Stick Tech
Bends
Mercian sticks are made in our own unique moulds, only used by us, having been commissioned by us and designed for us, they are not a replication of other ‘free market’ moulds and reflect our thoughts on stick bows, head shapes and handle dimensions.
Xtreme Bend
Xtreme Bend – NEW 2022_2023
The Xtreme bend features a number of the popular concepts seen in our other bends in addition to some new elements.
- The toe of the stick has been thinned down both on the face and the back of the head to aid getting the ball into the air for 3D skill execution.
- The backhand zone has been flattened to aid passing and shooting accuracy
- The actual bend of the stick (face) is the same as the Ultimate – 24.5mm at a maximum bend point of 200mm from the head
- A 2mm concave shaft, with the concave situated above the stick face, so enhancing flicking and ‘sling-shot’ slapping skills but without compromising the ball / face impact
- 4-degree face twist to aid ball handling, dribbling and control on the reverse side
- A thinned handle so that with the EVA under grip on the CKF90 the grip dimensions feel ‘normal’.
Pro Bend
The Mercian Pro Bend incorporates a near maximum 23.5mm bow positioned just below the mid-point of the shaft, approximately 250mm from the bottom of the stick. The shaft has then been shaped to give a thinner profile under the right hand and a balance point that favours the head end of the stick. This gives a combination of great stick turn-over due to the shape but enhanced hitting power because of the balance point and sweet spot, the hitting power is also enhanced because the head is 1.5mm thicker than the ultimate bend.
Ultimate Bend
The Mercian Ultimate Bend is the most aggressive low bow that we have ever made, with the bend of the stick effectively cupping the ball. The maximum bend at this lowest legal point enhances drag flicking and aerial skills with the balance point of the stick adjusted to also favour 3D dribbling skills. Whilst the shaft weighting aid sticks head speed it still provides power and balance for the slapping and pushing associated with elite level skill execution.
. The concave face shape ‘cups’ and cushions the ball to help with close control, 3D skill execution and lifted passes but is obviously within the FIH 4mm deviation guidelines. To create the concave face the head is 2mm thicker than the Ultimate bend and therefore also offers a head weighted bias which aids hitting and slapping power.
HEX Bend
The new innovative HEX bend is a hybrid model combining a lacrosse style handle and a conventional hockey shaft. The 6-sided grip means a player can feel the sticks position in the hand without looking and the shape specifically helps locate the extended finger associated with flicking along the spine of the stick. As the hexagonal handle shape merges into the hockey shaft it creates a flattened spine that increases the sticks stiffness. The edges then are also flattened to give a specific backhand hitting zone with a surface designed to aid both power and control on the reverse side. The shaft then also has the ultimate bend with its maximal curve to further enhance flicking and overhead skills.
MID Bend
The Mercian mid-bow has a 22mm bend situated 300mm up the shaft. A majority of players are still looking for a low or extreme low bow stick that helps with drag flicking, aerials or 3D skill execution. However, an increasing number are looking for a straighter stick, this Mid-bend aligns the hands more with the stick face and so it assists accuracy with hitting and slapping. With some people considering that the primary skills for defensive players are distribution using hitting and slapping, this stick is perfectly suited for that purpose.
Standard Bend
The Standard Bend that you find in the Genesis CF5 and Genesis Wood models in this year’s Mercian Range have a 22mm bow with the maximum bend positioned at the mid-point of the shaft. The balance point has been moved up the stick towards the handle to enhance the key playing characteristics of these sticks – the higher balance point means less head weight, an easier turn-over and therefore assists skill execution. This standard bend exists in the junior Genesis CF5 and Wood models and importantly the 30 – 32” models also feature a mould that has been reduced in all dimensions, not simply the cut-down versions of adult sticks that exist in the market, which offer poor balance and pick-up.
Products Online
Genesis CF25
25% Carbon Pro-bend composite hockey stick with M-Gel and high friction face. An intermediate composite stick for a junior player, the full carbon shell creates a good level of energy transfer for powerful skill execution.
Genesis CF15
A 15% carbon entry level composite stick with specifically placed carbon inserts to provide good levels of stiffness and durability and strength in specific areas. Available in multiple lengths to suit both tall and shorter players and differing styles.
Genesis CF5
A 5% Carbon and 95% Fibreglass entry level composite hockey stick. Available in three colours and multiple lengths the Genesis CF5 is the perfect introduction to a composite stick for the beginner player.
It’s great to be associated with a global brand, it gives added confidence in the products, that they will be the quality I need to perform at the very highest level. Sam HiHa – NZ BlackSticks
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info@mercianhockey.com
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+44 (0)1483 757677
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GU22 9JX. UK