Since we first shared our initial thoughts on the ordering process and the first off-ice test run, we've had a chance to take these twigs through the gauntlet of practices and tournaments. In that time, we've also gotten input from players and coaches across multiple age groups and levels about their experience with ABHS. What's everyone saying?
First and foremost, All Black Hockey Sticks are exactly as described: high quality, light weight, and 100% carbon fiber. Through our experiences, the ABHS holds up just like your typical name brand stick. The lighter flexes provide that satisfying snap with a wrist shot and the heavier flexes respond to the strongest slappers. We did see a cracked stick but it was from a pretty epic frustration swing at a goal post that would have cracked any other stick. All Black promises quality hockey sticks at an affordable price and the verdict in our minds is that they deliver on the quality hockey stick promise.
INHockey.net Quality Score: 5 out of 5
Now the next question is, does ABHS deliver that quality stick at an affordable price? At a $95 "order to ice" cost, the short answer is yes. However, there are a couple of caveats with the first one being selection. As stated in our initial thoughts, we couldn't find the exact flex we were looking for in an intermediate stick. They did have a flex close to what we needed but when you're talking about kids, sometimes a couple of pounds of flex can make a big difference.
But honestly, this isn't any different from the name brands. Most of those guys only have a couple of options of flex per style as well. The difference here is that if you can't find the exact flex you need, you may have to move out of the ABHS brand all together, where with the other brands, you might be able to find the flex you need in last year's model or by moving a step up or down in your chosen product line (i.e. moving from a Bauer Nexus 6000 to a 7000). It's not a huge deal but it did keep us from giving ABHS a perfect 5 out of 5 in the selection score. Outside of flex, All Black did have all the options on blade curve or "lie" that you'd expect to find with any other big brand.
INHockey.net Selection Score: 4 out of 5
The second caveat is that if you're willing to do a little treasure hunting, you can find cheaper sticks. For instance, we bought my son's Warrior stick, typically a $160 stick, for $79 on clearance. It was a great find and he loves that stick. Unfortunately, the problem with treasure hunting is we may not be able to find the same stick for the same price again. If the stick happens to break mid-season, what are the chances of finding the same stick with the same lie and flex for the same price when you need it? Do you pay the full $160 price or move to a cheaper stick? Some may enjoy that treasure hunt but knowing you can get the exact same stick for the exact same price all the time, is definitely worth ten dollars.
INHockey.net Pricing Score: 5 out of 5
The Final Verdict
INHockey.net Overall Score: 4.8 out 5
Our final INHockey.net verdict is that All Black Hockey Sticks lives up to their promise of top quality sticks at an affordable price. The ordering process was simple, shipping was fast and the sticks stood up to our toughest games and practices. With top notch quality, comparable selection, and just above clearance prices, All Black Hockey Sticks should definitely be on the radar for your next stick purchase.
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