TRUE Catalyst 9X Youth Hockey Stick - 2021
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The TRUE Catalyst 9X YTH Hockey Stick is a new stick size for True and comes with a smaller shaft dimension and 2” shorter length than the Catalyst 9X junior that also comes in a 20 flex.
Stick Flex Profile
The Catalyst 9X youth stick features a mid-zone flex that loads easily for young players. A stiff taper zone maximizes shooting and passing accuracy.
Shaft Construction
The True Catalyst 9X is constructed with Precision Laminate Design (PLD) which debuted on the Project X stick. PLD is the optimization of fiber angles to provide stiffness and impact strength with each layer of material. In technical terms – there are fewer 0-degree plies used and more off-axis plies (15-45 degrees) to achieve stiffness while adding impact strength. In plain English – PLD allows weight reduction without a loss in impact strength.
True’s Axenic Technology returns. This seamless compression-molded shaft construction process gives an incredible feel for the puck which youth players notice instantly when stickhandling.
Blade Construction & Stiffness
In order to achieve their goal of balancing improved feel with reduced weight, True removed the XCORE insert previously found in the XC9 stick and replaced the blade’s core with their new BAT Technology. BAT builds off of True’s BRT+ Technology but uses Aramid fiber (better known as Kevlar) instead of carbon. Aramid is lighter and dampens vibrations more efficiently than carbon for a better puck feel.
PASS is a new foam core technology that looks and performs exactly like a foam core but has a much higher strength property. Boasting a 50% higher compression strength for repeated impacts and 25% higher shear strength to resist foam breakdown over time.
The 9X blade comes with a matte finish similar to what has been featured on previous True sticks.
Graphics
The Catalyst stick line moves away from True’s traditional blue graphics in exchange for the use of bright yellow accents with a chrome Catalyst logo. This youthful graphic direction for the brand now clearly separates it from their AX series.
Grip
The TRUE Catalyst 9X Youth Hockey Stick features a soft gloss grip shaft.
Blade Patterns, Flex & Stick Length
Flexes - 20
Blade patterns - TC2.5
Stick length - 46”
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Category | Elite |
| Weight | 265g |
| Flex Point | Mid-Kick |
| Shaft Construction | Precision Laminate Design Technology Performance Advanced Strengthening System Axenic One-piece Technology Square Corner, Double Concave Geometry |
| Blade Construction | Braided Aramid Technology |
| Material | Spread Tow Weave throughout shaft & blade |
| Length | 46" |
| Grip | Soft Gloss Grip Shaft Matte Blade |
| Warranty | 30 Days |
Hockey Player Stick Sizing & Information Guide
Selecting the right stick for you.
When it comes to sizing a Hockey Stick, the length tends to be a preference. Sticks come in Senior, Intermediate, Junior and Youth lengths with corresponding flex options. You will need to consider your weight and height or the person you are buying for in order to choose the correct size. Intermediate, Junior, and Youth hockey sticks will have smaller shaft dimensions, making them easier for young players to hold and control.
A stick can always be cut down in length, and will usually be cut down for kids. However, selecting a hockey stock too long in length or the wrong flex can hinder performance. For kids, junior, intermediate and senior all come in roughly standards length. In some cases, each Junior flex will be a different length of stick. Look at each and compare the height of the player you are buying for.
Flex can be tricky to pick as every hockey player is different and has their own preference. You can think of flex numbers as pounds of force. Having too stiff or too whippy a stick can hinder performance in their own ways.
Personalizing your stick length.
As mentioned before, length is very much personal preference. To determine a benchmark height, stand with your shoes off and the stick against your body with the toe on the ground. As a general rule of thumb we recommend sticks to come up to between your mouth and nose. For kids, or players who are still growing, the maximum height we recommend is eye level.
Mark the shaft of the stick where the height is desired and cut it down to length. Make sure to re-insert the plug from the top to prevent an open composite end at the top of your stick.
When cutting a stick down, keep in mind that the shorter you cut a stick, the stiffer it becomes. As a general rule, a stick increases 3% in stiffness for every inch cut off. If you are unsure how much you want to cut off, take the least amount first so that you can always cut more if necessary. Cutting the stick multiple times will not affect the sticks construction.
Information to Consider
Flex Options
Players want to be able to fully flex the stick. If a stick is too soft, the resulting shot will be inaccurate and weak. If a stick is too stiff, there will be no power behind the shot. Think of the flex number as pounds of force. This is the number of pounds that need to be put into the stick to fully flex it.
Curve Options
In most cases, sticks are offered in multiple blade curve pattern options. Please refer to our blade pattern charts for more information regarding the patterns available.
Kick Point Options
A Mid-kick stick will have a stiffer taper so that it flexes more in the middle of the shaft. These sticks have a longer loading time but offer a more powerful shot, perfect for players taking a lot of slap shots.
A Low-kick stick will have a stiffer middle of the shaft and softer taper so that it flexes at the bottom of the shaft closer to the blade. These sticks will have a much quicker release perfect for quick snap shots and writs shots.
