The Evolution CKF55 is a 55% carbon model with the high-quality Toray carbon placed in multi-direction laminate sheets (creates strength in all directions) across a (30%) fibreglass skeleton and with integrated fibreglass laminates giving great touch and feel with the (15%) Kevlar increasing durability, stiffness and laminate bonding.

This model is available in the Pro (low) bend (24mm @ 230mm), suitable for multiple skill sets and abilities, plus the more specialist Xtreme bend. (24.5mm @ 200mm)

• 55% Carbon
• Pro (low) bend (24mm @ 230mm)
• Dual-process vibration control (Piezo-Electric fibres, M-Gel)
• Nano-Polymer Resin
• High Friction Face
• Cold Touch Lacquer

Xtreme Bend 

The Xtreme bend features a number of the popular concepts seen in our other bends in addition to some new elements.

The toe of the stick has been thinned down both on the face and the back of the head to aid getting the ball into the air for 3D skill execution. The backhand zone has been flattened to aid passing and shooting accuracy. The actual bend of the stick (face) is the same as the Ultimate – 24.5mm at a maximum bend point of 200mm from the head.

A 2mm concave shaft, with the concave situated above the stick face, so enhancing flicking and ‘sling-shot’ slapping skills but without compromising the ball / face impact. 4-degree face twist to aid ball handling, dribbling and control on the reverse side. A thinned handle so that with the EVA under grip on the CKF90 the grip dimensions feel ‘normal’.

Pro Bend

The Mercian Pro Bend incorporates a near maximum 23.5mm bow positioned just below the mid-point of the shaft, approximately 250mm from the bottom of the stick. The shaft has then been shaped to give a thinner profile under the right hand and a balance point that favours the head end of the stick.

This gives a combination of great stick turn-over due to the shape but enhanced hitting power because of the balance point and sweet spot, the hitting power is also enhanced because the head is 1.5mm thicker than the ultimate bend.

Carbon Fibre – CKF55 – 55% Carbon

To provide stiffness in multiple directions the fibre can be woven into a multi-directional sheet (seen as an obvious weave in the sticks surface) or single direction sheets can be layered over each other to create the multi-directional stiffness. 40% of the weight of a composite stick comes from the resin within it.

So a stick can’t be 100% carbon. However, it can be claimed that 100% of the composite materials in a stick are carbon. Mercian do not believe this gives optimal strength and so always combine the carbon overlay with a composite micro-skeleton made from fibreglass, Kevlar (aramid) and basalt. 

TCDK (tungsten carbide diffused Kevlar) – CKF55 – 15%

Kevlar is the registered trademark for a para-aramid synthetic fibre, also known simply as ARAMID in other sticks. This high-strength material was first commercially used in the early 1970s as a replacement for steel in racing tires. Typically it is spun into ropes or fabric sheets that can be used as such or as an ingredient in composite material components. Currently, Kevlar has many applications, including bulletproof vests, because of its high tensile strength-to-weight ratio; by this measure it is 5 times stronger than steel.

Tungsten carbide (chemical formula WC) is a chemical compound (specifically, a carbide) containing equal parts of tungsten and carbon atoms. In its most basic form, tungsten carbide is a fine grey powder, Tungsten carbide is approximately twice as strong as steel, For TCDK the fine powder version of WC is diffused through a sheet of Kevlar in the manufacturing process further enhancing the natural characteristics of the material and increasing both its strength and more specifically its durability. 

Fibreglass – CKF55 – 30% Fibreglass

The basic synthetic material that makes the initial micro-skeleton in all Mercian composite sticks. Simple fibreglass stands, dipped in custom resins and then woven into sheets to be combined with other materials to create the combinations relative to the specific stick’s performance.

Player Profile

• The Evolution CKF55 is a good-quality, intermediate carbon percentage composite stick suitable for a wide variety of players.
  
• The 55% carbon gives a good level of energy transfer but also good ball control because of the softer feel associated with a lower carbon, higher fibreglass mix.
  
• The Pro Bend offers a 24mm bend at 230mm from the head, allowing 3D skills, overhead passes and drag flick execution, but without the aggression of the
• Ultimate bend, making it suitable for a wider range of player.
  
• Suitable for defenders who want to execute a wide range of skills - running with the ball, hitting and slapping because of the lower balance point, lifted ball skills. (Tackling is skill, not stick, dependant).
  
• Suitable for midfield players who like to carry the ball at speed through space, distribute using push, hit and slap passes and shoot when the opportunity allows, with extra control because of the angle of the face.
  
• Suitable for attacking players who want the feel offered with the lower carbon, but the head weighting of the Pro bend to aid hitting power for effective shots. The open face does help 3D skills, but retains the alignment between hands and stick face that can be compromised with an overly aggressive bend.