What to Look for When Buying a Refurbished Hockey Stick
Buying a refurbished hockey stick is one of the smartest ways to get elite-level performance without draining your wallet—but it only pays off if you know what to look for. Whether you’re a hockey parent shopping for a growing teen or a recreational player looking to save without sacrificing quality, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Why Choose a Refurbished Hockey Stick?
A refurbished hockey stick is a pre-owned stick that’s been professionally repaired, reinforced, and tested to meet performance standards. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about getting high-end gear from brands like Bauer, CCM, Warrior, and True, at a fraction of the price.
Top Benefits:
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High-performance materials – Carbon fiber construction, advanced blade cores, and optimized flex profiles from pro-level models.
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Pro-stock feel and responsiveness – These sticks are often built for elite players and offer a better on-ice feel than many lower-tier retail models.
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Major savings – Refurbished sticks often cost 50–70% less than buying new, which is especially helpful for families with fast-growing players or those on tight budgets.
5 Key Things to Check Before You Buy a Refurbished Stick
1. Repair Location
Not all repairs are created equal. A great refurbished stick will have had repairs done in low-impact areas, like:
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Mid-shaft zones
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Handle grip areas
Be cautious if the repair is in high-stress zones, such as:
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The blade heel
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Near the hosel (where the blade meets the shaft)
Pro tip: A reputable seller will always disclose the location and nature of any repair. Look for clear photos and honest grading.
2. Shaft Integrity
Hold the stick and feel for soft spots or areas that seem compromised. A good refurbisher will:
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Reinforce the shaft using carbon fiber wraps or insert technology
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Bond the stick structurally so it retains the original stiffness and pop
If the shaft feels mushy or flexes inconsistently, it’s likely not worth your money—even at a discount.
3. Blade Condition
The blade should be:
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Stiff, with no sponginess or dead spots
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Smooth, without major cracks, splits, or excessive wear
If you’re a playmaker who prefers a slightly softer blade feel for catching and distributing pucks, that’s fine—but if you’re a shooter, you'll want a more rigid blade for better energy transfer.
Check the toe and heel closely—those areas take the most abuse and should be solid.
4. Weight and Balance
One of the most underrated signs of a good refurbished stick is that it still feels balanced in your hands.
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A stick that feels blade-heavy or has excess glue from the repair process may affect shot accuracy and handling.
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The best refurbished sticks are carefully rebalanced during the process and play just like their original retail versions.
Ask if the stick has been weighed and tested post-repair—this shows the seller knows their stuff.
5. Brand and Model Quality
Not all sticks are worth refurbishing. You want sticks from top-tier lines, including:
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Bauer: Vapor, Nexus, Supreme
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CCM: JetSpeed, Ribcor, Tacks
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Warrior: Alpha, Covert, QR series
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True: Catalyst, Hzrdus
These sticks are built with high-end carbon fiber, have optimized flex profiles, and tend to retain their value—even after repair.
Avoid lower-tier or retail-exclusive sticks. They’re often made with lower-grade materials and don’t refurbish as well.
Bonus: Don’t Ignore Flex and Curve
Just because it’s refurbished doesn’t mean it shouldn’t fit your playstyle.
Flex Guide:
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50–65 flex – Youth or lighter players
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70–85 flex – Teens or intermediate-level players
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85–100+ flex – Adults, competitive players, or strong shooters
Popular Blade Curves:
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P28 (Toe curve): Best for quick-release shots and toe drags
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P92 (Mid curve): Great all-around curve for passes and shots
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P88 (Heel/mid): Offers better control and flat shooting plane
A good shop will always clearly list the flex and curve so you’re not left guessing.
Why Buy from a Trusted Source?
At our store, we take pride in offering only high-quality refurbished sticks—each one carefully tested, cleaned, and prepped for a second life on the ice.
✅ Every stick is inspected by hand
✅ We list flex, curve, model, and condition clearly
✅ We grade condition honestly so there are no surprises
Whether you're upgrading your kid’s gear or replacing your go-to twig, we want you to feel confident in your choice—and your savings.
Final Whistle
A refurbished hockey stick can absolutely be a game-changer—but only if you know what to look for. Pay attention to the repair work, shaft feel, blade condition, and balance. Stick with top-tier models and buy from sellers who back their products with transparency and quality control.
Want to save big on your next twig?
Check out our latest arrivals of refurbished and pro stock hockey sticks from Bauer, CCM, Warrior, and True.
