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Evolution

By Paul Evans, 07/23/18, 8:45AM EDT

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HPC takes their twigs to the next level

When our good friends at Hockey Players Club let it slip that they were giving their HPC-brand hockey stick a significant upgrade, we were more than a little intrigued.  After all, the original HPC performed well enough and was a great value.  When they told us the price, we were skeptical but we played along.  Our buds have always been about providing wicked deals on tape and such, and they've never steered us wrong before.  So we dug a bit deeper...

We first jumped on the 'small-market' stick bandwagon with our review of All Black Hockey Sticks.  Their no-frills approach to providing a solid stick at an affordable price was refreshing.   Not flashy, a bit understated, but enough flair to take it seriously.  But if you're after an elite performing stick with the swagger to match, then the XV3 is worth a look.  So what would we get with the new XV3?

Straight To The Source

We decided that the only way to get the answers we wanted was to go all "Law & Order" on Brandon Rubeo, one of the head honchos at HPC.  Here's what he had to say:

US:  So Brandon... what's the deal with the XV3?  Why the switch?

HPC:  Simple... we wanted to offer a truly top-of-the-line, elite-performing hockey stick for a fraction of what big name brands charge. We worked tirelessly with the three largest stick manufacturers in the world to learn the process and materials that produce the top performing sticks on the market.  After countless prototypes tested on the ice (fortunately we skate daily!), we settled on our design and moved ahead with the XV3.

US:  So what can we expect from the XV3?

HPC:  Premium performance and durability thanks to the superior quality of our carbon from Toray - the largest carbon fiber producer in the world.   And like all of the top-of-the-line Bauer and CCM sticks, we use an 18k twill weave to keep the stick ultra light yet supremely durable.

US:  Yeah, that's what the other 'discount' guys say.  How can we be sure?

HPC:  They're not very comparable.  What separates a top-of-the-line model from discount stick is the quality of materials used. Most discount sticks use 50-80% carbon while top performing sticks, like the XV3, are made of 100% carbon. Anything less produces a heavy, unbalanced hockey stick.

Also, the carbon weave (whether 3k, 12k, 18k, or UD) impacts cost and performance - 18k twill is the general consensus as top performing.  Like anything else, carbon producers range in their reputation and quality, which is why we went with Toray. Their product is light, provides a great snap of the puck, and is so durable that we can confidently offer a 60 day warranty, unlike any of our competitors.

US:  There's gotta be a catch.  So what is it... only one or two curves or flex to choose from?

HPC:  Actually, the XV3 comes in senior, intermediate, junior, and youth models, with a variety of curves and flexes to satisfy just about every player.  You can find them all here at https://hockeyplayersclub.com/sticks 

US:  So you've improved the quality and variety but are keeping the same price point?

HPC:  Yep!  Senior models will be $150, intermediates $140, juniors $130, and youths $120.   With you - our hockey brethren - in mind, we opted to save everyone the cost of superstar endorsement deals and traditional retailers markup.  Instead, we don't pay anyone to use our sticks and save our customer a bunch of money by shipping it directly to their door.

And because we believe so strongly in this stick, we're offering $20 off on all sticks ordered before 08/03/18...  plus FREE nameplate customization.

US:  OK... you've got our attention.  How soon can we expect to receive the XV3?

HPC:  The first shipment should be delivered by September 14th.

Next Stop:  Test Drive

We're inclined to give the boys at HPC the benefit of the doubt.  They didn't steer us wrong on the tape subscription - which by the way if you have tried it yet, you are seriously missing out.  Top quality tape delivered right to your door, and you don't even have to lift a finger?  You'll never be a "tape mooch" again!

Anyway, HPC really feels they're on to something special here, which is why they're willing to let us test drive a couple.

We don't recommend you sleep on the Pre-Sale deal, as it won't last long.  Still, we plan to do an unboxing video and put the XV3 through its paces to give you a full and unbiased rundown.  You'll have to wait until mid-September to read all about it though.  We may be tight with HPC, but the first batch won't be ready until then, so we have to wait just like everyone else.