Our equipment expert RUPERT BARKER tests the latest poles on the market and renders its verdict
We provide video analysis for each stick, detailing full product specifications and design, and offering our assessment of which sticks are suitable for player types and budgets.
Otter Ltd LB Elite 2022
Brand: Otter Hockey
Model: Ltd. Elite
Shape: LB (Low Arc)
Bow: 24.25mm, 200mm from the head
Carbon: 95%
Price: approx. £250
Features:
The carbon bar running down the back of the stick increases the power of hits and slaps.
The 6mm carbon weave and improved sweet spot not only increase energy production, but also give the stick a soft feel.
Upside-down Otter flat edge to aid in tomahawk hitting power and consistency.
THP Verdict:
Otter continues to go from strength to strength and developments made this year have led to this new stick. LB Elite’s balance is superb making dribbling and receiving the ball a pleasure, while the carbon bar really makes a difference in hitting and slapping power. It’s an outstanding all-rounder with so many strengths and no real weaknesses to speak of. Otter is a growing company, and they deserve their place in the market with quality sticks like this.
Brabo Elite 1 WTB Forged Carbon Low Bow 2
Brand: Brabo
Model: Elite 1
Shape: low knot 2
Bow: 24mm, 240mm from the head
Carbon: 100%
Price: approx. £200
Features:
The corrugated torsion box on the back of the stick increases strength and stiffness, giving the stick dynamic power when hitting.
PowerZone technology distributes power across the length of the stick and improves backhand ball speed.
Forged carbon fuses the fibers together, then molds them into a stick shape, once again promoting power in your game.
THP Verdict:
This stick has a nice feel and a soft feel, but the new features on this year’s Brabo are all designed for one thing: more power! They help deliver more ball speed on the slap and strike, but the most noticeable element is the margin for error. This stick is incredibly easy to generate speed almost anywhere you hit the ball. £200 is excellent value for this kind of power and consistency.
GRYPHON Tower XXII
Brand: GRYPHON
Model: Tower XXII
Form: Samurai
Bow: Bottom – 25mm, 205mm from head
Carbon: 100% carbon quotient
Price: approx. £300
Features:
Kraibon technology delivers ultimate power combined with great feel for an exceptionally balanced stick.
6K carbon fiber lends incredible durability to the stick, which also allows for a crisp responsive feel.
The lightweight feel layer creates a lightweight, durable stick with a high balance point to allow perfect hand control while executing dribbles and shots.
THP Verdict:
The GRYPHON Tour continues to be one of the best poles on the market. Designed in conjunction with international player specs, any top gamer should consider it. The combination of touch and power is truly unique and with the concave face of the samurai model, shots and lifts are easily executed. Although it costs a bit more than some other offers, you can feel the quality with every touch.
GRYPHON Taboo Blue Steel XXII
Brand: GRYPHON
Model: Taboo Blue Steel XXII
Shape: Pro 25
Bow: Bottom – 25mm, 250mm from head
Carbon: 95% carbon quotient
Price: approx. £270
Features:
The combination of carbon, aramid and fiberglass creates a super responsive feel with extreme power.
The supreme cushion grip dampens vibrations in the coldest conditions and gives the stick great comfort for hitting, slapping and carrying.
The lightweight feel layer creates a lightweight, durable stick with a high balance point to allow perfect hand control while executing dribbles and shots.
THP Verdict:
The Taboo Blue Steel is another GRYPHON mainstay that has been delighting gamers for years. It is slightly heavier than the Tour but also easier to control the ball and move it around in the dribble. However, it still provides great power across the entire shaft. blue steel is
definitely worth a look for mid to high level players and its versatility makes it ideal for all areas of the pitch.
Dragon Eclipse 100 ’22
Brand: Dragon
Model: 100
Form: Eclipse
Bow: 24.75mm, 240mm from the head
Carbon: 100%
Price: approx. £260
Features:
The aerocarbon bond forms the carbon into honeycombs inside the stick, resulting in high stiffness with light weight.
The carbon bar running down the back of the stick reinforces the strike and click.
The foam under the grip cushions the sensations of hitting and receiving the ball.
THP Verdict:
The Dragon 100 is one of the stiffest poles on the market. You can almost feel every dimple on the ball as you dribble with it. The balance and slightly tapered grip allow players to dribble past and push passes with great immediacy. Despite the extreme stiffness, the Dragon 100 still generates power on the slap and the shot. If ball carrying and quick skill execution in small spaces is your game, then the Dragon Eclipse 100 might just be the stick for you.
Rival DR 95
Brand: Rival
Model: DR 95
Shape: DR (formerly Drag Pro)
Bow: Bottom – 24mm, 200mm from head
Carbon: 95% carbon
Price: approx. £160
Features:
Super low arch and thin tapered head for ultimate glide.
GripX – a rough textured surface applied to the head of the stick for easier dribbling and control.
95% carbon reinforced with 5% Kevlar for added strength.
THE Verdict:
The Rival DR 95 looks like a real step up from last year’s model. The feel of the neck is clean and the power on the strike and the slap are greatly improved. Compared to more expensive models, the sweet spot is slightly smaller, but if you find it, the ball will slam into your face. The shape and profile of the DR 95 makes it simple to shoot and you can really throw it into the roof of the net. At this price, Rival sticks represent excellent value for money.
