We give you the most comprehensive hockey information available on the internet. In this article, we spent DOZENS of hours gathering information on 2021’s best hockey sticks on the market.
With hundreds of hockey sticks available for sale, however, it’s impossible for you to personally experiment with each of them yourself. We wanted to take the pain out of your selection process and inform you of the best hockey sticks in 2021 so that you’re able to stay at the top of your game.
SHORT ON TIME? Here are our picks.
BAUER AG5NT
When it comes to elite level hockey sticks, the Bauer Ag5nt is the best OVERALL that performs at the highest level and currently has some of the most advanced technology available.
WARRIOR COVERT QR5
We found that the Warrior Covert QR5 Stick offered the best mix of VALUE AND FEATURES. Many amazing safety and performance features in this mid-range stick!
CCM RIBCOR 86K
We love this twig! An amazing high end hockey stick with many of the bells and whistles at a more BUDGET FRIENDLY price. A perfect mix of performance and value.
Table of Contents
- 1) Bauer Ag5nt Grip Hockey Stick
- 2) CCM Ribcor Trigger 7 Pro Hockey Stick
- 3) Warrior Alpha LX Pro Hockey Stick
- 4) Bauer Nexus Sync Hockey Stick
- 5) Bauer X Hockey Stick
- 6) CCM JetSpeed FT5 Pro Stick
- 7) TRUE Catalyst 9X Grip Hockey Stick
- 8) Bauer Sling Grip Hockey Stick
- 9) Warrior Covert QR5 Pro Stick
- 10) CCM Ribcor 86k Pro Stick
- 11) Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Hockey Stick
- Best Hockey Stick Accessories for 2022
- What to Consider When Buying a Hockey Stick
Need help choosing the right flex number, length, or curve? Click here to read our guide.
For full reviews, keep reading below…
1) Bauer Ag5nt Grip Hockey Stick
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Overview
The new AG5NT Stick by Bauer is being billed as the lightest and quickest-releasing hockey stick the company has ever made. This durable creation features the new Boron Fibre technology to provide the perfect amount of compression strength, responsiveness and stiffness. Your shots will fly off of the blade with accuracy thanks to the reinforced XE Elliptical shaft taper design while puck feel and passing come just as easily.
It comes with a one-piece MonoComp construction with ACL 2.0 technology and optimized Carbon Layup. The shaft is easy to grip thanks to the tacky finish, rounded corners and concave sidewalls. Meanwhile, the blade makes shooting, passing and stickhandling an absolute joy due to the lightweight but durable construction. Hockey will never seem the same again when using this masterpiece of a stick.
This elite low-kick stick comes in several flexes, curves and lengths with the 85-flex model weighing just 337 grams. It’s quite technologically advanced and can typically be found in the higher-end price range.
Weight: 335 grams
Flex Profile: Low kick
Available Flexes: 70, 77, 87
What People are Saying
“Bought this for my brother as a birthday gift. He was using a nexus 87 flex and couldn’t get a crisp shot off. Now all his shots are hitting the net and going in. Great stick for anyone you wanna treat absolutely amazing stick and with its weight you can feel the puck so much better.”
Click here to see the lowest available price in USA
Click here to see lowest available price in Canada
2) CCM Ribcor Trigger 7 Pro Hockey Stick
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Overview
New off the production line for 2022/23 is the Ribcor Trigger 7 Pro stick by CCM. This is a lightweight, fused, two-piece model built for strength and balance due to optimal weight distribution and stiffness. It features CCM’s Agility 2 Blade Core and Ergo Shaft Dimension design to provide a fast and deadly accurate shot release. The stick’s strength comes from the company’s Sigmatex STP Carbon Fibre and Nanolite Carbon Layering system which enables it to fend off the toughest whacks and slashes.
The stick comes with a supercharged shaft design while the dampened textured blade makes it ideal for stickhandling and receiving passes as it’s constructed with advanced foam and Sigmatex Carbon Fibre. Energy transfer is second to none with this stick due to the Asymmetrical shaft taper and tacky grip finish. The upper third of the shaft comes with round corners and concave sidewalls while the middle third features round corners and straight sidewalls and the lower third has round corners and a convex rear sidewall.
The CCM Ribcor Trigger 7 Pro is a pro-level, low-kick stick which comes in several flexes, curves and lengths with the 85-flex, 60-inch model weighing just 375 grams. It’s generally available in the higher-end price range.
Weight: 380 grams
Flex Profile: Low Kick
Available Flexes: 70, 75, 80, 85, 95
What People are Saying
“I’ve used the Trigger Pro sticks for a few years now. I have loved them, so of course I had to pick up the 7 Pro when it came out. Scored two Gino’s that night. Good feel of puck, accurate and hard shot as expected. Expensive and they should give a better warranty but that said I am 240 lbs and abuse the sticks and they hold up nice so I have never needed them. I might break it next week who knows but I have not had problems with Trigger Pro sticks. My son also uses them, no complaints, great stick!”
Click here to see the lowest available price in USA
Click here to see lowest available price in Canada
3) Warrior Alpha LX Pro Hockey Stick
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Overview
The Warrior Alpha LX PRO Stick is ideal for players looking to combine speed and power when shooting without giving up any accuracy. This is a fine choice for taking slap shots from the blue line, winding up when streaking down the wing and trying to get off a quick snap or wrist shot from the slot.
The stick is built for all possible shooting situations from anywhere on the ice due to its tapered design
and tremendous recoil rate. Warrior has built a durable blade with several layers of composite to guarantee elite performance without any breakdowns. The lightweight carbon fiber shaft means the 85-flex, 60-inch model weighs just 380 grams.
The low-kick flex point stick features a shaft with concave sidewalls and rounded corners for the greatest feel and quickest release on the rink. It’s also perfect for dekes, toe-drags, passing and faceoffs etc. The Warrior Alpha LX Pro Stick is fitting for players who are looking to pass, shoot and make plays as accurately and quickly as possible and can be found in the mid-price range.
Weight: 380 grams
Flex Profile: Mid Kick
Available Flexes: 65, 75, 85, 100
What People are Saying
“The stick is much lighter than the Alpha DX. Durability is questionable since the toe of the stick has started to crack. The shot is a good balance of power, accuracy. It is a stick for people who know how to shoot and take full advantage of the technology. it is not really a beginner friendly stick.”
Click here to see the lowest available price in USA
Click here to see lowest available price in Canada
4) Bauer Nexus Sync Hockey Stick
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Overview
Bauer’s Nexus Sync Stick offers competitive players optimal feel, speed and accuracy with its innovative ConnectTech Blade Technology which features a rubberized layer in the shaft and blade. This model also features Advanced Carbon Layering (ACL) and Asymmetrical Carbon Fibre to provide you with the most efficient and effective energy transfer from stick to puck. In addition, the shaft comes with concave sidewalls and square corners.
Loading and releasing your shots will be effortless due to the five-sided shaft, ER Spine Technology, which also makes for improved control and comfort while stickhandling and passing. The key areas of the Mono-Comp one-piece stick are designed to handle the toughest impacts when the going gets tough while the tacky grip keeps the stick firmly in the palm of your hands. The Bauer Nexus Sync offers a standard shaft taper which is ideal for versatile playmakers and shooters.
This top-level, mid-kick stick by Bauer is available in various flexes, curves and lengths with the 85-flex model weighing just 365 grams. It can usually be found in the higher price range.
Weight: 365 grams
Flex Profile: Mid Kick
Available Flexes: 70, 77, 87
What People are Saying
“I absolutely love this stick it is such a big upgrade from the Geo.”
Click here to see the lowest available price in USA
Click here to see lowest available price in Canada
5) Bauer X Hockey Stick
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Overview
The Bauer X Stick is ideal for casual and recreational hockey players who are looking for top-level performance and value. This quality stick is designed to aid your responsiveness, passing and shooting skills with a mid-kick flex profile while also providing you with the strength and durability needed for competitive games.
The comfortable fused two-piece shaft features rounded corners and concave walls and is built with unidirectional carbon fibre and is coated with a tacky grip. The 80-flex stick weighs in at 515 grams while the blade is constructed with BridgeCore technology which features PU foam and UD Carbon.
The Bauer X hockey stick is available in a few different lengths, flexes and curve patterns and can generally be found in the low to mid price range.
Weight: 505 grams
Flex Profile: Mid Kick
Available Flexes: 80
What People are Saying
“Great twig for the money, feels super light.”
Click here to see the lowest available price in USA
Click here to see lowest price available in Canada
6) CCM JetSpeed FT5 Pro Stick
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Overview
The JetSpeed FT5 Pro Grip is another new fused, two-piece stick by CCM which is already making waves in the hockey world. This strong, versatile model is designed for competitive players who are looking to get an edge on the opposition when it comes to shooting, stickhandling and passing. It features a Sigmatex STP carbon fibre and Nanolite carbon-layering design for easy-loading and an impactful recoil.
It offers a stiff but dampened puck feel due to the RR-90 textured, foam blade core which makes receiving passes a breeze and enables you to release shots as quickly and accurately as possible. The stick’s incredible balance, durability and energy transfer is a result of the lightweight Sigmatex STP blade weave and thin shaft walls. The shaft features a standard taper design as well as concave sidewalls and round corners with a tacky grip finish for better control.
The JetSpeed FT5 Pro by CCM is a variable hybrid-kick stick which is available in various flexes, curves and lengths with the 85-flex model weighing 394 grams. It’s typically found in the higher-end price range.
Weight: 395 grams
Flex Profile: Mid Kick
Available Flexes: 70, 75, 80, 85, 95
What People are saying
“This stick exudes speed, accuracy and power. The blade has the best puck feel of all the modern sticks I have used. A rare stick that has power on slap shots and is as quick as a Trigger 6 on in-close shots.”
Click here to see the lowest available price in USA
Click here to see lowest available price in Canada
7) TRUE Catalyst 9X Grip Hockey Stick
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Overview
The True Catalyst 9X Stick enables hockey players to lift their game to a new dimension as it provides the perfect combination of power, puck feel, versatility and strength. It features True’s advanced Precision Laminate carbon-layering design which allows the company to keep it as light as possible without sacrificing strength and durability. The one-piece stick also utilizes Axenic Technology while the blade comes with a dampened high-density foam Xcore which utilizes lightweight Aramid fibres rather than carbon fibres.
Energy transfer, balance, stability and durability are also key attributes of the True Catalyst 9X stick and there’s no chance of it slipping in your hands while shooting, passing and stickhandling thanks to the tacky grip finish, traditional shaft taper and square-cornered, concave sidewall shaft. This stick is designed to handle all aspects of the game equally well including the rough stuff and is ideal for players of all positions.
This elite mid-kick stick by True comes in several flexes, curves and lengths with the 85-flex model weighing just 385 grams. It can typically be found in the mid to upper-price range.
Weight: 385 grams
Flex Profile: Mid Kick
Available Flexes: 65, 75, 85, 95
What People are Saying
“Absolutely the most consistent shooting stick I’ve ever had! The feel stick handling is improved a lot over the previous model! 2 weeks in so far with it and loving every minute on the ice with it!”
Click here to see the lowest available price in USA
Click here to see lowest available price in Canada
8) Bauer Sling Grip Hockey Stick
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Overview
Hockey players can take their shooting, passing and stickhandling to a higher level with the Bauer Sling Stick thanks to the SlingTech 2.0 blade design and ER Spine Technology. You’ll be able to release your shots with incredible speed and accuracy with this model as the hole in the blade allows the stick to effortlessly load and release the puck like a sling shot. The unique design and action is also ideal for all other aspects of the game.
The five-sided ER Spine Technology adds lightweight durability while the unique shaft design and dimensions utilize DuraFlex Resin and Asymmetrical TeXtreme Carbon Fibre technology. This MonoComp one-piece stick enables players to put every ounce of their power into their shot with total control. The tacky grip finish is perfect for puck feel without having to worry about the stick sliding around in your hands while the rounded corners and straight sidewalls in the shaft make it as comfortable as possible.
The high-level, hybrid-kick Bauer Sling Stick comes in various flexes, curves and lengths with the 85-flex model weighing just 375 grams. It can usually be found in the higher price range.
Weight: 375 grams
Flex Profile: Mid Kick
Available Flexes: 70, 77, 87
What People are Saying
“I bought this stick a week ago and I love it. I’m able to shot the puck quicker and my shot feels harder.”
Click here to see the lowest available price in USA
Click here to see lowest available price in Canada
9) Warrior Covert QR5 Pro Stick
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Overview
The feather-light Warrior Covert QR5 Pro Stick is new this season and players are quickly realizing how fast they can get their shots off with it. It’s a strong and durable model with a lot of snap in it thanks to the R.L.C. 188 advanced construction design and textured FuelCore Ultra blade system. This stick is ideal for puck control, shooting and responsiveness due to its Minimus Carbon 25 weave and lightweight polymer core.
The stick feels like an extension of your hands because of the unique angular Edge Shaft Taper and tacky slide grip finish. You’ll be able to release lightning-quick shots with accuracy and tremendous velocity due to the overall construction and balance of the stick. The shaft features round corners and straight sidewalls for optimal grip and feel and it’s strength means it can handle the toughest slashes and impacts.
This Grade A, low-kick Warrior stick comes in various flexes, curves and lengths with the 85-flex model weighing just 380 grams. It can usually be found in the higher price range.
Weight: 395 grams
Flex Profile: Low Kick
Available Flexes: 65, 75, 85, 100
Click here to see the lowest available price in USA
Click here to see lowest price available in Canada
10) CCM Ribcor 86k Pro Stick
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Overview
The newly-designed CCM Ribcor 86K is aimed at competitive players who are on the hunt for a top-performing stick at a competitive price. It features an Asymmetrical shaft design for a highly-effective and quick shot release, optimal energy transfer and comfortable hold due to it’s ergonomic shape. The durable shaft is constructed with a strong carbon fibreglass without compromising puck feel while the stiff-toed, textured blade is made from C6 carbon fibre and traditional foam, making it ideal for accurate passing, shooting and stickhandling.
This popular fused, two-piece stick stays firmly in your hands while playing thanks to the tacky grip finish while the upper third of the shaft has round corners and concave sidewalls, the middle third features round corners and straight sidewalls and the lower third boasts round corners and a convex rear sidewall. Hacks and slashes by the opposition have little affect on this stick as it’s extremely strong and durable.
The CCM Ribcor 86K low-kick stick is available in various flexes, curves and lengths with the 85-flex model weighing 473 grams. This new model is typically found in the mid-price range.
Weight: 460 grams
Flex Profile: Low Kick
Available Flexes: 75, 85
What People are Saying
“This is a great stick for the price, no doubt. This was my first stick purchase in nearly 10 years and it’s crazy how much lighter and stronger sticks have gotten. It’s perfectly balanced and no longer heavier at the blade.”
Click here to see the lowest available price in USA
Click here to see lowest price available in Canada
11) Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Hockey Stick
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Overview:
The new Vapor HyperLite Grip by Bauer once again raises the bar when it comes to producing a durable, lightweight hockey stick which is designed for improved playability and a quick release. It weighs just 385 grams and features improved blade and shaft toughness. The one-piece stick features
a HyperCore blade with a stiff foam core and fused carbon fibre bridges for strength.
The shaft incorporates a carbon and DuraFlex resin system for added flexibility and durability. The low-kick stick comes in several different flexes, lengths and curve patterns and is geared towards elite-level players, therefore the higher price.
The key areas of the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Grip hockey stick are reinforced with the company’s most-advanced materials. The shaft is designed with a tacky grip finish, concave sidewalls and round corners making it easy to handle in all situations.
Weight: 385 grams
Flex Profile: Low Kick
Available Flexes: 70, 77, 87, 102
What People are Saying
“I got this stick about a week after it was released and have been using it for a couple weeks now. My last 10 sticks were all ccm and this is the first Bauer stick I’ve used in years but it feels very familiar and durable..”
Click here to see the lowest available price in USA
Click here to see lowest price available in Canada
Best Hockey Stick Accessories for 2022
SPORTSTAPE HOCKEY TAPE
Our choice for best OVERALL hockey tape is Sports Tape. It's made with good quality materials, has great performance and the best price point for a 6 pack.
Hockey Wraparound is an off-ice stick protector that allows you to play on any surface without damaging your blade.
PARTAGE HOCKEY STICK BAG
We found the Partage stick bag was the best overall. It combines great functionality, durability and design. Above all, the price is where you want it to be. Great stick bag!
This hockey stick rack is a lightweight, space-efficient solution to organize all your hockey sticks on the wall. It's three levels of storage allow you to rack multiple sticks on each level for high capacity storage including your skates!
Other reviews you may be interested in:
How to Find the Right Hockey Stick
What to Consider When Buying a Hockey Stick
The “feel” of a Stick
The most important aspect you want with your stick is the “feel” you have with it. The feel is your ability to sense where the puck is when it’s touching your stick. It doesn’t matter your blade pattern, length of shaft or durability if you can’t feel where the puck is with your stick.
We’ll reference the “feel” a bit more throughout the guide, but this is something to keep in mind while we are going over this stuff.
Price Ranges of Sticks
There are three price ranges of ice hockey sticks you’ll want to keep in mind. You should choose what level of play you’re looking to participate in, then use that to set your budget for purchasing your stick. You shouldn’t buy a cheap stick if you are trying to play competitively.
$50 to 60 will get you decent composite hockey sticks. This is the lowest you will find an OK stick for. If you are looking for a good starter stick that will probably be outgrown quickly, you can find some good ones in this range.
$120 to 180 is the mid-range of sticks. If you are playing competitively, but are still growing (and will unlikely grow your stick quickly), then this is probably the range you are looking for.
$200 and above is where you’ll find the top of the line, elite level sticks. These are the ones that the pros are using. They’ll have the best feel, while also being durable and light.
Composite Hockey Sticks or Wooden Sticks?
This is a bit of a personal preference, but it seems that most people are starting to lean towards composite more often than wood. The argument for using a wood stick is that it has a better, more authentic feel. However, composite sticks are catching up to that with one-piece constructions, which we’ll learn about below.
The problem with wood is that it isn’t as durable as a composite. Composite is a bit more expensive, but is typically the most up-to-date, using state of the art technology to give you a durable stick that will still have a great feel. While composite sticks are “growing” market share, you can still find wood sticks at most retailers.
Two-Piece or One-Piece (OPS)?
Like I mentioned about, one-piece sticks have a better feel than a two-piece. This is because the OPS has a consistent flex point by being one long piece and not having a break in the stick between your hands and the puck. Also, OPS will usually be lighter because there is no overlap in material and glue where the two-piecers fit together.
However, two-piece sticks allow you to create a unique combination by selecting your own blade and shaft.
In my opinion, I think one-piece composite sticks are the way to go, but this is up to your preference obviously.
The Flex of the Shaft
The flex of the shaft is how flexible it is. There are ratings between 35 and 110 when it comes to shaft flex, with 35 being the least stiff stick and 110 being the stiffest.
The flex score is actually the amount of pressure in pounds that is required to flex the center of the stick 1″. So if it only takes 35lbs to flex the shaft 1″, then it’ll get a score of 35 and obviously be less stiff than a stick that takes 110lbs of pressure to do the same thing.
An easy rule of thumb to choosing the best flex score for yourself is to divide your weight by 2. This is a good place to start when choosing your stick. We have a handy little chart in the next section that will help you decide flex and length based on your height and weight.
Some other factors to take into account is that if you play defense more, a stiffer stick is probably preferable since you’ll be taking more long-range slap shots, while forwards tend to prefer less resistance in the flex so they have an easier time with snap and wrist shots.
How Long Should Your Stick Be?
The length of ice hockey sticks is mostly based on your height since a tall player needs a longer stick in order for it to reach the ground. However, you can be a tall player who plays bent over for most of the hockey game, which would mean you’d want a shorter stick. The same idea if your a shorter player who tends to stand straighter for most of the hockey game.
Think about what type of player you are and how your typical stance is. If it’s pretty bent compared to other players, go for a shorter stick. Also, you can get sticks shortened down or extended to fit you exactly. Keep in mind that if you shorten a stick, the flex will increase and vis versa.
Here is a nifty chart for choosing your stick length and flex.
| Age Group | Height (ft) | Weight (lbs) | Flex | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth (3 to 5) | 3' to 3' 10" | 30 to 65 | 35 | 38 to 44" |
| Youth (6 to 8) | 3' 10" to 4' 8" | 50 to 80 | 40 / 45 | 45 to 49" |
| Junior (7 to 13) | 4' 4" to 5' 1" | 70 to 110 | 50 / 55 | 50 to 54" |
| Intermediate (11 to 14) | 4' 11" to 5' 4" | 92 to 125 | 60 | 55 to 58" |
| Intermediate (12 to 15) | 5' 2" to 5' 8" | 100 to 140 | 65 / 70 | 55 to 58" |
| Senior (14+) | 5' 5" to 5' 10" | 125 to 175 | 75 / 80 | 57 to 61" |
| Senior (14+) | 5' 7" to 6' 1" | 150 to 200 | 85 / 90 | 58 to 62" |
| Senior (14+) | 5' 10" to 6' 4" | 180 to 235 | 100 / 105 | 60 to 63" |
| Senior (14+) | 6' 1" + | 210 + | 110 / 115 | 60 to 63" |
Ice Hockey Stick Blade Patterns
There are a few different types of blade patterns we’ll like to look at. They all have different implications for how the stick functions and should be tailored to your preferences as a player.
The blade pattern is the specific type of curve of your blade. Most sticks typically have 5 to 10 different blade patterns available to choose from.
Curve Direction – This is simply if your blade curves to the right or the left. If you are right-handed, you’ll likely want your right hand to be the top hand on your stick. This would mean you’d want a left curve and the opposite if your left handed.
Curve Type – This is where the curve starts on your blade. Think of the blade like a foot, with a heel, mid, and toe. If the curve starts at the heel, it’ll be a heel curve.
Curve Depth – This is the degree of the curve. There is a slight curve, moderate curve, or a deep curve. A deep curve makes it easier to lift shots, which a slight curve gives you more overall control of the puck.
Face Angle – This ranges from closed to open. A closed face angle will cup over the top of the puck more. This is good for puck protection. An open face will be angled back away from the puck which allows you to lift the puck easier.
Blade Length – This is either short, medium or long.
Lie – This is how the blade is angled in relation to the shaft. You want to have the bottom of your blade lie flat against the ice, so you need to take into consideration at what angle you typically hold your stick at. If you hold it very steeply, you’ll want a high angle. If you have your blade out farther in front of you, you’ll want a low angle.
Grip or Clear Finish?
So should you get your stick with a clear finish or with grip? The grip is an added texture that is meant to help you have a better grip on your stick. Some find this as a good thing while others feel that it limits their ability to slide their lower hand down the stick past the grip.
A third option is to get a Matte finish. It’s becoming more popular and is a smooth, velvety finish on the end of your stick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which stick brands are mostly used by NHL players?
The most commonly used sticks in NHL are Bauer and CCM sticks of which CCM has a slight lead.
Are lighter hockey sticks better?
Lighter sticks are easier to handle and allow you to have more mobility, whereas heavier sticks provide more strength and can create more powerful shots especially if you hit the sweet spot.
How many sticks do hockey players use?
Professionals like NHL players switch sticks very often, sometimes even more than once per game, whereas low-level and recreational players switch sticks very rarely, or when they break.
Conclusion
We hope our list of top hockey sticks has helped you in your search for high-quality equipment that’ll keep you at the top of your game.
If you’ve used any of the equipment we reviewed, leave us a comment below and also feel free to ask any questions. We love engaging with you guys and your question may even turn out to be the subject of our next featured blog post!
Here again are the ones we chose this year. Cheers!
BAUER AG5NT
When it comes to elite level hockey sticks, the Bauer Ag5nt is the best OVERALL that performs at the highest level and currently has some of the most advanced technology available.
WARRIOR COVERT QR5
We found that the Warrior Covert QR5 Stick offered the best mix of VALUE AND FEATURES. Many amazing safety and performance features in this mid-range stick!
CCM RIBCOR 86K
We love this twig! An amazing high end hockey stick with many of the bells and whistles at a more BUDGET FRIENDLY price. A perfect mix of performance and value.
