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.