Graphics

The most noticeable change in the Ribcor stick family is the switch from the iconic green to iridescent purple graphics along the shaft. When viewed at specific angles and in certain lighting, the stick's iridescent quality causes it to change colour. Combined with the black and gray base and purple undertones, the Trigger 7 can keep the nice rainbow display without the colours being too overwhelming to look at. Our team had quite a bit of fun playing with the lighting and angles with this stick once it entered the Shop.

Low Kick Point

Like the rest of the Ribcor line, the Trigger 7 is a low kick stick, meaning that it starts off stiff at the top and gradually gets softer down the shaft, where it eventually bends near the hosel (where the stick and shaft meet). There isn’t much load with these sticks, so they won’t be able to generate as much power as a hybrid or mid kick stick, but that’s not the goal of this variety anyway—low kick sticks excel at sudden, high-stakes situations and being up close and personal with the play.

Skeleton+ Technology

The success of Skeleton+ in both the Trigger 6 and AS4 Pro means it’s back for another round in the Trigger 7. With Skeleton+, the carbon is compressed to give a more flexible hosel and stronger base without adding weight. In short, this means the stick can help make your shots even whippier while also being more resistant to wear.

Nanolite Carbon Layering

Nanolite Carbon Layering returns from the Trigger 6 and is the method they use to layer the carbon together. This layering is tight and tough, making for a lightweight and more durable hockey stick. With the help of the stick’s new Sigma ST^P carbon weave, the Trigger 7 is able to provide even better performance with its highest degree of durability yet.

Sigma ST^P Carbon Weave

With a new stick, it’s time to reevaluate what worked in the previous generation and what needs improvement. In preparation for the upcoming season, CCM has been working with Sigmatex to develop carbon weaves tailored specifically for their goalies and players. The Trigger 7 uses Sigma ST^P, which is the player variation. This weave further refines the series’ durability and strength, which may have been the primary issue with the previous Trigger 6. The Sigma ST^P weave looks to ameliorate durability problems while allowing for lighter weight and better balance across the shaft.

Durability Developments

Although considered one of the best low kick sticks on the market, Ribcor in the past may have sometimes come off as a bit fragile compared to CCM’s other lines, Tacks and Jetspeed. This is just due to the lighter weight, low kick point, and how the hosel tends to take more pressure during the shot. The result of combining Nanolite Carbon Layering with the new Sigma ST^P carbon weave is something we’ve been eager to see in the Ribcor series. With this increase in durability without an increase in weight, the Ribcor Trigger 7 looks to be a great and essential push in the right direction.

Agility 2 Blade with Peel-Ply

A distinct characteristic of the Ribcor series has been CCM’s Agility blade, and this feature has now been upgraded in the Trigger 7. The Agility 2 blade functions with the new Sigma ST^P carbon weave to offer an even quicker release off the blade and a closer feel to the puck.

Ergonomic "E" Geometry

The geometry of a stick is the smallest adjustment they could make to maximize a stick's performance, and Ribcor's Ergonomic geometry is a perfect example of geometry done right. At the top, the shaft starts out more traditional to allow your hands to glide over it seamlessly when necessary. As you travel down the shaft, it starts to become more concave right where your lower hand may want some extra grip and control. This concave build also functions as a better base for quick-release shots to load from. The strategy has worked for years across generations of Ribcor sticks, and its recurrence here is something we’re quite happy to see again.

Trigger Microfeel 2 Grip

You might notice when first holding the Trigger 7 that its grip is a bit different from the Trigger 6 and other predecessors. CCM has switched the Trigger 7 to using the next generation Trigger Microfeel 2 grip, which is more angled and raised to make the stick feel a bit more natural without it being too overpowering.

Final Thoughts

If you read my previous review on the Trigger 6, you may have caught that Ribcor is one of my favourite low kick point stick families available. Once I saw and got to try out the Trigger 7 stick for the first time too, I knew that opinion wasn’t going to change anytime soon. I love the current trajectory that CCM is taking with both the enhanced durability and new graphics. The Hockey Shop is excited to see where the Trigger 7 and the rest of the Ribcor series are heading.