Stick Materials

Resin:

The resin used in a stick determines many characteristics for the stick performance.  A resin can be mixed, impregnated into fabric material forming a composite which after curing, is totally flexible, or as stiff as steel.  It is all about the chemistry, as the PHOENIX line of sticks utilize a custom hybrid of resins featuring different characteristics, custom blended for strength to withstand forces from hitting, and tempered to provide an exceptional feel when in contact with the ball . These resins are formulated and blended in the USA. Most composites are created with one and two part resin mixtures, our versions are two and three part systems.

Fabrics:

Carbon, Glass and Kevlar are woven and produced in the USA.  All our fabrics are of the highest quality and strength, as they come off the same production line as those used for the Stealth Military equipment and Formula I auto racing.

Carbon:

Our use of carbon takes 5 forms.

1)   Spread Tow – Significantly reduces fiber kink. As the fibers mix with resin, they straighten out before their tensile strength is strained and become stronger than spun or woven versions.

2)   Plain 2×2 Weave – uniform strength in both the horizontal vertical directions. Layers are alternately placed at 45 degree angles to achieve maximum property strength.

3)   Bi-Axial Sleeve – braided in a seamless 2×2 twill pattern, the sleeve completely conforms to the changing geometry of a hockey stick. It improves the overall performance by maximizing the ultimate tensile strength of the carbon. The sleeve orients itself to the direction of force, withstands pressure and tolerates damage and fatigue.  If punctured, there is a slow controlled failure, rather than traditional carbon catastrophic failure.

4)   Carbon Sleeve – is a hybridized yarn containing aerospace grade carbon in a quad woven format, alternating angles every other layer in warp and fill to combine the properties of both fibers in the same plane. Used for stiffness, bulk, and vibration dampening in a single layer.

5) Flat Carbon – High Modulus Carbon uni-directional aerospace grade carbon.  We use a custom material with exceptional strength and durability.

Fiberglass:

We utilize a biaxial fiberglass braid of precisely oriented fibers of maximum stiffness, torsial stability and compressive strength. The sleeve has a 45 degree orientation. A biaxial braided sleeve easily and repeatedly expands to the changing geometry of a field hockey stick. They can accommodate straight, uniform cross-section forms as well as non-linear, irregular cross section components.    

HR2 System:

The HR2, Vibration Dampening System, is a combination of urethane inserts of different densities placed at the end of the handle and throughout the stick to reduce the amount of shock received by the player in both driving and receiving the ball.  The enhanced comfort level means a softer grip that will allow the player a faster wrist snap.  This faster wrist movement provides accelerated club head speed and a harder hit without a change in the rest of the player’s overall technical body movements for successful ball transfers.

Danaher Gel Shock Resistor Grip:

This grip is custom built by Gamma Grip, USA for the PHOENIX line of hockey sticks.  It contains a layer of gel to aid in comfort when driving the ball, and a soft channeled grip for excellent holding ability when playing on wet surfaces.