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Specifications: TRUE A6.0, 85 flex, MC Pattern
More information at: http://www.true-hockey.com/
When I first heard about TRUE Hockey, I wasn't sure what to expect. True Temper is a relatively new brand to the hockey world, however, for fourteen years, other hockey companies hired TRUE Hockey to design, engineer and manufacture over 2,000,000 sticks that showed up in the hands of countless NHL players.
Before jumping into the review, I would like to thank TRUE Hockey providing me with this opportunity, and for sending me their top end stick, the A6.0, to review and put to the test.
Look:
Right out of the box, the first thing that I noticed was its spectacular look. The sticks design features an all black shaft, with blue and grey accents throughout. Its design is simple and very subtle, with no marketing gimmicks. While the design is sleek and simple, the electric blue accents will certainly allow the stick to standout.
Feel:
Before stepping out onto the ice, the stick felt spectacular in my hands. Super light, and just well balanced. Also, the stick felt slightly whippier than your typical 85 flex. Typically, I'm not a fan of super light sticks because I fear the lack of puck feel and durability, however, this was not the case with the A6.0. After putting it to test for many hours, it's safe to say that the feel on this beauty is unreal.
The grip on this stick is absolutely spot on. Not too heavy, not too light, but just right.
Weighing in at just 400 grams, the A6.0 is noticeably lighter than its competitors. As well, the stick is tremendously balanced. True's Axenic Technology allows for a seamless mold between the shaft and blade, which removes unnecessary excess weight and allows for a more balanced and lightweight feel.
After putting the stick to the test, it's safe to say that the stick is very responsive and feels nice when stick handling. Puck feel is great, so you don't feel the need to drop your head down to make sure that the puck is still there.
Being a defensemen that shoots a lot, one of the most important features that I look for in my sticks is their feel, responsiveness and accuracy.
Having not been familiar with True Temper's sticks, I wasn't too sure what to expect. After using the stick for the first time, I was amazed with the way it performed. True's Smartflex Technology is a mid-flex profile optimal for performance and feel in any game situation. The stick is softer in the butt section, which allows for more leverage on snap and wrist shots. The stiffer portion of the stick allows for accuracy and stability. After shooting with the stick for the first time, I was absolutely hooked. Shooting was effortless, as pucks just flew of my blade.
Beyond the amount of power I was generating in my shots, my shots were precise and accurate. For the most part, hitting corners was not an issue.
Durability:
After a few months of solid use, and lots of ice time, this stick was put to a true durability test. Regardless of the sticks astonishing lightweight, the A6.0 is tremendously durable. Aside from normal wear and tear, the stick held up tremendously well. There are a number of scratches on the front and backside of the blade, however, there are no cracks or significant damages. As for the shaft, there is practically no signs of wear, other than a few minor cosmetic scratches.
Even after much use, the stick performed as if it were brand new. The blade maintained its stiffness, and the shaft continued to kick hard, allowing for optimal power on shots. This is because of True's Active Bond Technology. The A6.0 is built with a unique foam core technology with high impact strength. True's unique technology will prevent your sticks from going soft on you after a few months of use.
Overall, the True Temper A6.0 proved that it can take a beating. After many slashes and shot blocks, the stick still plays stiff and feels how it felt right of the box.
Overall Impressions:
All in all, I was amazingly surprised by the performance that stick stick offered. The TRUE A6.0 is the best stick I've used quite a few years. The performance I got out of the A6.0 has been unlike that of any other stick I've used recently.
True did a great job releasing a stick that not only feels and looks great, but performs better than any other stick out there right now.
Coming in at a price of $259.99, the A6.0 compares equally to any top end stick from other well known hockey manufactures. Don't be fooled by many of the marketing gimmicks used by the bigger companies, and go out on limb and try something new.
Though I own several other high end sticks from Bauer and other well known hockey companies, the TRUE A6.0 is the weapon of my choice. It not only looks great but the performance is like no other on the market today. Very lightweight, true one piece design, exceptionally responsive, great kick, great accuracy and durability is on par with other more established brands.
Although the price may make customers turn to more established brands, I'd highly recommended TRUE Hockey's lineup of sticks to anyone, regardless of their skill or abilities. True has a great lineup of sticks that accommodates every player's needs.
Look good, feel good, play good
