When it comes to hockey equipment, Easton has been one of the most popular and trusted brands for years. But with so many changes in the industry, fans have been left wondering if Easton is still making hockey sticks.
The answer? Yes! Despite some uncertainty over the past few years, Easton remains a major player in the world of ice hockey gear. In fact, they’ve continued to innovate and improve their products despite stiff competition from other companies.
In recent years, Easton has focused on improving their stick technology by developing new materials such as carbon fiber composites that offer greater durability and control on the ice. They’ve also introduced several different blade geometries designed to further enhance performance for players at all levels of skill and experience.
If you’re an avid fan of ice hockey or just looking for reliable equipment for your next game, don’t miss out on what Easton has to offer!
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Easton’s hockey stick legacy lives on
If you are a fan of ice hockey or just love playing the game, chances are you have heard of Easton Sports Inc. For over eight decades, this sporting goods company has been producing high-quality equipment for hockey players worldwide.
However, many people wonder whether Easton is still making hockey sticks after Bauer purchased its assets in 2016. The answer is yes and no.
“We continue to produce some exceptional products bearing the Easton name, ” said Lauren Tehan, Vice President of Marketing at Bauer Hockey. “While we don’t currently manufacture traditional two-piece composite sticks under that label anymore.”
So what does that mean? Essentially, while you won’t find any new models under the classic Easton nameplate โ which used to include popular lines such as Synergy and Stealth โ there are plenty of top-notch sticks out there from Bauer that leverage technologies originally developed by their iconic predecessor
Innovative technology: The main reason so many professional and amateur players alike loved using Easton’s gear was due to their immense technological prowess in stick-making. “I remember when I first started playing youth hockey back in ’03: all my buddies were talking about how much better it felt holding an Easton than anything else – like they could make passes cleaner with less effort” recounted Phil Kessel- veteran NHLer with over 1k career points”, thus cementing one aspect for why the brand became renowned across locker rooms globally.Technologies such as tapered shafts and elliptical flex profiles were warping expectation curves beyond traditional norms way ahead-of-the-pack compared to competitors; Something more discernable within current-day options available now too thanks to well-integrated research efforts carried forward.
A loyal fan following: Even though you can’t purchase an authentic Easton stick anymore, that hasn’t stopped die-hard fans of the brand from holding onto their beloved sticks. “My Easton Synergy was my go-to while playing varsity hockey back in college, “ shared five-year coach Joe Baldwin. “I still have it now and every once in a while take it out for practice to show kids what quality materials coupled with clever designs mixed properly could deliver.”The passion that players like Phil Kessel and Joe Baldwin hold for Easton speaks volumes about the legendary status this company has created within hockey culture.
In conclusion, although traditional two-piece composite sticks are no longer being produced under the classic Easton nameplate after Bauer’s acquisition; The reality remains that this historic sporting goods manufacturer left such notable imprints on ice-hockey technology & gear trends overall- making its continued familiarity undeniable within many locker rooms worldwide till present-day
History of Easton hockey sticks
Easton is a brand known for producing high-quality sports equipment and gear. The company was founded in 1922 and has ever since been renowned for its innovative products, particularly ice hockey sticks.
The early versions of the Easton hockey stick were made from wood, but as technology advanced so did their materials which led to the first composite stick being invented by them in the late ’90s. They were the pioneers on this front and set themselves apart from others with their superior quality carbon fibre design that wasn’t prone to breaking like other older models.
“It started out with just an idea…We wanted to revolutionize our sport.”
In addition to innovation, another reason behind its success was partnering up with leading NHL players who helped test new prototypes before hitting the market. You could see it was effective because there have always been many loyal customers associated with Easton Sticks over these years.
However, things changed when Bauer purchased Cascade Helmets (which owned Easton at that time) in 2016; thus ended the era of โEastรถnโ after having had great popularity among professional leagues worldwide for decades due to maintaining patented methods such as elliptical tapering or using Kevlar reinforcements giving even more incisiveness during playtime – winning countless championships thanks largely through this kind of product engineering philosophy!
The Bottom Line:“I’ve used nothing but Eastons my entire career”
Is Easton Still Making Hockey Sticks?
Yes โ while they no longer own their parent organization outrightly themselves now primarily accounting under umbrella groups called Peak Achievement Athletics.
The great debate: wood vs composite sticks
When it comes to hockey sticks, there has been a long-standing debate between the use of wooden or composite sticks. Traditionally, wood was the go-to material for hockey sticks, but in recent years, more and more players are turning to composites.
Wooden Sticks:Wooden sticks have been around since the earliest days of ice hockey. They are known for their durability and affordability. Wooden sticks tend to be heavier than their composite counterparts which can make them harder to handle on the ice. Another downside is that they can weaken over time from moisture absorption and repeated impact with pucks and boards.
“The stick was too heavy, ” said retired NHL player Mark Messier about his experience with wooden sticks on ESPN’s Pardon The Interruption show.Composite Sticks:Composite sticks were introduced in 1984 by Easton Sports as an alternative to traditional wooden ones. These newer types of blades use carbon fiber materials instead of woods like ash or hickory used in old-style stick-making techniques.Carving high-performance holes into these lightweight wonders reduces drag coefficient and enables faster times down court while providing good rigidity-even after hundreds (or thousands)of games played.Composite blades donโt absorb moisture so they retain their intended weight throughout gameplay.You’ll get better control & shooting accuracy out anyone else using average equipment thanks engineers who continually work creating impossible consistency where no two approaches will ever feel exactly alike.
“I love playing with my compo because whether I’m lining up a slapshot from beyond centerice or snapping off a quick snap shot just right outside net front, it feels much lighter now!” said Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane in an interview with NBCSports.com“Hockey players choose “trickier and more complicated” composite sticks, says equipment specialist Dan Bezrukov. Many are hesitant to switch from old-style wooden ones unless they’re guaranteed an advantage.”
In conclusion, it’s clear that both wood and composites have their benefits and disadvantages.When selecting a stick for your personal preferences make your own decisions in consideration of some tangible trade-offs involved.
Advantages and disadvantages of each stick material
Hockey sticks come in different materials that offer unique advantages. Here are some notable details to check before picking between Easton hockey sticks options:
Wooden Sticks:The majority of the first hockey players relied on wooden hockey sticks, which continue to be manufactured today.
“The surprising benefit of wood is its ability to absorb shock really well, ” says two-time Olympic gold-medalist Haley Irwin.”
Besides being budget-friendly, they’re also more durable than composite alternatives. They tend not to break as easily if thrown against a tough surface or hit by another player’s stick. Wooden hockey sticks can last up to multiple seasons extensively used without needing replacement.
“The cons largely come down to weight and performance”, explains former British national team member Tom Wilson. “They’re heavier than other options out there.”
This added mass reduces the speed with which you can handle shots; thus, your gameplay may potentially suffer if using old or poorly constructed wooden models.
Fiberglass Reinforced Plywood (FRP) Stick:Gaining popularity widely since 2011 after influencing entry-level markets due high stiffness at minimum cost it quickly rose among professional teams younger members too.
“These all-rounder sticks are great for beginners looking for heightened durability & puck control” says Stanley Cup winner Mike Richards (Sports Illustrated).
The fiberglass coating provides an extra layer over traditional plywood providing increased strength while maintaining flexibility within reason. Their downside is their low power transfer rate from the user to Puck resulting in lower velocity compared to high-end carbon fiber counterparts making them less desirable as oneโs skills start progressing.
Carbon Fiber Sticks:Carbon fiber sticks, first seen in hockey during the 1990s have become increasingly popular among professional athletes over time.
“The primary advantage of carbon stick is that they’re significantly lighter than most wooden models”, explains retired Canadian center Kyle Chipchura.
The carbon-modified structure allows for a customized low weight high stiffness approach for better velocity and handling without compromising on durability making them preferred choices amongst seasoned players.
Easton’s impact on the hockey industry
Easton is no longer making hockey sticks since Bauer purchased its assets in 2016. However, Easton has had a tremendous impact on the hockey industry.
In the early years of ice hockey, players used wooden sticks that lacked consistency and durability. It wasn’t until the late 1990s when Easton revolutionized the game by introducing composite technology to make their sticks stronger, lighter, and more accurate than ever before.
“The arrival of high-quality composites changed everything, ” said Jim Fox, former NHL player and current broadcaster for Fox Sports West.
The introduction of Easton’s composite technology dramatically transformed how players approached shooting and handling pucks during games. The stick’s superior accuracy allowed them to focus more on positioning themselves instead of ensuring they hit precisely where they intended with each shot or pass.
Another significant change was stemming from Eastonโs development efforts concerning goalie masksโ safety design. They commissioned Sportmask Innovations to create helmets designed specifically for protecting ball cap-style protection while offering better vision through an array lens systemโleading to people now recognizing this helmet as one of the most commonly worn among competitive goaltenders worldwide
.“Players are using equipment that is much safer than what we wore back then.”
Said Eddie Olczyk; Former US Olympian & Current TV Color Commentator,
. A generation later after Olycyzk played elite level post-collegiate levels at Penn State and went onto play over 1K pro-level contests (NHL) in his careerโthe progression safety-wise including contributions by Easton/Innovation centers has progressed measurably!This company didnโt just stop there! They developed new products, improving advanced materials for other accessories from defense sticks to gloves and helmets.
In conclusion, despite Easton no longer producing hockey sticks. Their advancements in composite technology through innovation centers (National Hockey Development Center), revolutionized the hockey industry leading up to what we see today as playing equipment that offers better safety mechanisms while being lighter more durable & far Superior!
Innovative Stick Designs and Technologies
Easton has been known for producing some of the best hockey sticks in the market, but are they still making them?
The answer is no. In 2016, Bauer purchased Easton Hockey and discontinued their line of hockey sticks.
However, there are many other brands incorporating innovative stick designs and technologies to enhance a player’s game.
Brent Colborne, CEO of True Sports Hockey: “Our engineers use simulation software to design our hockey sticks with advanced accuracy. Weโre able to fine tune based on an athleteโs preferences through data collected during testing.”
A prime example is True Hockey who uses technology such as compression molding to create more consistent shafts resulting in better puck control. They also offer customizable kick points depending on a player’s style of play.
Matt Palumb, Product Line Manager at CCM: “The Ribcor trigger series features our new ACL technology which enhances recoil speed while providing added accuracy.”
Sherwood offers the Rekker EK365 that boasts graphene which provides strength without adding weight resulting in improved energy transfer while taking shots.
An up-and-coming brand called Raven Hockey incorporates aerospace-grade materials like carbon fiber reinforced polymer creating one-piece composite hockey sticks designed with both performance and durability in mind.
Jake Skakun, Engineering Lead at Raven Hockey: “We’ve developed the most fatigue-resistant blade edge ever made by any manufacturer โ ensuring that it will last longer than any pick-up league hero would expect.”Overall, even though Easton might not be actively making products anymore – players have plenty of options available from different manufacturers offering various innovations catered to their preferences.
Influence on other hockey equipment manufacturers
Easton Hockey played a significant role in shaping the modern game and influencing other hockey equipment manufacturers.
One of Easton’s biggest contributions to the sport was their development of composite sticks. Before that, wooden sticks were used for many years. The introduction of lighter, more durable materials increased player speed and stickhandling ability which made many top players switch to composite sticks.
The guys at Easton pushed everyone else toward making better products, ” said Mark Messier, a former NHL player who won six Stanley Cup championships over his career.
The success behind Easton’s innovative approach prompted other companies such as Bauer, CCM and Warrior Sports to follow suit by producing similar composite technology sticks that contributed significantly to the evolution of hockey gear.
Bauer produced one-piece moulded graphite skates while CCM developed plastic goalie masks; both items influenced newer versions created by competing companies later on.
“Easton has been one of my favorite brands since I started playing hockey, ” said Patrick Kane, three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks. “I remember watching pros flip their blades around like it was nothing with these thin-looking shafts.”
However, despite its pivotal contribution to ice hockey development and innovation earlier in its lifetime โ from creating asymmetrically curved blade patterns worn by Wayne Gretzky among others โ the company has shifted focus away from manufacturing competitive-level ice hockey products due to existing economic challenges within this sector nowadays according to some sources,
In conclusion,- Easton had a profound impact on developing new technologies in sports gear during its peak era between 1990-2015
- Their pioneering efforts inspired change across not just hockey but other sports as well
- Easton shifted its focus on making baseball and softball gear after encountering economic challenges within the ice hockey sector.
Where to find Easton hockey sticks today
Easton is a brand that has been associated with the production of high-quality hockey sticks for several years. The company was once owned by Performance Sports Group and produced some of the most popular sticks in the game.
However, after filing for bankruptcy, Bauer purchased all intellectual property related to Easton Hockey including patents and trademarks from Performance Sports Group making it difficult to know whether or not Easton still produces any new hockey stick models.
“The good news for fans of Easton equipment is that you can still purchase their gear on various online shops.”
If you’re interested in purchasing an Easton hockey stick, here are a few places where you might look:
- Hockey Monkey: This website offers affordable prices and regular discounts on clearance items. They have a wide range of options when it comes to buying previously used or discounted products which may include Easton Gear as well.
- Total Hockey: Total Hockey provides top-notch customer service support dealing explicitly with various types of sports inventory such as ice skates, gloves & protective gears. Here also one stand an excellent chance to get his/her hands-on last-seasonโs model at a learnable cost price without compromising much over quality.
- Hockey World :A commercially kindred area that carries sporting goods- anything from tents & camping sets up; boasts an extensive range starting from seniors down-to-juniors classes but stocks Largely serve/initially targeting pro players worldwide!
- Sportchek: The regionsโ best place if hunting lavish sweatshopping spree invested resources brings forth excitement within oneself then must give this outlet a try enjoy picking latest yet heavy-on-pocket purchases.
- Dicks Sporting Goods: This sporting goods chain stocks a variety of Easton hockey sticks for customers to choose from. Visit their online store the next time you need new Easton gear.
It is worth mentioning that finding some of the latest models might be difficult since production and release has slowed down significantly post-dissociation but these locations are sure to have something in stock whether it’s new or old inventory, when looking for top-notch quality Hockey equipment!
Retailers that still carry Easton sticks
Are you wondering if it’s still possible to get your hands on an Easton hockey stick? The answer is yes! While Easton may no longer be making or distributing their products themselves, there are retailers who have remaining stock available for purchase.
The largest retailer carrying a selection of Easton sticks is Hockey Monkey. They offer both senior and junior models in a variety of curves and flexes, so players can find the perfect fit for their game. Perani’s Hockey World also has some leftover inventory from before they stopped production.
Hockey Monkey representative:“We know how important it is to find the right gear for each player’s specific needs, which is why we keep our selection as diverse as possible. We’ve been able to secure limited quantities of Easton sticks that we believe will satisfy even our most discerning customers.”
In addition to brick-and-mortar stores like these two giants of ice hockey retail, several online shops such as Pure Hockey and Total Goalie sometimes receive a few extra pieces when other stores run out. If you’re unsure whether any particular retailer carries Easton brand hockey sticks itโs best just to pick up the phone call them yourself before taking time out of your day by driving over there blindly- see what options might suit you!
Note: It’s worth mentioning that prices may vary depending on where you shop www.hockeygiant.com lists multiple curve/flex combinations starting at $59.99USD while Amazon Canada advertises almost all its product between CAD 75 – CAD 100 but independent retailers often sell discontinued merchandise at reduced prices.
All in all, although production from this large manufacturer was halted years ago consumers need not fear about being unable to replace lost/broken/malfunctioning sticks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Easton hockey sticks still available in the market?
Yes, you can still find a variety of Easton hockey sticks available on the market today. While they are no longer being produced by the company since it stopped making them several years ago, some retailers carry remaining inventory or used options around. West Coast-based Sideline Swap and Hockey Monkey are two notable sources where buyers can purchase discounted models online.
Is Easton still producing hockey sticks for professional players?
No, Easton is not currently manufacturing any products tailored to these professional needs anymore as their lifestyle brand now has shifted solely towards baseball-related apparel and equipment only after Bauer purchased its assets back in 2016 due financial difficulties.. However, many former NHL pros have already played with one of their game-changing twigs before retirement.
Can I still buy Easton hockey sticks online?
Absolutely! Although there aren’t too many physical shops offering this type of product anymore given that they’re outdated technology-wise compared to newer brands’ options out right now but websites like Amazon store orders all over regularly โ check eBay also, usually carrying refurbished ones at discount prices if lucky enough – allowing passionate ice skaters to fulfill those long time desires without spending big bucks in premium gear purchases repeatedly.
Are Easton hockey sticks still considered high-quality products?
The quality of an item is always subjective depending on who asks opinions
Is Easton still a popular brand among hockey players?
While not as prevalent as it once was before being purchased by Bauer ended its production runs back then forcing people onto other alternatives right now, many former users often look back to how their favorite stick saved games due to built features tailored match up playing styles perfectly thereby proving satisfactory hold & feel that lead into unrealistically quick shot releases and snipe-ability attributes of particular sticks lines becoming legendary tales