Easton stealth review. Easton Stealth Flex Fastpitch Softball Bat: A Comprehensive Review

What makes the Easton Stealth Flex a top choice for fastpitch softball players. How does its innovative technology enhance performance on the field. Why are parents and players raving about this bat’s features and capabilities.

The Resurgence of a Legend: Introducing the Easton Stealth Flex

The 2017 Easton Stealth Flex has emerged as a game-changer in the fastpitch softball world, despite being relatively new to the scene. This remarkable bat is a reimagining of the legendary original Stealth, now infused with cutting-edge technologies and an eye-catching design that promises both style and substance.

Since its release at the beginning of the 2016-17 season, the Stealth Flex has been making waves across all levels of play. Its impact has been felt by players, parents, and coaches alike, garnering overwhelmingly positive feedback.

What Sets the Stealth Flex Apart?

• State-of-the-art Flex Technology
• 15% more barrel compression compared to other Easton bats
• Minimal break-in period
• Innovative CXN ZERO Technology for vibration reduction
• TCT Thermo Composite Technology for an expansive sweet spot

Flex Technology: The Heart of Innovation

At the core of the Stealth Flex’s performance is its revolutionary Flex Technology. This innovative feature runs across the barrel’s surface, providing the perfect balance of pop and compliance with league regulations. The result? A softball bat that pushes the boundaries of performance while remaining within legal limits.

How does Flex Technology benefit players? It creates a softer, more flexible barrel that delivers unprecedented performance. This flexibility translates to improved energy transfer upon contact, allowing players to generate more power with less effort.

User Testimonials: The Proof is in the Performance

Parents and players have been quick to sing the praises of the Easton Stealth Flex. One satisfied parent shared, “It’s an Easton! Great quality, amazing pop, sweet looking bat!! My daughter’s 1st composite bat was an Easton. We’ve tried other bats, but nothing beats this brand. This bat is a beauty, but you become a beast once you hold it in your hands and hit that ball over the fence. Absolutely LOVE this bat!”

Another enthusiastic review stated, “The pop on this bat is really good! My daughter says it’s the best bat she’s ever used! Her confidence level is rising! She loves it!”

These testimonials highlight the Stealth Flex’s ability to not only enhance performance but also boost player confidence – a crucial factor in any athlete’s success.

Technical Specifications: A Closer Look

The 2017 Easton Stealth Flex Fastpitch Softball Bat boasts an impressive array of features designed to cater to a wide range of players:

• Available in -9, -10, or -11 length to weight ratios
• 2 1/4 inch barrel diameter
• Approved for play in ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, SSUSA, and ISF
• Evenly balanced swing weight
• Full twelve (12) month manufacturer’s warranty
• HYPERSKIN 1.2mm bat grip
• Two-piece, fully composite construction
• Ultra-thin, 29/32 inch handle

These specifications ensure that players can find the perfect bat to suit their individual needs and playing style, while also meeting the requirements of various softball associations.

CXN ZERO Technology: Comfort Meets Performance

One of the standout features of the Stealth Flex is its CXN ZERO Technology. This innovative system connects the Flex barrel to the composite handle, engineered to eliminate vibration and sting in the hands upon contact.

Why is this important for players? Reduced vibration translates to increased comfort and confidence at the plate. Players can swing with greater authority, knowing that even miss-hit balls won’t result in painful feedback. As the saying goes, “No sting in the hands means more hits to the stands!”

TCT Thermo Composite Technology: Expanding the Sweet Spot

The Stealth Flex incorporates Easton’s proprietary TCT Thermo Composite Technology in its construction. This advanced material science creates a barrel with an expansive sweet spot and promotes unmatched bat speed.

How does TCT benefit hitters? The larger sweet spot increases the likelihood of solid contact, even on off-center hits. Coupled with the increased bat speed, this technology allows players to generate more power and drive the ball with authority to all fields.

Breaking It In: Ready Right Out of the Wrapper

One common concern with new bats is the break-in period required to achieve optimal performance. The Easton Stealth Flex addresses this issue head-on with its innovative barrel design.

Featuring 15% more barrel compression than other Easton softball bats, the Stealth Flex is designed to be hot right out of the wrapper. This means players can expect peak performance from their very first swing, without the need for extensive break-in sessions.

Is a break-in period still recommended?

While the Stealth Flex is designed for immediate performance, a short break-in period can still be beneficial. This allows players to get a feel for the bat’s balance and flex characteristics. A recommended break-in routine might include:

1. 50-100 soft toss swings
2. 50-100 hits off a tee
3. 50-100 swings in batting practice

This gradual progression helps players acclimate to the bat while ensuring its longevity and optimal performance.

Comparing the Stealth Flex to Other Easton Models

While the Stealth Flex has garnered significant attention, it’s natural to wonder how it stacks up against other Easton models. Let’s compare some key features:

While each model has its strengths, the Stealth Flex stands out for its innovative Flex Technology and superior vibration reduction, making it an excellent all-around choice for players at various skill levels.

Optimizing Your Swing with the Stealth Flex

To fully harness the power of the Easton Stealth Flex, players should focus on proper swing mechanics. The bat’s balanced swing weight and flexible barrel reward a smooth, level swing path.

Tips for maximizing performance with the Stealth Flex:

• Focus on a level swing plane to utilize the entire barrel’s sweet spot
• Emphasize quick hands and bat speed, letting the bat’s technology do the work
• Practice hitting different pitch locations to familiarize yourself with the bat’s flex characteristics
• Use the reduced vibration to your advantage by swinging with confidence on inside pitches

By adapting your approach to leverage the Stealth Flex’s unique features, you can take your hitting to the next level.

Maintenance and Care: Preserving Your Investment

To ensure your Easton Stealth Flex maintains its performance over time, proper care and maintenance are essential. Follow these guidelines to keep your bat in top condition:

1. Store the bat in a cool, dry place when not in use
2. Avoid extreme temperatures, which can affect the composite materials
3. Clean the bat with a soft, damp cloth after use to remove dirt and debris
4. Rotate the bat 1/4 turn between uses to distribute wear evenly
5. Use only approved softballs during practice and play
6. Avoid lending your bat to others, as different swing styles can affect its performance

By following these simple steps, you can extend the life of your Stealth Flex and maintain its optimal performance throughout its lifespan.

The Verdict: Is the Easton Stealth Flex Right for You?

The Easton Stealth Flex has proven itself to be a formidable option in the fastpitch softball bat market. Its combination of innovative technologies, comfortable feel, and impressive performance make it a strong contender for players of various skill levels.

Who would benefit most from the Stealth Flex? This bat is particularly well-suited for:

• Players looking for a bat with minimal break-in time
• Hitters who prefer a balanced swing weight
• Athletes who value reduced hand sting and vibration
• Players seeking a larger sweet spot for consistent performance

Ultimately, the best way to determine if the Stealth Flex is right for you is to try it for yourself. Many players find that once they experience the bat’s unique feel and performance, it quickly becomes their go-to choice at the plate.

Future Innovations: What’s Next for Easton?

As technology continues to advance, it’s exciting to consider what future innovations Easton might bring to their softball bat lineup. While we can only speculate, some potential areas of development could include:

• Further refinements to barrel flex technology for even greater energy transfer
• Advanced materials that push the boundaries of durability and performance
• Customizable features to allow players to fine-tune their bat’s characteristics
• Integration of smart technology for swing analysis and performance tracking

Whatever the future holds, Easton’s commitment to innovation suggests that the Stealth Flex is just the beginning of a new era in softball bat technology.

Conclusion: The Easton Stealth Flex – A Game-Changing Bat

The Easton Stealth Flex Fastpitch Softball Bat has made a significant impact since its introduction, earning praise from players, parents, and coaches alike. Its innovative Flex Technology, coupled with advanced features like CXN ZERO vibration reduction and TCT Thermo Composite construction, create a bat that delivers exceptional performance right out of the wrapper.

While personal preference always plays a role in bat selection, the Stealth Flex’s versatility and impressive feature set make it a strong contender for players at various levels of the game. Whether you’re a power hitter looking to drive the ball out of the park or a contact hitter aiming for consistency, the Stealth Flex offers something for everyone.

As with any equipment choice, it’s essential to try the bat for yourself to determine if it’s the right fit for your playing style. However, given the overwhelmingly positive feedback and innovative technology behind the Easton Stealth Flex, it’s certainly worth considering as you search for your next game-changing bat.

Bat Review: Easton Stealth Flex Fastpitch Softball Bat

One of the most overlooked Fastpitch softball bats in the industry is the 2017 Easton Stealth Flex. JustBats believes that this is because the Stealth Flex is relatively new to the game. This remarkable model is a remake of the legendary, original Stealth that Easton has brought back with new technologies and upgraded cosmetics for an excellent looking design with powerful performance.

Easton released the Stealth Flex at the beginning of the 2016-17 season, and it has made some serious noise at every level ever since. Parents, players, and coaches have reacted positively to this softball bat and for a good reason. Check out what these parents had to say about the Easton Stealth Flex:

“It’s an Easton! Great quality, amazing pop, sweet looking bat!! My daughter’s 1st composite bat was an Easton. We’ve tried other bats, but nothing beats this brand. This bat is a beauty, but you become a beast once you hold it in your hands and hit that ball over the fence. Absolutely LOVE this bat!”

“The pop on this bat is really good! My daughter says it’s the best bat she’s ever used! Her confidence level is rising! She loves it!”

State of the art technology and Easton’s high standards have combined to produce a softer, more flexible barrel that delivers a softball bat unlike anything you’ve ever used before. It all starts with the Flex Technology that runs across the surface of the barrel. This innovative creation allows for the perfect amount of pop and pushes the boundaries of being legal. With 15% more barrel compression than other Easton softball bats, the Stealth Flex will be hot out of the wrapper with virtually no break in period. T
he 2017 Easton Stealth Flex Fastpitch Softball Bat is a force to be reckoned with, according to the customer feedback. Other features that come with this bat include:

• -9, -10, or -11 length to weight ratio
• 2 1/4 Inch Barrel Diameter
• Approved for Play in ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, SSUSA, and ISF
• CXN ZERO Technology – Engineered for Zero Vibration
• Evenly Balanced Swing Weight
• Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer’s Warranty
• HYPERSKIN 1. 2mm Bat Grip
• TCT Thermo Composite Technology – Creates Massive Sweet Spot & Unmatched Bat Speed
• Two-Piece, Fully Composite Construction
• Ultra-Thin, 29/32 Inch Handle

The proven CXN Zero Technology that connects the innovative Flex barrel with a composite handle is engineered for zero sting in the hands, thus increasing confidence at home plate. No sting in the hands means more hits to the stands! Have you had the chance to swing the Easton Stealth Flex? If yes, leave a comment below or write a review on the product page!

If you have any baseball bat or softball bat related questions, please give our friendly Bat Experts a call at any time of the day. They can be reached via phone at 866-321-BATS (2287), email ([email protected]), and we even have a live chat feature. Remember, we’re here for you from click to hit!

Easton Stealth Flex Review | Bases Loaded Softball |

The Easton Stealth Flex is a very remarkable model, this bat lives up to the well known history of the Stealth Easton designs. The bat presents a set of upgrades in both cosmetics and performance, for this model Easton chose to implement greater technology in order to deliver a bat that is now one of the most successful of its kind. The stealth Flex material is 100% TCT composite (Thermo Composite Technology) which makes it more durable and helps with performance improvement.

Easton FP17SF9 Stealth Flex 9 Fastpitch Softball Bat, 34″/25 oz

• Flex flexible barrel compression for a softer barrel out of the wrapper
• Tct Thermo composite Technology for a massive sweet spot and unmatched swing speed
• CXN zero two-piece Conation Technology engineered for zero vibration and ultimate performance

Last update was on: November 10, 2021 11:37 pm

out of stock

One of the cut-edge aspects of the Stealth Flex is the Flex Technology used to create the barrel; these new techniques combine features in a never seen before way delivering an incredibly softer and more flexible bat. This bat will provide you as well with an amazing amount of pop, and because of its FLEXible barrel compression, which is 15% greater than other bats; this model is perfectly hot out of the wrapper, allowing you to enjoy its full potential since the very first hits.

Another very exciting innovation in this model is the CXN Zero Technology used to connect the Flex barrel with a composite handle, this technology is made to minimize sting in the hands. This is quite an important characteristic, since having zero sting in the hands can greatly improve players confidence and over-all performance. On top of that, this technology will help you maximize the energy transfer, providing with an amazing and secure feel.

Finally,  the Stealth Flex incorporates a Ultra-Thin 29/32″ TCT Composite Handle, this handle comes with the Hyperskin Helix Bat Grip.Ultimately there is no doubt this is in acclaimed bat, since its introduction in 2016-17 this bat has been constantly labelled as one of the most recommended and powerful player choices.

Bat Features:

• 2-Piece bat construction
• CXN Zero Technology
• Reduced hand sting
• 100% TCT Thermo Composite Technology
• Increased durability
• Massive improvement of the sweet spot
• Provides unmatched speed
• FLEXible barrel compression technology
• Hot of the wrapper
• Great performance all through a league
• Maximized engery transfer
• 1.2mm Hyperskin helix bat grip
• Balanced swing weight
• Ultra-thin 29/32″ handle
• 2 1/4″ Barrel diameter
• -9, -10, or -11 length to weight ratio
• One year manufacturer warranty

Certifications/Approved for play with the following associations:

Easton FP17SF9 Stealth Flex 9 Fastpitch Softball Bat, 34″/25 oz

• Flex flexible barrel compression for a softer barrel out of the wrapper
• Tct Thermo composite Technology for a massive sweet spot and unmatched swing speed
• CXN zero two-piece Conation Technology engineered for zero vibration and ultimate performance

Last update was on: November 10, 2021 11:37 pm

out of stock

Want to see this bat in action? Watch this video from a practice with the Easton Stealth by  ClosedoutBats

9.5
Total Score

A bat made with incredible technology that allows never seen before features that greatly improve the player’s performance. Crafted with outstanding materials, this bat combines innovation with durability.

PROS

• 2-Piece bat construction
• CXN Zero Technology
• Zero hand sting
• Made of TCT Thermo Composite Technology
• impressive durability
• Sweet spot improvement
• FLEXible barrel compression technology
• Hot of the wrapper
• Great performance all through a league
• Maximized engery transfer

Add your review

Easton Stealth RS Hockey Stick Review

The good folks at Easton Hockey were kind enough to send me their newest, top of the line, stick to review. So here I am with the Easton Stealth RS.

Initial thoughts: Let me start by saying that I would never consider spending $250 for a hockey stick. I have spent $140 before (and had it shattered by a slash in my first shift, seriously) but that was when I was playing in two adult leagues. Now that I’m not in a league (for now), I wouldn’t spend that kind of cash.

But … this is the single greatest stick I’ve ever used. It’s unbelievable light, reactive, responsive, strong with great feel. Great release on the shot, the torsion you can put on the stick to develop speed and improve accuracy is phenomenal. The compression build of the blade gives you an improved ability to catch and deliver passes and it’s so damn light that it almost can’t help but make your shot better.

Just don’t break one. It’ll kill you to see that kind of $$ go flying out the door.

By the way, the next product review will be a video review. Those look fun.

Easton believes the Stealth RS is the ultimate sniper stick, built to give you the confidence to become a finisher on every scoring opportunity.

Easton Stealth RS Specs

Shaft – Easton compression molds the shaft to allow for a custom made layer of Kevlar® on the outer wrap for protection and dampened feel. This process compacts the laminate to make it a lighter, stronger and better performing shaft that loads and unloads with more force.

Taper – The elliptical profile in the taper, made using a proprietary pressure molding process, results in less torsional twist and less loss of energy. The result is a quick release.
Blade – For greater accuracy, the blade stays closed through the shot. This is achieved by combining compression and pressure processes used with advanced core materials.

Elliptical Profile^TM
Multi-Rib blade construction^TM
Kevlar® wrapped shaft
Low kick point
Pro shaft dimension
Matte finish blade
Grip coating

Easton Bat Reviews

The 2010 Easton bats are essentially the same models as in 2009. They have made a few wise modifications by adding stiff handle versions to their best selling bats. Last year their composite bats were called the Stealth/Synergy IMX this year they’re called the Stealth/Synergy Speed bats but they’re essentially the same bats. The minor modifications include a slightly lower swing weight and stiff handle option on their Stealth Speed two-piece bat compared to the 2009 Stealth IMX and a stiff handle version of the hybrid SV12. For 2010 they’re putting their marketing efforts behind the handle flex rating of their baseball bats. Each of their best selling bats are accompanied with a number, the higher the number on the bat the stiffer the handle. This continues Easton’s efforts to be the leader in communicating detailed information about their baseball bats. They tell us the handle flex rating, swingweight (MOI) and hitting area for all of their bats. This is extremely helpful in selecting a bat and makes me wonder why the other manufacturers ignore or gloss over it.Don’t forget to check out the My Bat Recommendations section for my recommendations on bats segmented by material and price.

Here’s Easton’s 2010 line-up:

Easton Composite Bats

• Easton Stealth Speed 75 and 95: 100% composite, two-piece end-loaded bat. The Speed 75 is the flex handle version that is essentially identical to the 2009 Stealth IMX, except that it is slightly less end-loaded this year (swing weight rating of 80 versus 90 in 2009). The Speed 95 is the new stiff handle version of this Easton bat design. It is exactly the same as the Speed 75 except it has a stiff handle. The handle is stiffer than the Synergy Speed bat. Easton’s two-piece composite bats are by far the most popular composite bats on the market. Both the Stealth and Synergy Speed Adult -3 models retail for $399 a $20 increase from the 2009 models.

• Easton Synergy Speed 90: 100% composite, one-piece end-loaded bat (75 rating) with a stiff handle (90 rating). This bat is almost identical to the 2009 Easton Synergy IMX, except the swing weight (MOI) was ever so slightly lowered (from 80 to 75). Eastonclaims this design provides increased balance and bat control through the hitting zone versus the Stealth model. The Synergy Speed 90 is aimed directly at the heart of Louisville’s one-piece, stiff handle philosophy. This design is far less popular than the Stealth Speed/IMX design. If you like this bat you should look for the 2009 model. It’s priced around $259 or $140 less than the identical 2010 model.

Easton Hybrid Bats

• Easton SV12 65 and 90: Two-piece bat with a 100% composite handle, 100% alloy barrel and low swing weight rating of 70. The SV12 65 (yellow letters/handle) is identical to the 2009 model and has more handle flex than the Stealth Speed 75.The SV12 90 (red letters/handle) is a new stiff handle version of the SV12 bat. It has the same handle stiffness as the Synergy Speed 90. Once again Easton was wise to offer a stiff handle version of this bat. The stiff handle version was much more popular on teams swinging Easton bats in the 2009 College World Series than the flex handle model. I believe the stiff version will become a good seller for Easton. The Adult -3 models retail for $299 which is $50 less than last year’s price. If you like the flex handle option you can purchase the 2009 model (yellow barrel) for less money. It’s the same bat!

Easton Alloy Bats

• Easton V12: One-piece, 100% alloy bat with the stiffest handle (100) and lowest swingweight (60) of any Easton bat. A solid choice for anyone who prefers an alloy bat with a stiff handle. The Adult -3 model retails for $199 which is a reasonable price.

Again, By far Easton does the best job of communicating detailed information about their bats making it easy to find an Easton bat with the characteristics you desire. Very, very smart marketing by the Easton people. Take a look at the My Baseball Bat Recommendations section for my bat recommendations in each category.

Easton Stealth CX Review – Hockey Review HQ

TJ Simpson

My name is TJ Simpson. I’ve been playing hockey since I was three, and grew up in a house with two brothers and a Dad who’ve played our whole lives. After playing travel and high school, I’ve played in Sweden, while attending the University of Michigan, and for the now ACHA DIII National Champion Oakland University. I currently play in a few beer leagues in Michigan, including two unique full-draft leagues complete with trades, stats, and lots of chirping.

Latest posts by TJ Simpson (see all)

You know those shots when you get the puck and have no time to look? Or you pick up a pass and don’t have a viable shooting lane? The kinds of shots that you can only do your best to not hit the first set of shin pads in front of your face? What do you do?

You’re a sniper, or you’re tired and need a whistle, or the goalie’s been chirping you all game so you’ve resolved to rip every puck at him until your comeback is in the back of the net. So you let it fly, and before the puck seems to leave your blade, you hear it clang a bar. You haven’t registered what happened yet, and your teammates already have their arms up. You have no clue where you put it, but it came off so clean that you know it was a rocket. Between realizing it’s in and your liney saying “man, that was a laser,” you’ve already resolved to play it off like you’re Max effing Pacioretty.

A SNIPER’S ULTIMATE WEAPON

Whichever combination of those hypotheticals you like best, I’ve scored more of them than I’m proud of with my CXes. As you may be able to tell, I’m a huge fan – but why? I’ve used many more twigs than I can count over the years (I could give you an estimate from all the pieces in my basement, still waiting to become a bottle opener or a hat rack or a picture frame), and I’ve always gravitated to the low kick sticks, and the Easton Stealth line is my favorite.

WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL?

Easton’s elliptical taper, which was a staple for the Stealth line for years, is what gives it that “pure” release. Now that Performance Sports Ltd., the company that owns Bauer, has acquired Easton’s hockey division, it’s my sincere hope that they work this design into future Vapor models. The elliptical taper helps prevent the shaft from twisting backward while you flex, which only improves accuracy. If you’ve been paying attention, the Stealth line has been doing this for a decade – the S17, S19, RS, RSII, and V9E all featured this technology.

I was lucky enough to pick up two of these at an annual University of Michigan hockey sale I’m known to frequent, and they instantly brought me back to those bottle-popping, twine-tickling, bar down days of the CX’s forebears. I love wheeling down the wing and loading up the shaft while looking for holes – the goalie can see your eyes, but you’ve found one and- oops, it’s in the net.

Specs and my opinion on the feel

Performance – Obviously excellent for quick wristers and snap shots. Although the shaft feels very strong, the low kick point means an adjustment is needed for heavier wrist shots and slap shots.

Flex – Because I’m a big guy at 6’3″ and 230 pounds, I can’t use anything under 95 flex. My 100s feel right on par with other brands, though because of the CX’s kick point, it will feel a little whippier than a mid-kick or variable kick point.

Weight – 400 grams. It’s among the lightest on the market, and feels like it.

Curve – I lean toward the Sakic style curves, which pairs well with snipers. E3 (Easton), P92 (Bauer), P29 (CCM), TC2 (True), W03 (Warrior). Excellent for going bar down with quick shots.

Balance – The balance of the stick feels great. Because of its low kick, stickhandling takes a little adjustment coming from other styles.

Durability – My first one, unfortunately, broke after a few months, though I play 3-4 times a week in highly competitive leagues. The second one is still going strong. Older Eastons have taken heat for their blades breaking down, and I’ve had a few with disintegrating toes or bottom cracks, but none of those problems have appeared on the CX.

Price – The CX is a top-tier stick, and commands a high-end price. However, it’s a year or so old, which has dropped it down around $199.

Recommendations – I recommend this stick to guys who love to shoot frequently, quickly, and accurately. If you take a lot of slashes, faceoffs, or doll out cross-checks, the CX ST was made more hardy for you, you big goon.

Initial Impressions – Hockey World Blog

Easton continues to make impressive strides with their sticks as they look to make light weight, yet durable models to satisfy the needs of players of every caliber, and the Easton Stealth RS appears to be no exception. Tons of buzz surrounded the stick in recent weeks leading up to the anticipated release date this past weekend. Thanks to Easton hockey, the members of Hockey World Blog were able to secure a Stealth RS to determine if the product can deliver on the hype.

Specs: Easton Stealth RS, Grip finish, Iginla curve, 100 Flex

Modifications: Cut two inches off the butt of the stick

Appearance and Design: Plainly put – this stick is sexy. Perhaps no Stealth model to this point has so successfully implemented such a “stealth” look. The stick is almost completely black on the outward-facing side of the shaft while the inward side has blocks and lines of yellow graphically implemented throughout. The butt-end of the stick also features yellow with white letters spelling “Easton Stealth RS.” The blade is mostly black with a strip of yellow beginning on the bottom of the blade at the heel and fading as it moves toward the toe.

Like most one-piece sticks now, the Stealth RS features a tapered shaft. And like sticks in the Stealth line, the RS includes the elliptical TORX shaft on the taper to help improve durability at the lower end of the stick where it’s most susceptible to breakage from serious slashes. The RS also presents newer materials throughout to help maintain durability while decreasing the overall weight of the stick.

The RS also has a dual finish. Most of the shaft is the normal glossy finish, but the gloss fades into a matte finish on the lower-third of the stick and even onto the blade.

A small manufacturing blemish on the blade of our new Easton Stealth RS

Unfortunately, my model had a few manufacturing flaws on the lower portion of the shaft and the blade. The toe of the blade had a raised bump of excess material dried on. It could easily be sanded off no problem, but still a minor flaw that I didn’t expect to see. There also appeared to be some small holes on the bottom of the toe of the blade presumably from popped air bubbles. Most of them are pretty small, but hopefully it doesn’t affect the blade’s durability in the long run.

Balance: The RS has real solid balance with very even weight distribution throughout the entire shaft. In fact, the weight distribution is so good that after using the RS I picked up another stick that I took with me to the rink and could feel a noticeable difference in that stick’s balance compared to the RS. Plus, the balance and even weight distribution help give the RS a more “solid” feel where the shaft doesn’t feel like paper mache that could break on the first hard slash.

Feel: The light weight and even weight distribution allows for a pretty good feel for the puck on the blade. Honestly, I didn’t feel like stick handling ability was the best thing about this stick and I’ve played with other sticks that I think offered a better feel for the puck during stick handling and passing – especially some sticks that are a little more blade-light and seem to send more vibrations up through the shaft when the puck impacts the shaft.

One real positive was how the blade absorbed the energy while receiving passes. I was very impressed with the RS’s ability to take a hard pass. We all know how to cradle a pass, but for testing’s sake I allowed a few hard passes to smack into a firmly held blade and the stick absorbed the pass very well without the puck bouncing all over the place. It was a pleasant surprise.

Bear in mind that for this initial review I was using roller hockey pucks which are incredibly lighter than ice hockey pucks. I think most anyone who purchases the stick will be happy with how it feels stick handling, passing and shooting.

Shooting and Accuracy: Let me preface this section by stating that my only prior experience with Easton’s Stealth line was with the S17 a few years back. While I liked the feel for the puck the stick provided, I had a lot of issues achieving fast, accurate shots with the S17. Comparing that stick to the RS, the RS is a huge improvement.

A lot of people have already described this stick as having a lot of “pop.” This is a pretty apt description. The puck seems to release from the stick quicker and faster shots can be achieved with seemingly less effort. I was really impressed with the stick’s performance on wrist shots. Again, pucks seemed to release quickly from the blade with more energy. Sometimes I had trouble placing my wrist shots high in the corners with the S17. That wasn’t an issue at all with the RS. The solid build of the stick allowed me to place shots high or low with ease.

My accuracy was solid with wrist shots, but less so on slapshots. I was generally able to get my wristers where I wanted them without any trouble. Any issues that I did experience I chalk up to the curve on the stick, which is an Iginla when I am used to using something closer to the Cammalleri curve. Still, I was generally pleased with the accuracy of my wrist shots.

My slapshots, however, were a little tougher to control. I had the same issue with the S17 when I used that stick. Although I can’t be certain of the cause, I attributed my issues to the elliptical TORX shaft on the stick. The RS has the same elliptical shaft, and I experienced some of the same issues. Initially, everything seemed to go about six inches left of where I was aiming. As my session on the rink progressed I found myself better able to control my shots without a loss of power, but it still wasn’t to as high of a degree of accuracy that I have experienced with other sticks. This is definitely something that I will keep an eye on for future reviews to see if it improves as the stick breaks in a little more.

Overall Impressions: After my previous experience with the S17, I was cautiously optimistic about the Easton Stealth RS. Needless to say, after about two hours of messing around with the stick on the rink, I’m impressed. The RS feels solid in your hands and offers a good feel for the puck. But this stick really excels at shooting where the puck really pops off the stick. Accuracy is good on wrist shots but less so on slapshots. Overall, I think most hockey players will be pleased with this purchase.

Although our review starts here with our initial impressions, follow us in the weeks to come as we put this stick to the test in game situations to see how it holds up as we continue to put it through the grind. We will continue to assess many of the areas we have covered here and also get a better feel for the durability of the stick. Keep checking back for more!

If you’re thinking about purchasing the Easton Stealth RS, head over to Inline and Ice Warehouse to grab one. You can get the clear or grip Stealth RS version for only $249.99.

DISCONTINUED 2018 Easton STEALTH FLEX Composite Fastpitch Softball Bat, -11 Drop, 2-1/4 in Barrel, FP18SF11

FREE Ground Shipping to the Continental USA!

Available both stock/untouched and Heat Rolled with Progressive Pressure – choose your preference during checkout!

• FLEX FLEXIBLE BARREL COMPRESSION for a softer barrel out of the wrapper
• TCT THERMO COMPOSITE TECHNOLOGY for a massive sweet spot and unmatched swing speed
• CXN ZERO TWO-PIECE CONNEXION TECHNOLOGY engineered for zero vibration and ultimate performance
• Ultra-thin 29/32″ handle with all new 1.2mm HYPERSKIN HELIX grip
• Certification: ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA and ISF
• Diameter: 2-1/4 Inches

Are you ready to Flex More Power? The legendary Easton STEALTH is back, and it’s packing an all-new FLEX barrel design – an innovation that delivers more pop, improved feel and better overall performance through a softer and more flexible barrel design. The STEALTH FLEX -11 is an evenly balanced design for a faster swing speed, and 15% more barrel compression means more pop right out of the wrapper. The two-piece TCT Thermo Composite Technology and CXN ZERO technology reduce vibration and sting in a design with a bigger sweet spot than ever before. The ultra-thin 29/32” handle with 1.2mm HYPERSKIN grip provides stability through the hitting zone. The Easton STEALTH FLEX is certified at 98MPH for the ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, SSUSA and ISF.

Manufacturing tolerances, performance considerations, and grip weight may cause variations from the listed weight.

OPTION GUIDE: Should I order this bat stock/untouched or Heat Rolled with Progressive Pressure?
If you order your new bat Heat Rolled with Progressive Pressure, it will be delivered to you completely and evenly broken in. This process adds 20-40ft of distance to your solid hits and adds 2-3 business days of lead time to your order. This process is undetectable, but if you plan to use the bat in an official game or event, you should verify legality with your league or sanctioning body. We (LongballBats.com) do not encourage the use of a Heat Rolled bat in any game or event where it is against the rules. The vast majority of new bats that we sell are Heat Rolled with Progressive Pressure. Click here for details about our process!

90,000 Club Curl Chart Bauer, Easton, Warriror, CCM, Salming, Reebok

Table of club curvatures of different manufacturers

BAUER

BAUER STICK BENDING POINTS

TABLE OF BAUER GOALKEEPER BENDING TABLE

9000 9002 GO TO CATALOG 9132 CCS BAUER

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