New Topic-Wood vs Graphite

[Kdawg68]

I was just curious to know if anyone still uses wooden sticks? I have been watching some college and pro hockey
and some Mlrh as well and am noticing mostly all use some sort of graphite,kevlar etc..What are the advantages/disadvantages of the two.I am curious to hear others opinions on this topic.I myself used Easton Z and Easton Ultra light for five years and although I have broken two Z-bubles I have gone back too the Sherwoods and I
feel more comfortably with a wooden stick since I can actually feel the puck on my blade unlike when I was using Easton shafts..Just curious too know what other people think about this....

[missionhockey21]

Yeah thats the big thing everyone always talks about, feeling the puck. Super Mario, still uses wood stick for that same reason. When I first started to use a graphite shaft about 6 or 7 years ago I didnt reall like it, but over time I dont even notice it. Plus I have been spoiled by having so many light shafts, using a wood shaft feels wrong now. I get a better slap with wood and a better wrist with a composite. I think it just matters what your personal likes in a stick are.

[DannyG]

really good discussion topic...this needs to be batted around every six months or so, as the industry and its products keep advancing...

1. I swore by wood for decades, a "purest" attitude...

2. I now swear by graphite (and the Synergy) because my wimpy wrists made me...

however...(and this might really date me)

I used the Carl Yastremski model Louisville Slugger for years until forced to use a Harmon Killebrew one game...the Killebrew was like a log it was so thick handled...I got such good touch and feel for the ball, however, that I never went back to the "thin handled, whippy-quick-response" models of bats...I think that the heavier wood vs. lighter materials in hockey sticks might be the same trade-off scenario...but my wimpy wrists make me stay with the Synergy.

[-venom-]

Easton Z-Carbon, best of both worlds, and not too much $$$!!



http://www.phatwhippincrx.20m.com/images/dumbass.jpg

[MDE3]

Interesting to see Al McGuiness using a wooden stick to win yet another event lol. I think the trade off with feel is more relevant with the stiffer graphite/composite sticks. There is a big difference in the overall feel of an 85 flex versus 100 versus 110 etc. even within the same manufacturer. Some of the one piece manufacturers are already responding with a hollow "honeycomb" blade for a softer feel then the current "CLACK" associated with many of the current models. Using a softer flex will increase feel and most likely shot velocity as well. Trade off seems to be that the durability of the softer shafted one piece sticks is less than the stiffer ones, which is certainly important when your sticks start to cost about the same price as your skates.

When my son was growing up I used to plane the shaft, and or the sole of his wooden sticks as well as adjust the curve to match the flex, lie and curve to his height, weight, strength, and feel -(also did the same for me) you cant always find the correct combination of flex, curve and lie - when you need it - and about the time you find the perfect combination - it's discontinued.

The "lighter" concept of the "one piece" sticks may have some advantage, but I think the big gain was supposed to be in shot velocity where the synthetic materials can be custom tailored to "snap" back more consistently and faster than wood.

Using the example of any given professional using one or the other is almost irrelevant - given the money they may be paid to do so. Also with any good professional who has learned their trade - they know how to customize their sticks(as well as other equipment) to optimize the performance (particularily with wood because it's easier to do). If the whole concept of the one piece stick was to have equal or better performance to the wooden sticks but much longer life, then I think the jury is still out for many of the current models. If you do not really know what works for you then a wooden stick may be the way to go. It's an expensive proposition to buy a one piece and find it's not what you like.

[missionhockey21]

Yes, the Easton Z-carbon is a great value, if I ever need a stick in a pinch, that is the one I usually try to find.

[columbus_RHstar]

Graphite vs. Wood

GAME 1
flex
Graphite sticks provide more flex than a wood stick.
Winner: Graphite(1-0)

GAME 2
durability
Wooden sticks last longer and are less prone to snapping like graphite, although splintering is likely to happen.
Winner: Wood(1-1)

GAME 3
Weight
Graphite sticks are much lighter than wooden sticks.
Winner: Graphite(2-1)

GAME 4
Feeling the Puck
When you first start out using graphite after having used wood there seems to be less feel. After time you won't notice a difference, I don't. However the feel a wood stick provides excellent feel.
Winner: Draw(2-1-1)

GAME 5
Customization
If you make a mistake customizing your wood stick its not as bad as if you do it with your $130 one piece stick.
Winner: Wood
(2-2-1
GAME 6
Cost
Wood stick $30 for top-of-the-line
Graphite stick can be as high as $150.
Need I say more
Winner: Wood(2-3-1)

GAME 7
Partial Breaks (blade area)
If your graphite shaft breaks near enough to the bottom you can saw it off put a new blade (or your old one) in and add a longer butt end. If the blade breaks you can just add another in the same shaft. If your one piece breaks most sticks come with a warranty, or you can add a blade in the bottom or flip it over and add a blade to the "top." With a wood stick you are SOL.
Winner: Graphite(3-3-1)

Overall: Draw
Graphite 3
Wood 3
Draw 1

Both sticks have their benefits but it is your preference that decides it.

[missionhockey21]

Tommey, that's a pretty nice chart explaining the differences between wood and graphite. But I do agree it is all based on preference, the weight wins it for me thats why I use graphite. I can understand people who stick with the wood due to the length they have used them because you can feel the puck, but after awhile you hardly notice it.

[Kdawg68]

Thanks for everyones input on this topic.I guess that it is a personal overall prefrence on which stick best suits their
needs.I am going to stick with my wooden sherwood for better
overall flex which gives me a better shot and overall stickhandling performance since I can actually feel the puck
on my blade.As for the weight I find it to be almost equal
between my easton and sherwood since I use the Sherwwod 5030
shaved grip feather light model (Coffeey)blade.I even tried
putting the sherwwod cooffey blade on both my easton shafts
and still was not overall satisfied with the two.
WOOD wins here!!!!

[columbus_RHstar]

Don't you mean Toimmy?

[missionhockey21]

I got the e's and i's mixed up, my bad. lol