dieselcruiser
07-11-2005, 10:48 PM
Just an observation but I love my protons but play defense and they don't last too long. They get mushed up and bend really wide and turn to noodles so the only answer is to bake them back then they only get softer. So I started looking for a stick "just like the proton" but maybe a hair stiffer, especially because I like the feel, lightness, and design of the proton. Then I was in the store and ran across the "$29.95" "beginner" Ripper which is basically a slightly stiffer, stronger Proton but made by Brine. The design similarities are actually remarkably similar. Because it was so cheap I decided to pick it up if even for a backup. Now, I love it and think it is really a diamond in the rough because it is considered a beginner stick, for some reason. I did a search here, can't find the weight of the bare head and don't have a postal scale. Proton weights 5.2 ounces, I imagine the ripper is probably high 5's or maybe 6 ounces, but I think worth it in every way. Also did a search here, read that they are a little short but I imagine maybe the shaft is short. Also did a search and found a million yayas ripping on them, reading the Brine hype or whatever and dismissing it because it is a "beginner stick" but with no real evidence? What I don't get is what exactly makes it a "beginner stick" other than the price? I don't mind the head at all and so far so good. Also comes with soft mesh dyed blue unfortunately but it works pretty well. In one of them I pulled it out for hard mesh and one I kept and they both work great. So my $.02...