The CCM Ribcor 49K was designed for elite players looking for performance at a fraction of the cost. Ribcor has always been about generating efficient loading to achieve a quick releasing shot in a low-kick package and the 49K does just that with PopMatrix Technology while still providing excellent control and accuracy from the Ascent Blade. The 49K features PopMatrix technology, a nice carry over technology seen in the Ribcor Trigger as well as last year’s Reckoner. PopMatrix is a unique visual technology that consists of carbon fibers which are permanently in tension due to the unique concave geometry through the taper of the shaft. The idea of this is to get easy loading, more efficient energy transfer and a faster snap back as quickly as possible. CCM has been able to come up with quantifiable measurements to show that the 49K has the highest release rate from a CCM stick at its price point. The performance fibers that are found in the rib are also protected by an outer layer composed of protective fibers to put durability issues to rest. This all translates into less effort required to load the fibers of the shaft, which results in a load, release, and feel unlike any other on the market. As far a construction goes, the 49K is composed with a fuse construction made with a high quality carbon fiber throughout the entirety of the stick. The orientation of the fibers creates the 3:1 High Power Taper Ratio, which means that it has a stiffer top and bottom in relation to the front and back of the shaft. This results in less twisting on shots and more direct power transfer. Moving down to the blade, the 49K comes equipped with Ascent Blade. As CCM’s dangler stick, they really wanted to promote that great feel any puck handler would desire, so to achieve this the Ascent Blade is composed of a premium foam that provides an incredibly soft feel. And although it’s meant to provide great feel, the fact that the blade increases in stiffness from heel to toe provides hard, accurate and quick releasing shots off the toe. The new Ribcor 49K stays true to the DNA of the Ribcor line while, once again, improving its feel and performance. Check out the 49K today for MAXIMUM POP. Les mer