hockey stick question?

Question

can i use a fiberglass blade (ABS)(u know the sticks that cost like 20 bucks) for ice hockey?

Answer 1

First of all there is a difference between abs and fiberglass. Abs is a molded plastic resin. Fiberglass is a layering of spun thread, interwoven and bonded with adhesive.

As for abs blades, no they don't work well for ice hockey. Its a combination of the fact that the abs is not firm enough to withstand the abuse of ice hockey, or the weight of a real puck. They just aren't designed for it.

As for fiberglass, I haven't seen a good pure fiberglass blade made to date. They tend to be brittle and not very durable.

If you are looking for a good, and inexpensive option, a wood stick, with a fiberglass wrap is a good way to go. They are readily available at almost any good pro shop and start at about $25.

One thing to keep in mind about wooden sticks is that they do break occasionaly, it just happens. One thing that you may want to consider is that although initially more expensive, graphite, or carbon fiber sticks tend to be lighter and more durable. So depending on how and how often you play, it may be worth investing in better quality.

One thing to keep in mind when selecting where to purchase your sticks, is volume of sale of the shop. In this case bigger is better. When buying wood sticks, you want them fresh, at some places they sit around for a full season. They can get dry and break more readily. Also, if you do opt for a composite stick often they will have clearance deals on last years models, with the composites age isn't a factor and often times the only real difference between a year old model and a new one is the graphics on the stick. (Us hockey players are suckers for stuff thats new and shiny)

Answer 2

Yes, you can absolutely use an ABS blade in ice hockey. There are over 100 guys doing so in the NHL.

The technology has evolved from the famous Titans of the Gretzky, Bossy era where abs core blades were built with wood laminates sandwiched around them. The design called for the abs core to provide strength while the laminates provided structure (torsional rigidity). The one knock on the design concept was the weight of the abs.

Today, abs or sandwich designs have evolved to the point of being incorporated with high end products such as the CCM vector line of sticks. As wood and fiberglass laminates have given way to stiffer, lighter graphite laminates, the abs core has been reconfigured to a thinner lighter, performance-specific geometry. Is this design the equivalent of molded composite designs? No, but it has found a niche with high level athletes that value durability a little more than pure performance.

While the answer to your question is affirmative, please keep in mind that a $20 stick is only going to get you so much in terms of performance and durability. At that level of investment, I'd look for a Sherwood 5030 all wood stick (I think you can still get them for $25) or consider upgrading to a higher end abs or composite design.

Answer 3

good question man, i started using wood sticks till i got tired of basically buying a new stick every week it seemed because even with a tiny chip in it water would get inside and the blade would swell up. if you like the feel of wood and dont like composite type sticks and can afford to buy new sticks all the time then go for it. I reccommend composite they should last longer or are suypposed to atleast. plus there lighter

Answer 4

As far as I know you can. It will give you a harder shot than a conventional wood blade. However, my allegiance lies solely in the wood blades because they break only about 1/3 as often as the alluminum, fibreglass and composite sticks do.