BASE Hockey Sticks

[FLAMESRULE]

Searched around and didn't see any other threads on these sticks, but just wondering if anyone has any experience with them?? Seems like a pretty solid setup. Company is headed by Cliff Ronning and the guy who started IHI before selling it to Mission.

For $50 you get a custom fitting. Just like they do size you for golf clubs. Get a custom lie, blade, flex, toe, colour, etc. The sticks themselves are then custom made in North America for $150 per stick. Takes 2-3 weeks to get them.

Asked a buddy and he said a few guys on his team really like them. Better feel, way more durable, and better price.

www.basehockey.ca

[Northendzone]

I believe it is $150 per. Guy I coach with picked up a couple, he likes em.

Concept makes sense.

[FLAMESRULE]

Originally Posted by fotze

So is it $50 or $150?

My bad, its $50 for the custom fitting, and $150 per stick.

[jayswin]

So $200 total?

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

Not to sound completely Scottish but do people really spend $200 dollars on a hockey stick, that seems to be an insanely high amount to spend on one for the average beer league player. I could understand if someone was a pro or a high level amateur, but I would doubt that having a really expensive stick is going to make any difference for 99% of the population.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Mean Mr. Mustard

Not to sound completely Scottish but do people really spend $200 dollars on a hockey stick, that seems to be an insanely high amount to spend on one for the average beer league player. I could understand if someone was a pro or a high level amateur, but I would doubt that having a really expensive stick is going to make any difference for 99% of the population.

If not more. The top end models for most of the major brands retail between $249 and $300. It really does make a difference.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Mean Mr. Mustard

Not to sound completely Scottish but do people really spend $200 dollars on a hockey stick, that seems to be an insanely high amount to spend on one for the average beer league player. I could understand if someone was a pro or a high level amateur, but I would doubt that having a really expensive stick is going to make any difference for 99% of the population.

Same thing could be said about golf clubs. Or really any high end sporting gear.

[FLAMESRULE]

Originally Posted by flameswin

So $200 total?

I think so...$200 for the first one, and then the rest are $150. I think they keep you on file so you simply email in a request, the $$, and you get the sticks in 2-3 weeks.

And yes MMM, this is beer league, but the average one piece is probably $150...can easily spend $200-$300/stick...it is crazy.

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

Originally Posted by MattyC

Same thing could be said about golf clubs. Or really any high end sporting gear.

I think the same thing about a lot of the golf clubs on the market actually, I am sure that it makes a slight difference but I don't think that it is going to make a massive difference between players at the average skill level of a beer league. Maybe I don't take the hockey as seriously as others in rec hockey but I just have my doubts whether a slightly lighter stick can make as big of a difference as people make it out to be.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Mean Mr. Mustard

I think the same thing about a lot of the golf clubs on the market actually, I am sure that it makes a slight difference but I don't think that it is going to make a massive difference between players at the average skill level of a beer league. Maybe I don't take the hockey as seriously as others in rec hockey but I just have my doubts whether a slightly lighter stick can make as big of a difference as people make it out to be.

It does make quite a difference, trust me. Whether the average beer league player should be spending that much money for the added benefit in a rec league is the real debate.

[FLAMESRULE]

The same can be said about any consumer product...why spend X+Y$$ when only X$$ is needed...cars/sports gear/music/clothes/holidays etc...its a question of priorities/ability to spend that $$.

Anyone actually use the sticks tho??

[albertGQ]

I only play ball hockey and just bought two sticks yesterday. Regular price was $220 per stick but they were on sale for $120 each.

I would say a stick definately makes a difference in my game.

[nickerjones]

I think you can pay a little more than 25... maybe 75 or 100 and they will film you shooting and break down your shot to even further customize your stick.

[Northendzone]

Walk into pro hockey life and notice how many sticks they have that are over $200 a there must be a huge market for these magic twigs.

[Stampede2TheCup]

Originally Posted by Mean Mr. Mustard

I think the same thing about a lot of the golf clubs on the market actually, I am sure that it makes a slight difference but I don't think that it is going to make a massive difference between players at the average skill level of a beer league. Maybe I don't take the hockey as seriously as others in rec hockey but I just have my doubts whether a slightly lighter stick can make as big of a difference as people make it out to be.

Originally Posted by flameswin

It does make quite a difference, trust me. Whether the average beer league player should be spending that much money for the added benefit in a rec league is the real debate.

I'm a goalie in beer league hockey and I agree with flameswin that the good sticks do make a fair difference for the average beer league player. Basically everyone excluding those limp-wristed Nancies who usually didn't grow up playing hockey can shoot noticeably harder with the newer sticks. Whether or not the price is justified is up to each person. FWIW I also don't think the weight of the stick is the biggest difference, it's the flexibility and the way they whip back when a shot is taken.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by blah blah

I'm a goalie in beer league hockey and I agree with flameswin that the good sticks do make a fair difference for the average beer league player. Basically everyone excluding those limp-wristed Nancies who usually didn't grow up playing hockey can shoot noticeably harder with the newer sticks. Whether or not the price is justified is up to each person. FWIW I also don't think the weight of the stick is the biggest difference, it's the flexibility and the way they whip back when a shot is taken.

Also, the weight distribution is critical, and they master it with those high end sticks.

[albertGQ]

The light weight of the sticks makes a big difference to me

[Brewmaster]

Never heard of the BASE sticks, but it sounds like a good idea. At this point I'm not convinced there is enough of a difference between the $100-$120 sticks and the $200-$300 to justify the extra cost. That and I'm worried if I buy one of the expensive models I'll never want to go back

[firebug]

My son (novice age) has been involved in a 12-session shooting clinic with the local BASE group. While I can't speak to their sticks, I have been impressed with their analysis and training.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by firebug

My son (novice age) has been involved in a 12-session shooting clinic with the local BASE group. While I can't speak to their sticks, I have been impressed with their analysis and training.

This is something I'm not sure I agree with. I am definitely a supporter of using high-end sticks IF you have the capability/strength to utilize the technology behind them. I don't think any kid below the age of 13, possibly 14 depending on their size and skill, can really benefit from a $200 stick. When I worked at SportChek I would discourage parents from buying them for their tiny young children all the time. Its just not necessary.