Easton S19 Hockey Stick

Easton S19 Hockey Stick

After using the new Easton S19 stick for a couple of weeks, I have come to the conclusion that it is much improved from the previous Easton S17 stick and definitely deserves some attention from those who may have dismissed Easton and the new S19 after troubles they may have had with the S17.

Improved: S19 vs. S17

One of the main issues that many players reported with the Easton S17 stick was the fact that the stick did not perform as indicated by the flex pattern. That is to say that a 100 Flex played more like an 85 Flex. And, those of you who play a lot of hockey know that a stick that plays to the appropriate Flex is very important in maintaining consistency. This is one of the issues that has been addressed with the S19 stick.

Another issue that folks reported with the S17 was the lack of durability in both the lower shaft (the elliptical portion of the stick) and in the blade.  These areas have been reinforced in the S19 and offer more durability and are less prone to the torque problems that were evident with the S17.

The Easton S19 is still a very light stick, even with the increased durability, it weighs in at 460 grams.  However, you will notice that the kick point has been pushed up the shaft and away from the blade just slightly versus the S17.

Overall Impression

Overall, the Easton S19 stick is improved from the S17, has maintained it’s balance, the blade remains lively and the issues of durability and inconsistent Flex appear to have been addressed.  All in all, the S19 definitely deserves to be tested along side the other top of the line hockey sticks when you’re in the market for a new weapon!

Where to Buy

The S19 stick is available now and you can find it online with Free Shipping at Total Hockey.net for less than $250.00.

Cascade M11 Helmet Review

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to speak with Mark Messier about his new project, the development of promotion of the new M11 Helmet.

Since that time I have had been able to use the new helmet a few times and am prepared to share my thoughts on the helmet.

Style and Comfort

The style of the helmet is much improved from the previous Cascade CHX helmet and this is one of the things that Messier stressed during his involvement in the project.

“It is important that the helmet provide good style in addition to comfort, venting and the SEVEN technology that increases safety and comfort unlike any other helmet on the market.”

The Cascade Seven technology uses “lateral displacement technology” to
provide the protection of two helmets in one. The theory is that the
M11 helmet protects equally as well against concussions as it does
against catastrophic hits.  I must say that the helmet is very comfortable and just the comfort alone versus that of the traditional EPP foam makes it worth checking out.

Fortunately, I didn’t get to test the helmet against a serious impact that could cause a concussion, but it did deflect a couple of sticks and pucks over the course of several games without incident.

There still exists some debate among ‘experts’ as to the actual effectiveness of any helmet’s ability to prevent or reduce the incidence of concussion.

Overall Impression

However, all in all the M11 performed well with respect to adequate airflow/venting over the course of my testing. Although the Easton Stealth S17 provided better venting, I found the M11 more comfortable overall and easier to adjust with respect to the sizing of the helmet. The ProFit fit sizing system allows a ‘no-tool’ adjustment that really does eliminate pressure points found with other helmets.

Some retail stores have yet to stock the M11 helmet and a few have expressed that they still don’t think it passes the ‘mirror test’.

In my opinion the helmet provides great comfort and has addressed the venting issues as well as the ‘bulkiness’ issues of the previous generation – Cascade CHX. The M11 has also met all of the standards for HECC and CSA certifications and is now compatible with the major manufacturers of cages and shields.

The style is a matter of personal choice, but I’d say that with 15 different colors available and the option of choosing different colored vents, it deserves to be on your list when you make your next helmet purchase.

The Cascade M11 Helmet is currently available at Total Hockey.net for around $120.00.

You can also learn more about the features at the Messier Project website.