Warrior Elite Standard Senior Composite Hockey Blade

Materials and Construction

• Materials
  The main materials used in the construction of one-piece sticks are graphite, Kevlar and fiberglass.
  In lower end or price point sticks this composite mixture is mostly fiberglass with a small amount of graphite. This mixture makes the stick much heavier but usually a little bit more durable.
  In high-end sticks there is a greater percentage of graphite and Kevlar added for durability. The amount of graphite makes this stick very light and increases its performance
• Stick Construction
  Compression molding is a process of taking multiple layers of thin composite and putting them onto a steel mandrill mold and compressing them into the shape of the stick. This process creates a very consistent shape and feel to the stick.
  Bladder moulding consists of moulding the composite materials over an inflated bladder while inside a mould. This process has more inconsistencies in the shapes it creates.
  True spear technology is a process of fusing layers of composite of the blade onto the spear end of a shaft. This provides great energy transfer as there is no joint or weak spot that is created.
  Shaft and blade fusion is the process of taking a shaft and blade, putting them together and then finishing the stick off with layers of composite.

Stick Options

• Curves - If you have nothing to go off of it is best to find a curve that fits your eye. If you’re not comfortable with how a curve looks in the store it’s unlikely that’s going to change once you get your skates on and head out. At its very basic level the bigger the curve the more challenging it may be to make passes and the straighter curves may be more difficult to get the puck up in the air. If you’re struggling in one of these areas perhaps a change in curve is a good idea.
• Stick Flex – The flex on a stick is actually a measurement of how many pounds of force it would take to flex the stick one inch. In junior sticks that number is between 40-50, in intermediate the number is between 55-75 and in senior it is typically between 75-110. A player’s body weight and strength are huge determining factors when choosing a flex.
• Flex points – A flex point is where the stick is most flexible. Lower flex points typically provide quicker release for snap/wrist shots while low-mid or mid flex points are generally used by players who take a lot of heavier shots.
• Stick Lie – While having the correct lie is extremely important there are very few sticks that offer multiple lies in the same curve. If you really like a certain curve but it seems to be the wrong lie then an adjustment in height could make all the difference. Making a stick longer will help if a stick feels like it’s sitting too much on the toe and making it shorter will help if you feel like you’re wearing out more on your heel. Checking the way your tape wears out is the easiest way to find out if you have the right lie.
• Grip - Grip is exactly what it sounds like it is, a finish on the stick that makes it stick in your hands or gloves better. A non-grip or clear coat stick can be slippery depending on the manufacturer but some players prefer that feeling to the grip finish. This is totally a personal preference.



Sizing of Sticks

• Cutting Sticks and Effects on Flex
  

  The flex number on a stick is assuming it is at full length. As soon as you begin cutting down a stick it is going to get stiffer. Keep this in mind when purchasing as many players make the mistake of buying a stick that feels good in store but when cut down to the correct height they realize it is significantly stiffer. You will not be able to reach your potential in terms of shot power if you have the wrong flex. If you have a stick that does not have different flex markings down the back of the shaft the general rule of thumb is for every inch that is cut off the stick becomes 3% stiffer.

• Cutting Sticks
  

  The general rule of thumb is on your flat feet a stick should come to your nose. With that being said there are so many factors that could come in to play and it really takes a lot of trial and error to find that perfect height.