CCM RBZ Stage 2

8 months ago, CCM & Taylormade took the hockey world by storm with the introduction of the CCM RBZ and pretty soon we started seeing a lot of NHL players Strap a Rocket to the Puck (RBZ Tagline). For more information on that stick, check out the RBZ blog. It’s no surprise that the stick quickly grew in popularity and it didn’t take very long to see RBZs in nearly every locker room. Looking to build off the success of the RBZ, CCM & Taylormade will release the CCM RBZ Stage 2 in July . The Stage 2 has already seen NHL action with top players like Gabriel Landeskog of the Avalanche & Toronto’s Nazem Kadri. So let’s take a look at what CCM and Taylormade improved on with their second shot at the RBZ.

Graphics

Let’s start with the obvious: the graphics. While sporting a look similar to the original, the Stage 2 features more of a innovative look similar to the Bauer Supreme line. Though the general look remains the same, a dark upper half contrasted with the white bottom half, the Stage 2 features black on the top blade and lower portion of the shaft.

The design team did a great job with the color scheme of the Stage 2. A white lower half makes the stick difficult for a goalie to distinguish from the white ice and boards. The black on the top of the the lower shaft and blade allows the player to clearly see the stick with his or her peripherals while stick-handling with their head up.

New Technology

The original RBZ introduced Taylormade’s Speedblade technology, which is the main reason that the RBZ has that explosive pop. The Stage 2 perfects the original Speedblade by removing one of the speed channels, which does a couple of things. One, it decreases the weight, and second it increases the Coefficient of Restitution by 20%. I figure you all know what we mean by coe-something of retaliation, so we don’t have to go into the specifics. Essentially, that translates to more pop and a quicker release.

A second upgrade to the Stage 2 moved the balance point up higher in the shaft, called PowerSwing Technology. Thinking in golf terms: the less energy you expel lifting up your club, the more power you will have for the swing. Taylormade & CCM raised the balance point to make the bottom of the stick lighter, thus a faster swing for your clapper. 

Wrap-Up

As a big fan of the RBZ, I’m really looking forward to the Stage 2. The great pop, variable kick point and incredible feel will carry over and probably improve. One of the more exciting features of the Stage 2 is the fact that it will come in the non-grip option (the original RBZ only has the grip option)!

Now this stick will be available in August as well as the RBZ 100, the RBZ 80, and the RBZ 40. Be on the lookout for a second review after we get a chance to use the RBZ out on the ice. Check back over the next couple weeks because we’ll have sneak previews of the CCM RBZ Skate and the Reebok Ribcor!

These will be available at Ice Warehouse & Inline Warehouse in July.

A couple months ago I wrote a short term review for the Easton Mako II stick right after its release (I would recommend reading that since this is simply an add-0n to the previous blog. Click here to read).  After I broke my CCM RBZ, I turned to the Easton Mako II Grip 85 Flex with the E28 curve for full time use.

Before I go on, let me say a few words about the new E28 curve that Easton released this year. “This is the fastest growing pattern for elite players around the world. It not only keeps the puck on the toe for deadly accurate snap shots, but the open face also forces your hands out in front of the puck to maximize the load and release of the stick.” Essentially, they tampered with the lie and dimensions of the stick to provide the optimal shooting and passing curve for elite players. I come from the Bauer P88 & the CCM Hossa curve so I wasn’t so sure about the switch; but after I stopped sailing pucks 10 ft over the net, I really like the curve.

I’ve been using the stick full time for a few weeks now (3 practices & 8 games) and I’m loving this twig. The stick performance during that time was incredible (19 points, but who’s counting) and the shaft of the stick held up great. Still really enjoying the whip and feel of the stick. My only complaint is a minor chip in the toe of the blade which hopefully won’t cause any problems. I like to think that I can just credit that to some toe drag I pulled, but realistically I doubt it.

Keep checking back soon as a ton of NEW GEAR is about to launch so we’ll have sneak previews and more reviews coming your way!

This stick is available at Ice & Inline Warehouse.

Warrior Dynasty AX1 Hockey Stick

New for 2013, Warrior is introducing a new family of mid-kick sticks called the Dynasty line to complement the low-kick Covert stick line. The flagship stick from the Dynasty line is the AX1 and it features excellent technologies to maximize it’s performance.

Warrior Dynasty AX1 Hockey Stick

The AX1 is unique from most fused one-pieces with it’s HiFused construction. Not only does it provide the stick with a great balance point but it also insures an accurate shot by not allowing the hosel to twist when shooting. The StrongArm technology also reinforces the hosel area to provide even greater twist resistance.

Warrior's AxySym Technology

The AxySym construction found throughout the shaft has strategically placed “stretch fibers” on the front portion of the shaft and “compression” fibers on the back & underbelly of the shaft. This allows for a speedy loading process and a powerful return on your shot.

Warrior Dynasty AX1 Blade

The blade on the Dynasty AX1 may look familiar to players using the Covert DT1 sticks and that’s because it’s the same blade! It utilizes two spars that run heel to toe providing the strength needed for accurate shots as well as durability. Hardcore X foam fills the interior of the blade and gives this stick a great feel for the puck, the aramid sole lines the bottom of the blade because of the impact toughness of the material that’s also used in bulletproof vests and finally the face of the blade is lined with a carbon-plated glass fiber to resist cracking and chipping. These Warrior Dynasty AX1 Hockey Sticks are available now at Ice Warehouse.

Overview:

Easton kicked off the new year with new 2013 Mako products. A few days ago, they took an already successful stick and brought it to the next level. The first time I picked up the Mako II my immediate reaction was the weight, or more importantly the lack of it. Last year’s Mako weighed in at 462 grams and while it wasn’t necessarily heavy, the Mako II is noticeably lighter weighing 429 grams. Visually, Easton toned down the all-white look and brought the orange and black into the mix. I really like the look of the new Mako and when you think about it, it is is pretty smart on Easton’s part. On the forehand side, the shaft is white all the way down to the blade and the blade itself is completely black. So from a goalie‘s perspective, the white part of the shaft is harder to distinguish from the white of the ice and boards and the black blade makes it difficult to see the puck.

Easton also upgraded the proprietary woven Kevlar®/Graphite woven shaft of the 2012 Mako to the stronger, lighter and more responsive Uni-Carbon System construction. I’ll go into more detail about how this change affects the feel of the stick a little later in the blog. The 2013 Mako II also used two more ribs in the blade to both stiffen and strengthen.

Tech Specs:

• Construction:
  • Uni-Carbon System
    • Universally aligned fibers throughout the shaft to provide a stronger and lighter shaft while improving energy transfer also
• Flex Profile:
  • Tuned taper section built with Easton’s Elite Stiffness Profile to pro specs – Offers quick shot release and controlled puck reaction
• Geometry:
  • Double concave side walls, and square corners
• Grip: Matte finish
• Blade:
  • 3K woven carbon material
  • Multi-rib design
    • Four internal ribs keep the blade stiff and accurate throughout every moment of the shot
    • Prevents the core from breaking down
  • Solid dense lower core keeps the blade in contact with the puck longer resulting great puck control and feel
  • Micro-bladder blade process - Easton’s proprietary process of producing a consistent blade
  • Non-skid blade coating
    • Better grip for the puck on exposed parts of the blade
    • Better tape adhesion and tighter wrap
• Flex: 75, 85, and 100

• Length: 59.5″
• Weight: 429 Grams

Review:

(Scoring is out of 10)

Overall Score: 9

Stick Feel: 8.5

The Uni-Carbon construction that Easton uses in the Mako II makes the shaft very whippy. Personally, I prefer sticks with a stiffer feel, but I can still appreciate the whip. The shaft dimensions and the Matte finish allow for an easy grip. For those who favor the matte finish, like myself, will appreciate the slight texturing that Easton added for a firmer grip. Overall, the very lightweight Mako II felt very balanced. Finally, the low kick flex profile allows for the quickness that is the Mako Stick Line.

Puck Feel: 9.5

Once again I begin with the Uni-Carbon construction. This time, the Uni-Carbon construction is responsible for some incredible puck feel and fantastic response.

Slap Shots: 8.5

Surprisingly, the whippiness didn’t dampen the power of the clapper. The puck came off the stick very strongly; but the reason I didn’t rate the slap shot higher is because when I loaded the stick, it really did not feel normal. It’s hard to explain but while the shot itself was good, the stick didn’t feel good while taking the shot.

Wrist and Snap Shots: 9

Shooting wrist shots with the Mako II is easy: load, fire, then celebrate. The Mako is all about quickness and it truly comes out when you’re shooting. It allows for effortless shooting that still provides amazing power.

Passing: 9.5

The 4 rib design of the blade creates a stiffer and more responsive blade. By design, it could produce a blade that is too bouncy but that’s not the case here. Passing is very responsive and the puck doesn’t bounce hard off the blade. Also, my passes held strong and accurate.

Note:

Traditionally, Easton sticks aren’t the most durable sticks on the market. The 2011 RS really showed this, but the 2012 Mako partially redeemed Easton. Since this stick is brand new to the market and we haven’t been using it for an extended period of time, we aren’t able to tell you how durable this stick will be.

This stick is now available at Inline & Ice Warehouse.

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to the Limited Edition Bauer APX hockey stick! This bad boy has all the same specs and technologies as the original APX hockey stick, but with a blacked out color scheme. The large Bauer logo on the side of the shaft is in a bright pearl white, so it really stands out and looks sweet. The APX Limited Edition shaft has the popular TeXtreme® construction and Monocomp technology that makes this stick as lightweight and responsive as possible. The flex profile utilizes the premier dual taper for exceptional torsional deflection and shot control. The Vapor line’s signature Intelli-Sense shot technology provides for a “variable” flex point to allow for maximized loading for quick wrist and snap shots. The APX LE hockey stick comes in grip and non-grip, so be sure to pick one up at Ice Warehouse.

I was a little skeptical about the RBZ when it first arrived on the market for a lot of reasons.  TaylorMade had never ventured into the hockey industry before, CCM previously failed to impress me in the stick department, the hollow blade may be hard to adjust to, and more. When CCM sent us the RBZ prior to its release, we product tested it and I was able to shoot with it. The thing that got hooked me was the pop of the stick. The RBZ’s tagline really captures the essence of the stick: “Strap a Rocket to the Puck!”

CCM’s Power Swing technology creates a fine tuned weight and flex distribution providing a faster swing for unbelievable puck speed. On top of this, the 4 speed channels and hollow blade construction that make up the SpeedBlade technology (TaylorMade contribution) give the blade very powerful pop. Every wrist and snap shot I take comes off the stick accurately and a lot more power than I usually get with other sticks.

Another contributing factor is the Variable Kick Point. The flex point changes depending on your hand position, so no matter where your gloves are placed you’re stick will flex at the optimal point. This differs from Bauer’s Intelli-Sense technology found in the Vapor Line because Bauer’s flex uses only two different flex points; whereas the RBZ can flex all throughout the stick, making it perfect for all kinds of shots.

Originally I was worried about the hollow blade because I expected it to be hard to control or feel the puck. The first time I used the stick I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was the feel incredibly, the puck didn’t bounce erratically off the stick or even deflect poorly at all.

The only complaint that I can find with this stick is that it only comes in the grip option. Other than that, I highly recommend this stick to anyone and everyone.

Available at Inline & Ice Warehouse.

Well, it’s that time of year when many of the big brands release their new sticks. CCM came out with the RBZ, Warrior dropped the Covert DT1, Easton releases the RS II on the 7^th, Bauer comes out with the TotalOne NXG on Sept. 17^th, and Reebok moves forward with the 20K on the 15^th. Let’s take a quick look at these new top-of-the-line sticks and the technology that sets them apart from the rest.

CCM RBZ:

CCM teamed up with TaylorMade to create the RBZ and specifically the SpeedBlade Technology for the blade that really launches the puck off like a rocket.  CCM and TaylorMade created the blade with a hollow design with 4 speed channels that run the length of the blade which gives incredible feel to go along with the light weight. All of this is wrapped up in high grade carbon fiber that makes it stiffer and creates a more accurate shot.Another feature that sets the RBZ apart from most sticks is the flex profile. CCM designed what they call the Power Swing which is a fine tuned weight and flex distribution technology that allows for a quicker swing with greater puck speed. The flex profile on the RBZ, similar to Bauer’s Intellisense technology, changes the flex point depending on where the hands are located and what kind of shot is taken.

(SPECS)

Warrior Covert DT1:

The DT1 is an extremely lightweight and balanced stick due to the True 1 piece construction with the highest grade carbon fiber tightly wrapped in an X stitch weave. The main technology of the DT1 is Warriors Dagger Taper (‘DT’ as in DT1). Now the Dagger Taper technology creates a taper that is thinner on the topside of the stick for maximum loading and wider on the bottom that allows for a more powerful, accurate shot. This technology also gives the DT1 a very low kick-point for quick release.In the recent past, the Warrior blade had some issues with durability, but the new blade on the DT1 comes through with a durable design.  For instance, Warrior is using the Hardcore X foam blade core which is very lightweight and 40& stronger and 60% more compression resistance than before. Warrior also utilizes Twinspar stringers and fibers used in bullet proof vests for reinforcement and increased toughness.

(Specs)

Easton RS II:

The second generation of the Stealth RS series features a similar shaft design to the 2011 Stealth RS: a Kevlar wrapped Compression molded shaft. Also similar to the previous model is the Elliptical Taper. The taper itself provides a low kick-point that results in quick and accurate shots. Another result of the Elliptical Taper is the added strength and rigidity to the blade.

The blade in the RS II is a significant improvement over the RS. Easton redesigned the blade to use a micro-bladder process that increases feel and consistency and greater mass in the impact zone to contribute more power to your shots. Easton also ribbed the length of the blade to give it more strength.

Bauer Supreme TotalOne NXG:

Similar to the previous years’ TotalOne stick, Bauer continued using the texturing carbon material that helped give it that incredible feel. Bauer also greatly improved the weight of the TotalOne and it will be the lightest stick available on the market. A feature new to the Supreme line is the eLASTech technology. Bauer used this technology on the Vapor APX stick, but not on any of the Supreme sticks until now. This technology will add life to the stick and add a pop to the stick that will LAST.

Another new feature TotalOne is a blade improvement. Added thickness in the throat of the blade increases stiffness to allow for more power and accuracy. Bauer uses the Dual-Density Blade Core and the eLASTech technology in the blade for an overall increase in durability, accuracy, power and pop.

Reebok 20K:

Reebok used their Pure Fiber™ technology which eliminates any added or unnecessary materials to decrease the weight and allow for the best possible energy transfer.  They also used the Dual Matrix II construction. This design angles the fibers at different directions for the forehand and the backhand to create tension when you’re loading the shot.  The 20K also features the lowest kick-point on the market today.

On to the blade. Reebok uses a brand new blade known as the AccuBlade. This blade becomes stiffer along the blade from the heel to the toe. This gives the player better puck control and unbelievable accuracy.

–So be on the lookout for these sticks in the NHL and also online at Inline & Ice Warehouse.

New for the 2011/2012 hockey season is Alkali Hockey, a roller specific brand, aim specifically at designing, manufacturing, marketing and selling roller hockey targeted products. For their debut line up of gear they are focusing on the essentials including skates, sticks, roller hockey pants, gloves, girdles, padded vests, and bags. And from the look of things we reviewed, Alkali Hockey went all out in making sure every level of hockey player was getting a great product.

Cofounded by roller hockey legend Joe Cook and designer Justin Hoffman in early 2011, together they bring over 20+ years of roller hockey industry knowledge to the table. Using what they call “Lithium Science” in the design and construction of all their products, they aim to bring the most advanced materials and construction techniques to maximum the energy yield by each and every player.

Skates

The biggest release from Alkali Hockey this year will undoubtably be their skate line. Alkali started from the ground up when developing their skates, to come come up with a truly unique and sleek design. Their top of the line performer is the CA9 skate, which is one of the meanest looking skates we’ve seen in awhile.

Alkali CA9 skate

Starting with the boot in the CA9, Alkali went with high quality EPP foam with Surlyn quarters for top of the line support and performance. Another great part of the design is the Carbon Fiber reinforced tendon guard that is stiff all the way up the back of the skate but at the top the guard is able to flex which is extra important for making turns in roller hockey. A 9mm pro spec tongue with extra ventilation provides superior fit. Excellent heel locking is utilized by strategic memory foam ankle pads and an anti-microbial microfiber liner provides excellent moisture wicking capabilities which is quickly becoming a major concern regarding the harmful nature of bacteria growth. Moving to the outsole of the skate, Alkali uses what they call the MPT (Maximum Power Transfer) carbon fiber outsole. This full carbon outsole is designed for direct energy transfer from your feet, into the chassis and down onto the ground for maximum stride.

Below your feet, Alkali went with their own magnesium alloy chassis that rolls on an all 80mm wheel set up. Now many companies have an all 80mm frame, Alkali is the first to come to the market with all 80mm magnesium chassis. Gripping the sport court and providing the speed will be Labeda Addiction XXX Grip wheels with ultra smooth Swiss 608 sized bearings. Hopefully we all know by now that the Labeda Addicitons are the fastest and grippiest wheel on the market so it was no brainer that Alkali would bring these amazing wheels out on their top of the line skate.

Rounding out the rest of the Alkali skates line up are the CA7, CA5, and the more budget minded CA3 skate.

Sticks

For their debut stick line, Alkali has unveiled the CA9 as their top of the line stick. Using their Lithium Science construction, Alkali went us a lightweight 3K carbon fiber weave for durability without sacrificing weight. Standard shaft dimensions are present with a slight double concave but nothing too large. A smooth finish always for easy hand transitions and fast stick handling. Moving down the shaft the CA9, along with the other sticks in the line up, features a low kick point for maximum loading on wrist and snap shots. A nice addition to the stick is reinforced anti-slash protection to increase longevity. Alkali added a vibration dampening core to the core made of 3K carbon as well for superior stick handling.

Alkali CA9 stick

The rest of their stick line will be made up of the CA5 and the CA3. The CA3 will be aimed at players looking to play both indoor and outdoor hockey and comes with an ABS blade for maximum durability.

Pants

Another special focus of Alkali Hockey is their unique line of pants. Borrowing technology from the garment and sports apparel industry, Alkali went all out on making the best roller pants available.

Alkali CA9 pant

Taking a look at their top of the line pant, the CA9, the first thing you notice is the extra large Lycra gusset. Alkali says this provide up to a 16 way stretch allowing you to obtain your maximum stride. Paired with the ventilated, stretchable Platinum-Flex body fabric, the CA9 pants move every way you want them too. Up a the waist is their Sure-Fit adjustable waist band with Flex Back waistband. The Sure-Fit system is made up of high quality rubber pull tabs on each side of the waist and by pulling on them and velcroing them in place, proper fit is achieved.

Moving down to the knee, Alkali used dual layer 1680D ballistic knee panels for superior durability and has lighter mesh ventilation on the back for breathability. Another unique design Alkali used was using fully sublimated graphics on their whole line of pants. With sublimated graphics, they are built right in the fabric and wont rub or peel off when you fall.

The rest of their pant line consists of the CA7, CA5 and the CA3.

The Alkali skates, sticks, pants and bags will be in stock Dec. 1, 2011 with pre sales up now!!. All Alkali products will be available at www.inlinewarehouse.com and www.icewarehouse.com

OVI and his new twig of choice...APX Stick

Easily one of the most recognizable names in the game today, Alexander Ovechkin has become the go to player when his team needs a goal or a great play to get his team and crowd pumped up. Starting this season Ovechkin will be using a new stick, the Bauer Vapor APX.

Bauer Vapor APX OVI Edition

The Bauer Vapor APX OVI Edition will feature the actual curve used by Alexander The Gr8. The Ovechkin curve will be referred to as the P08 curve. The P08 curve is as unique as OVI himself. Ovechkin’s curve is a large, open toe curve great for technical puck handling and sniping water bottles.

Bauer APX OVI Stick Grip and Non Grip

The Bauer Vapor APX stick is the pinnecle of Bauer’s player inspired research and development. Bauer has taken the foundation of the X60 hockey stick and combined it with exceptional puck feel of the TotalOne stick to create a stick that captures the best of both worlds. The difference between the APX and X60 sticks are the use of high-grade TeXtreme carbon fiber, a monocomp design for true one construction and Intelli-sense shot technology for increased stick versatility.

The Bauer Vapor APX OVI stick is available at www.icewarehouse.com

The Easton Stealth RS stick is the latest and greatest stick from Easton hockey.  Easton has a long history of pushing the envelope on hockey stick performance, and has continued that tradition with the Easton RS stick.  The RS stick has evolved from the foundation of the former S17 stick and S19 stick.  Moving from the S17 to S19, Easton wanted to improve durability and increase the “pop” on shot release, so they stiffened the elliptical profile and re-engineered the blade. Moving from the S19 to RS, Easton wanted to really fine tune the flex profile and perfect the overall stick feel.

Easton Stealth RS Hockey Stick

Prior to designing the RS stick, Easton wanted to re-visit what their overall goals were for the new stick. What it really came down to was, “making the most out of your opportunities.”  In a typical hockey game your team might get around 30 shots, and each player may only get a couple of opportunities to get a good look at the net.  As a result, Easton really wanted to make a stick that players can trust that has high-end performance and a predictable feel.  When your opportunity comes in the game the RS can help you capitalize on it. When Easton fine-tuned the flex profile, they were able to make it smoother and more consistent, while increasing the “pop” to the shot release.

Easton RS Stick

Easton has also introduced some new materials in the Stealth RS stick that has decreased the overall weight while not sacrificing durability at all. The Easton RS stick features slightly different shaft dimensions than the S19 stick. According to Easton a large majority of their NHL pro players were all using the same shaft dimensions, so they decided to take that as a sign and apply those shaft dimensions to the retail version of the RS stick. The new shaft dimensions have straight sidewalls, and rounded corners.  In comparing the RS shaft dimensions to the S19 it is a slight difference but seems like the RS is just a little bit narrower.

Easton RS Stick

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on the Easton RS stick, and have been extremely happy with its performance. First, just on appearance the stick looks nasty!  The black on black look is mean, and iconic. Also, the matted finish is a nice touch.  The RS stick has an extremely light feel.  It may not be the lightest stick on the market but it certainly is in that category. As far as the shot release goes it felt amazing.  Has a really snappy feel, and felt like the puck was just jumping off the blade.  The RS stick excels most on wrist shots and snap shots, but don’t let this shy you away from taking clappers from the point or one-timers in the slot. All around I have been very impressed by the RS stick, and would definitely not have a problem recommending it.

The Easton Stealth RS hockey sticks are available at IceWarehouse.com and InlineWarehouse.com with free 2-day shipping and no handling fees.