TRUE Catalyst 5X Junior Goalie Stick - 2021
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With their new Catalyst line of sticks, True wanted to make a stick that was more responsive, more durable, lighter and more usable. They packed a lot of tech into the Catalyst 5X goal stick with a redesigned flex point, improved impact strength and increased durability all while making it one of the lighter midline sticks on the market.
Shaft Construction
The 5X uses a square corner, double concave shaft which is made using a new Precision Laminate Design layering system. This construction method angles the carbon layers in a way that increases the strength and durability of the shaft while reducing the overall shaft weight.
Paddle Construction
The Catalyst 5X sticks use a newly redesigned braided rib technology throughout the paddle and blade. These braided sleeves work to provide better vibration damping on shots and when playing the puck along with increased durability and a less blade-heavy feel. The 5X also has a new mid kick profile that loads easily and offers better control of the puck at release.
Blade Construction/Stiffness
Just like the paddle, the blade uses the same braided rib technology to build a lightweight, stiff and durable blade that has great pop when shooting puck and making saves.
Graphics
True keeps their graphics simple on the Catalyst sticks with a choice of a black or white base with a yellow accent running down the paddle and up the shaft. We also carry NHL colors if you are looking for a more unique look. These NHL colors are available in Boston, Detroit, NY Rangers, San Jose, Toronto, and Vegas.
Grip
Straying from the splatter paint style grip seen on the AX line of sticks, the Catalyst line uses a simplified grip hexagonal grip paired with a steeper shoulder that gives the stick a more controlled feel in the stance and when stick handling.
Blade Patterns, Paddle Lengths, Stick Lengths, Weight, Level of Play
The 5X Junior comes only in a 21” paddle length with a single curve from retail being the MC2 curve most similar to a Bauer P34 which is a mid curve with an open face. The 5X Junior comes in at 550g making it one of the lighter midline sticks on the market today perfect for that performance level goalie looking for a lightweight, durable option.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Category | Performance |
| Weight | 550g |
| Shaft Construction | PLD Carbon Layering |
| Paddle Construction | BAT Aramid & Carbon Fiber |
| Blade Construction | Matte Carbon Fiber with BAT |
| Length | 21” |
| Warranty | 30 Days |
| Customizable | No |
Goalie Stick Sizing Information
Unlike other pieces of gear, Goalie Sticks are sized mostly to the goaltender’s preference and playing style rather than their height. The most important measurement, when purchasing a new goal stick, is the paddle height (the wide portion of the stick), which is usually taken from the heel of the stick to the shaft/paddle interface. The reason for the paddle height’s significance is because it sets up the goaltender’s depth in the ready stance and (if properly sized) positions the blocker in an optimal position.
Sizing Your Goalie Stick
To start analyzing the size of your goalie stick, put on your goalie skates to get an accurate height of where you will be in your stance. If you’re looking to be even more accurate, strap on your goalie pads and blocker as well. Once that is done, get comfortable in your natural stance (the one you’d be in during a majority of gameplay) and look for the following:
1. The entire blade of the stick is flush with the ground while being 1’ - 2’ in front of your feet
2. After getting your stick into the flush position, check that the inside edge of the blocker hand sits on the outside edge of the goal pad (this is while holding just above the paddle).
Goalie Stick Sizing Considerations
Goalie Stick sizing can be very subjective compared to other pieces of equipment. The reason for this is the ambiguity of each goaltenders ‘natural stance’, especially with younger goaltenders. It is rather common for children to use taller sticks in comparison to their height, as their stance depth isn’t usually as aggressive as a seasoned goalie.
The shaft length of a goalie stick is usually best left at its stock length, as it serves to counteract the weight of the blade and ideally place the center of gravity at the top of the paddle. The one exception to this rule is for advanced puck handlers, cutting the shaft will allow more power transfer when shooting as a result of being able to keep the blade flush to the ice while near the goaltender’s feet.
