First manufactured in 2002, the Bionic is one of the new breed of heads manufactured to be very narrow (as you look at the face) through the center part of the head. This is a great feature for ball control, and it makes it easier to track the ball in the pocket for more accuracy. The catching area is smaller, though. The Bionic user needs to be good at catching the ball, because the margin for error is a little smaller. The sidewall uses the full 2" width, which allows for the deepest (legal) pocket possible. The design is offset, but reaches forward near the top of the head. It almost looks like it is "bent" in the middle. The bottom of the sid-wall where the pocket is attached is pretty much curved from throat to scoop, but it is very gradual until it gets near the scoop. There are adequate holes for pocket stringing variations, but the holes are small. This makes for less "weak point" possibilities. The weight range is about 170 grams, almost an ounce and a half more than the Cyber, but this might make it that much more durable as well. The reinforcing on the sides makes the Bionic fairly stiff. The scoop is average, with the scoop blade not quite as wide or flat as the X2 and Proton predecessors in the STX family. The top of the throat tilts back a little to hold the ball better for those "straight up and down" players. This is the STX answer for the Warrior step-down patent, which gives more pocket space availability below the throat area of the head. It also makes the ball naturally roll back into the pocket when it hits the throat of the head. The Bionic throat stretches onto or over the handle a little to help the head stay tightly fit onto the shaft. The pinched aspect to this head can be a good thing for many face-off specialists, because the narrower the head, the quicker the clamp.
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