With the success of the E-Flex 4 stick under their belt, the redesigned E-Flex 5 brings innovation in construction methods and design while staying true to the soft-flex foam core feel goalies gravitated towards.
Asymmetrical Paddle
The most noticeable difference comes on the paddle of the E-Flex 5 stick. An all new Asymmetrical design puts layers of Innegra fibers on the front of the stick while the back of the paddle is made using Sigmatex fibers. Combining these two carbons helps produce a lightweight yet strong stick while also giving it a unique look. The E-Flex 5 also uses a new construction method which uses Aerograde foam in the blade and paddle to maximize vibration dampening without sacrificing puck feel or balance.
Shaft
A full Innegra construction makes for a softer yet stronger shaft helping reduce the breakage that CCM shafts have been prone to in recent years. A new rounded shape helps with this focus on increased durability giving the shaft greater impact resistance along with better comfort and feel in hand. Strategically placed StikTak grip is used on the shoulder area of the stick while the rest of the shaft has no grip for easy transitions when poke-checking and playing the puck. I find that StikTak allows for superior grip and control over tape or other grip textures.
The round shape is a noticeable change especially when playing the puck. I find it helps the shaft turn in the glove making it easier to snap your wrist around and get a harder, higher shot than with other sticks.
Blade
Like the paddle, the blade uses the same Asymmetrical design with Innegra on the front and Sigmatex on the back. The blade wraps this all together with Peel-Ply technology which is an optimized texture that reduces weight while increasing puck control.
One thing I was worried about within the blade of the E-Flex 5 stick was that due to the predominantly Innegra construction it would feel soft and lose the precise puck feel that the Sigmatex blade of the E-Flex 4 had. I was pleasantly surprised that this was not the case at all; the blade feels just as stiff and responsive when stickhandling and shooting despite the new construction method.
Flex Profile
When CCM released the E-Flex 4 stick, it was the first time that there was a lightweight, full composite stick that actually flexed and shot like a foam core. They went even further on the E-Flex 5 giving it a new lower flex point and the softer shaft making it even easier to play the puck.
After shooting with it, the E-Flex 5 feels softer and more refined than the E-Flex 4 did. The lower flex point gives the stick more whip making it even easier to get the puck up off the ice. There’s also more control on each shot and pass allowing goalies to hit their target more accurately.
Weight
At an impressive grams in a 26” paddle length, there’s a substantial 40 gram weight savings over its predecessor. While the weight difference is noticeable, what's more pertinent is the change in the balance point. The E-Flex 5 is overall a more balanced stick in hand which helps increase speed and make quick movements even easier.
Graphics
While the off-centre graphic has seen mixed reviews from the online community, it fits the theme of the stick with the asymmetrical paddle construction and showcases the use of Innegra and Sigmatex carbon throughout.
Final Thoughts
As someone who is used to using a stiffer goal stick, the softer flexing E-Flex 5 is a welcomed change. Giving goalies the option between the stiffer Axis and the softer E-Flex stick allows them to be able to select a stick that works best for their needs rather than forcing them to go for something that doesn't work with their play style. The updates that the E-Flex 5 have brought in the refined kick point, more durable shaft, improved vibration dampening and asymmetrical construction make it a top contender for all goalies no matter if you’re looking for a responsive lightweight stick or something that shoots like a foam core; the CCM E-Flex 5 has you covered.
Reviewed By: Cedric Hastings
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