From Salming’s 0506 website:

·  Lightweight OPS with progressive flex – softer at tip end for greater feel and more powerful shots

·  Concave shaft geometry for better grip and feel

·  Velvet surface finish gives you an excellent grip and feel

·  Graphite/Aramid/Fiberglass construction with Kevlar reinforcement

·  Weight: 495g

·  Colour: Magma Orange

From my experience:

I used my G1 about three times a week for fourteen months before switching to the TF Evolution . I still use it for coaching, so I obviously have had no issues with durability. I also had much harder shots from the first time I used the G1.

·  Light.  The G1 weighs 495g, which is not the lightest one-piece stick, but among the leaders for its price ($170 MSRP).

·  Durable.  Every stick will eventually break, but the G1’s breakage rate during its 30-Day warranty is just over 2%. Further, based on feedback, the G1 doesn’t slowly decompose to where its blade becomes spongy.

·  Powerful.  The G1’s lower flex point causes harder shots. At the Minnesota High School Championships there was a shooting gallery with radar. I only watched briefly, but saw two kids taking slapshots with a competitor’s cut-and-taped stick first, then an uncut G1. One went from 46 MPH to 57 MPH, while the other went from 54 MPH to 70 MPH.

·  Comfortable.  The G1’s shaft is slightly indented on both sides, making it a better fit for small to medium hands. Also, the surface has a slightly tacky, rubbery feel that most players love.

·  Size.  The G1 is 67” from the ground, measuring with its toe on the ground and the shaft going straight to the ceiling.

·  Stiffness.  When I switched from my previous stick, I went from a 100-flex to my current 80-flex Salming, so that’s not a good comparison. Strangely, I’ve had friends say the Salming was either stiffer or whippier than their current stick. Generally, their opinion seemed to correlate to how hard their shot was; guys with big shots have been less likely to say the stick is stiff. Still, to be safe, I’d say the G1 runs stiffer.

·  Blades.  The G1 has foam core blades. The feedback is the blades offer great durability, while still having “feel.”

Flex/Curve:

The G1 is available in 80, 90, 100 and 110 flexes, with either a Curve 7 (equivalent to an Easton Modano) or Curve 8 (equivalent to an Easton Sakic). Not all flex/curve combinations are available.

Legends Game:

The best endorsement for the G1 happened at the Legends Game, which occurs during the Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Weekend. The players used the G1’s during the game and agreed to sign and return them afterward. A few of the players were reluctant to return the stick. One, who retired in the Top 10 All-Time Scorers list, put up quite an argument. Finally, he said, “Alright, alright, I’ll sign it!....Go get me another one – I really loved that stick.” Many of these Legends have since been using the G1’s on the Old-timers tour across Canada .

Epinions:

You can see a very thorough review written about the G1 at www.epinions.com.