Make: TRUE

Model: Catalyst 9X

Weight: 605 Grams

·Materials:

• Shaft - Precision Laminate Design (PLD) – unique carbon fiber layering to optimize durability, stiffness and weight reduction

• Paddle (BAT) – braided aramid sleeves throughout paddle, blade and heel to help dampen feel plus add balance and durability

Kickpoint: Middle

Price: $279 USD / $349 CAD

Enhancements from Previous Gen: 30 grams lighter, rounded shaft corners and steeper paddle shoulders

Commentary: I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to use TRUE goalie sticks since their very first model, the A6.0. And wow have they come a long way in a short time; which makes sense since TRUE Hockey’s parent (TRUE Temper Sports) has been a leading manufacturer of golf shafts for decades. But goalie sticks are very different from golf shafts. And to TRUE’s credit, they have opted to design and build their player and goalie sticks in-house versus acquiring a company who already has these products in their portfolio (i.e. VH Skates, Lefevre Goalie, etc.).  Accordingly, it’s taken them a while to create a goalie stick on par with their industry peers, but the Catalyst 9X confirms they have “TRUEly” (get it) arrived.  The stick is light, well-balanced and, thanks to the new steeper shoulders and rounded shaft, very comfortable in the hand.  The blade absorbs impacts very well and feels super soft when stick handling, almost foam core level. This is why you’ve seen goalies like Freddie Andersen switch this season from a foam core to the composite Catalyst 9X. Jordan Binnington has also switched to the 9X.

Aesthetically speaking, the Catalyst 9X is available in two stock colorways, black with yellow and white with yellow.  Both feature honeycomb graphics on the shaft and overall looks great. Zero durability issues during the time of our testing.n conclusion, if you’re looking for a well-balanced, light weight stick with a soft blade and middle kickpoint, the Catalyst 9X is definitely worth checking out.

GGN Rating: 4.4

• The Great: Balance, graphic and blade

• The Good: Weight

• The “Meh”: Would love to see TRUE offer the 9X in custom colorways at retail