CCM SuperTacks AS4 Pro Hockey Stick Review
CCM continues to lead the hockey world in terms of powerful, mid kick point hockey sticks. The Super Tacks family has always put a major focus on boosting shot power and optimizing control, and now, with this latest edition to the AS line, CCM has maintained its pursuit in bringing you one of the currently strongest—literally—hockey sticks on the market today. The almighty AS3 Pro was given some rather potent upgrades to reach this point, including an updated blade and brand new implementation of Skeleton+ Technology, as seen also in the Ribcor Trigger 6. For those who like to unload huge clappers at the net, the AS4 Pro is the perfect hockey stick for you.
T-Shape Geometry & Microfeel Grip
Let’s start with the literal feel of the stick. The AS4 uses T-shape geometry for a more traditional feel, along with a Microfeel grip to heighten the sensation of the stick in your hand. It also helps keep it in your hand during particularly gritty scrums on the ice.
Mid Kick Point & Shot Potential
CCM’s Super Tacks family prides itself in providing flawless mid kick hockey sticks. Mid kick is ideal for superior control and powerful shots. Compared to a low kick point, which is good for quick shots and tends to fit particularly shifty players, mid kick is a paragon for those who like to set the pace of the game themselves. You are the one who takes your time with every shot to maximize its potential. You don’t speed yourself up for the game—the game adjusts to your stride.
The Super Tacks AS4 Pro takes the mid kick profile to the next level. Research into hockey sticks—experimental and anecdotal—has consistently found higher shot velocity to be linked to the time the puck stays on the stick. Holding the puck from beginning to end of the shot comes with consistent control, which is what the mid kick profile is for—and also where the new Acufeel Blade comes in.
New Acufeel Blade
Brand new in the AS4 Pro and what sets it apart from even the standard Super Tacks AS4 is the Acufeel Blade. A few stiffness adjustments have been made for this update, but the blade is still in what CCM dubs the “sweet spot” for shot performance.
The AS3 Pro was very stiff overall with its Acu X-Stiff blade, which is still found in the standard AS4. The AS4 Pro takes a different approach with a softer blade, which overall enhances stickhandling and passing, staples of the softer-bladed low-kick sticks.
Blade Stiffness
Between torsional and linear stiffness, the AS4 Pro is softer linearly than the Trigger 6; however, it is still stiffer torsionally than the AS3 Pro, meaning the blade has a bit of bend when shooting but doesn’t allow itself to twist too much. Too much twist would normally weaken power, accuracy, and control, especially in slap shots. With these changes in stiffness, the AS4 Pro has reached an excellent medium between the two previous pro-level sticks, permitting you to dish out some absolute rockets while keeping your puck possession nice and clean.
Sigmatex Spread Tow
CCM has been using Sigmatex Spread Tow in all their elite-tier sticks for years because why fix what isn’t broken? Sigmatex—a leader in aerospace technology—developed a material that could keep the blade lightweight while still giving it a softer and tougher feel. In the AS4 Pro, Sigmatex can be found in both the blade and the shaft.
Nanolite Carbon Layering
This technology comes back from previous years’ CCM sticks. It is essentially the technique used to weave Sigmatex Spread Tow across all portions of the stick. The technique was recycled from previous high-end Jetspeed sticks because it works at making a profoundly durable shaft and blade, helping you play longer without having to worry as much about keeping your stick alive.
Skeleton+ Technology
The Sigmatex Spread Tow weave is already a rather robust material, but CCM still went further. They identified weaknesses in the hosel and taper connecting the shaft to the blade and worked to patch it up. Enter their new Skeleton+ Technology. Skeleton+ involves using a silicon-tip spear in the hosel during the manufacturing stage instead of all the unnecessary and excess material they would use in previous iterations. This change allowed CCM to focus on compressing the carbon in that area.
In short, the hosel is now much sturdier and better able to handle taking big impacts, whether that be from a shot taken right in that spot, battling hard in the corner, accidentally skating stick-first into the boards, or missing a saucer pass from a teammate that was just a tad too hard.
Final Thoughts
As a defenseman myself, Super Tacks has always been the go-to for good, game-pacing control and powerful shot potential. CCM has definitely shown us why it’s the leader in mid kick point hockey sticks—again. They know what they want to achieve in a stick, and they know exactly how they plan to get there. This stick looks perfect for the big shooter on the team, perhaps a defenseman, power forward, or the player at the top of the power play. The change to their Acufeel blade actually makes the stick even more versatile, so even if none of those are your preferred style of play, the AS4 Pro will still adapt to your needs.
For players striving to have that stronger and more stable shot, the AS4 Pro has your back. Overall, this stick is a must-have for any aspiring goal scorer who wants to bump up their game to the next level.
Reviewed By: Katie Lakusta
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