This is HockeyStick Universities 2nd edition of the most popular sticks of the past year. We have talked with equipment managers all throughout the Pros, College, and Junior level hockey, as well as hundreds of players, hockey stores and pro shops. We also polled our loyal insiders through social feeds and after all that here is our list:
1. Bauer Vapor 1X
Just like in 2014 the Vapor line is King. This should shock no-one as the highly anticipated release of the 1X in 2015 was very successful. Patty Kane has been helping matters by rockin' it as he dangles his way nightly onto sport highlight reels everywhere! The Pro Stock models come in custom colors that just pop off the grey base, the perfect stick for someone looking for a unique twig to turn heads as they take the ice.
When the APX2 hit the sale racks they were scooped up right away and gone....
2. Bauer Supreme MX3
You may think that a stick released in 2014 would have a tough time being the most popular of 2015. But were talking about the Bauer Supreme here! Since the day's of a young Eric Lindros and that black wooden stick kids have been begging their parents for a top of the line Supreme, and they rarely disappoint.
3. CCM Ultra Tacks
This stick is the yellow and black you see in the hands of players all throughout the NHL. Its super light and highly sought after! The Ultra Tacks is the next level of the Tacks line CCM introduced in 2014.
4. CCM Ribcor Reckoner / 40K
The Reckoner is the latest stick from CCM, announced in the fall of 2015 and took over from the Ribcor 40K, which we strongly endorse as one of the best sticks we have seen in the past 5 years, due to its balance of durability and performance. The Ribcor line was released as a Reebok stick in 2011, and was the most popular they ever had.
5. Easton Stealth CX
Hey Easton, thank you for bringing back the Stealth. Undoubtedly one of the greatest performing stick lines ever the problem with the Easton Stealth's were always about durability. Now that its back the CX is supposed to be reinforced to address these concerns, and so far I would say great job!
6. Bauer Nexus 1N / 8000
The 1N was released in the fall of 2015 and is the most expensive stick on the market today. We've been noticing that a lot more Pro and College players have been choosing to use the Nexus line, which is generally a sign of things to come. Normally a loyal Easton user I myself have fallen for the Nexus 8000, which was the top of the line Nexus for a good part of 2015. Many will argue that this should be higher on the list?
After what appeared to be a declining interest in this scrappy hockey stick brand, 2015 saw some resurgence with the Covert QR line. Most notably the QR1 and QR Pro models. Warrior identified the strength of the Pro Stock market and their Pro line is allowing retailers to sell Pro model spec sticks.
The CCM / Taylor Made partnership was simply awesome and made us all want to try out the RBZ. Since then they have released the RBZ Stage 2 (2014 2nd place stick), SuperFast and now the SpeedBurner. All great sticks, and you should know that you can't go wrong with a top end RBZ. But when releasing new models every 8 months it can be difficult to keep up with.
Warrior again! Hey these guys make great hockey sticks. I've been playing with the HD1 for the past few weeks and I just love the thing. They don't have the brand power of the CCM's or Bauer's but a lot of people like them, including quite a few players in the show.
COLT 2 hockey sticks feature a nano metal layer of protective coating over a top end composite hockey stick. This innovation was featured in many major publications and various TV segments throughout 2015 (Ex. Dragon's Den and Hockey Night in Canada). There were sightings of NHL players trying them in games and despite the fact that they are only for sale online they continue to be a a stick that buyers consider. I have to admit that there is some person bias here, I love what these guys are doing and promote them to my followers whenever I can.
So there you have it folks. These are the best hockey sticks that you can find, and in my opinion you can not go wrong with any of them!
3 comments
The new Butterfly style goalie stick for butterfly style goaltenders!
https://youtu.be/GyHudYLg5MI
www.thekozaccut.com
What about sher-wood. there made amazing and hardly ever break. especially the ek 60. lightest stick in hockey too.
Thanks for the review. A few comments as to suitability of sticks for individual players:
I believe that, as an example, the Bauer Vapors are low-kick sticks, suited more to snap and wrist shots, with the Supremes a mid-kick. The kick point is a big difference and should be pointed out with any review or sale of sticks. I’ve used the intermediate Vapor and had good results. I shifted to a Sherwood T120 hoping for better control with their mid-kick but have had trouble getting off shots quickly, especially up top. For reference I’m a small. old beer leaguer with cement hands playing with 30-60 year olds all with junior and up to pro experience .
Many of our guys use a cheaper stick likely not suited to their size and skill level, simply to avoid the cost of the better sticks. I can’t play with the cheaper, heavier sticks so wonder how much those more talented boys are losing out selecting a cheap twig.
Speaking of that, I bought one of the new ‘Twig’ sticks sold out of Michigan. The weight and feel is comparable to the Vapor, and handles just as well, too early to comment on reliability yet. For around $95 U.S. it may be the best option out there.