2019 True XC9 ACF Hockey Stick Review

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I love it when I see a new stick that builds on the success of the previous version. Sticks have come so far over the past 10 years, sometimes I wonder what’s left to improve. The new TRUE XC9 delivers some solid improvements to go along with its beautiful, clean graphics.

The XC9 is the flagship in the TRUE’s stick line-up and has more technology built into it than any other stick they’ve built to date. 

Let’s dive into what’s new. 

2019 True XC9 ACF Hockey Stick

Graphics

Absolutely love the clean look. I personally think it’s great when graphics are simple but classy. The XC9 is instantly recognizable and stays close to its roots with their classic TRUE blue, white and black colorway. You recognize it right away when you see it on TV. With big name NHL endorsees like Mitch Marner and Ryan Johansen already using the XC9 for a while now, we’re seeing more and more TRUE sticks all the time.

2019 True XC9 ACF Hockey Stick

Blade Technology - XCORE Gen 2 and BRT+

Not that it was really a problem, to begin with, but I would expect to see improved heel durability with how the XCORE blade insert has been redesigned and redistributed within the middle of the blade. The XCORE insert is now 100% internally positioned so this means no visible bottom insert on the blade anymore.

XCORE is a compressed urethane and is designed to provide more spin on contact with the puck. This is one of the main features that differentiates itself from their A-series sticks.

With a 3x larger sweet spot, the new insert dampens the initial puck impact for better puck feel without hampering accuracy.

When stick-handling and receiving hard passes, you really notice these dampening qualities XCORE provides.

2019 True XC9 ACF Hockey Stick Review

Shaft Technology - SmartFlex

TRUE’s SmartFlex custom kick point adjusts to whatever type of shot is thrown at it making it forgiving and adding power whether you are leaning into slapshots or if you're looking to get a snapshot off quickly.

They’ve modified their Mid Kick flex profile (flex point below bottom hand with stiffer bottom third of shaft) to provide clean puck flight and shot accuracy.

The new XC9 is approx. 10-15 grams lighter with a specific focus on the weight reduction to improve balance point and swing weight. You can feel this right away when you grab it off the shelf.

Axenic and SmartPly

Axenic is a carry through technology from last year’s XC9 and one of the elements that make up the secret sauce in the way True sticks feel. In simple terms, Axenic technology is a patented manufacturing process to eliminate thick or thin spots within a composite shaft.

SmartPly is a process that the composite fiber angles, and the order of those angles, are optimized in up to 25 layers of unidirectional carbon fiber in each shaft.

Both of these technologies provide a big deal for consistency from stick to stick in the manufacturing process.

Senior Specs

  • MSRP: $319.99
  • Weight: 415g
  • Flex Options: 75-85-95-105 (60” length)
  • Patterns: TC2, TC2-5, MC, TC4

Intermediate Specs

  • MSRP: $299.99 (68 flex), $279.99 (58 flex)
  • Weight: 410g
  • Flex Options: 58 (56” length), 65 (58” length)
  • Patterns: TC2, TC2-5, MC, TC4

 

Final Thoughts

With its great blade feel, the XC9 once again proves itself to be a stick for players who pride themselves on their stick-handling and playmaking. Hey, when you see somebody like Mitch Marner killing it like he is this season there must be at least a little magic in his stick of choice.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to try a TRUE stick yet, drop by the shop and take a few shots in our Stick Demo Zone. I think the new XC9 will impress first-timers and the TRUE loyalists.

by Chad Purdy

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2019 True XC9 ACF Hockey Stick Gallery


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