The Warrior Novium 2 Pro Hockey Stick has quickly become a favorite for elite players looking for a perfect blend of precision, power, and durability. Weighing in at 345 grams, with advanced technologies built into every component, this stick is designed to give players more control over their game. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring player, understanding what makes this stick unique can help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. This full guide will answer all your questions about the Warrior Novium 2 Pro, from key features to how it performs on the ice.
Key Features of the Warrior Novium 2 Pro Hockey Stick
- BEVEL TAPER
- MINIMUS CARBON 25
- R.L.188 Construction
- O.G. SHAFT SHAPE
- FUELCORE ULTRA Blade
Let’s break down each feature and explain why it matters for your performance on the ice.
1. What is the BEVEL TAPER, and how does it affect shooting?
The BEVEL TAPER is one of the standout features of the Warrior Novium 2 Pro, designed to provide unrivaled control and accuracy. This unique taper is stiffer than typical designs, creating a rigid zone in the lower part of the stick, which is essential for high-level shooting. Here's how it works:
- Stiffer through the taper: The stiffness ensures that the stick doesn't bend too much during shots, allowing for more precise energy transfer. This results in better accuracy when aiming for tight corners or high-percentage shooting areas.
- Increased leverage: The stiffer taper also means that the stick loads higher in the shaft, creating more leverage when flexing the stick during shots. This translates to more powerful shots with higher velocity, making it ideal for players who rely on heavy slap shots or quick wristers.
If you're someone who prioritizes shooting accuracy and power, the BEVEL TAPER is a game-changer.
2. What does MINIMUS CARBON 25 add to the stick’s performance?
The MINIMUS CARBON 25 material is a high-performance carbon fiber weave that enhances both the strength and weight of the stick. Unlike traditional carbon fiber, which can crimp or deform under pressure, this material is engineered to be:
- Thin yet extremely strong: The flat, spread-tow design ensures that the stick remains lightweight without sacrificing durability. This means you get a stick that feels light in your hands but can withstand the rigors of intense play.
- Resistant to damage: The carbon weave also reduces the risk of microfractures, ensuring that the stick holds up well against slash checks or puck impacts, extending its lifespan.
The MINIMUS CARBON 25 material makes the Novium 2 Pro an excellent choice for players looking for a stick that balances lightweight agility with long-lasting durability.
3. How does R.L.188 Construction improve durability and balance?
The R.L.188 is a re-engineered construction that focuses on improving the durability and weight distribution of the stick. It uses thermoplastic-toughened epoxy resin, along with lower-weight fibers, to create a stick that feels lighter without compromising strength.
- Improved durability: The use of advanced materials means that the stick can endure more physical stress without breaking down. Whether you're in a physical game or facing aggressive forechecks, this stick holds up well over time.
- Weight reduction: Despite the added toughness, the R.L.188 construction keeps the stick lightweight, which helps players maintain speed and quick reaction times.
- Balance: By distributing the weight evenly throughout the stick, Warrior has created a product that feels perfectly balanced in your hands, which is essential for stickhandling and shooting precision.
For players who demand elite-level performance from their stick, the R.L.188 ensures that the Novium 2 Pro delivers consistency and reliability game after game.
4. What is the O.G. Shaft Shape, and why is it important?
The O.G. SHAFT SHAPE features flat sidewalls and rounded corners, which provide a comfortable and familiar grip for players. This design choice is meant to improve your overall feel and control while handling the puck.
- Flat sidewalls: These provide a consistent surface for your hands, which helps with stickhandling and ensures that you can execute quick dekes or passes with confidence.
- Rounded corners: The smooth corners make it easier to shift your hands up and down the shaft during gameplay, which is crucial for transitioning between different shot types or when making defensive plays.
The O.G. Shaft Shape combines comfort with performance, making it easier to maneuver the stick in tight spaces or at high speeds.
5. How does the FUELCORE ULTRA blade enhance puck control?
The FUELCORE ULTRA blade is a critical component of the Novium 2 Pro, designed to provide maximum puck responsiveness and durability. Here’s why it’s one of the most advanced blades in Warrior’s lineup:
- Polymer blade core: The core of the blade is made from a polymer that gives it a tough, durable structure. This allows the blade to withstand impacts without chipping or cracking, ensuring that it maintains its performance over time.
- Rib design: Warrior has reinforced the blade with a proprietary rib design, which improves the stiffness of the blade. This ensures that the blade doesn’t twist or flex during shots, improving the consistency of your puck release.
- Minimus Carbon 25 outer weave: Like the shaft, the blade is wrapped in high-grade carbon fiber, which keeps it lightweight but also increases its strength.
The FUELCORE ULTRA blade is perfect for players who need a durable, responsive blade that maintains control during hard shots and stick battles.
Performance Summary: What Does This Mean on the Ice?
The Warrior Novium 2 Pro Hockey Stick is engineered for players who value a combination of power, control, and durability. Here’s how these features translate into performance:
- Shooting: With the BEVEL TAPER and FUELCORE ULTRA blade, you’ll notice immediate improvements in shot power and accuracy. The stiffer taper allows for faster, harder shots, while the blade ensures consistent puck contact.
- Stickhandling: Thanks to the O.G. Shaft Shape and lightweight MINIMUS CARBON 25 construction, the stick feels comfortable in your hands, allowing for quicker dekes and faster puck movement.
- Durability: The R.L.188 construction and high-grade materials make this stick incredibly durable, ensuring that it withstands even the most physical games without breaking down.
Who Is the Warrior Novium 2 Pro Hockey Stick Best For?
The Warrior Novium 2 Pro Hockey Stick is crafted for players who demand the highest level of performance across all areas of their game—shooting, stickhandling, passing, and durability. This stick caters to elite-level players who rely on quick reactions, precision shooting, and exceptional control during high-pressure situations. Here's why it’s suited for specific types of players:
- Forwards: If you're an offensive forward who focuses on quick snapshots or powerful wrist shots, the BEVEL TAPER and FUELCORE ULTRA blade will provide you with a stiff, consistent release that translates to faster, more accurate shots. The ability to load the stick higher in the shaft gives you added leverage, making your release quicker and more forceful. This is particularly beneficial in high-speed scenarios where you need to get the puck off your stick in tight spaces or when a goaltender has limited reaction time.
- Defensemen: Defensemen who often take slap shots from the blue line or need to clear the puck quickly will appreciate the enhanced power generated by the MINIMUS CARBON 25 material and R.L.188 construction. These technologies ensure that the stick can withstand heavy use, such as blocking shots or delivering strong passes out of the defensive zone. The combination of durability and stiffness helps defensemen maintain control when making hard plays, without worrying about wear and tear on the stick.
- Two-Way Players: For two-way players who need versatility, the O.G. SHAFT SHAPE provides the optimal balance between feel and control, whether you're executing a fast breakout pass, stickhandling through defenders, or laying a heavy shot on net. The stick’s lightweight construction makes it easy to move up and down the ice without sacrificing power or balance.
Warrior Novium 2 Pro vs Novium Pro vs Super Novium
The Warrior Novium line of sticks has evolved through three distinct models, each building on its predecessor to offer players more advanced technology and performance. The Novium Pro, Super Novium, and Novium 2 Pro are all designed to maximize shot velocity and control, but each model refines and enhances key features.
Starting with the Novium Pro Hockey Stick, this stick introduced the BEVEL TAPER, which stiffens the bottom of the stick for greater shot power and accuracy. It also incorporated MINIMUS CARBON 25, a lightweight 25K carbon weave that improves puck feel, and R.L.C. 199, Warrior’s top-tier construction at the time, offering lightweight strength. The stick was targeted at players looking to increase velocity on shots with a balanced feel.
Next came the Super Novium Hockey Stick, which further reduced weight and improved strength. At 331 grams, it is still the lightest of the three sticks, due to R.L.199 construction, which uses 40% stronger fibers for an even lighter, more responsive design. The FUELCORE T blade on the Super Novium was also redesigned for increased responsiveness and durability, providing elite-level puck feel and quicker energy transfer for more precise shots.
The latest model, the Novium 2 Pro Hockey Stick, while slightly heavier at 345 grams, improves on the previous models by offering better durability and control. The stick’s R.L.188 construction uses lower-weight fibers and advanced thermoplastic resin to enhance balance and durability, making it more resilient than the Super Novium. It also features the O.G. Shaft Shape, which provides superior comfort and grip for stickhandling, passing, and shooting. With a redesigned FUELCORE ULTRA blade, the Novium 2 Pro offers Warrior’s most responsive blade yet, maintaining the puck’s pop and durability over time.
While the Super Novium holds the title for lightest stick, the Novium 2 Pro provides more advanced materials and construction, offering elite players a more durable, powerful, and responsive stick for improved overall performance.
Final Thoughts
The Warrior Novium 2 Pro Hockey Stick stands out among the competition because it takes a holistic approach to performance. Unlike sticks that focus on just one or two performance elements, the Novium 2 Pro excels across all major categories—shooting, control, durability, and balance. With cutting-edge features that enhance shooting, stickhandling, and durability, it’s a hockey stick that delivers on every front. Whether you’re a sniper looking for improved shot accuracy, a playmaker needing exceptional puck control, or a defenseman who prioritizes strength and reliability, the Novium 2 Pro is designed to meet the demands of elite-level play. If you’re serious about taking your game to the next level, this stick should be on your radar.