Sticks
Grays Stick Technology
Leading the way...
Grays continue to invest in our extensive research programme into the playing characteristics of our composite and wooden sticks. This involves both laboratory and field testing of all our sticks to assess their playing characteristics. Grays have developed extensive expertise and technical data thus enabling us to create our range of composite and wooden sticks.
The Research Programme
Grays research laboratory testing programme was done in conjunction with one of England's foremost universities. By using players of both international and club standard we also conducted hitting tests using each model within our collection of sticks.
Reinforcement Levels
The first part of the research process involved them hitting balls with each of our sticks whilst being filmed using special high speed cameras that had also been used extensively in ball speed tests. By filming each hit using 400 frames per second each individual swing speed and impact ball deflection speed was accurately measured and from this data the stick’s rigidity was established. By drawing together the data of the tests, Grays have been able to accurately assess the matrix formulae required in our composites and our wooden stick models.
The 'Feel' Factor
The second part of the testing was conducted in the laboratory in a controlled environment to establish the feel factor of receiving skills. This involved firing a hockey ball at each model of stick to establish how much rebound occurs when the ball makes its initial contact with the stick head. This process is an accurate simulation of ball receiving skills.
O Tech - click to view range
3D Aerodynamic Technology
The unique three dimensional 'O port' design has increased the aerodynamic qualities along the mid blade, in comparison with any conventional shaped stick - as air can now 'flow' freely through the 'O ports'.
By improving the sticks energy efficiency and reducing the 'drag resistance' in this way, it allows the stick and hands to move more freely.
Balance Points - Finely tuned to your needs
The careful positioning of the 'balance point' generally affects the sensation a player feels when they initially pick up and feel of a stick as well as its 'feel' in use.
To help increase the players 'feel', O Tech models have been developed and created with the choice of two finely tuned balance point settings.
'Dual Bridge Technology' - Stronger Core and Torsional Stability
This unique patented O Tech 'Dual Bridge Technology' construction method gives a revolutionary three dimensional stability to the mid shaft of the stick.
The dual arch combination method is one of the strongest structural construction methods known to mankind. It has not only increased the core stability along the mid shaft, it has also increased the torsional stability necessary when hitting.
Players Benefits
- O Tech increases the player's ability to move the stick in all directions quicker than conventional sticks.
- O Tech works with players to increase their 'hand speed' when dribbling - Something all top coaches are trying to encourage amongst players.
- O Tech can help players to increase their 'swing speed' and deliver more dynamic consistency when hitting the ball.
- O Tech finely tuned balance points are positioned to help both 'feel' and 'swing momentum'.
Standard Balance Point
The 'Standard' balance point has been positioned on the blade for the optimum performance of balance and feel, and combine to give a responsive sensation when receiving.
Low Balance Point
The 'Low' balance point has been positioned lower down the blade so it that will help those players who like the combination of balance and feel with the added benefit of the 'swing momentum' power sensation when they need it.
Nano - click to view range
It is well known that in many international hockey matches, there’s a small margin of difference between winning and losing. For 2010 the introduction of Carbon Nano Tube Technology is the latest development in improving Grays composite hockey sticks. Although small in size, these minute sized Carbon Nano Tubes play an important part in taking our hockey stick construction technology to a new level and give top players that extra percent that can swing the game in your favour. They recognise it is the small things that make all the difference.
Grays inspiration for our nano range has come from our desire to:
- Take the performance of composite sticks to a new level by improving the stick’s consistency and performance
- Improve the sticks reliabilty by increasing both the flexural strength as well as giving greater torsional stability
- Increase the sticks durability and wear performance on synthetic pitches
By introducing these new hi - tech Carbon Nano Technologies, Grays are now able to introduce and offer players the latest cutting edge technology.
Player Benefits
- Greater consistency in performance when hitting
- Improved stability against torsional forces when controlling the ball and when hitting
- Improved feel and handling response when controlling the ball
Nano Carbon Tube Technology
Carbon Nano Tubes are molecular scale graphitic tubes that are amongst the strongest of known fibres. We have now included “Carbon Nano Tubes” as part of our resin mixture formulae. This process has involved carefully adding these nano molecule particles into the resin mix as part of the all important lay up process. The Grays formulae is so important in creating the all important stick performance qualities of increased strength and feel.
The Carbon Nanotube (CNT)
When integrated within the formulae mix of the resin, these minute sized Carbon Nano Tubes allow greater impregnation of the resin into the surface of the reinforcing fibres themselves, resulting in greater tensile strength in the bond of the resin itself on the surface of the reinforcing fibres.
How Nanotechnology works
It is the combination and integration of the use of these Carbon Nano Tubes within the resin mix combined with our Grays special composite fibre matrix constructions on these Nano models that increases the unidirectional qualities of the sticks performance.
GX Turbo Torque - click to view range
Grays 'Anti Torque' Technology
Our hockey stick research programme has revealed that all sticks experience some rotational flex forces when hitting the hockey ball. These rotational forces are referred to as 'Torque'. Very simply torque flex is responsible for the loss of energy being transmitted through the impact zone.
Grays 'Anti Torque' Powerbeam technology combines three important component features set out to give the model greater 'core stability'.
- The Powerbeam spine down the rear of blade profile gives central 'core stability' to the rear of the stick.
- The two-directional powervein structure creates improved stability along the back of the blade of the stick and works against these rotational flex forces.
- The special composite fibre matrix construction on these models have been realigned to take these forces into consideration.
Powerbeam Technology
The central spine positioned down the back of the blade together with the single direction powerveins, combine to create good 'energy release' transmission through the hitting zone.
GX Jumbow - click to view range
The highly popular Jumbow models continue to offer the curve lower down the blade. Both type of Jumbow help generate exceptional 'drag flick' momentum. Designed at the special request of top players who have to comply within the rules, the enhanced lower curve improves penalty corner flicking capability without any loss of control when hitting, dribbling or stopping. That's why many top players already use them.
Dynabow - click to view range
For 2010 Grays launch the new Dynabow range. This new blade profile shape has a precise curve positioned mid blade to give players the combination of both high level technical skills and create excellent drag flick techniques.
Blade Profiles
The bow on all sticks in our collection have been reduced to within the 25mm limit specified in the FIH regulations. Jumbo Extra and Jumbow - 24.75mm, Megabow - 24.75mm, Standard - 20 mm.
