Y1 MR X vs Gryphon Tour G26 Ronin — Which Elite Stick Should You Buy?

If you're spending over £300 on a hockey stick, you're going to do your research — and you should. The Y1 MR X and the Gryphon Tour G26 Ronin are two of the most capable sticks on the market in 2026/27. Both are 100% carbon. Both are elite. Both are priced within £10 of each other. But they're built for different players.

This comparison breaks down exactly where they differ — so you can pick the one that suits your game.

Quick Verdict

	Y1 MR X	Gryphon Tour G26 Ronin
Price	£305.95	£312.00
Carbon	100%	100% (Forged)
Bow	Mid bow (24.5mm @ 210mm)	Extreme low bow (25mm @ 200mm)
Best for	All-round midfielders & forwards	Drag flickers & PC specialists
Vibration dampening	Standard	Kraibon technology
Sizes	35", 36.5", 37.5", 38.5"	36.5", 37.5", 38.5"

The Bow: Where They Differ Most

This is the biggest difference and the one that should drive your decision.

The Y1 MR X uses a mid bow — specifically Y1's Midfield Low Bow at 24.5mm positioned at 210mm from the head. This is the sweet spot for all-round play: you get enough bow for aerials and drag flicks, but the stick remains balanced and controllable for hitting, passing, and dribbling across the full 80 minutes.

The Gryphon Tour G26 Ronin uses an extreme low bow — 25mm positioned at just 200mm. That extra-low positioning is engineered specifically for drag flicking and aerial passing. In the right hands, it produces incredible power and whip from set pieces. But it's a specialist profile — more demanding for everyday play, and not as forgiving for hitting and general distribution.

The rule of thumb: if you play all positions across the pitch and need a stick that excels everywhere, go MR X. If you're a specialist drag flicker or penalty corner forward who wants maximum set-piece performance, go Ronin.

Construction: Forged vs Standard Carbon

Both sticks are 100% carbon, but they get there differently.

The Y1 MR X uses Y1's Swedish X Carbon — a high-grade carbon weave engineered for competitive club and international play. It delivers the power and responsiveness you'd expect at this price point, with Y1's signature Touch Toe head for quick dribbling and reverse-stick confidence.

The Gryphon Tour G26 Ronin uses Forged Carbon with a Light Feel lay-up. Forged carbon construction typically produces a denser, more consistent carbon structure than standard layered carbon, and the Light Feel lay-up is Gryphon's approach to keeping weight down while maximising stiffness. The result is a stick that feels explosive on the ball.

Gryphon also adds Kraibon vibration dampening — a technology that absorbs unwanted shock on impact, giving you a cleaner feel without sacrificing feedback. This is particularly noticeable when receiving hard passes at pace. The MR X doesn't have an equivalent dampening system.

Head Design

The Y1 MR X features the Touch Toe head — designed for quick left-to-right drag control and confident reverse-stick play. It's a versatile head that suits the all-round midfield game.

The Gryphon Tour G26 Ronin features a concave face with an integrated control lip. The concave face cups the ball slightly during drag flicking, giving you more consistent contact and better transfer of energy into the flick. The enhanced backhand edge also improves reverse-stick confidence. It's a head built around set-piece performance above everything else.

Weight and Balance

The Gryphon Tour G26 Ronin has a targeted weight of 515g (±10g) with a balance point of 400mm — slightly head-heavy, which adds momentum to drag flicks and drives.

Y1 don't publish a specific weight target for the MR X, but it sits in the same general range as most elite composite sticks — typically 510g–530g depending on size.

Who Should Buy the Y1 MR X?

• Midfielders who need a stick that works across all areas of the pitch
• Forwards who want lift and 3D skills but also hit and pass accurately
• Players who cover a lot of ground and need versatility across 80 minutes
• Anyone moving up from the Y1 MR 70 and ready for top-spec performance
• Players who want the best all-round midfielder's stick available

Who Should Buy the Gryphon Tour G26 Ronin?

• Specialist drag flickers and penalty corner forwards
• Players who prioritise set-piece power over general versatility
• Forwards who play high up the pitch and rarely need to defend or distribute over long distances
• Players who want Kraibon dampening for a smoother feel on hard pitches
• Anyone looking for an alternative to the Y1 YLB X or Grays JB8 at a similar price point

Our Verdict

Y1 MR X if you're an all-round player who needs a stick that excels across every part of the game. The mid bow profile, Touch Toe head, and X Carbon construction make it one of the best all-round elite sticks available in 2026/27.

Gryphon Tour G26 Ronin if you're a specialist in attack — particularly a drag flicker or penalty corner forward who wants the most from set pieces. The extreme low bow, forged carbon, and Kraibon dampening make it a formidable weapon in the right hands.

Both sticks are elite. Both will reward players who have the technique to use them. The choice comes down to your role on the pitch.

Shop Both Sticks

Buy the Y1 MR X 2026/27 — £305.95
Buy the Gryphon Tour G26 Ronin — £312.00

Not sure which is right for you? Use our Hockey Stick Finder for a personalised recommendation, or browse all hockey sticks.

Also worth comparing: Y1 MR X.2 | Y1 YLB X | Gryphon Diablo G26 Pro25