At Grays Hockey, we’ve always engineered our hockey sticks in a way that allows our athletes to truly ‘feel’ the control and power they have with the ball – striving for that perfect connection between player, stick and ball. As our innovations have developed over decades, so have the materials and practices that construct our most desired hockey sticks. Today, we are officially introducing the AC Zero (launching Tuesday 2nd June).
If you’ve been a fan of the Grays Hockey AC hockey stick collection, you’ll know it for its power and precision across many of the models we offer. The AC Zero is the direct successor of our flagship AC1000 - carrying forward the same elite performance but with a new name that highlights a breakthrough in how we design our hockey sticks.
1. Why the name "Zero"?
This one’s simple: Zero Solvents.
While the AC1000 was already pioneering our solvent-free construction, we felt it was time the name reflected the game-changing innovation inside. By adapting and enhancing modern manufacturing processes, we’ve moved away from traditional solvent-based methods to create a cleaner, more consistent stick.
A sustainable practice that not only benefits our players but supports a cleaner environment for the future.
“We’re proud to introduce our new solvent-free core construction across the AC Collection (AC Zero - AC700), setting a new standard for sustainable stick design. By eliminating solvents from the carbon fibre/resin process, we’re reducing environmental impact and creating safer, cleaner conditions for factory workers.”
Ian Thomas - Grays Product Engineer
2. Performance That Feels Like "Second Nature"
Sustainability is vital, but we know that on the pitch, performance is paramount. The modern process that we uniquely use to create the AC Zero ensures that the resin and carbon fibre materials are bonded with sheer precision.
In traditional manufacturing, solvents can leave microscopic variations. By removing them, we’ve created a stick that is incredibly consistent across your entire game. Whether you’re hitting, slapping, pushing or controlling the ball at pace - the AC Zero delivers time after time. The Dynabow-S bow profile that is paired with the AC Zero is designed for immense power whilst being strategically shaped for control – making it a dream for players across any position.
Need more persuading? GB and England International Tess Howard has been using its predecessor (the AC1000) since the start of 2025, and had this to say:
“There's something about the less you try, the harder it hits. I feel especially with the hitting and the amount of power you can get through the head, that this has been designed really for performance and to help you get the best out of your hitting ability.”
3. A New Standard Set. Across the Ranges.
The AC Zero is leading the charge, but this solvent-free revolution is already spreading across the Grays Hockey collection. Here’s a couple to note;
AC Collection: From the AC Zero down to the AC700, you’re getting that same cleaner, more sustainable core.
DB+ Collection: Our DB+ sticks already utilise these advanced techniques, offering a reliable and powerful hitting platform.
The future? Well, as some of you may have seen in our previous ‘What To Expect From The 26/27 Collection’ blog, we’ve got 2 brand-new shapes launching soon. The JB+ and PB+ are the next evolution of stick shapes to be engineered using the same precision-bonding technology.
4. Why Choose AC Zero Dynabow-S?
We’ve given you the lowdown as to why we’ve crafted the AC Zero, now you need to decide whether it’s a hockey stick worth taking note of. Here’s a few reasons that may catch your eye:
- Extreme Power: As Tess Howard noted, the head-weighted power of the AeroCore Collection, combined with the AeroCore technology makes elite hitting feel effortless.
- Consistent Control: Advanced bonding, and the strategic profile the Dynabow-S shape gives you ensures your stick performs exactly how you expect it to, every single time. Whether you’re receiving an aerial, picking the ball up on the run at pace, or posting up at the top of the D, the AC Zero enhances your control no matter the scenario.
- A Classic Revamped: A redesign to the classic sought after Dynabow sees a forward thinking reshape creating the Vertex playing head to enhance 3D skills, combined with the deafening force that the LBZ encompasses – giving you reinforced control and power when hitting on the reverse.
- Ethical Innovation: Play with the confidence that the hockey stick you personally chose, was made in a safer environment with a reduced environmental footprint.
The AC Zero isn’t just a name change, it’s a statement of intent that we will continuously strive to further through our product development cycles.
Interested in the AC Collection? Find out more by reading our exclusive blog - “Grays AeroCore (AC) Hockey Sticks - Why Are They Right For You?”
