When I first started playing hockey a year ago I picked up this white Reebok wooden stick at Play It Again Sports.  At that time my only criteria for a stick was “Cheap!”  POW - Reebok Wooden Stick - $19.99 … how could I beat that price?  I mean, I have never played before, it was shaped like a hockey stick (it actually IS a hockey stick), so I thought I would just use this to learn and then work my way into a nicer stick later when I know what I am doing!  Boy - was that the wrong way to think …

I had no clue sticks had flex points - blade curve - blade angle … evidently, when the coach checked out my stick on that first practice it garnered a chuckle.  “You think your going to shoot accurately with this?” To which I replied “It was ONLY $20!”  So the coach did what coaches do … handed it back to me and told me to take 5 or 6 shots at the net with my stick.  He gave me pointers on the proper wrist shot and snap shot … hold your top arm out, bottom hand close to you, snap it back and follow through!  I took a few shots and he pointed things out to me regarding the energy I was exerting and the speed of the puck.  He then handed me an Apollo Vapor stick, granted it was cut about 2 inches longer than what I was use to … he told me to “try it with this one.” My first was ok … but the ones after were impressive (to me!).  I was not excerting as much energy yet the puck was traveling faster.

$45 later … I bought the stick from my coach and have used it for the past couple seasons.  I use it every game, every shift for every shot … I love it and the way it feels.  This stick has been through it all with me … break aways, scrums in the corner, face offs … and it has served me well.

I am doing my research now for my next stick and will write about which one I decide on.  I have found out that each stick has its one characteristics and you need to find one that conforms to your style.  However, if you are in the market for a solid stick with good flex and a nice curve … check out the stick I use.  You can find out more about it by clicking on the picture below.

Tags: Apollo, Bauer, Hockey Stick, Review, Vapor