Gryphon Hockey sticks are renowned for their innovative design and focus on player performance. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding youth player, Gryphon offers a range of sticks to cater to your specific needs and playing style. This comprehensive guide delves into the key features of the Gryphon hockey stick range, empowering you to choose the perfect tool to dominate the pitch.
Understanding the Tiers: Tour vs. Chrome
Gryphon categorizes its sticks into two primary ranges: Tour and Chrome. Each caters to a distinct player level:
- Tour Range: Designed for elite players seeking top-of-the-line performance. These sticks prioritize power, control, and responsiveness.
- Chrome Range: Targets intermediate players looking to elevate their game. They offer a good balance of performance and affordability.
Demystifying the Tech: Core Features Across Gryphon Sticks
While Tour and Chrome ranges cater to different skill levels, some core features remain consistent across Gryphon sticks:
- Lightweight Construction: Made with high-performance composites, Gryphon sticks boast a lightweight feel for faster swing speeds and improved maneuverability. Weight typically ranges between 510g and 540g, striking a balance between power and agility.
- Balance Point Variations: Gryphon offers a variety of balance points within each range. A lower balance point (below 400mm) concentrates weight towards the head, ideal for powerful hitting. Conversely, a higher balance point (above 400mm) provides a more even weight distribution for better stick handling and control.
- Diverse Bow Options: The bow, or curve, of the stick significantly impacts dribbling, passing, and shot-taking. Gryphon offers a variety of bow shapes to suit different playing styles, from low bows for 3D skills to extreme bows for drag flicking.
Tour Range: Unleashing Peak Performance
The Tour range is the pinnacle of Gryphon’s offerings. These sticks are meticulously crafted for elite players demanding the best:
- High Carbon Content: Tour sticks utilize a high percentage of carbon fiber in their construction. This translates to exceptional power transfer, generating explosive shots and powerful passes.
- Engineered Resins: Gryphon incorporates specifically formulated resins within the Tour range sticks. These resins provide a surprisingly soft feel despite the high carbon content, offering excellent touch and control alongside raw power.
- Multiple Bend Types: The Tour range boasts a wider selection of bend types compared to the Chrome range. This allows players to find the perfect stick for their preferred skills, whether it’s mastering drag flicks or executing pinpoint passes.
Chrome Range: Advancing Your Skills
The Chrome range is ideal for intermediate players seeking to elevate their game:
- Carbon Fiber with Cork Inserts: Chrome sticks utilize a blend of carbon fiber and strategically placed cork inserts. The carbon fiber offers good power and responsiveness, while the cork inserts enhance feel and provide a cushioned touch on the ball.
- Graded Carbon Levels: Within the Chrome range, Gryphon offers sticks with varying carbon percentages. This allows players to find a balance between performance and budget, with higher carbon content sticks offering more power.
- Focus on Skill Development: The Chrome range bows are designed to encourage specific skills. These sticks may have a slightly larger sweet spot compared to the Tour range, aiding in developing passing and dribbling techniques.
Choosing Your Gryphon Stick: Beyond Specifications
While technical specifications are crucial, consider these additional factors when selecting your Gryphon stick:
- Playing Style: Identify your strengths and weaknesses as a player. Are you a powerful hitter or a finesse-oriented player? Choose a stick that complements your style.
- Skill Level: Be honest about your experience level. Don’t jump straight to a high-end Tour stick if you’re new to the game. A Chrome stick might be a better starting point.
- Personal Feel: Ultimately, the best way to choose is to try the stick yourself. Visit a hockey store and get a feel for the weight, balance, and grip of different Gryphon models.
The Final Takeaway:
Gryphon hockey sticks offer a compelling option for players of all levels. By understanding the Tour and Chrome range distinctions, the core features across the range, and the importance of personal preference, you can select the Gryphon stick that empowers you to dominate the pitch and take your hockey game to the next level.
And let’s face it, if you are a serious hockey player you have to put Gryphon Hockey sticks in you sights when you review your next hockey stick!
Love other sports? Us too! Read our Hockey Stick Reviews and Squash Racket Reviews …… Have fun out there!
Close comparisons: Checkout the Grays AC range for a comparison for the Gryphon Tour hockey sticks
