What stick do you use and why?
by Andy Baird
I’m retiring my last Easton SE16 tonight after a crack through the blade so I’m back on the market for a new stick.
This got me thinking: why do you use the stick you do?
I’ve played with folks who are effective with an old sherwood wooden stick all the way to players who geek out on custom tailored built sticks. What’s your preference?
Respond here: http://jmshockey.com/thread/view/thread-53ec5063f221d
JMS Hockey Blog 
I usually choose sticks by what’s on sale, often wait a few years after a new stick line comes out until it’s been tested and when the price drops. I’m kinda hooked on the feel of one piece sticks. I loved the Easton SE16 stick, great feel and balance, blade on mine also cracked, but got several seasons out of it, wore out 2 but then Easton discontinued it. I’d buy it again if I could find it. I didn’t like feel of Mako, which I was told was what replaced the SE16. So I bought an Easton EQ 50 I found on sale in a slightly different pattern, and that was not as good but ok, but it got “spongy” after one season. My current stick is a grip CCM RBZ 100 (TaylorMade), bought this spring- but has a different balance and feel than the SE16. I like a 5.5 lie (probably ‘cuz that’s what I started with), right handed (even though I’m right handed I could not imagine shooting left), 65 flex so use an intermediate shaft and like it cut off an inch or so (I’m ~5’10 and lightweight), current stick has Tavares blade pattern, but I’ve also used and liked Sakic/Hall, Iginla and even a Heatley. Certain blade curves make it easier for me to lift the puck. I look for as lightweight stick as possible, that has helped reduce some elbow tendinitis and shoulder issues. When I switch patterns it takes some practice to find accuracy. I tape the blade all the way to end to try to reduce blade damage. I play mostly D but take wrist and snap shots more than slap shots. I’d consider a Base except I can’t get the blade pattern I want with an intermediate shaft. For D I’d prefer a larger squared off blade (like the old Pronger pattern), but can’t find that with an intermediate shaft in a one piece. I prefer a grip shaft but if I can’t find that I just apply tape in a spiral pattern. I also have an old wood Sherwood PMP 5030 I started out with that I use on outdoor ice.