Stealth RS Review (Video Review Coming Soon!)

Brand: Easton
Name: Stealth RS
Price: Aviable for pre-order on Hockeymonkey.com for $249.99
Features: Elliptical Profile
               Multi-Rib Blade Construction
               Kevlar Wrapped Shaft
               Low Kick Point
               Pro Shaft Dimensions
               Matte Finish Blade
               Optional Grip Coating

Review: Our good friends at Easton just sent us the NEW STEALTH RS! My first impressions of the stick was that it looks kind of like the old Nike sticks because of the design. The stick is all blacked out except for the parts that say "Stealth RS" and those parts are yellow.  The stick has the option of grip or no grip. The stick I have has no grip on it.  The sticks with no grip on them have a bunch of tiny little holes that enable your hands to slide really good on the shaft, I really like that! Another cool feature of this stick is the Low-Kick Point Flex. The stick flexes at an extremely low point in the stick which allows the shooter to get more of the "snap" on his/her shot.  I would recomend that you go up a flex when swithcing from Bauer, Reebok, Miken, Harrow, Etc. Those sticks have a higher flex point so when you switch over to the Stealth RS it will feel really "whippy" and "flexy." For example, if you use a 77 flex Bauer I would reccomend you use a 85 flex Stealth RS. One thing I did notice was that the first couple of shots I took with the stick I heard it cracking. Dont worry about that, In another review I read about the RS the guy said he experienced the same problem.  (Probably because the fibers have to expand from never being flexed before.) I really think Easton has stepped up their game in the Hockey Stick Maket and I like where they are going with this stick. This is one of the best sticks I have ever owned. 

Rating: 12/10

STEALTH RS IS IN!

This is the Easton Stealth RS!
Keep checking back for a review in the next couple of days!

Brand: Farrell
Name: Farrell H500 Professional Series Shoulder Pads
Price: $59.98 on Hockeymonkey.com
Features: Adjustable fit for arms and chest
               Modular construction
               Breathable design vents heat and wicks moisture away from clothing
               Lightweight (2 lbs!!!)
               Washable!

Review: The Farrell H500 are a relatively well kept secret. These shoulder pads are extremely different from your conventional shoulder pads. First off, you might notice that they look more like football shoulder pads than hockey shoulder pads. These shoulder pads use a micro-square technology that gives these shoulder pads there lightweight feel (2 lbs). Another advantage to these shoulder pads is that they dry out extremely quick. My old shoulder pads would take days to dry out, but these ones only take a couple of hours! The thing I like most about these shoulder pads is the fact that they are so light that it feels like I'm not wearing any shoulder pads. The new technology allows the shoulder pads to move when my body moves and I do not feel constricted like I do with normal shoulder pads. These are the best!!!

Rating: 10/10

Reebok 11K Helmet Review

Brand: Reebok
Name: Reebok 11K Helmet
Price: $149.99 on hockeymonkey.com
Features: 5-Point Safety System
               Floating Liner
               Microdial II
               New Reebok Shell
               EPP Floating Liner
               Subshells
               Fit Clips

Review: The new Reebok 11K helmet is Reebok's top of the line helmet. One thing they did to this helmet was they changed the design a little bit. The only change they made was they put a slot on the front part of the top of the helmet. When I first put on the helmet it felt weird because I am use to wearing a Bauer helmet. As the helmet was on my head I got used to it and it is very comfortable. One thing I am hesitant on is the protection the helmet offers. The shell of the helmet seems thinner than the Bauer and you can bend the plastic which I don't think is a good thing... Also I know a lot of kids who have gotten concussions wearing a Reebok helmet. I guess I will wear it this season and I will wear it till I get a concussion.

Rating: 7/10

Bauer APX Skate Review

Brand: Bauer
Name: Bauer APX Skates
Price: $799.99 on Hockeymonkey.com
Features: Bauer Alive Composite Upper
               Hydra-Max 2 Liner
               Form Fit 3 Tongue
               Footbed With Ergotoe Protection
               TUUK Fusion Runner Technology
               Ankle Padding
               Thermoformable

Review: The Bauer APX skate is a great skate but it comes at a cost. You have to be willing to shell out $800 if you want to own a pair of these top of the line skates. My first impression of these skates was that they were a little to flashy for me, but as you look at them the look grows upon you. The whole boot is practically made of composite materials which makes it more durable but it also makes it harder to break in the skate which can be frustrating to some players. Once the skates are broken in they work very well and are for the more advanced hockey player.  If you want to own the APX skate but don't have the funds I suggest you look at the Vapor 7.0 through the Vapor 1.0. The Vapor 7.0 is a little bit cheaper but is not made of the same materials as the APX and is heavier overall.  The lower the number on the skate the less quality you are going to get.  Overall I love the APX and I would recommend it to anyone!

Rating: 11/10

Donskov Strength and Conditioning

This is where I train. Donskov Strength and Conditioning baby!!!

Easton EQ 50 Hockey Stick Review

Brand: Easton
Name: Easton EQ 50
Price: $209.99 on Hockeymonkey.com
Features: Visible Focus Weight Technology
               Customizable Weight Cap
               Kevlar Wrapped Shaft
               Multi-Rib and Micro-Bladder blade
              
Review: I received the Easton EQ 50 from our friends at Easton. This particular stick is a Left-Handed, 100 flex (they were out of 87 flex), Taylor Hall curve. The Hall curve is almost the exact same as the Kane curve. After using the stick the first thing I realized was the weight at the bottom of the stick. They did this on purpose to balance the stick out better and give the puck-handler a better feel for the puck.  I personally like the weight at the bottom of the stick because it gives me a better feel for the puck but I know a lot of people that don't like it. The stick is very durable from what I can tell from the first couple days of using it. Most importantly, the stick is very light and feels good in my hands. It has square dimensions which I like and this particular stick has grip on it which I like a lot. The Easton EQ 50 is a great stick and fits the more advanced hockey player who is looking to have a better feel for the puck and looking for a harder, more accurate shot.

Rating: 10/10