage of you with an unnecessary hit to the head, there’s only so much even the best helmets in the game can do.

The Reebok 5k roller hockey skates will be a step up from the lowest price point skate in the 2012 line. Don’t let that deter you, though. These skates will come in at a good price point and will have some good features of their own. Primarily, the Reebok 5k roller hockey skates will be for your typical recreation league player who isn’t looking to break the bank. However, you will certainly see a few competitive players wearing them as well.

On the Reebok 5k’s, you’re still going to get a nice looking felt tongue. This will be great for all you floppers out there. The tongue will not offer the same lace bite protection as the higher price point skates though. The quarter panel will be stiff and durable, allowing you to get that really powerful stride.

Down on the bottom, you’re going to find that great Labeda chassis that so many of us love, featuring the 4x80mm set up to help those quick players get even quicker. You’ll find the Labeda Gripper wheels on this guy as well, along with Abec 7 bearings. Personally, I think some white Labeda Addiction wheels would look great on these skates, or the white 9k skates, especially if you’re looking to make a step up in the wheel department.

The 2012 Reebok 5k roller hockey skates are now available at Inline Warehouse, and cost $199.99.

Be sure to check out the other skates from the 2012 Reebok roller hockey line as well

• Reebok 11k Roller Hockey Skates
• Reebok 9k Roller Hockey Skates
• Reebok 7k Roller Hockey Skates

What are your thoughts on the Reebok 5k roller hockey skates for 2012?

Reebok 5k Roller Hockey Skates 2012

Joining the Reebok 11k and 9k roller hockey skates this fall will be the Reebok 7k Pump roller hockey skates. The new 7k’s will be the lowest price point skate to feature the Reebok Pump technology. If you’re not familiar with the Reebok Pump, it allows you to personalize your fit a bit more and give you a better heel lock as you pump up the air pockets. In addition, it will also feature the same new Labeda 4x80mm set-up that we’re seeing on the other skates in the Reebok 2012 line. Reebok and Labeda did a great job teaming up for this new chassis, as they gave it a great custom look that meshes with the skate perfectly.

When you take a look at the specs, you’ll see that the Reebok 7k inline skate will be a great mid-level skate. You’re going to get a really nice felt toungue that will fit the contours of your feet, and offer great lace bite protection as well. The 7k will also be the lowest level skate that still offers the lace-lock technology, keeping your laces tight for the entire game. As I mentioned before, you get the largely popular Labeda chassis, as well as Labeda Millenium wheels and Abec 7 bearings.

The 2012 Reebok 7k inline skates are now available from Inline Warehouse and run $269.99.

What are your thoughts on the new Reebok 7k roller hockey skates for 2012? Will you be picking up a pair when they hit stores?

Reebok 7k Roller Hockey Skates 2012