Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Game Time Review: Reebok 20K Stick

By Tyler Roy, Pure Hockey Customer Service

With 2012 wrapped up for stick releases, I was thinking it's probably high time that I talk about what should be on your "must-have" list. How does the Reebok 20k stack up? Is it a must-have or just another good stick? Let's take a look!

There's a new blade system here called the "accuBlade," which is made to reduce blade deflection and give you better accuracy for getting shots ON net and not NEAR it! Reebok's new and exclusive stick blade is made to get stiffer from the heel to the toe. Interesting. Also, this blade is also Reebok's lightest to date and they moved the balance point up a few centimeters, creating a much more balanced stick. Personally, I love a stiff blade at the toe as I'm more prone to shoot from that area anyway. I did get a chip on the toe in the first few weeks of using it but nothing has happened since, so it appears to be run-of-the-mill wear and tear that you see with all sticks. Bottom-line: this blade out performs any other Reebok blade and it has some real life and good snap.

The good thing about the Reebok 20k hockey stick is that it's a true one piece stick, defined by Reebok as "pure fiber technology." In English, this means the same fibers that are in the top of the stick run all the way to the toe of the blade. Being a true one-piece also removes all the overlapping materials and glues that often times create an unbalanced stick. Reebok also used a new weaving system in the shaft where the fibers on the backhand are angled on a 45 degree and 90 on the forehand. This is designed to create tension when the stick flexes during a shot. That, plus the lowest kickpoint in hockey, equals a slingshot effect when shooting. This stick shoots all types of shots very well, the low kick really snaps the pucks off quick and fast. I find it easy to snap off a quick shot right under the bar and have the ability to fire off a hard slapper too.

My favorite innovation might have to be the new grip Reebok has used on the 20k. The new "duel grip" features a smooth matte grip on the bottom half of the shaft for hand movement and a sticky grip on the top half to lock your hand in when your ready to shoot. Quite interesting feel and still hasn't worn out after a month or two of use.

All this stuff put together makes a really solid performing stick, much better than the 11k from my perspective. Only chip on the stick is right on the toe, as mentioned, but that's quite minor. The balance on the stick is really good as is the response you get with snap shots and slap shots. Should you get this stick? Well that's for you to choose, but I like it quite a bit. You can buy it right here and try it out for yourself.

You can also see a video here from my co-worker Kyle Stevenson, where he gives his thoughts on it: