Interesting story related to this topic: Mike Greene uses an old Easton stealth stick. When he found out they were going to stop production, he asked fans to send in that model if stick so he could stockpile as many as he could!
you can do pro stock sticks at bauer with the easton stelath shaft so i think it should have been possible back then too because bauer bought the rights from easton
@@zakinanji3461 you have a lot to learn in life son. forget greene...a legend , all time great like jagr could not keep getting the same stick made. factories close, tech evolves. older methods s burden if certain thresholds arent met
And those who sent him the sticks back he sent them the new V9E that he was trying! I have a mike green V9E.. i use it on the ponds every winter its pretty damn nice
I work with a pro hockey team and our current goalie uses Bauer Vapor X900's and refuses to upgrade. He's been using them since the day they came out and just likes them. He didn't have much money back then and doesn't feel the need to change.
Plus new pads will have a different bounce! Your tendy has learned how and to where pucks will bounce off his pads! Repeatability is the key there, bud!
im a goalie as well. it’s hard to find pads that i like nowadays. it’s very hard to find pads that have the “classic” leather straps. i hate the velcro stuff they do now. the only way to get them is to order a custom pair and i just dont want to do that. ive still been rocking the reebok xlts haha
@@bones329 I think the whole velcro craze has more to do with keeping profit margins as high as possible. they are quicker to set up and offer a little more adjustability but straps are heavier than velcro and also cost a little more. not much but multiply that times thousands of pads sets made and some exec is not going to get his bonus lol. i just find it funny how many of us walk around 10-20 lbs or even more overweight but we believe companies when they say 1lbs pad lighter is going to make a huge difference in our game. lighter foams also break down faster compared to a little heavier ones.
There are so many nhl players who use equipment that are years old but are wrapped as newer models. There are even players that don’t even use the brand that they are signed to but have it wrapped as the sponsor. One of the funniest cases is the fact that Alexander Ovechkin uses his old crazy eight brand shoulder pads with an original Bauer nexus 1000 chest piece. He still uses it till this day. Or that Sidney Crosby used to use a Bauer supreme one95 wrapped as a Reebok stick
that gives them an advantage which is good, just like a magician-why reveal your secrets? What's behind curtain #1 compared to #5? There's no NHL rule that says you can't cover up equipment to hide manufacturer. As long as everything meets regulations & guidelines, no harm done.
I think Connor McDavid is still using 3-4+ year old Jetspeed skates, and TAcks stick. I'm sure they are still making him new sticks but its the old model from a couple years ago that I don't think you can buy today at hockey stores. Granted, those two models were great back in like 2016.
@@Williaem00 mcdavid was last using super tacks skates but the 2nd tier down from a model or 2 after those jetspeeds, they are just wrapped as jetspeeds and before this new stick wrap he just started using, he was using the tacks 2.0 stick wrapped as the prior tacks model, he might still use the same stick now
The "best" often isn't the best. Shin, shoulder & elbow pads are great examples where players prefer a lighter or simpler pad. For me, I tend to find one step down shin pads and maybe mid level shoulder pads work best for mobility versus protection (i never skimp on elbow though).
bro those are heavier lol. For example, high-end shinpads will be wayyy lighter than low end shinpad, due to the material. Look at the vapor 2x pro shinpads (top of the line), comparing to the very low end vapor shinpads. Great weight difference. However, it varies brand to brand.
I work at a hockey store (Pure Hockey) and i usually go by a few rules. Bery basic rules that i usually could say to anybody, unless high level players: Go with: Mid Tier: Shoulder pads, Shin pads Low-er tier: Elbow pads, Pants High Tier/Top end: Helmet Skates are debatable. it depends on age. You dont wanna give hyperlites to a 12 year old, but you also dont wanna offer them to someone who just wants to public skate. Its all about what's comfortable on the player AND fits within how often they play. No matter what, helmet is where higher-end is "needed". you can break a leg, an arm, or tear an ACL, but you cant come back from brain damage. Just my input, even tho im literally giving a useless opinion in a youtube comment section 😂
@@krausefilms3703 When my son started playing 8 years ago, used gear was always a great option. At that point in time I made the decision that I would never look for a used helmet for him. Though now, I can't think of buying any used gear for him in the past 3 years.
I have always been a hard core CCM guy. Last year I switched over to Bauer Supreme skates because they fit better than what CCM is offering since the last pair I bought. Sometimes "better" just means more comfortable.
yea like i use and love my vapor 3x pro skates imo they were way more comfortable than the hyperlite so i went with the more comfortable better looking cheaper option
comfort is key in hockey. All brands offer a level of protection, but what it comes down with is comfort. You want it to fit like it's not there, if you're thinking about your equipment as you're on the ice, the chances of getting injured are much higher, than because of an equipment failure or inferior equipment.
Teemu Selanne used a Jofa 366 helmet until he retired in 2014. Even though it had been bought out by Reebok in 2004. To comply with NHL rules he just blacked out the part that said Jofa
He also had a skate model he really liked and stocked up on them when they were discontinued. And used a wooden stick for quite a while after the composite sticks became popular.
Famous stick skin redress is Patrick Kane. His sticks are dressed as a Vapor, but the build codes are for a Supreme TotalONE, or a legacy build that is the same kick-point and shaft shape of the old TotalONE.
I play professional hockey in Sweden and the amount of customization of equipment available to us is insane. Meanwhile half the guys on our team (myself included) are still using things like jofa and itech shoulder pads and elbow pads.
Lol how old are you? Im 31 and jofa pads were already going out when i was starting hockey... i find it hard to believe any one has jofa pads on ur team... itech i can believe but jofa pads... be honest. Maybe a jofa helmet at most
My family owned an ice hockey sporting goods store in Connecticut that supplied both the AHL Springfield Indians and the NHL Hartford Whalers back in the 70’s and early 80’s. My observation was a majority of players were creatures of habit who, once comfortable with a piece of equipment, would continue to wear the same item regardless of wear or upgraded/advanced items made available. I also noted that many players preferred protective equipment which was not “top tier” items as these tended to be bulkier and more restrictive. The only exception to this was with ice skates where virtually all players wore the best offerings. I greatly enjoyed this video! Thumbs up 👍 and I’m subscribed!!!!
interesting bit of trivia for you. Brett Hull (back in the days of aluminum shafts with wood blades) was under contract with Easton and used their shafts but would only use Christian blades. So, if you see an Easton ad from those days they will not show the blade of his stick, only the shaft. However if you look at any other photo of him playing then you can easily spot the Christian blade with the distinct design on the laminate wrap around the blade.
The absolute best was when Hull was under contract by Mission, but went back to his Z Bubble. He spray painted the shaft and sharpied Mission M-2 on the shaft haha
I would say I'm something between profile 1 and 3 but in the end I will allways use what works the best for me but I can't afford to try out many different sticks oder Skates for example so that's why I think the profile 3 also matches me because if I need something and I think of Bauer vapor line it allways worked for me so when I'm low on money Im not willing to take the risk but I think if you wanna enchant your gameplay and money isn't a factor because you are a pro then you should definitely try out everything and choose the part wich performed the best (from Germany btw so sorry for errors in my comment)
You are spot on. Many Pro players used RBZ sticks up to five years after they were done with the product line. CCM just wrapped the RBZ stick in the latest offering. The Pros loved the durability of it and had a hard time giving up on them.
I'm going on about 27 years away from hockey and am in the same boat. All my gear save for elbow pads and gloves is late 80s vintage as are my Bauer Supreme Custom 1000 skates. The stick choices have me baffled. I'm about to just order some old school wooden Sher-Woods because all these flexes and kick points make my head hurt.
@@SombraPiloto lol. In my garage a Sher-wood 5030, a black Koho 207, Canadian 6001, and an Easton aluminum. They sit next to my crutches to remind me why I stopped playing. A few years ago I tried on my old college gear to see if it still fits…it doesn’t. I have pre-Velcro elbow pads that I needed to tape on to get them to stay up because the elastic was shot, glove palms were redone but the stitching was coming apart, shoulder pads also with tape on the plastic caps trying to keep the cracks from spreading…pretty much left the games with a duffle bag full of scraps.
Ive heard a certain guy in Chicago equipment masks. His graphics show a Bauer hyperlite stick but in reality it’s actually what’s equivalent to a Bauer produced Easton design. The sticks are coded on the shaft and the codes aren’t super difficult to learn after all they need them easily readable and understandable in a factory setting.
Agreed. Skate comfortably is massive. I stopped playing for 17 years, came back at 37 and was gutted Graf stopped making Supra’s. Even today I ll see kids at open hockey playing for elite travel teams that have gotten an old pair and love them more than today’s stuff.
I love the Graf Supra’s. I heard they were changing the design so bought a back up pair just in case. Personally I’d love to find an old pair of Lange’s and throw new blades on them.
I've been wearing the same Easton Synergy skates for over 10 years. If they ever die, I'll have to be hitting up eBay. It's been getting hard to find replacement steel but it's well worth the search to have them on my feet.
Its also very relative. I’m a very crazy player (I like blocking shots) so the top of the line equipment for shins, skates and pants are necessary. I got my knee blown out by a shot because I was wearing flimsy shin guards. For upper body I like things light so I use some old gear.
It’s not about the equipment it’s about the player. The best player on my highschool team used a pair of his brothers hand me down Bauer x60s. He was a better skater then me and a couple other guys on the team with top of the line skates
Back when I played my parents spent every last dollar they had so my brother and I could play hockey. We always had old play-it-again equipment just beat to hell and so worn down. Once they realized I had real skill and could possibly go somewhere they started buying the high end equipment and I absolutely hated it. My skill was speed and maneuvering and I couldnt do either in the high end gear so I modified everything to my liking. They were rather upset but it’s all preference.
Growing up I played and everything I got was used except my helmet. Dad always bought that brand new and paid usually half the price for everything else I had for it. Paid off when I went head first into the boards 😂
I work in a pro shop so I have access to lots of equipment new and old, so I get to experiment a lot. Helmet: TRUE Dynamic 9 Shoulders: Bauer custom Elbows: Warrior Alpha LX Pro Gloves: Warrior Custom Pants: Rbk 5k Skates: Bauer 2x Pro Stock Stick: Armadillo Sports Custom I'm somewhere in middle.
I had the same opportunity a few years ago while playing juniors. I got to try different sticks, just buy then at cost, use them in practice. If I didn't like them, I'd sell them for a little off retail. At one time I had about 7 or 8 sticks in the locker room lol
@@alexuls9468 i don’t mean to assume but are you the same Alex Ulikowski that was charged with 2nd degree luring and 3rd degree child endangerment? It seems pretty coincidental that someone with that unique last name also works at a hockey store… Edit: looked at your page; yeah that’s you
@@evann-t2915 guess your parents never taught you not to air dirty laundry on the internet there bud. Glad you took the time to look me up, but maybe keep your mouth shut on stuff you know very little about
I remember i worked at sports use to sharpen skates for alot of pros during the summer and i forgot who it was but his skates looked like vapor 40s but when u look close u could tell they were bauer 8000s. It was pretty cool
That story about the NHL player who bought out all of that particular model (was Reebok) skates once they stopped making them I believe was Patrick Marleau. And I think at one point (I might need clarification) Sidney Crosby was using a Bauer stick under the CCM Ribcore Reckoner while CCM was trying to fix the batch of sticks that he didn't like. His sticks I think are built to what his old Sher-Wood two piece stick specs were, under that Reckoner graphic. Drew Doughty is a good example of a Category 2 player until he became a 3. For years he was using an Easton S19 under all the various Easton graphics right up until the Bauer Vapor 1X Lite. I even have a demo Doughty Warrior Dynasty AX1ST he used but then stuck to Easton (I think it was around the time when he was using the Area 51 or Synergy HTX wraps). When Bauer/Easton stopped making the S19 he switched to Warrior and has been using the QREDGE under those Alpha DX SL graphics, and had that one really cool all silver custom wrap as well. Right now I'm not sure what's under the Alpha LX graphics right now - I havent been able to get a hold of one yet.
Great video. You hit nail on the head with comfort level. That is the most important thing equipment wise. People don’t realize how important that is for NHL players and the different modifications they make to all their equipment themselves. Also broken in equipment is so much better and you’d be surprised to see some NHL players with equipment years old because if it ain’t broke why fix it.
One of my favorite stories is Pavol Demitra. I remember reading a story during his time with the Wild that he still preferred wood sticks well into the composite era, so his wood sticks were painted to look like newer composite sticks. He also preferred dull skate blades, apparently.
The masking is very true, I used to know a couple pro players and got to hold their sticks, the graphics would be a Bauer Vapor, however when you held it you noticed the stick had the ribbed lower shaft of a Ribcor stick
Completely relate to mental aspect. After my gear was stolen, I had to slowly buy new or used gear, and it has definitely affected my confidence- particularly with my new skates. I’m still trying to gain confidence in my brand new skates even though are much nicer than my old ones.
I’m a type 3. Although I can be set in my ways, I am inclined to try newer products. If for no other reason than to make sure what I’m using is the best for me.
I’d say I’m number 1 I used Easton and Bauer for years for sticks, didn’t care for any other brand until I broke my last stick during a game and I sued my buddies CCM rib core and really liked it so I’ve used CCM sticks every since :) Bauer skates will always be my go too though
I'm no pro and growing up got a lot of my gear from the play-it-again shops. I got a pair of Bauer skates and I loved them. They fit great, lasted a while, so I stuck with Bauer. Had the Bauer helmet, gloves and everything to match. I never wanted to switch, but my skates had seen better days so I was at the store one day and saw a pair of CCM's on sale. Figured why not let's see how they fit. Well to my shock they fit so much better it took me back. I had never even thought that I would like them. It's crazy how a brand gets so engraved in us that we will stick with them no matter what. now as a casual player, ill just wear what fits, and fits my budget mostly. Great video!
I get the obsession a lot of NHLers have with maintaining/restocking their old equipment. It takes me weeks to get accustomed to my sticks when I change brands. If I had the budget, I'd absolutely stock up.
I really find it interesting that , like you said with sticks being skinned, some goalies will get the same old model pads and gloves they have been used to but the company will skin it to look like the newest model.
Kane and McDavid use very old sticks. Kane uses a one95 supreme stick that’s dressed as a hyperlite which may be surprising. McDavid also uses a very old supertacks stick
Only time Kane used a stick other than the Supreme one95 are the Supreme ADVs when they first came out. Not sure if he's using an actual Supreme ADV now, unless we went ahead and got the ADV wrap on the old sticks. I've got two of his game sticks and his 1X Lite has the O33 code on it (old Supreme TotalOne) and his Supreme ADV has the SUPADV code - even has that hexagonal Sonic Kick shaft.
I love trying out different sticks in terms of brand/flex/kickpoint/style, but I've stuck to the same curve since I got my first "senior" size stick. I also am loathing the idea of replacing my skates, they're from the original Nexus series and the boot just feels so natural for my skating style. They're a very flexible skate, and I like to use a ton of really aggressive edgework/sharp turns. I'm thinking of trying to get a pair of custom skates over the summer when there's sales on this past year's models, but I need to make sure I find a boot that has a similar flex profile to my Nexus. I've yet to find a pair of elbowguards that fit me comfortable, been through like 3-4 pairs since I started playing but none of em feel good. I love my old Bauer Vapor 6 gloves, they have great flex and are SUPER comfortable. The palms are wearing out so I'll probably need to replace them at some point, but I really only use them for pond hockey or beer league. Washed up former u19 B/ College Club player lol
I have a bunch sticks of Andrew Cogliano who is currently playing for SJ Sharks, previously played for Dallas, Anaheim, Edmonton. I have 2 in white QR Edge (70 flex) graphics, 4 in white QR1(75 flex) graphics, and most recent that I could grab were three DXSL Graphics (75 flex) with a custom silver taper. In fact, QR Edge and QR1 graphic sticks have identical codes: 70(75)
I want my Mega 10-90s, LOUISVILLE TPS gloves, Easton z bubble, Cooper Techniflex pants, basic CCM helmet from the 90s, and Jofa elbow/shoulder/shinnys. LFG! haha
My $60-$70 sticks from Dick’s Sporting Goods have lasted many a beer league sessions and have scored plenty of goals. The one time I spent even $100 on a stick, it broke in less than a 12 game session and I was pissed! You can have plenty of fun and get the job done by sticking within your given budget. Hell, I just upgraded shoulder and elbow pads that I bought used 10 years ago.
I always wondered about the helmets. I see all these fancy new helmets that are for sale now with gel pads and that CCM orange foam and all different things . But when you look inside most NHL players helmets there’s just a piece of beige foam, so basic. What’s the deal there?
Go and see virginia tech institute helmet tests. Brand new 300$ ccm helmet failed as hell. I personaly using react 200 based on this test. Before i had react 75 bud didnt like the foam on side that keep moisture inside instead to repel it as 200 does
thats just rubatex and players are all about comfort and you can shave that foam down and its also what most players are used to. Goalies use the same type of foam in their masks and cut it down as well to get the mask as close to their face as possible. Also going a bit geek here, helmets are designed to deflect stuff like sticks and pucks and Pro players do not fall on their head so often compared to say, kids or rec league players so more protective padding inside the helmet benefits the amateurs as they are more likely to have that blunt impact.
The majority of the NHL still uses Jofa/RBK elbows and Shinnys. The most popular shoulders are the CCM U+ CL. The Vector V08 and Re-akt 150 are the most popular buckets, with the new CCM X on the rise. As for sticks most pros rock custom specs dressed as something else so no real way of tracking most used stick.
CCM U+ equipment line is legit. I had a CCM U+ pro stock shaft that was one of the most durable 2 piece sticks I’ve ever used for its weight. Barely ever had to replace the blades lol.
I'm mainly 1 I guess. I really just wear what fits and works. Like hell when I played goalie I used just standard skates cause its what I had and it worked fine. If it fits well, is comfortable to use and it works then I'll use it. Most of my gear right now is all Easton but thats literally just coincidence due to me finding most of it at goodwill lol.
As a goalie, I fall into category 3.b...I NEVER want to change my gear and try to always have the following evolution in the line so that I'm always familiar with what I'm playing in.
Tons of NHL players still wear Jofa shoulder pads and shin guards despite the brand being retired by CCM/Reebok in the mid 2000s. The one piece of pro equipment that I will go out of my way to buy is pro stock pants. The pants are MUCH more protective than the CCM or Bauer top of the line in the retail world. Of course the extra protection does mean extra weight.
Cujo used a Flarrow stick but was masked with Bauer. It's kind of ok to say it as the sticks are no longer available. Also pro goalie sticks are designed for performance not durability. Like some don't have the plastic heel insert.
Connor McDavid is a good example of what you’re saying, just look at his skates and sticks. He’s the face of CCM Jetspeed, and he still uses an old version of the skates, are these FT4 with an older cosmetic look for him? He used the FT2 for a few games 2 years ago at the end of the season and he injured his leg seriously...he never wore these skates again. Superstition I think. And he still uses a Super Tacks 2.0 stick black and yellow, untill the last few games. But his game dropped a bit so I expect the return of the Super Tacks after the covid break. 😉
late but for some reason the NXG is the go-to for me. I’ve had the apx 2, 1s, 2s, and even tried out a new warrior but the Bauer NXG is that guy. Had from 10-15 come and go though 😂 I Wanna also note that it usually happened right above the heel when extreme or abrupt force was applied to the blade. Once out of frustration so that’s on me but typically block/deflections were the mechanism of injury
I agree in terms of the financial aspect of branding. In my experience equipment has changed drastically. For example shoulder pads. I remember when I would wear 2 pairs of shoulder pads for 3 years. I had used same shin guards for years. Gloves and pants I would add padding and customize myself. Skates 2 pair a year and helmet 2 a year. The quality is paramount. Kids are lucky know how easy it is to break in skates. I look at some of the Pro equipment and would never wear it.
I'm curious if pros are given lower tier sticks so theyre more durable. For instance warrior has a stick called covert QRE pro team, and it retails for 199 while top tier sticks are going for 300+ now. Im looking to buy a pro stock stick so if anyone has info plz lmk
I refuse to play with any curve besides the Bauer PM9, but it seems like it’s completely phased out now (even other brands with a similar pattern). The only option is to order a custom stick from Bauer, but paying 350 for a stick to play beer league seems crazy. Does anyone have suggestions on where to find a PM9 or similar curve? I’ve browsed sideline swap, but it’s hard to find the flex and length that works for me also.
Eventually, anyone who plays the game at the local level. Will have to upgrade their equipment. Those intervals are usually rather long. One day I went to pack up my equipment and I found one of my skate blades was broken. In less then two hours I was supposed to be on the ice. I rushed down to my friends sporting goods store and bought a new pair of skates. It was a disaster. You would think I never skated before. Nothing like I was used to. Another time I tried a new pair of gloves. They felt good enough. Until I began to play in my weekly league game. My mistake was. I didn't bother to bring my old gloves with me. I felt like I had on handcuffs. The most common change is the stick. Stick tech always changes and you end up getting used to something different all the time. Sticks never stay the same. One stick is never the same as another. You can buy three that are exactly the same on the same day. And each stick will be uniquely different. Similar but different performance. I played for over 40 years here in Minnesota. I had a different stick for whatever position I was playing on that particular day. The stick that always gave me the best results were the cheapest sticks I could find. I would always break the expensive sticks pretty quickly and I never got my moneys worth. But those three pieces of equipment by far, have the most influence on your game.
Semi-Professional, High-level junior Hockey, and university hockey, all have team contracts usually with one manufacturer. ex. the CHL is a CCM-only league. helmets, visors, gloves, pants, and all under gear. some exclusions with skates and sticks but for the most part, they don't have a choice. same with the AHL to a degree. What's also interesting is the helmets I've noticed in the NHL down to the CHL the teams don't use the high-end model. for example, the ccm v08 which is the foam padding option was a staple in the juniours and pro ranks for years. my guess is the most cost-efficient options still matter to these businesses in a lot of aspects.
I never played hockey (despite being Swedish) but I was quite superstitious about what equipment I was using when I was playing football. Uhlsport gloves, Puma boots, and Uhlsport leg guards. I also usually played in Adidas sweatpants.
For the most part I am a never wants to change. Still using 1st gen RBK 9K pro skates, Jofa 8060 shins, gen IV Easton Air pants, and 1st gen silver Easton Synergy sticks. Gloves are the newest things only because I hate holes in the palms.
I switch from ccm ft460 goalie skates to bauer 2s pros, even though the 3s is newer. I found that the 2s pro fit me better. I also i don't think its fair to say "best equipment" because they do use the best equipment, just not the "newest"
Presented very very well. I played 45 yrs ago. Goaltender. The new equipment is so nice! My old skates were so Neanderthal vs new goalie skates. Pretty cool stuff now. Skates are available in E width too!! 😂 my feet thank the designers!
most nhl players stick what they are used to. this video helps people who are maybe newer to buying gear. a lot of pro stock sticks etc aren’t actually the stick they can look like, however sometimes are. this can easily be identified on majority of Bauer pro stock stocks by reading the stick code above or below the flex. don’t let stores scam you!! I’ve seen too many stores charging more money for a stick that looks like a 2npro, when really you can read the code to find out it’s jus an old 1n variant wrapped to look like the newer sticks.
Wayne Gretzky's Jofa helmet, emblematic of obsolete technology used by a top player who was unwilling to change. The league grandfathered his use as an exception to policy for safe helmet construction and design.
my first pair of goalie pads i had when I was only about 11 were cheap used bauer supremes and now I only buy bauer supreme gear. it doesn't even particularly fit my play style its just a matter of tradition and superstition for me.
As the world's OK'est beer league goalie....there's a few things I learned in my obsession with gear (as many of us have). 1. NHL has licensed ALL gear. meaning companies pay fees to have their logos on things. Goalies can only wear what they're allowed to. I was able to order gear customized that I learned NHL starters wanted, and in some cases DID wear, but couldn't do so during the season, because fees weren't paid. Masks are painted with Brand X but not made by that brand, or are licensed to make it in their name. Some players around the league will keep old stuff for comfort, and as mentioned in other comments, have blacked out gear, as it's no longer licensed, companies have been absorbed, etc...The no. 2 thing I've learned, NHL FAR FROM uses the best stuff. Again, it's all about the cash, and who has it. A lot of junior league goalies, are forced to wear a particular line of gear, top to bottom. Out players as well, but usually they at least have more to choose from within that brand. When I played out, I used to use mid level gear, just because wear and tear seemed to last longer. A lot of pro stuff same way, not built to last, built for light, fast, and replace.
Also some players might use a bauer supreme stick but have a vapor graphic because they think it looks better so you never really what stick they are using.
The player who bought the skates out is Patty Marleau lol it was pretty well publicized at the time. Reebok was no longer making the specific skate model so he bought up all that he could.
I’m all over the place with equipment. My only two areas that I care about are sticks and skates. I need a 4.5 lie stick . For skates, I buy what feels comfortable and then take them to a former nhl equipment manager and have him change the entire skate to make it feel like a graf skate.
I agree....except I like a 5.5. lie.....when I was younger it was 6 ....lie doesn't seem to b in convos about sticks anymore but I feel it's important re ur shooting style n stance..n overall playing style
Ccm equipment/skates all day always trying the new stuff but the FT1 line is still my go too and FT2 skates, I don’t feel big enough difference going to the FT4, open to Bauer for sticks. Right now I’m torn between the trigger 6, hyperlite, nexus and jetspeed ft4 sticks.
the holder example is actually kind of a unique situation. Its really because of the EQMs. All of the quick release holders that have come out over the past decade have different mechanisms because they can't infringe on each others IP. Effectively every staff around the league has decided that LS Edge is the current standard, so when a guy blows a tire, the process of changing the steel for almost any player is the same, and as fast as possible. that was actually a big point of contention with the MK1 marsblade ice, along with the weight. not trying to bash them, as ive actually spoken to per a few times throughout the years, and I think he is really on to something. they have tried to address both of those issues with the latest iteration of the ice holder, and I truly hope more people try them out and give them their business.
I have heard of brands covering another brands sticks. the player was sponsored by brand A but didn't like thier sticks so they covered brand B's stick with brand A graphics.
Good video this. New graphics are great, really interesting points, but the fact the head room is slightly off and the skates in the background aren’t pointing the same way makes it a hard watch
Interesting story related to this topic: Mike Greene uses an old Easton stealth stick. When he found out they were going to stop production, he asked fans to send in that model if stick so he could stockpile as many as he could!
An NHL player could have that stick made for him any day of the week
@@zakinanji3461 they actually cant have a specific model made after a specific amount of time
you can do pro stock sticks at bauer with the easton stelath shaft so i think it should have been possible back then too because bauer bought the rights from easton
@@zakinanji3461 you have a lot to learn in life son. forget greene...a legend , all time great like jagr could not keep getting the same stick made.
factories close, tech evolves. older methods s burden if certain thresholds arent met
And those who sent him the sticks back he sent them the new V9E that he was trying! I have a mike green V9E.. i use it on the ponds every winter its pretty damn nice
I work with a pro hockey team and our current goalie uses Bauer Vapor X900's and refuses to upgrade. He's been using them since the day they came out and just likes them. He didn't have much money back then and doesn't feel the need to change.
Plus new pads will have a different bounce! Your tendy has learned how and to where pucks will bounce off his pads! Repeatability is the key there, bud!
what team
reminds me of brodeur and his chestie lol
im a goalie as well. it’s hard to find pads that i like nowadays. it’s very hard to find pads that have the “classic” leather straps. i hate the velcro stuff they do now. the only way to get them is to order a custom pair and i just dont want to do that. ive still been rocking the reebok xlts haha
@@bones329 I think the whole velcro craze has more to do with keeping profit margins as high as possible. they are quicker to set up and offer a little more adjustability but straps are heavier than velcro and also cost a little more. not much but multiply that times thousands of pads sets made and some exec is not going to get his bonus lol. i just find it funny how many of us walk around 10-20 lbs or even more overweight but we believe companies when they say 1lbs pad lighter is going to make a huge difference in our game. lighter foams also break down faster compared to a little heavier ones.
There are so many nhl players who use equipment that are years old but are wrapped as newer models. There are even players that don’t even use the brand that they are signed to but have it wrapped as the sponsor. One of the funniest cases is the fact that Alexander Ovechkin uses his old crazy eight brand shoulder pads with an original Bauer nexus 1000 chest piece. He still uses it till this day. Or that Sidney Crosby used to use a Bauer supreme one95 wrapped as a Reebok stick
that gives them an advantage which is good, just like a magician-why reveal your secrets? What's behind curtain #1 compared to #5? There's no NHL rule that says you can't cover up equipment to hide manufacturer. As long as everything meets regulations & guidelines, no harm done.
I think Connor McDavid is still using 3-4+ year old Jetspeed skates, and TAcks stick. I'm sure they are still making him new sticks but its the old model from a couple years ago that I don't think you can buy today at hockey stores. Granted, those two models were great back in like 2016.
@@Williaem00 mcdavid was last using super tacks skates but the 2nd tier down from a model or 2 after those jetspeeds, they are just wrapped as jetspeeds and before this new stick wrap he just started using, he was using the tacks 2.0 stick wrapped as the prior tacks model, he might still use the same stick now
Yeah, that never happened with Crosby.
@@erikb0nd how would u know
The "best" often isn't the best. Shin, shoulder & elbow pads are great examples where players prefer a lighter or simpler pad.
For me, I tend to find one step down shin pads and maybe mid level shoulder pads work best for mobility versus protection (i never skimp on elbow though).
bro those are heavier lol. For example, high-end shinpads will be wayyy lighter than low end shinpad, due to the material. Look at the vapor 2x pro shinpads (top of the line), comparing to the very low end vapor shinpads. Great weight difference. However, it varies brand to brand.
@@ihockey3435 Check out sherwood HOF shins (
For example the 4500 Bauer helmet
I work at a hockey store (Pure Hockey) and i usually go by a few rules. Bery basic rules that i usually could say to anybody, unless high level players:
Go with:
Mid Tier: Shoulder pads, Shin pads
Low-er tier: Elbow pads, Pants
High Tier/Top end: Helmet
Skates are debatable. it depends on age. You dont wanna give hyperlites to a 12 year old, but you also dont wanna offer them to someone who just wants to public skate. Its all about what's comfortable on the player AND fits within how often they play. No matter what, helmet is where higher-end is "needed". you can break a leg, an arm, or tear an ACL, but you cant come back from brain damage. Just my input, even tho im literally giving a useless opinion in a youtube comment section 😂
@@krausefilms3703 When my son started playing 8 years ago, used gear was always a great option. At that point in time I made the decision that I would never look for a used helmet for him. Though now, I can't think of buying any used gear for him in the past 3 years.
I have always been a hard core CCM guy. Last year I switched over to Bauer Supreme skates because they fit better than what CCM is offering since the last pair I bought. Sometimes "better" just means more comfortable.
Being brand loyal for hockey gear is dumb anyway
I find ccm skates fit way better for me because I like wider boots but I am a big ccm guy but I do like Bauer
yea like i use and love my vapor 3x pro skates imo they were way more comfortable than the hyperlite so i went with the more comfortable better looking cheaper option
comfort is key in hockey. All brands offer a level of protection, but what it comes down with is comfort. You want it to fit like it's not there, if you're thinking about your equipment as you're on the ice, the chances of getting injured are much higher, than because of an equipment failure or inferior equipment.
@@nathanvoit5235 yea
Teemu Selanne used a Jofa 366 helmet until he retired in 2014. Even though it had been bought out by Reebok in 2004. To comply with NHL rules he just blacked out the part that said Jofa
He also had a skate model he really liked and stocked up on them when they were discontinued. And used a wooden stick for quite a while after the composite sticks became popular.
My favorite all-time player! Class act!
Famous stick skin redress is Patrick Kane. His sticks are dressed as a Vapor, but the build codes are for a Supreme TotalONE, or a legacy build that is the same kick-point and shaft shape of the old TotalONE.
I play professional hockey in Sweden and the amount of customization of equipment available to us is insane. Meanwhile half the guys on our team (myself included) are still using things like jofa and itech shoulder pads and elbow pads.
what league do you play in?
Jofa worst helmet of all time 😆
Lol how old are you? Im 31 and jofa pads were already going out when i was starting hockey... i find it hard to believe any one has jofa pads on ur team... itech i can believe but jofa pads... be honest. Maybe a jofa helmet at most
@@brettbarber1550 was in Hockeyettan and Allsvenskan. Now I’m back playing in the US.
@@adammckenzie6074 I’m 29 lol and yes I still wear jofa elbow pads
My family owned an ice hockey sporting goods store in Connecticut that supplied both the AHL Springfield Indians and the NHL Hartford Whalers back in the 70’s and early 80’s. My observation was a majority of players were creatures of habit who, once comfortable with a piece of equipment, would continue to wear the same item regardless of wear or upgraded/advanced items made available. I also noted that many players preferred protective equipment which was not “top tier” items as these tended to be bulkier and more restrictive. The only exception to this was with ice skates where virtually all players wore the best offerings. I greatly enjoyed this video! Thumbs up 👍 and I’m subscribed!!!!
interesting bit of trivia for you. Brett Hull (back in the days of aluminum shafts with wood blades) was under contract with Easton and used their shafts but would only use Christian blades. So, if you see an Easton ad from those days they will not show the blade of his stick, only the shaft. However if you look at any other photo of him playing then you can easily spot the Christian blade with the distinct design on the laminate wrap around the blade.
Kelly Chase also borrowed his sticks in a pinch for games and said he couldn't play worth a damn cause the curve was so aggressive lol
The absolute best was when Hull was under contract by Mission, but went back to his Z Bubble. He spray painted the shaft and sharpied Mission M-2 on the shaft haha
I would say I'm something between profile 1 and 3 but in the end I will allways use what works the best for me but I can't afford to try out many different sticks oder Skates for example so that's why I think the profile 3 also matches me because if I need something and I think of Bauer vapor line it allways worked for me so when I'm low on money Im not willing to take the risk but I think if you wanna enchant your gameplay and money isn't a factor because you are a pro then you should definitely try out everything and choose the part wich performed the best (from Germany btw so sorry for errors in my comment)
You are spot on. Many Pro players used RBZ sticks up to five years after they were done with the product line. CCM just wrapped the RBZ stick in the latest offering. The Pros loved the durability of it and had a hard time giving up on them.
After 30 years away from Hockey. I came back to a new world of equipment. I am trying a variety of stuff. So I'm that guy.
I would love to know the weight difference between 30 year old skates and todays.
I'm going on about 27 years away from hockey and am in the same boat. All my gear save for elbow pads and gloves is late 80s vintage as are my Bauer Supreme Custom 1000 skates. The stick choices have me baffled. I'm about to just order some old school wooden Sher-Woods because all these flexes and kick points make my head hurt.
@@SombraPiloto lol. In my garage a Sher-wood 5030, a black Koho 207, Canadian 6001, and an Easton aluminum. They sit next to my crutches to remind me why I stopped playing. A few years ago I tried on my old college gear to see if it still fits…it doesn’t. I have pre-Velcro elbow pads that I needed to tape on to get them to stay up because the elastic was shot, glove palms were redone but the stitching was coming apart, shoulder pads also with tape on the plastic caps trying to keep the cracks from spreading…pretty much left the games with a duffle bag full of scraps.
Ive heard a certain guy in Chicago equipment masks. His graphics show a Bauer hyperlite stick but in reality it’s actually what’s equivalent to a Bauer produced Easton design. The sticks are coded on the shaft and the codes aren’t super difficult to learn after all they need them easily readable and understandable in a factory setting.
Agreed. Skate comfortably is massive. I stopped playing for 17 years, came back at 37 and was gutted Graf stopped making Supra’s. Even today I ll see kids at open hockey playing for elite travel teams that have gotten an old pair and love them more than today’s stuff.
I'm still hanging on to mine as well, they're starting to fall apart tho, going to need to find a replacement soon
I love the Graf Supra’s. I heard they were changing the design so bought a back up pair just in case. Personally I’d love to find an old pair of Lange’s and throw new blades on them.
I've been wearing the same Easton Synergy skates for over 10 years. If they ever die, I'll have to be hitting up eBay. It's been getting hard to find replacement steel but it's well worth the search to have them on my feet.
I’m looking for replacement blades for my Easton Mako 2 skates. Where have you found yours? I loved Easton equipment. Sad they’re gone.
@@kmck66 My last set of steel I luckily found at a local pro shop. Yeah it's a shame they're not around anymore. Best of luck to you man.
Its also very relative. I’m a very crazy player (I like blocking shots) so the top of the line equipment for shins, skates and pants are necessary. I got my knee blown out by a shot because I was wearing flimsy shin guards. For upper body I like things light so I use some old gear.
When I broke my one Tyler Bozak 11k stick years ago I swear it had a Kevlar layer in it, definitely was something different.
Always good to see hockey fans from outside of Canada, keep up the great videos
When I first stumbled across this channel, I was trying to figure out where this Brit migrated to in Canada!
It’s not about the equipment it’s about the player. The best player on my highschool team used a pair of his brothers hand me down Bauer x60s. He was a better skater then me and a couple other guys on the team with top of the line skates
100%
Back when I played my parents spent every last dollar they had so my brother and I could play hockey. We always had old play-it-again equipment just beat to hell and so worn down. Once they realized I had real skill and could possibly go somewhere they started buying the high end equipment and I absolutely hated it. My skill was speed and maneuvering and I couldnt do either in the high end gear so I modified everything to my liking. They were rather upset but it’s all preference.
Growing up I played and everything I got was used except my helmet. Dad always bought that brand new and paid usually half the price for everything else I had for it.
Paid off when I went head first into the boards 😂
Anyone remember Arthrs Urbe and his Joffa helmet? Wouldn't use anything else long after they were off the market.
I work in a pro shop so I have access to lots of equipment new and old, so I get to experiment a lot.
Helmet: TRUE Dynamic 9
Shoulders: Bauer custom
Elbows: Warrior Alpha LX Pro
Gloves: Warrior Custom
Pants: Rbk 5k
Skates: Bauer 2x Pro Stock
Stick: Armadillo Sports Custom
I'm somewhere in middle.
do you like the true helmet? I have one and I like it a lot it just looks super odd.
I had the same opportunity a few years ago while playing juniors. I got to try different sticks, just buy then at cost, use them in practice. If I didn't like them, I'd sell them for a little off retail. At one time I had about 7 or 8 sticks in the locker room lol
@@alexuls9468 i don’t mean to assume but are you the same Alex Ulikowski that was charged with 2nd degree luring and 3rd degree child endangerment? It seems pretty coincidental that someone with that unique last name also works at a hockey store…
Edit: looked at your page; yeah that’s you
@@evann-t2915 guess your parents never taught you not to air dirty laundry on the internet there bud. Glad you took the time to look me up, but maybe keep your mouth shut on stuff you know very little about
@@evann-t2915 Holy fuck bud. What a snipe. How you pieced that together.
I remember i worked at sports use to sharpen skates for alot of pros during the summer and i forgot who it was but his skates looked like vapor 40s but when u look close u could tell they were bauer 8000s. It was pretty cool
Great channel bud! Cool to see a British guy talking about Hockey
That story about the NHL player who bought out all of that particular model (was Reebok) skates once they stopped making them I believe was Patrick Marleau. And I think at one point (I might need clarification) Sidney Crosby was using a Bauer stick under the CCM Ribcore Reckoner while CCM was trying to fix the batch of sticks that he didn't like. His sticks I think are built to what his old Sher-Wood two piece stick specs were, under that Reckoner graphic.
Drew Doughty is a good example of a Category 2 player until he became a 3. For years he was using an Easton S19 under all the various Easton graphics right up until the Bauer Vapor 1X Lite. I even have a demo Doughty Warrior Dynasty AX1ST he used but then stuck to Easton (I think it was around the time when he was using the Area 51 or Synergy HTX wraps). When Bauer/Easton stopped making the S19 he switched to Warrior and has been using the QREDGE under those Alpha DX SL graphics, and had that one really cool all silver custom wrap as well. Right now I'm not sure what's under the Alpha LX graphics right now - I havent been able to get a hold of one yet.
Great video. You hit nail on the head with comfort level. That is the most important thing equipment wise. People don’t realize how important that is for NHL players and the different modifications they make to all their equipment themselves. Also broken in equipment is so much better and you’d be surprised to see some NHL players with equipment years old because if it ain’t broke why fix it.
One of my favorite stories is Pavol Demitra. I remember reading a story during his time with the Wild that he still preferred wood sticks well into the composite era, so his wood sticks were painted to look like newer composite sticks. He also preferred dull skate blades, apparently.
Same here! I HATE freshly sharpened skates!
ya dull skates are really hard to slide on i don't like sharp skates
Can u please review the true project x
Mike Modano used his CCM Vacu Tacks Skate from 1991-2011. Same thing with his Easton gloves!
So true on the stick masking! I have a pro stock stick from a guy in Austria, it’s wrapped as a orange 2N but underneath it’s actually a 1N
I hard a hard time getting rid of my ccm 752's and 750's skates. and used Easton ultralite shafts well after the one piece sticks came out
The masking is very true, I used to know a couple pro players and got to hold their sticks, the graphics would be a Bauer Vapor, however when you held it you noticed the stick had the ribbed lower shaft of a Ribcor stick
Completely relate to mental aspect. After my gear was stolen, I had to slowly buy new or used gear, and it has definitely affected my confidence- particularly with my new skates. I’m still trying to gain confidence in my brand new skates even though are much nicer than my old ones.
I’m a type 3. Although I can be set in my ways, I am inclined to try newer products. If for no other reason than to make sure what I’m using is the best for me.
I’d say I’m number 1 I used Easton and Bauer for years for sticks, didn’t care for any other brand until I broke my last stick during a game and I sued my buddies CCM rib core and really liked it so I’ve used CCM sticks every since :)
Bauer skates will always be my go too though
I'm no pro and growing up got a lot of my gear from the play-it-again shops. I got a pair of Bauer skates and I loved them. They fit great, lasted a while, so I stuck with Bauer. Had the Bauer helmet, gloves and everything to match. I never wanted to switch, but my skates had seen better days so I was at the store one day and saw a pair of CCM's on sale. Figured why not let's see how they fit. Well to my shock they fit so much better it took me back. I had never even thought that I would like them. It's crazy how a brand gets so engraved in us that we will stick with them no matter what.
now as a casual player, ill just wear what fits, and fits my budget mostly. Great video!
Nathan MacKinnon still using the CCM Ribcor Trigger 3D PMT
I remember when Crosby was on the Spittin’ Chiclets pod saying he’d keep playing with the two-piece twigs if he could
I get the obsession a lot of NHLers have with maintaining/restocking their old equipment. It takes me weeks to get accustomed to my sticks when I change brands. If I had the budget, I'd absolutely stock up.
a lot of it is superstition as well
I really find it interesting that , like you said with sticks being skinned, some goalies will get the same old model pads and gloves they have been used to but the company will skin it to look like the newest model.
Kane and McDavid use very old sticks. Kane uses a one95 supreme stick that’s dressed as a hyperlite which may be surprising. McDavid also uses a very old supertacks stick
Only time Kane used a stick other than the Supreme one95 are the Supreme ADVs when they first came out. Not sure if he's using an actual Supreme ADV now, unless we went ahead and got the ADV wrap on the old sticks. I've got two of his game sticks and his 1X Lite has the O33 code on it (old Supreme TotalOne) and his Supreme ADV has the SUPADV code - even has that hexagonal Sonic Kick shaft.
And also remembering a fight in the NHL, don't remember who but jersey tore and the shoulder pads had a Easton chest plate & Eagle shoulder caps... 😅
This is great info for players and parents! Find what works for you, newer isn't always better
Are you guys based out of UK? If so, it's amazing to see the passion for the sport. A canuck from Canada.
I love trying out different sticks in terms of brand/flex/kickpoint/style, but I've stuck to the same curve since I got my first "senior" size stick.
I also am loathing the idea of replacing my skates, they're from the original Nexus series and the boot just feels so natural for my skating style. They're a very flexible skate, and I like to use a ton of really aggressive edgework/sharp turns.
I'm thinking of trying to get a pair of custom skates over the summer when there's sales on this past year's models, but I need to make sure I find a boot that has a similar flex profile to my Nexus.
I've yet to find a pair of elbowguards that fit me comfortable, been through like 3-4 pairs since I started playing but none of em feel good.
I love my old Bauer Vapor 6 gloves, they have great flex and are SUPER comfortable. The palms are wearing out so I'll probably need to replace them at some point, but I really only use them for pond hockey or beer league.
Washed up former u19 B/ College Club player lol
I have a bunch sticks of Andrew Cogliano who is currently playing for SJ Sharks, previously played for Dallas, Anaheim, Edmonton. I have 2 in white QR Edge (70 flex) graphics, 4 in white QR1(75 flex) graphics, and most recent that I could grab were three DXSL Graphics (75 flex) with a custom silver taper. In fact, QR Edge and QR1 graphic sticks have identical codes: 70(75)
I want my Mega 10-90s, LOUISVILLE TPS gloves, Easton z bubble, Cooper Techniflex pants, basic CCM helmet from the 90s, and Jofa elbow/shoulder/shinnys. LFG! haha
My $60-$70 sticks from Dick’s Sporting Goods have lasted many a beer league sessions and have scored plenty of goals. The one time I spent even $100 on a stick, it broke in less than a 12 game session and I was pissed! You can have plenty of fun and get the job done by sticking within your given budget. Hell, I just upgraded shoulder and elbow pads that I bought used 10 years ago.
Same here!😄
I always wondered about the helmets. I see all these fancy new helmets that are for sale now with gel pads and that CCM orange foam and all different things . But when you look inside most NHL players helmets there’s just a piece of beige foam, so basic. What’s the deal there?
Go and see virginia tech institute helmet tests. Brand new 300$ ccm helmet failed as hell. I personaly using react 200 based on this test. Before i had react 75 bud didnt like the foam on side that keep moisture inside instead to repel it as 200 does
thats just rubatex and players are all about comfort and you can shave that foam down and its also what most players are used to. Goalies use the same type of foam in their masks and cut it down as well to get the mask as close to their face as possible.
Also going a bit geek here, helmets are designed to deflect stuff like sticks and pucks and Pro players do not fall on their head so often compared to say, kids or rec league players so more protective padding inside the helmet benefits the amateurs as they are more likely to have that blunt impact.
@johnnydapunk pros get nailed with the hardest body checks though
The majority of the NHL still uses Jofa/RBK elbows and Shinnys. The most popular shoulders are the CCM U+ CL. The Vector V08 and Re-akt 150 are the most popular buckets, with the new CCM X on the rise. As for sticks most pros rock custom specs dressed as something else so no real way of tracking most used stick.
CCM U+ equipment line is legit. I had a CCM U+ pro stock shaft that was one of the most durable 2 piece sticks I’ve ever used for its weight. Barely ever had to replace the blades lol.
I'm mainly 1 I guess. I really just wear what fits and works. Like hell when I played goalie I used just standard skates cause its what I had and it worked fine. If it fits well, is comfortable to use and it works then I'll use it. Most of my gear right now is all Easton but thats literally just coincidence due to me finding most of it at goodwill lol.
Great info. Thanks for sharing
As a goalie, I fall into category 3.b...I NEVER want to change my gear and try to always have the following evolution in the line so that I'm always familiar with what I'm playing in.
when ovi was with bauer he used the bauer one95 throughout the whole time he was signed. they just kept putting the newest bauer graphic on it
can you make a updated hockey stop tutorial
Tons of NHL players still wear Jofa shoulder pads and shin guards despite the brand being retired by CCM/Reebok in the mid 2000s. The one piece of pro equipment that I will go out of my way to buy is pro stock pants. The pants are MUCH more protective than the CCM or Bauer top of the line in the retail world. Of course the extra protection does mean extra weight.
Cujo used a Flarrow stick but was masked with Bauer. It's kind of ok to say it as the sticks are no longer available.
Also pro goalie sticks are designed for performance not durability. Like some don't have the plastic heel insert.
Can you do a review on the XC or flare blades at somepoint?
Good video I use goalie pads made by a family owned sport store love them
I’m definitely in Category 2. I never change equipment, not because of performance, but just solely based on comfort.
Love the vids! Keep up the awesome work.
Connor McDavid is a good example of what you’re saying, just look at his skates and sticks. He’s the face of CCM Jetspeed, and he still uses an old version of the skates, are these FT4 with an older cosmetic look for him?
He used the FT2 for a few games 2 years ago at the end of the season and he injured his leg seriously...he never wore these skates again. Superstition I think.
And he still uses a Super Tacks 2.0 stick black and yellow, untill the last few games. But his game dropped a bit so
I expect the return of the Super Tacks after the covid break. 😉
late but for some reason the NXG is the go-to for me. I’ve had the apx 2, 1s, 2s, and even tried out a new warrior but the Bauer NXG is that guy. Had from 10-15 come and go though 😂 I Wanna also note that it usually happened right above the heel when extreme or abrupt force was applied to the blade. Once out of frustration so that’s on me but typically block/deflections were the mechanism of injury
I agree in terms of the financial aspect of branding. In my experience equipment has changed drastically. For example shoulder pads. I remember when I would wear 2 pairs of shoulder pads for 3 years. I had used same shin guards for years. Gloves and pants I would add padding and customize myself. Skates 2 pair a year and helmet 2 a year. The quality is paramount. Kids are lucky know how easy it is to break in skates. I look at some of the Pro equipment and would never wear it.
I'm curious if pros are given lower tier sticks so theyre more durable. For instance warrior has a stick called covert QRE pro team, and it retails for 199 while top tier sticks are going for 300+ now. Im looking to buy a pro stock stick so if anyone has info plz lmk
I love getting Hockey advice from Hootie & the Blowfish's lead singer!
The same applies to material used in the NFL, MLB, NBA, right?
I refuse to play with any curve besides the Bauer PM9, but it seems like it’s completely phased out now (even other brands with a similar pattern). The only option is to order a custom stick from Bauer, but paying 350 for a stick to play beer league seems crazy. Does anyone have suggestions on where to find a PM9 or similar curve? I’ve browsed sideline swap, but it’s hard to find the flex and length that works for me also.
New p88 is closest bauer curve to pm9
Eventually, anyone who plays the game at the local level. Will have to upgrade their equipment. Those intervals are usually rather long. One day I went to pack up my equipment
and I found one of my skate blades was broken. In less then two hours I was supposed to be on the ice. I rushed down to my friends sporting goods store and bought a new pair
of skates. It was a disaster. You would think I never skated before. Nothing like I was used to. Another time I tried a new pair of gloves. They felt good enough. Until I began to
play in my weekly league game. My mistake was. I didn't bother to bring my old gloves with me. I felt like I had on handcuffs. The most common change is the stick. Stick tech
always changes and you end up getting used to something different all the time. Sticks never stay the same. One stick is never the same as another. You can buy three that are
exactly the same on the same day. And each stick will be uniquely different. Similar but different performance. I played for over 40 years here in Minnesota. I had a different
stick for whatever position I was playing on that particular day. The stick that always gave me the best results were the cheapest sticks I could find. I would always break the
expensive sticks pretty quickly and I never got my moneys worth. But those three pieces of equipment by far, have the most influence on your game.
Semi-Professional, High-level junior Hockey, and university hockey, all have team contracts usually with one manufacturer. ex. the CHL is a CCM-only league. helmets, visors, gloves, pants, and all under gear. some exclusions with skates and sticks but for the most part, they don't have a choice. same with the AHL to a degree.
What's also interesting is the helmets I've noticed in the NHL down to the CHL the teams don't use the high-end model.
for example, the ccm v08 which is the foam padding option was a staple in the juniours and pro ranks for years. my guess is the most cost-efficient options still matter to these businesses in a lot of aspects.
"these Businesses" being the actual hockey clubs themselves.
I never played hockey (despite being Swedish) but I was quite superstitious about what equipment I was using when I was playing football. Uhlsport gloves, Puma boots, and Uhlsport leg guards. I also usually played in Adidas sweatpants.
Okay, you're right... This is the best hockey equipment channel on UA-cam by far.. Subscribed!!
Welcome aboard!
@@HockeyTutorialOfficial Thanks :) Happy to be here!
For the most part I am a never wants to change. Still using 1st gen RBK 9K pro skates, Jofa 8060 shins, gen IV Easton Air pants, and 1st gen silver Easton Synergy sticks. Gloves are the newest things only because I hate holes in the palms.
5:40 Patty Marleau. Heard about it on Spittin' Chiclets
Quick still uses Vaughn V4 pads just skinned as the new graphic
I switch from ccm ft460 goalie skates to bauer 2s pros, even though the 3s is newer. I found that the 2s pro fit me better.
I also i don't think its fair to say "best equipment" because they do use the best equipment, just not the "newest"
Great topic! Great video! Keep growing the game, guys!
Presented very very well. I played 45 yrs ago. Goaltender. The new equipment is so nice! My old skates were so Neanderthal vs new goalie skates. Pretty cool stuff now. Skates are available in E width too!! 😂 my feet thank the designers!
One of the most badass sticks I ever used was made by PRO KENNEX, tennis gear. We had to sand off the name because they weren't a sponsor of the ihl
most nhl players stick what they are used to. this video helps people who are maybe newer to buying gear. a lot of pro stock sticks etc aren’t actually the stick they can look like, however sometimes are. this can easily be identified on majority of Bauer pro stock stocks by reading the stick code above or below the flex. don’t let stores scam you!! I’ve seen too many stores charging more money for a stick that looks like a 2npro, when really you can read the code to find out it’s jus an old 1n variant wrapped to look like the newer sticks.
I still wear my Jofa shin pads...But I do need a new helmet and to maybe replace my skated (Nike V10's).
Can you do a review on the warrior covert qre 10 ?
Wayne Gretzky's Jofa helmet, emblematic of obsolete technology used by a top player who was unwilling to change. The league grandfathered his use as an exception to policy for safe helmet construction and design.
I love bauer equipment but their sticks have always felt weird to me. Easton sticks were always my favorite (s17 & s19) but i hated their equipment.
So happy to see this touched on.
I'm definitely a use the same brands all the time. Warrior sticks always and Bauer gear. once i find something i like it's hard to change
number 3 but I'm willing to try stuff, pretty sold on most bauer stuff though
my first pair of goalie pads i had when I was only about 11 were cheap used bauer supremes and now I only buy bauer supreme gear. it doesn't even particularly fit my play style its just a matter of tradition and superstition for me.
Man...I think of Modano flying past everyone in his old heel wedge Pro Tacks....from the early/mid 90s...until retirement...
Number 3. I used a Bauer stick all my life but since they don’t sell the geo in what I need, I need to switch to a ccm stick.
As the world's OK'est beer league goalie....there's a few things I learned in my obsession with gear (as many of us have). 1. NHL has licensed ALL gear. meaning companies pay fees to have their logos on things. Goalies can only wear what they're allowed to. I was able to order gear customized that I learned NHL starters wanted, and in some cases DID wear, but couldn't do so during the season, because fees weren't paid. Masks are painted with Brand X but not made by that brand, or are licensed to make it in their name. Some players around the league will keep old stuff for comfort, and as mentioned in other comments, have blacked out gear, as it's no longer licensed, companies have been absorbed, etc...The no. 2 thing I've learned, NHL FAR FROM uses the best stuff. Again, it's all about the cash, and who has it. A lot of junior league goalies, are forced to wear a particular line of gear, top to bottom. Out players as well, but usually they at least have more to choose from within that brand. When I played out, I used to use mid level gear, just because wear and tear seemed to last longer. A lot of pro stuff same way, not built to last, built for light, fast, and replace.
Also some players might use a bauer supreme stick but have a vapor graphic because they think it looks better so you never really what stick they are using.
The player who bought the skates out is Patty Marleau lol it was pretty well publicized at the time. Reebok was no longer making the specific skate model so he bought up all that he could.
I’m all over the place with equipment. My only two areas that I care about are sticks and skates. I need a 4.5 lie stick . For skates, I buy what feels comfortable and then take them to a former nhl equipment manager and have him change the entire skate to make it feel like a graf skate.
I agree....except I like a 5.5. lie.....when I was younger it was 6 ....lie doesn't seem to b in convos about sticks anymore but I feel it's important re ur shooting style n stance..n overall playing style
Ccm equipment/skates all day always trying the new stuff but the FT1 line is still my go too and FT2 skates, I don’t feel big enough difference going to the FT4, open to Bauer for sticks. Right now I’m torn between the trigger 6, hyperlite, nexus and jetspeed ft4 sticks.
the holder example is actually kind of a unique situation. Its really because of the EQMs. All of the quick release holders that have come out over the past decade have different mechanisms because they can't infringe on each others IP. Effectively every staff around the league has decided that LS Edge is the current standard, so when a guy blows a tire, the process of changing the steel for almost any player is the same, and as fast as possible.
that was actually a big point of contention with the MK1 marsblade ice, along with the weight. not trying to bash them, as ive actually spoken to per a few times throughout the years, and I think he is really on to something. they have tried to address both of those issues with the latest iteration of the ice holder, and I truly hope more people try them out and give them their business.
I have heard of brands covering another brands sticks. the player was sponsored by brand A but didn't like thier sticks so they covered brand B's stick with brand A graphics.
A lot of NHL guys use to try an actually buy old Easton sticks. Some of the Bauer Warrior sticks arent ..they just have a sticker over it
Good video this. New graphics are great, really interesting points, but the fact the head room is slightly off and the skates in the background aren’t pointing the same way makes it a hard watch