Padded Stick Comparisons

[variance]

I was wondering if anyone has experience in comparing the different padded sticks on the market.

So far the ones I'm aware of are:

Cheapo generic padded - Century I think (15 - 20)
Lameco - lamecoeskrima.com (20 I think)
SMAK stik - smakstiks.com (45 - 49)
Got stick? - Bloodsport.com (35)
Standard Actionflex (39 from a local store)
"Stiffer" Actionflex (45 at the dogbrothers site)

getting out of a bad relationship has afforded me a tiny bit of money to burn on the things that interest me most (FMA)

consequently I've placed orders for 2 SMAK sticks (based on previous reviews Ive read here), 1 Lameco, 1 ATF Got stick? to add to the 2 standard actionflex sticks I currently use for my sparring.

I had two of the cheapos but they self-destructed a long time ago.

My question is this.. has anyone else done any comparisons or has experience with different builds of padded stick. or do you make your own?

I'll put up my review with photos when everything gets in this week.

[DonKey]

I use the smak sticks quite a bit and they compare favorably to other brands imo.

[James]

I prefer sof-stx (http:///www.sof-stx.com). They are well made and reasonably priced. There are different grades available, but I've had great luck with the thick sticks. I like the ones that are padded on both ends. If you drop the sticks or do disarms and continue to fight, you don't accidentally hit your partner with the hard handle. They have a good weight and are not at all "whippy" like action flex - which I do not like at all.

I hear smak stick are good, and I'm interested in the new "stiffer" actionflex, but at those prices, I can buy 2 sof-stx, beat the heck out of them, and not feel bad when one gives up the ghost.

James

[variance]

::sigh::
I thought I had all the padded sticks out there.. and someone brings out one I don't have yet.

I already took some pictures of them
http://images28.fotki.com/v1000/free/5f120/1/1332026/6182223/DSCF1009-vi.jpg

but haven't finished my comprehensive testing of each one.

I'll order some sof-stx for completeness to see how they stack against

ATF Got Stick?
SMAK Sticks
Actionflex
Lameco
Cheapo Century.


so far in my early testing.. I'd say ATF Got Stick have the best value and act pretty close to rattan. However the pain quotient using them is quite a bit higher.

If you put rattan at 10 for pain. ATF Got Stick? is around 5 - 6. Lameco's pain profile is identical to "Got Stick?" I'd rate actionflex at 0 - 1 for being pillows. SMAK is around 3 or 4 in pain

as for the ones that handle the most like a stick.. ATF Got Stick? and Lameco win follow closely by SMAK. Actionflex rates near the worst for handling only above the century.

Personally I'd keep SMAK for light to medium and also for people new to FMA.

So far I'd say
ATF Got Stick would be for medium to heavy with experienced practitioners... as a broken SMAK stick would cost you a good 40 - 50 dollars to fix. a broken ATF can just have another rattan core inserted into it pretty easily.

[Sanjuro-Ronin]

Thanks for the info !

[Brock]

We've been using sof-stx for about a month now and the first set is holding up nicely so far. I've very happy with them and they handle pretty much close to a real stick. I got a couple of their sparring knives as well. I've only used them once, so I can't sayingthing about their durability, but they handle well and, like the sticks, give enough pain to make you go, "Yeah, I just got hit." but not enough to go, "Yeah, I just got hit and won't be training for the next month while I heal."

[eskrimakaliarnis.com]

We have developed our own Padded Stick "The Hataw Stick" due to the Smak Stick breaking a lot of times in tournaments here (Philippines).
On average we sell our sticks for half the price of smak-sticks (is not hard really, is it?!) and we are just upgrading the fabric to "Ballistic Dernier" too.



http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb74/bid4bargains/newhataw.jpg

Youtube Video test here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdyWckEXw_s):

Webstore here (http://www.hatawsticks.com/hatawsticks.html)http://www.hatawsticks.com/hatawsticks.html

[yomitche]

I'm kinda intrigued by the Hataw stick... anyone have any input on its quality? Obviously, I'm interested in its ability to endure "endless" training and sparring.

Also, I have noticed most padded sticks tend to bend around blocks, hitting the blocker where a solid stick wouldn't. Anyone have any input on padded sticks that might not bend?

Thanks!

[eskrimakaliarnis.com]

I'm sending a pair to FMATalk Moderator Phil Mar so hopefully he'll be able to provide the board with some unbiased feedback soon.

Regarding the original post I also sell the "Generic" padded sticks too. As I am close to the supply I can make them in any length (within reason of course!).

These sticks are resilient as we use Tumalin rattan not generic rattan finger sticks for the core. We use them for sparring here and have not snapped any.

However, after a lot of hiting the material will become frayed. Anybody with experience of this sticks will know that they all have a limited life-span. We have changed the stictching to resemble that of a "baseball" and that does a great job of holding together. Maybe in the future I will get them made with the "Ballistic Dernier" too...hmmm. I'll find out the cost tomorrow :)

A typical deal I would offer is 3 pairs for $55 which includes worldwide shipping.


http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb74/bid4bargains/6sticks.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb74/bid4bargains/?action=view&current=6sticks.jpg)

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb74/bid4bargains/newnew1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb74/bid4bargains/?action=view&current=newnew1.jpg) http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb74/bid4bargains/newnew2.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb74/bid4bargains/?action=view&current=newnew2.jpg)

[Brock]

I'm not entirely positive, but I think I've used a couple of these. They look like the padded sticks that Grandmaster Pallen had for sparring. May just be coincidence though.

[eskrimakaliarnis.com]

Maybe as I sell loads through ebay and to my knowledge am the only supplier that has that stiching. Usually they look like this:


http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb74/bid4bargains/old1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb74/bid4bargains/?action=view&current=old1.jpg) http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb74/bid4bargains/new1-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb74/bid4bargains/?action=view&current=new1-1.jpg)

The "envelope" style as I call it. Not a lot holding it together.

[Brock]

That may have been what they looked like. I didn't really get a chance to examine them. I can see the logic behind how the baseball stitching method would hold up better than the other though.

[eskrimakaliarnis.com]

It's just a little tweak. They aint breaking on impact which is good. I'm going to investigate the ballistic dernier option as if I can stop the fraying that will be good. It also gives me an opportunity to go nuts with a sample pair again!

[Phil Mar Nadela]

I'm sending a pair to FMATalk Moderator Phil Mar so hopefully he'll be able to provide the board with some unbiased feedback soon....



Yikes! Kuya Simon I am not a FMAtalk Moderator! I am only a supporting member. Hopefully i don't give that impression.
Plus i don't think i can do that job that kuya arnisador and ate Carol does.
Come to think of it where's Ate Carol Kaur?

[Datu Tim Hartman]

Yikes! Kuya Simon I am not a FMAtalk Moderator! I am only a supporting member. Hopefully i don't give that impression.
Plus i don't think i can do that job that kuya arnisador and ate Carol does.
Come to think of it where's Ate Carol Kaur?
Carol is on leave at the moment. Arnisador and myself are taking care of things by ourselves at the moment.

[Phil Mar Nadela]

Carol is on leave at the moment. Arnisador and myself are taking care of things by ourselves at the moment.

Salamat for the update Datu Tim. I was worried that She left the forum.

[Brock]

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb74/bid4bargains/6sticks.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb74/bid4bargains/?action=view&current=6sticks.jpg)

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb74/bid4bargains/newnew1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb74/bid4bargains/?action=view&current=newnew1.jpg)



Is this the "extras" you packed in with my Ginuniting? Cuz if so I'm sure Jason will thank you when I test it out.... :whip:

[Brian R. VanCise]

Is this the "extras" you packed in with my Ginuniting? Cuz if so I'm sure Jason will thank you when I test it out.... :whip:

You and Jason will have a good time with those Brock! http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon14.gif

[eskrimakaliarnis.com]

You'll just have to wait and see Brock ;)!

Sorry Phil, when I was looking at the users names visiting the site yours was in bold. On other forums this usually means a Mod.

[Brock]

At least I have something to look forward to... and the fact that Jason will be anticipating a beati... er... I mean some good training.

[Phil Mar Nadela]

Sorry Phil, when I was looking at the users names visiting the site yours was in bold. On other forums this usually means a Mod.

O.K. lang Kuya! Can't wait for the Hataw sticks.http://fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Phil Mar Nadela]

::sigh::
I thought I had all the padded sticks out there.. and someone brings out one I don't have yet.

I already took some pictures of them
http://images28.fotki.com/v1000/free/5f120/1/1332026/6182223/DSCF1009-vi.jpg

but haven't finished my comprehensive testing of each one.

I'll order some sof-stx for completeness to see how they stack against

ATF Got Stick?
SMAK Sticks
Actionflex
Lameco
Cheapo Century.


so far in my early testing.. I'd say ATF Got Stick have the best value and act pretty close to rattan. However the pain quotient using them is quite a bit higher.

If you put rattan at 10 for pain. ATF Got Stick? is around 5 - 6. Lameco's pain profile is identical to "Got Stick?" I'd rate actionflex at 0 - 1 for being pillows. SMAK is around 3 or 4 in pain

as for the ones that handle the most like a stick.. ATF Got Stick? and Lameco win follow closely by SMAK. Actionflex rates near the worst for handling only above the century.

Personally I'd keep SMAK for light to medium and also for people new to FMA.

So far I'd say
ATF Got Stick would be for medium to heavy with experienced practitioners... as a broken SMAK stick would cost you a good 40 - 50 dollars to fix. a broken ATF can just have another rattan core inserted into it pretty easily.

Such a beautiful collection, thanks for posting them! I just finish a transaction with Simon (eskrimakaliarnis.com) and hopefully it will be here soon. I will try to test them and maybe make a video review.http://fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Phil

[Phil Mar Nadela]

I just received the 4 hataw sticks this morning and I can't wait to try them out:biggrinbo. I will write a review soon.

[Brock]

I just received the 4 hataw sticks this morning and I can't wait to try them out:biggrinbo. I will write a review soon.
I got one as well, and it's holding up fairly well. I've only been using it for a week though. I had a slight problem with one of the side seams coming loose, but I think it was just the luck of the draw and a single item defect rather than a characteristic of the product.

[eskrimakaliarnis.com]

Thanks guys. Glad you got the package Phil. :)

Brock - sorry to hear about the seams. That stick I sent for you was the "Standard" one - the ones that Phill has are the "Hataw" (with handle).

[Bob Hubbard]

Review: SMAK-Stiks - Safe Martial Arts Kombat (http://rustaz.net/nonfiction/smakstiks.htm)
(February 2006)

[johnzag]

Question: When using the padded sticks do you still pad up? We try not to as we find that your freedom of movement is restricted when wearing the padded vest. However this is not enforced a lot of students still opt to wear the vest.. however a lot of our Lakans (black belts) now spare without extra padding? Just intersted to see how others are training.. Especially reading some of the posts that have stated that the better quality padded sticks are quite hard and the pain level is failry high with them.

[eskrimakaliarnis.com]

No. In Bahad Zubu we just spar with the padded sticks that I sell. No vest, gloves, etc, etc.

With the padded sticks we go pretty hard but don't go for the head / thrusts to the eyes etc, etc. It means that our arms are black and blue (well students. GM Yuli won't let you take a step towards him if he doesn't want to...) and sometimes some nice ones come up on the legs.

In our style we also have "Live Stick" sparring following the same principles (no armour, no head shots) but obviously the shots are nowhere near full blast. Still, it's enough to numb your hands and bruise again.

Once you've felt and seen this (I have felt it but am graduating to Live Stick sparring "hopefully" (LOL!) before Christmas) the padded sticks seem nothing to worry about at all.

[Brock]

Question: When using the padded sticks do you still pad up?
We wear hand, helmet and forearm/elbow padding. I sometimes skip the forearm and elbow. I have my kids classes wear chest protection, and I give the same option to my female students. For hand padding we use MMA style gloves. Your wrist mobility isn't limited as much with them.

[tim_stl]

Question: When using the padded sticks do you still pad up?

we do not. we feel that any padding on the body removes the pain factor and makes people more brave/stupid than they otherwise would be.



tim

[Phil Mar Nadela]

I hope Kuya Bob Hubbard doesn’t mind, but I copied his format on reviewing the Hataw sticks. Here is my attempt on reviewing this product.


Reviewer: Phil Mar Nadela
Item Reviewed: Hataw Sticks
Where to Buy: http://www.hatawsticks.com/
Cost as Reviewed: $59.99 US a pair + S/H


Observations:


Weight: Compared to regular padded stick, the weight was almost similar and lighter than rattan sticks. And because of the grips, the punyong has a little weight to it.


Balance:
The balance is as good as it gets. I use both left and right hands so I cannot do moves that I would normally do with a standard padded stick (passing, faking, etc).


Surface:
The Hataw stick has similar material as standard padded sticks, although the new versions are made from “Ballistic Dernier”. The Handle is made out of hard rubber with grips.


Feel:
Feels comfortable and has an excellent grip, which really helps when using padded gloves.


Impact Transference:
Having no experience with other commercial padded sticks, except for normal padded sticks; being made with real rattan as well, the impact felt the same as a generic padded stick except for the better grip, I’m still inexperienced in sparring but I felt that I had more control. There is no “whipping” at all (as Kuya Bob says about the other product); it is as stiff as the normal padded sticks.


Overall Product Appearance: Here is the site with the configurations of the stickshttp://www.hatawsticks.com/productinfo.html (http://www.hatawsticks.com/productinfo.html) . It comes in blue and red, same material as the standard padded sticks but different stitching.


Durability:
I used the product heavily these past week. My co-worker decided to hit himself hard on his forearm repeatedly (I guess he likes the abuse); at one point the stick was clearly bent. It retained its shape after straightening the stick and it was usable again (Unlike normal padded sticks that would have probably broke). After using it on sparing, marks and superficial dents appeared on the stick, the logo also smudged. You can also lift the padding off the handle after heavy use but the stick did not fall apart. I also unfortunately cut one of the sticks with a box cutter when opening the package revealing the padding, I did not repair it so I can see what will happen if I used it when sparing. It did not unravel but like normal padded sticks, it is thin and easily cut. The product itself is still usable, I myself have no problem with it but other customers my not like this.


Customer Support:
Prompt service and delivery. They offer excellent discount packages, very affordable.


Conclusion:
The Hataw sticks proved to be a very reliable. It is stiff enough for sparing and flexible enough to use as a normal training tool. Like normal padded sticks it is made of rattan so if you are use to competition style sticks, this is a great alternative (normal padded sticks break easily during competitions). It is also very affordable. The only thing is that like normal padded sticks, it shows wear after use. Not much improvement is necessary for the product other than materials that is more resistant to wear. Other than that it is a good product.

Please feel free to asks questions or add on what I missed in reviewing the hataw sticks. Hopefully other members here will share there experience with this product.

[eskrimakaliarnis.com]

Thanks Phill.

May I just correct the price though - it's $59.99 with free worldwide shipping.

I'm not sure if the logo we sent you was printed? The latest editions have a tough sticker which can be peeled off with a lot of effort.

We now have the ballistic dernier in blue and black. Red shouldn't be too long. We plan on taking more video in the coming weeks as well.

We can also make the sticks different sizes from 28" - 30" 24" etc, etc which might appeal to some.

If there's any questions at all pitch me a PM.

Thanks,

Simon.

P.S Be careful of that co-worker. Or take him to class we you!

[Phil Mar Nadela]

P.S Be careful of that co-worker. Or take him to class we you!

http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon7.gifI think it is a bad idea to bring him to class with me.

My sparring partner really liked the hattaw sticks, he told me to order for him next time i do decide to get more.

Thanks again Kuya Simon.

[wes tasker]

This is a little late, and for that I have to apologize to Mr. Simon. I received two of the Hataw sticks and tested them out recently. I must say I'm impressed....

The first thing I did was grab a student and we hit them together on matching 1's and 2's and they held up great. I then had my student swing full force and I did all manner of "Umbrellas" and "Four Walls" and the sticks didn't bend around the counter-offensives.

We then sparred and the thing I like is that they definitely give you incentive to not get hit - but still are flexible / padded enough that someone's not going to the hospital with a broken bone. Although I'm not letting Tuhon Bill McGrath hit me with one any time soon. Not that I'd have a choice if he wanted to..... :)

They held up great to hitting immovable targets (trees, tires, etc.) and when they did bend, they were easy to straighten and were good as new. I like the new handles and the fact that they can be made in different lengths.

All in all I really liked them and I'm saving to order some for my school to replace the other padded sticks we normally used.

Simon's customer service is second to none and I really appreciate it...

-wes tasker

[eskrimakaliarnis.com]

Thanks Phil and Wes - it was a pleasure doing business with you both too.

We are trying our best to offer a durable padded stick that doesn't cost $100 a pair!

We can offer different sizes as mentioned, school logos and the choice of red, blue and black.

The website is www.hatawsticks.com but if you PM me I'll give you a nice bit of discount ;)

All the best,

Simon

[yomitche]

How is everyone's Hataw stick holding up? I'm thinking of ordering a couple for our group...
Just wondering if everyone is still happy with them after having them for a little while and, hopefully, using them on a regular basis.

[Phil Mar Nadela]

One of them broke, not because of sparring but one of the students bent it and it snapped. I guess they where trying to check how far it would bend.
Other than that, we have been using it regularly (the last 3 I have) for practice for an upcoming tournament next year. I am tempted to order more but my wife will kill me. http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

[The Phalanx]

I don't believe in using Smak-Stiks or anything similar... They give you a false sense of security since they bend easily and it's difficult to do blocks with them...

I recommend them for little kids or for people who are in their first month of training or their first time sparring... But I don't recommend them for prolonged use for sparring at all, especially if you've been training for a while... I see some people using armor when fighting with Smak-Stiks, which I don't get... Why are you even taking FMA if you're not willing to put up with the pain???

We use padded sticks for sparring... We use insulation as padding but there might as well be nothing there since the pain and bruises are still the same... So we don't kill each other and go 50%-60%... But you're free to spar with live-sticks if you want... Someone is always more than willing to fight you with it...

But when we spar, we only use limited protective gear... Which is not really that bad after all when using padded sticks... The gear we use are gloves, fencing mask, knee & elbow pads, shin guards(Muay Thai shinguards but those are optional), and mouthguards...

But like what I said, I don't recommend the prolonged use of Smak-Stiks... Move on to thin sticks, which sting but won't break any bones...

[eskrimakaliarnis.com]

I take your point but are you saying you use the limited gear with the live stick or padded?

In our style (Bahad Zubu) Master Yuli does not personally like padded sticks (even though he invented the concept way back when). All seniors must spar live stick with no protection. Ofcourse, the strikes aren't "full-blast" and in BZ we don't head-hunt so the fingers, arms and torso will take a beating.

You can not do that kind of training everyday so that's where the padded sticks come in. I often use the Hataw stick with no armour / gloves / etc, etc. A good shot to the hand will want to make you instantly switch and usually slight bruising occurs. Enough to signify it was a good shot but it will let you fight again tomorrow and be wary about being struck again in the same place!

Phil - sorry to hear about that. When you do get round to ordering again I'll stick a free one in for you to even up the pairs. Please update me on any problems you may have with the sticks.

Thanks,

Simon - www.hatawsticks.com (http://www.hatawsticks.com)

Edit - a short vid showing the kind of thing double stick. Not a lot of strikes land in it though - mainly due to the skills of Guros Romy and Gerald.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ_HUSfpd2Y

I'm sure we'll be doing some more live stick soon so I'll try and get a longer vid of it up on you-tube.


(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ_HUSfpd2Y)

[The Phalanx]

I take your point but are you saying you use the limited gear with the live stick or protection?

In our style (Bahad Zubu) Master Yuli does not personally like padded sticks (even though he invented the concept way back when). All seniors must spar live stick with no protection. Ofcourse, the strikes aren't "full-blast" and in BZ we don't head-hunt so the fingers, arms and torso will take a beating.

You can not do that kind of training everyday so that's where the padded sticks come in. I often use the Hataw stick with no armour / gloves / etc, etc. A good shot to the hand will want to make you instantly switch and usually slight bruising occurs. Enough to signify it was a good shot but it will let you fight again tomorrow and be wary about being struck again in the same place!



(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ_HUSfpd2Y)

We use protection when sparring with live-stick and padded sticks... Since we go for head shots, we have to... There really aren't any rules on what you can and can't do, just as long as you don't send each other to the emergency room...

I heard of Hataw sticks and they seem adequte... But I haven't held one yet so idk where my stand is on them... But I really dislike Smak-Stiks... It turns into a pillow fight a lot of times with those because of how it's so soft and the pain is at minimum...

[eskrimakaliarnis.com]

Thanks for your input. I hope you get to see a pair one day.

It's no rule about "No head-shots" as there are no rules. If I go for one against a BZ practicioner I will usually be in a lot of trouble and our aim is usally to take the opponents hands out of action - but that's a whole new discussion entirely ;)

[wes tasker]

I don't believe in using Smak-Stiks or anything similar... They give you a false sense of security since they bend easily and it's difficult to do blocks with them...

I recommend them for little kids or for people who are in their first month of training or their first time sparring... But I don't recommend them for prolonged use for sparring at all, especially if you've been training for a while... I see some people using armor when fighting with Smak-Stiks, which I don't get... Why are you even taking FMA if you're not willing to put up with the pain???

We use padded sticks for sparring... We use insulation as padding but there might as well be nothing there since the pain and bruises are still the same... So we don't kill each other and go 50%-60%... But you're free to spar with live-sticks if you want... Someone is always more than willing to fight you with it...

But when we spar, we only use limited protective gear... Which is not really that bad after all when using padded sticks... The gear we use are gloves, fencing mask, knee & elbow pads, shin guards(Muay Thai shinguards but those are optional), and mouthguards...

But like what I said, I don't recommend the prolonged use of Smak-Stiks... Move on to thin sticks, which sting but won't break any bones...

How do you differentiate between the "false sense of security" caused by a padded stick (whichever type...) and the "false sense of security" one gets when wearing a fencing mask?

-wes tasker

[Phil Mar Nadela]

I don't believe in using Smak-Stiks or anything similar... They give you a false sense of security since they bend easily and it's difficult to do blocks with them...

I recommend them for little kids or for people who are in their first month of training or their first time sparring... But I don't recommend them for prolonged use for sparring at all, especially if you've been training for a while... I see some people using armor when fighting with Smak-Stiks, which I don't get... Why are you even taking FMA if you're not willing to put up with the pain???

We use padded sticks for sparring... We use insulation as padding but there might as well be nothing there since the pain and bruises are still the same... So we don't kill each other and go 50%-60%... But you're free to spar with live-sticks if you want... Someone is always more than willing to fight you with it...

But when we spar, we only use limited protective gear... Which is not really that bad after all when using padded sticks... The gear we use are gloves, fencing mask, knee & elbow pads, shin guards(Muay Thai shinguards but those are optional), and mouthguards...

But like what I said, I don't recommend the prolonged use of Smak-Stiks... Move on to thin sticks, which sting but won't break any bones...

That sound like allot of protection still, My instructors (both filipino) competed in tournaments in the Philippines with no protection what so ever (full contact with rattan or Kamagong). My guro said they were force to were helmets and everyone was making a big deal already.

And by the way we spar with the padded stick with no armour or helmet.

[The Phalanx]

That sound like allot of protection still, My instructors (both filipino) competed in tournaments in the Philippines with no protection what so ever (full contact with rattan or Kamagong). My guro said they were force to were helmets and everyone was making a big deal already.

And by the way we spar with the padded stick with no armour or helmet.

Yes, but if you're training for this type of fighting, it's a bit different...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6EZE_rmsQs

[Phil Mar Nadela]

Yes, but if you're training for this type of fighting, it's a bit different...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6EZE_rmsQs


What is the difference?

[The Phalanx]

What is the difference?

What is your point?

[Phil Mar Nadela]

What is your point?

It is the same back home with out the helmet and all the padding. And i also assume that back then when my Guro's did it was a full out fighting till someone surrenders (broken bones and all).

So what is the difference?

[The Phalanx]

It is the same back home with out the helmet and all the padding. And i also assume that back then when my Guro's did it was a full out fighting till someone surrenders (broken bones and all).

So what is the difference?

Why do I get the feeling that you want to start a macho war?

[Phil Mar Nadela]

No disrespect, i am just merely curious. Full contact fighting is being done back home but because of injuries (and deaths) they have to resort to Armour and padding.

I do apologies if i past of as being rude, plus if you know me in person, i am the least macho est guy you'll meethttp://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon7.gif.

[eskrimakaliarnis.com]

I think this thread is straying off topic... :) how about a thread in the DB forum about protection TP?

If people want to compete in DB events then more power to them. Maybe in the future (especially if they come to the Philippines LOL!) I'll have the chance to spar in one - though I'd probably have to pull a B.A Baracus type sedative on the wife heh heh.

As I was trying to point out earlier, if you want to train every day / as much as possible you need some form of protection. PG Egdgar Sulite developed his style of gloves for that exact reason due to students training with broken hands...

Plus, you only really learn when you get hit so it's better to put yourself in that position as often as possible and to experience enough pain to know you've been hit but still be able to train.

[Phil Mar Nadela]

Thanks Phil and Wes - it was a pleasure doing business with you both too.

We are trying our best to offer a durable padded stick that doesn't cost $100 a pair!

We can offer different sizes as mentioned, school logos and the choice of red, blue and black.

The website is www.hatawsticks.com (http://www.hatawsticks.com) but if you PM me I'll give you a nice bit of discount ;)

All the best,

Simon

Kuya Simon,

How would the logo's look like? I was just going to PM you about getting a pair for myself and a friend and I’m intrigued by the logo thing. Is it embroidered or sticker and how much will it cost?

[eskrimakaliarnis.com]

Hi Phil.

It's a durable sticker. I know they're pretty tough as I had to peel a few off for a customer who didn't want them branded.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb74/bid4bargains/newhataw.jpg

Providing the order is for at least 10 sticks it wouldn't cost you any extra at all. You can send me a graphics file with the design and I'll take care of the printing.

Simon.

[el maldito de cebu]

if you have difficulty for choosing quality sticks I advice or just a sugestion if its just for practice sparing it is just fine to buy generic stick and with a foam. wrap the foam and the generic stick with baggage tape to make it stirdy. and if wrapping cloth are already available in the market you try to put it inside to for safety. you got a cheaper padded stick in lesser spences

[littlebadboy]

I know this is kind of an old thread. I did not want to clutter the forum with redundant topics.

So, what is the best value padded sticks available today and where to get a good deal?

Thanks everyone!

[brooke]

Have tried most of the above padded sticks and so far our favorite at LESKAS Seattle are the HIT stick series by action flex. They seem to hold up very well with out turning into a floppy noodle.
The Sof Stx we tried in various forms, plastic core, hickory, indestructibly etc. and we broke them pretty fast, the wood core ones broke mid stick usually on a block, and the indestructibles the tops popped off. We hit pretty hard so if your sparring is gentle or low impact these may work for you. On the up side you can get them in custom lengths and they even do shapped (knives/swords) which is neat. They also have a nice feel to them heft wise.

the ATF padded sticks with rattan cores, broke all three we ordered in 2 sparring sessions. on the upside they use rattan so they feel great, just like your normal stick, but because they are rattan they do seem to break easy.

SMAK Stick this is probably the oldest padded weapon we have and use, the core has held up pretty well, but the padding has totally broken down. Not sure if these guys are still in business.

Actionflex "normal" we found these to be a tad light weight and while they start off pretty nice they quickly become very whippy.

Actionflex "HIT series" and the dog brothers "stiffer/est" these are our favorites, they have so far maintained rigidity and padding. Our older one is going on 4 years and is still functional, the padding has started to break down, but i would say we have definitely got our moneys worth. Another good point on action flex is they range of sizes you can get the sticks in.

HATAW sticks: have not tried these yet, due to the limited range on lengths they come in. Our school prefers longer sticks and the HATAW sticks are kinda short for us.

[Datu Tim Hartman]

In my opinion the Action Flex Hit Sticks are the best on the market. They hit hard and are still good to use in my kid classes. I use them in my tournaments and haven't broken one yet.

[littlebadboy]

Thank you Brooke and Datu Hartmann!

So, where can I get a good deal for Action Flex Hit Sticks? What is the usual length used in torunaments here?

[Datu Tim Hartman]

I sell them. The length that are used most in tournaments are 28".

[michigankalisilat]

Anyone know where to purchase hataw sticks now that Simon is on hiatus?

Just shattered my first padded stick from Kali Gear. They worked well for soft sparring but didnt hold up to full contact.

Eric

[littlebadboy]

Anyone know where to purchase hataw sticks now that Simon is on hiatus?

Just shattered my first padded stick from Kali Gear. They worked well for soft sparring but didnt hold up to full contact.

Eric

I read on a different thread that he will be up again soon. He transferred to Taiwan for better shipping options I think. Do you want to try sof-stx (http://www.sof-stx.com/)?

[littlebadboy]

I received a pair of sof-stx padded sticks and a pair sof-stx play knives today! They seem to be of very good construction and build. I can't wait to play with them this weekend and give you guys a feedback. The owners are very nice people!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v375/littlebadboy/sofstx.jpg