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.
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.
Returns Policy
UK Delivery
Free Royal Mail tracked 48 delivery on orders over £75
Standard Delivery £4.99 (2-3 working days)
Express Delivery £6.99 (1-2 working days)
Please note: Some items may incur additional postage charges due to their size and weight. This will be displayed at the checkout stage of your purchase. Example products: Umbrellas, golf clubs, hockey sticks, racquets, snooker/pool cues, skis/snowboards, table tennis tables etc.
Click & Collect
We offer a Collect in Store option at our checkout page. Once your payment is processed and your order is ready to collect, we will send you a 'Ready for Collection' email.
Please do not attempt to collect your order unless you have received your ‘Ready for collection’ email.
Collection can be made Monday - Saturday between 10am-5.30pm. Please note our store is closed on a Sunday.
International Shipping
Pleaseclick hereto view our worldwide delivery rates. We use a combination of couriers including Royal Mail and Parcel Force.
Returns & Exchanges
While we hope that you will love every purchase, if you are not completely satisfied with your goods, we will happily offer you a full refund or free exchange.
You are entitled to a refund or an exchange if you contact Greaves Sports within 14 days of receipt to acknowledge the return. You then need to return your item(s) within a further 14 days in a perfect, resalable condition with all labels and tags attached. You can return your items in the post or at our store.
*Please note: underwear, face masks & personalised items are non-returnable.
