I've always used wood sticks or wood laminates but after breaking a stick in a recent game, I was forced to use my teammate's spare composite stick. I proceeded to score a couple of goals right away.

Obviously, I know it's not only the stick, but who am I to continue pissing in the face of technological improvements? With that said, if any of you guys play, I'd like to hear some feedback on the composites you are using. I've done some internet research but the results are all over the place. There is a lot of hype around the Warrior Dolomite Spyne. Not sure if a stick is worth close to $200 though.

 

Playing hockey for 19 of my 22 years here, I have always used wood sticks, with the exception of Kevlar right when they came out. I find there to be no benefit (playing both fwd and defense) aside from the lighter load you have to carry around - in your wallet.

That being said, my older brother was in your situation and picked up a RBK Sidny Crosby SE (black with white and gold trim) on sale over the off season for ~80 CDN. He likes it but says if it weren't for the sale, he never would have purchasde it.

YMMV though.

 

Thanks for the response. I like having some weight in the stick. Playing with a composite, it feels like I'm holding something fragile. Perhaps I'll stick with wood unless I find a composite that blows me away.

 

being born and raised primarily in Denmark i played hockey most of my life, i used wood exclusively for a long time but switched to composite after having a few breaks in succession. yes, they feel lighter but if you have some strength behind your shot there are no worries. they are quite a bit more durable but when they do break they tend to shard. i played center and sometimes left wing so for a forward (because of their lightness) i think they are ideal, if you play back and need a bit of support for your shot a heavier wood stick may work better. it really boils down to personal preference. i loved the lightness of the composites and it seemed to me they had a better "snap" whilst shooting, hell i even had bauer composite skates.

 

It the same deal as golf clubs. Graphite shafts vs Steel.

all preferences are different, you just have to try them out.

 

I liked the synergy's when they came out and always loved the TPS response. I was on a team that represented the US in Sweden and we were all given Easton stuff which is where the synergy came from. I like having light sticks so with wood the ones I buy break all the time so for me composites were the best. But to answer your other question NO no hockey stick is worth $200