Hockey Stick Review: Sher-Wood Rekker EK15

There’s only one stick that can claim to be the lightest on the market. The honor belongs to the Sher-Wood Rekker EK15, a 385-gram technological wonder. Bobby Ryan has called this handmade stick “groundbreaking.”

From the Manufacturer

Construction

The Rekker EK15 stick is built with Sher-Wood’s proprietary EKORE technology, which basically means it’s made by hand. Even though it takes 8x longer to make it, the manufacturer claims to be more durable than machine-made sticks.

The EK15 is a true one-piece spear-shaft construction stick made of compression-molded, 100 percent carbon-fiber. The shaft’s side walls are concave with rounded corners at the edges.

To improve responsiveness and remove vibration—Sher-Wood calls it “the most responsive and vibration-free blade ever made”—the EK15’s blade features VRF, or Vibration Reduction Foam Core and a carbon bridge in the middle, which help with durability, puck feel, and keeping the blade stiff.

Sher-Wood Rekker EK15: Specifications

• One piece
• Length:
  • Senior:60 in
  • Intermediate: 57 in
  • Junior: 52 in
• Weight: 385 grams
• Flex:
  • Senior: 95, 85, 75
  • Intermediate: 65
  • Junior: 45
• Kick point: Low
• Blade patterns and lies:
  • Senior:
    • PP01–Smith: 1/2 in toe curve, open face, round toe; Lie 5
    • PP05–LI: 1/2 in heel curve, open face, square toe; Lie 6
    • PP09–Ryan I/Spezza: 1/2 in mid-heel curve, slightly open face, round toe; Lie 5.5
    • PP12–IG: 1/2 in mid curve, slightly open face, round toe; Lie 6.5
    • PP26–Stastny: 1/2 in heel curve, slightly open face, round toe; Lie 6
    • PP77–Coffey: 3/4 in mid curve, open face, round toe; Lie 5.5
    • PP88–Ryan II: 1/2 in mid curve, straight face, round toe; Lie 6
    • PP92–Trouba: 1/2 in mid toe curve, round toe; Lie 5
  • Intermediate: PP26, PP88
  • Junior: PP26, PP88
• Grip: Optional (Yes / No)

Sher-Wood Rekker EK15 blade patterns

Sher-Wood Rekker EK15: Our Take

Every Sherwood Rekker EK15 review must begin with the stick’s weight. It bears repeating this is the lightest hockey stick available, at least 40 grams lighter than its next competitor. It’s so light, you may have a hard time getting used to it even as it helps improve your game.

Given its weight, it makes sense for the EK15’s shaft to have a strong grip finish. The downside (or upside for those who don’t like the tackiness) is that the grip wears off fairly quickly. The black paint job gives the EK15 a cool minimalist look.

With a stronger, minimal-vibration blade, the EK15 does well in puck handling and passing. The lightness and low kick point help the EK15 to let it rip in quick-release wrist and snapshots. On the flipside, the stick feels a little hollow, lacking the more direct puck feel that heftier sticks provide. The lightness also reduces the pop of harder shots, so if you like to load up into slap shots, the EK15 is not the best option. In short, the EK15 more suitable for goal-scoring forwards than grinders or centers who take a lot of faceoffs; defensemen especially should look elsewhere.

The weight savings come at a further price. Though Bobby Ryan claims the EK15 is as durable as any other stick he’s had (hey, he gets paid to say things like that), many players complain about the stick’s fragility.

Despite the hype, it wasn’t all that surprising Sher-Wood discontinued the EK15 (and its little brother, the EK9) in 2015, replacing it with the EK60. So if you want the lightest hockey stick out there, check out the clearance rack at online sellers to get it at a great price (25% off!) before it’s too late.

Forehand and backhand side of the Rekker EK15 blade.

Sher-Wood Rekker EK15: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Light
• Wrist and snap shots
• Flex and curve options
• Strong blade
• Good value on clearance

Cons

• Durability
• Puck feel
• Slap shots

The forehand side of the lefty Sher-Wood Rekker EK15 blade.

Sher-Wood Rekker EK15: Verdict

The lightest stick on the market, the Sher-Wood Rekker EK15 guarantees a sure shot to goal scorers from the clearance rack.

Check price and availability of Sher-Wood Rekker EK15 »

Can’t decide? Check out our guide to the best hockey sticks.