Shaft Flex

[ClarkAddison]

I'm looking to purchase a new shaft. What does the flex number mean? The Z Bubble Easton shaft I was looking offered 85 or 100. Which has more flex, higher or lower number?

On the same subject. Can you recommend the lightest (but strong) shaft out there?



http://www.eteamz.com/ChillDawgz/images/NPMikeShot.jpg

[gpersch]

The higher the number the stiffer the flex. I personally use the z-bubble grip. 110 stiffness. But I am not sure I like them yet. Getting too costly. I broke 2 shafts already.

[missionhockey21]

I like lousiville genesis shafts with a 110 flex. I've had it for about 4 months and so far there has been no problems.

[bonesy21]

hey buddy,


i was just curious at to what kind of blade you use in your shaft? furthermore it depends upon how hard you shoot and so forth as well. for example, someone that shoots extremely hard, is usually going to use a higher number or a stiffer shaft(like 110) whereas a rookie, or some chicks usually use a wet noodle(like an 85). moreover, theres a lot of people that are rich out there too, that buy a ton of wet noodles (85 flex) due to the fact that they prefer those wet noodles over the stiffer ones; however, the wet noodle shafts usually gives a person a harder wrist-shot due to the whip you get from shooting it....so it just depends upon what you like... in addition, if you use replaceable blades and you use a focus flex, or any other type of graphite blade, i would recommend buyin a one piece. these one piece sticks are usually like your synergy's, louisville responses, or even the new cool lookin mission M1's. they may be a bit expensive at around $130 or so(if you look around) but are well worth the $. so overall it just depends what your looking for...i just bought a louisville response which is a stiff flex, and i love it....i used to have a synergy, and broke it the first time i had it, but i have a bunch of team mates who love it, and would recommend it. on the other hand, ive also had a ton of ultra-lites and some z-bubbles, and some t-flexs, but those have a tendancy to break more and the warranty isnt as good. so if i had to choose again or all over again, i would defitely pick a one piece, they last a lot longer, have durability, and they in the long run are less expensive.....

[ClarkAddison]

Thanks for the insights Bones. Here is my thought process in a nutshell. I've played for 35 years on ice and about the last six inline and ice. I was using one pieces. For inline I was using an Easton Z Carbon 95 Senior model which I liked because it is extremely light which at 40 is important. Two problems with it were they broke in a few weeks and they were so light I couldn't find a comparable ice hockey stick as far as weight. When I got on the ice I had a hard time adjusting to a heavier stick.

On ice I've never gotten loyal with any one brand or type of stick. When I'm scoring I like it. When the scoring decreases I change.

My game is more about stickhandling and passing then slap shots. I'm a garbage goal guy who mostly scores on wristers, backhands, and snappers.

The reason I want a shaft is that I want to use the same stick for both inline and ice so there will little if any difference. I play as many as 3 games each a week.

As far as blades go. I have been using Easton Shanahan blades. I don't have them in front of me so I don't know the exact model numbers. I bought in bulk. I switch the blade depending on surface.

Thanks.



http://www.eteamz.com/ChillDawgz/images/NPMikeShot.jpg

[bonesy21]

hey clarke,

what is the easton z carbon look like? ive never heard of it or seen it. is it like those old aluminum shafts that easton used to make? a one piece stick is like a synergy, an M1 or the louisville response. they dont have any replaceable blades or anything. most players who play both ice and roller love those sticks because they are so fitting for both surfaces. like i said, i now own a response made by louisville and when i play ice, i just wrap the entire blade like i used to in ice hockey and then when i play rollers, i just take the tape off and put two strips parallel to the bottom of the blade therefore getting more of a clean frictioned shot. if that makes sense? but if i was you, i would try a really stiff shaft from like easton or louisville, and if you like the baby blue color which might bring out your feminine side, id recommend the mission M1. they dont break as easily, you dont have to worry about changing the blades, and they are much more lightwieght and would reduce the viagra costs...that way you could go top shelf, and you can still move your arm in the morning. just check it out.....what you see, wont hurt you, and yes they maybe a bit pricey, but its well worth the cost. lastly if you break it, and its after warranty, and its right by the blade, then you can cut it down, turn it around, and put your old shanny in there....ive done it...

bones