Mercian 2011-12
Stick Bends
This year’s collection sees two brand new stick shapes: the Standard Bend and the Low Bend. With the introduction of the new FIH regulations, we have brought in new moulds to ensure that all our sticks comply with these new rules whilst continuing to offer the great balance and strength for which Mercian sticks are renowned. The Standard Bend incorporates the maximum permitted bend positioned at the mid-point of the shaft. The Low Bend also incorporates the maximum permitted bend but, as the name suggests, it is positioned lower on the shaft; 200mm from the bottom of the head.
Nano-Carbon Technology
Think small and strong. All composite sticks are made through a complex process of bonding materials together; the smaller the gaps between the materials in these bonds, the stronger the stick will be. Nano-Carbon Technology involves adding microscopic carbon straws to the bonding resins for the purpose of filling these tiny gaps which are otherwise filled only by resin. These minute hollow carbon straws within the resin provide multi-directional strength between the materials with the result being a stronger and more resistant bond and thereby increasing the overall strength of the stick.
Pro-Line
The five highest specification sticks in the new collection. All these sticks have a fibreglass micro-skeleton base and use the highest specification carbon and Kevlar; creating strength, durability and stiffness.
At the very top of the range is the new 001, with the highest ever carbon percentage in a Mercian stick. The 001 also uses Piso-electric fibres to ‘harvest’ the vibrations created in a super-stiff stick and turn them into heat, the result of which is efficient vibration dampening.
The 002 to 005 models feature Basalt, utilised effectively in our two previous collections and now also used in high specification tennis rackets. Basalt helps with vibration dampening and ‘feel’ and is a more environmentally friendly composite material than standard carbon.
All five sticks in the Pro-Line have a larger cross section than the 100 series and incorporate the popular embossed ‘m’. The greater cross-sectional size, which increases stick strength, combined with increased material density and a relatively low balance point, make the new Pro-Line sticks perfect for today’s top level players.
100-Series
Featuring sticks with carbon contents starting from 65%, the models in the 100-Series are available in either Standard Bend or Low Bend and have a shaft weighting with a balance point closer towards the handle. This gives a lighter ‘feel’ to the 100-Series sticks making them suitable for intermediate players without the desire or need for a specific focus on stiffness and power. A thicker fibreglass skeleton than the Pro-Line, is overlaid with varying percentages of carbon and Kevlar to create five different stick specifications. The 100-Series sticks are all available in the chequered design. Three of these models are also available with alternative graphics: the 101F, 103F and 105F are available in a floral design in some stunning metallic colours.
All sticks in the 100-Series have a high gloss back and our popular high-friction, hard wearing matt face. This textured face mimics that which is found on the face of a raw wooden stick and helps to reduce ball spin on water based pitches. With various models available in junior lengths and superlight weight, the 100-series offers a technical, durable and price conscious solution to a majority of player’s needs.
200-Series
The new junior level composites in the Mercian range are all 100% fibreglass in a lightweight, Standard Bend, with a mid-shaft balance point. The 200-Series sticks are available in three colours and multiple lengths, representing a great entry point to composite hockey. The progression from a wooden stick to a player’s first composite stick is a big step, but the 200-Series makes that transition as smooth as possible. The 201 provides the extra power associated with composite technology, but also retains a great deal of ‘feel’ associated with a wooden stick. This allows younger players to develop their skills and take their game to the next level.
300-Series
The entry-level wooden sticks for the beginner and non-regular player: A 7-ply laminated midi head with a fibreglass reinforced shaft, combined with a classic shape, aids skill development and execution on both the forehand and backhand. More importantly to the excited, energetic young player, they look great! The three colours within the standard range mimic senior lines, whilst the Stripey version is a mirror image of the exclusive, limited edition composite sticks seen in the hands of senior international and national level players. Add all this to the large number of lengths available and you have the perfect beginner’s stick.
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