CCM U+ Pro Hockey Pants: Review

Ratings: (Out of 5)
Overall Performance: 4.3
Comfort: 4
Durability: 4.8
Protection: 4.5
Weight: 4.2
Appearance: 4

The CCM U+ Pants are great pants at a price that can not be beat by competitors.  They are the best pants that CCM has to offer, but the price does not match the price of the top pants that other brands have to offer.  Now I'll be honest, the hockey pants are probably the one piece of equipment that you can sometimes afford to go cheap on, so having top of the line pants is not as important as say, a top of the line helmet.

The CCM U+ hockey pants offer an array of benefits that are all pro tested and used in the NHL, so you know what you are buying is well made.  First of all, the material is the best.  An NHL used polyester that is extremely durable and lightweight wraps around the outside, while the inside material wicks sweat, and is also extremely comfortable, and just feels nice to wear.  Pants are separated into three major protection areas, legs, tailbone, and kidneys.  The CCM U+ pants offer great protection for all these areas, featuring a high density foam shell inside a relatively thick plastic outer layer that wraps around the legs and absorbs impacts very well to keep the skater protected when they block shots and take slashes on the legs.  On the tailbone, they have a molded foam protector that fits every skaters tailbone and offers maximum protection without sacrificing comfortableness.  The kidneys are also safe and protected by the high density, molded foam kidney protectors.    This is a vital part of protection to look for in a pant because the kidneys are not covered by the shoulder pads and it does not feel good to get hit there, so the pants need to protect this area well, and the CCM U+ pants do that very well.  The U+ pants are also very light, and do not seem to cause any hindrance to the skaters stride at all, giving them a big advantage to players using heavier pants, but once again, since it is in the midsection, a little added weight does not seem to have as much of an affect on skating ability.  The CCM U+ pants are also some of the most durable on the market and will survive for season after season.  The appearance of these pants is exactly what you would expect from a pant, nothing flashy, just a simple black pant.

I think the CCM U+ hockey pants are ready to go for any level of play and are relatively affordable for most players, making them a great purchase.  A quick recap:

• Very light
• Durable
• Comfortable
• Protective
• Well priced

Get the CCM U+ Pant here

Top 5 Value Hockey Sticks

We recently wrote an article on the Top 5 Hockey Sticks, but of course, they were also some of the most expensive, so we decided to write an article on some sticks that give you great bang for your buck.  So here are the Top 5 Value Hockey Sticks.  Enjoy!

5.) Warrior Dolomite
The Dolomite is one solid piece of stick, and when it was released made quite a big buzz and rightfully so.  Th e Warrior Dolomite is relatively cheap at $109.99, but also the most expensive stick on this list.  It features great durability, with an extremely light weight for a stick of its price at only about 500 grams.  It was considered, when it came out to be one of the best sticks on the market, and it was, but now with new technology this stick was surpassed.  But that might not be such a bad thing, because this stick still has great performance for a very low price.  The only downside about this stick is the crazy graphics, I have never been a fan of the Warrior graphics concept.
4.) Winwell GX8
The Winwell GX8 may not be a very common stick, but boy is it worth the price.  At only $99.99 this stick way outperforms its cost point.  At only 490 grams, this stick is already to light to be a sub $100 stick, but also to have great feel and be very durable, this is just to much.  The GX8 also looks quite nice, a simple matted grey with chrome lettering, a clean look.  The blade is much like that of the TotalOne, without the same core technology, but same matted material.  All in all, the Winwell GX8 is great bang for your buck, and definitely deserves more recognition in the hockey world.
3.) Bauer Supreme One60
The Bauer Supreme One60 is one of the more underrated sticks out there.  It lurks in the shadow of the TotalOne and APX, but deserves a little recognition in the world of hockey sticks and is ultimately, a great stick at a superb price of $97.99.  The One60 offers many of the same great features of the TotalOne, including the Aero Foam Core, though it uses Aero Foam II, while the TotalOne uses Aero Foam III, but the technology remains top of the line and makes for a very responsive and durable blade.  It also has the same mid kick point and power taper to really give you that extra pop on slapshots and one-timers.  All things considered, the Bauer Supreme One60 is a great buy for anyone looking for a mid priced stick with good performance.
2.) Combat 45 Caliber
Another stick that is not a very well known one, but the Combat brand rules Russia and is used by some NHL players, including Jaromir Jagr.  The Combat 45 Caliber is probably the most responsive stick on this list, stickhandling with this stick is a dream.  The 45 Caliber is extremely light and very pure feeling.  It definitely could be priced much higher than $99.99, but once again, the brand is not as well known, so the price stays lower.  Combat also makes a very nice looking stick, utilizing a nice black white and silver color scheme, nothing too extreme, but an accepted change from the norm.  The Combat 45 Caliber is great stick for any offensive minded player with a middle range budget.
1.) Easton Stealth 65S
The Easton Stealth 65S is probably the most complete stick on this list, it is reliable, durable, responsive, nice looking, and priced low.  The performance of the 65S much resembles that of its father stick, the Easton Stealth RS, with the only significant difference being an increase in weight, but it is still one of the lightest sticks on this list at around 500 grams.  It has an elliptical taper with a low kick point for optimal responsiveness.  The Easton Stealth 65S is also made with a combination of Kevlar and Carbon, so it remains lightweight, but very, very durable.  The blade is made with a multi-rib design so as the shooter releases, the blade stays closed to insure the shot goes just where the shooter wants it to.  The Easton Stealth 65S is, what we think, the best value you can get in a hockey stick with a price of only $99.99.
 

Top 5 Hockey Sticks as of March 2012

Hockey sticks can be made with the best material and can be ridiculously light and handle like a dream, but if the buyer likes wooden Sherwoods, they are going to buy a wooden sherwood.  Well, we are going to pretend that we do not have any preference at all and give you the top 5 hockey sticks as of March 2012.  Read and enjoy!

5.) Sherwood Nexon 12
The Sherwood Nexon 12 is called by its creators, "The Ultimate Sniper Stick."  It is made for quick releases and accurate snap shots with a low kick point and tapered design, but does not lack at all in the field of slapshots.  The Nexon is extremely responsive and very easy to shoot with, making it a great stick for any forward who loves to shoot.  I will admit, it is not the best looking stick, almost as if it was designed by a software company, but it also has the lowest price on the list at only $189.99.  The great performance, combined with a not-too-bad price brings this stick in at 5 on our list of the top 5 hockey sticks.
4.) Reebok ai9
The Reebok ai9 is made for the all-around player, defense, forward, sniper, passer, anyone can use this.  It is made with a Midkick flexpoint for good power on slapshots and one timers, but also very responsive at the same time.  With top of the line weight and technology, this is a premium priced stick, coming in at $229.99.  You get what you pay for with this #4 rated stick.

3.) Bauer Vapor APX
The newest stick from Bauer, the Vapor APX.  It is like a sick combination between the Vapor X60 and the TotalOne, unreal.  It is a stick made for just about any player that wants to use it, durable enough for the two-way centerman, but pure and light enough for the scorer.  It has combined the great feel of the Bauer TotalOne blade, with the best flex profile in the market of the Vapor X60, even people who are not fans of the Vapor series can appreciate the APX, an almost perfect balance between weight, durability, and feel.  Our #3 stick is the Bauer Vapor APX.

2.) Easton Stealth RS
Probably the most durable, elite stick on the market, the Kevlar wrapped Easton RS combines power, extreme durability, and responsiveness into one deadly stick.  As mentioned before, this is a Kevlar wrapped stick, so the durability is absolutely unbelievable and might just outlast your hockey career (ok maybe not that long).  The great thing about this stick though, is it does not lack in any other category.  With a low kick point, it has an extremely responsive feel for those quick moves and shots in close, but also remains powerful enough to rip those wristers and slapshots from outside.  To read more about our #2 ranked stick, the Easton Stealth RS, see our full review here.

1.) Bauer Supreme TotalOne
And the moment we have all been waiting for, the #1 stick, and who else should win but the Bauer Supreme TotalOne.  The ultimate combination between power, responsiveness, technology, durability, and beautiful appearance.  The newest blade technology, the most advanced balance and feel, and a midkick point to top it all off.  This is just a great stick, for proof just watch an NHL game and count how many people are using this stick.  The Bauer Supreme TotalOne is just the best stick you can buy, if you want to read more about  our #1 stick, see our full review here.

Preview of the Easton Mako

We were asked by one of our twitter followers to do a quick preview of the next big thing by Easton... The Easton Mako Stick.  This stick is just a straight beauty, all white with red and silver writing, a fresh change from the normal dark sticks.  But this white also serves a purpose, hiding the stick by making it blend with ice and boards around it.  This will make it almost impossible to see where the shooter is going with his stick... Advantage shooter.  Along with this, the Easton Mako is also supposed to be one of the lightest sticks ever, but also extremely balanced and responsive, making it the ultimate stick for snipers and playmakers alike.  The Mako is not the next generation of the Easton Stealth RS, but rather the next generation of Easton EQ50.  It is not much like the RS in that it does not have the same elliptical profile and taper that is in the Stealth series.  We will have more on this stick after its April 2012 release, but until then, keep coming back for more reviews.

Easton Stealth RS: Review

Rating: (Out of 5)
Overall Performance: 4.8
Weight: 4.4
Feel: 5
Durability: 4.9
Appearance: 4.8

The Easton Stealth RS  is definitely won of the more high end, sexy sticks on the market and rightfully so.  The RS features cutting edge graphics and design, combined with powerful, smooth performance.  This stick is considered to be the next generation of the very successful Easton Stealth S19, with revamped design and overall performance.

One thing that is going to separate the Easton Stealth RS from other sticks in its class is the durability.  It has a Kevlar wrapped frame that really protects against slashes and hacks during faceoffs and in front of the net.  The great thing about the RS is that while its longevity and durability is unbelievable, performance was not sacrificed at all. Weighing in at 455 grams, it is still right around the weight of other high performance sticks, like the Bauer Supreme TotalOne (see review of TotalOne here), despite the Kevlar reinforcement.  Unlike the TotalOne, though, the Easton Stealth RS has a flex point targeted for wrist shots and snapshots.  The stick flexes closer to the blade, whereas the TotalOne features MidKick technology and flexes closer to the middle.  Needless to say, slapshots with this stick are nothing to complain about.  Another great thing about the Easton Stealth RS is the responsiveness, it features a tapered elliptical profile that helps the shooter release the puck very quickly.  Continuing on the feel of the stick, it has flat walls with rounded edges that resembles that of the TotalOne.  This stick also feels extremely balanced, and not blade heavy like some other sticks.  Most likely the best feature the RS has to offer is the blade technology.  The blade is made with compressed, strong, and dense materials, the result is a blade that will stay closed throughout the shot for maximum accuracy and amazing feel.  Finally, the look of Easton Stealth RS can only be described as sleek and sexy.  It is simple, black on black on the front with a little matted yellow on the back... Beautiful.  Easton's motto when making this stick was to make the most of every opportunity, they give every shooter a chance to do that with the Easton Stealth RS.

The Easton Stealth RS is a great stick and well worth the steep price.  This stick is great because of:

• Nice, sleek look
• Lightweight
• Durable Kevlar outer-wrapping
• Compressed blade that does not open up
• Low kick point for maximum wrist and snap shot accuracy and power
• Nice, balanced feel

Get the Easton Stealth RS here

Get the Easton Stealth RS Grip here

Our Take on the White Cage

Many hockey players wonder, "How do I look better when I play?" Some people may tell you how you look does not matter, but in reality it does.  Here at Hockey GearHeads we believe in a look good, feel good, play good mentality, which may sound foolish.  But think about it, if you are not confident in your gear and how it looks, than how are you going to be confident that you can play well.

Now back to the main point, do white cages look good.  YES!  A white cage on anything but a white helmet looks really good.  It just has a clean and fresh appearance to it.  This is a great way to boost your swag when you are out there on the ice, and as I said earlier, this is only going to boost your game.   And, not only does it look great, but the white blends with the ice and boards to expand vision.

If you are thinking about getting that new helmet, or want to revive an old bucket, through on some white bars and you got the freshest look out there.

Easton EQ50 Skates: Review

Rating: (Out of 5)
Overall Performance: 4.8
Comfort: 4.9
Durability: 4
Protection: 3.9
Weight: 5
Appearance: 4

The EQ series is known for the extreme lightweight products, and these skates are no different.  The EQ50 skates are made to fit the foot of the skater very well to make the stride feel more pure with less "clunking."  The low weight also helps with the pure feel of the skate.  This is an expensive skate, with $500 plus price tag, but the EQ40 is a less expensive alternative to the EQ50.

As mentioned before, the best thing about this skate is the great lack of weight.  The EQ50 skates are so light because of the almost full carbon fiber frame construction, a strong yet light material to retain stiffness during skating without adding extra weight.  One skate weighs in at only 29.63 ounces, less than 2 pounds, with speed of the game constantly increasing, every ounce counts.  The next cutting edge feature the EQ50 skate offers is the great fit to the foot it has, with anyone's foot.  The thermally, or heat, activated fusion foam technology that forms to the curves of the skaters foot that allows for such a close feel, its like skating barefoot.  To keep the skate light and dry, the Easton incorporated a dry flow system that lets out excess moisture and heat from the skate, without making the foot cold.  This allows more stiffness in the skate throughout the game to give the skater an edge late in the third period.  Now, one may think that Easton completely abandoned protection in the EQ50 skate, this is not true.  It surely is not the most thickly padded skate out there, but it surely does offer a lot of protection with all that carbon fiber that was used.
The appearance of these skates is nice, but nothing extremely special, just a clean look.  As I said earlier, one distinct drawback is the high price point of the EQ50 skate, but the great performance is well worth the price.  If the price is just too out of reach, the EQ40 skate is a great alternative that offers many of the same features and great performance for a significant amount less.

The EQ50 skates are so great because of:

• Extreme lightweight
• Great fit
• Carbon fiber frame
• Pure stride feel
• Not much sacrificed protection

I would recommend the Easton EQ50 skates to a serious player looking for a lightweight skate,

and the Easton EQ40 skates to a serious player looking for a great skate at a reasonable price.

Get the EQ50 Skates here

or the EQ40 Skates here