Shaft or stick?

[almostheroes]

My son got one z-bubble solen and just broke the shaft on another, Does anyone suggest a better shaft or stick for in line?

[missionhockey21]

What price range are you talking about? I can probably hook you up with a few good links on some good shafts:-)

[SpeedDemon]

I've been using Louisville Genesis for over a year and a half now. It's a great shaft and lasts a long time too. I'm not sure how much they are, but I think it's in the range of $70-$100. Blems will go for even less.

[missionhockey21]

I've used genesis's too. They're a great shaft, I got a blem for around $50 :-)

[BkHdTpShlf]

If your looking for a high end stick I would definately tell you the new CCM. Great stick. I have a very heavy shot and usually break sticks like toothpicks but the CCM has held up to the test. Give it a shot its only a buck fifty...lol. No really give the CCM a go. I think you will be very happy with it.

Darrell Interbartolo/Rink Rat Rep. New England

[MDE3]

My son has had a couple of Vectors since early November, now using the 110, but he was using the 100 before and found it went "soft" a bit on him after maybe 30 - 35 usages(about 3 months of 2 - 3 times a week) - and the blade felt like it started to open up on slap shots. It does not sound cracked either. One of his team mates had the same problem as well.

However they seem to have much better durability than the 85 Synergy which lasted only about 3 weeks before snapping at the "joint".

Can't speak for the stiffer Synergies although he has a 100 flex "grip" he has hardly used it because he couldn't get used to the feel (it has a different blade than his 85 had)

Shot velocity was better with the 85 Synergy probably due to the extra flex - top shot with it about 86 mph. Vector - his best is only 80 mph(with the 100 flex) but very consistent - almost 80% of the time - exact same velocity(we have our own radar gun). He is still using the 110, but preferred the feel of the 100 until it softened up. Tested his shot velocity with the 110, at about 75 mph initially. Definitely less than the 100 flex. He thinks the 110 is also getting a little softer now - which is ok, and his shot velocity has also increased from when it was new back up to around 80 again. But this also may mean the stick might not have too much "life" left in it.

Anyone else noticed this "softening" with the Vectors, I know the problem with broken Synergies has been fairly common - from what I hear particularily the 85's?

[almostheroes]

hook me up with all your links! Thanks!

[rlrhky13]

For some reason all the "older" one peice sticks soften up on the blades after about 5 or 6 hours of usage. My M1's did the same thing so I went back to a 2 peice for now. The new SI-CORE from easton is supoosed to have cured this. I used 1 but it was only once so I never got the oppurtunity to see if it started to break down after a few uses or not. It definately seemed stiffer though compared to the older 1 peices I have used in the past.
The only thing I did not like about the Vector is the blades break at the toe alot.
And I noticed that on almost all of them I've seen here the graphics peel right off. Not that that affects performance but I know the kids here buy stuff by look more than quality.
I have heard alot of good things about the Sande stick coming out, but hey everyone is coming out with a 1 peice stick now. I think I counted 19 new ones coming out this season in the newest edition of Hockey Trades Magazine.

[missionhockey21]

All of these I've used and would recommend:
http://www.1800faceoff.com/prod_selected.ihtml?shop_id=1&prod_id=2467&cat_id_on=173

http://www.1800faceoff.com/prod_selected.ihtml?shop_id=1&prod_id=2467&cat_id_on=173

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/famousmaker1srinthk.html

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/misflywshafcombo.html

http://www.greatskate.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=10&Product_ID=12361&CATID=160

I can find more if you're interested. Any preferences, shaft or one piece composite? Sr. Int. or Jr?

[JMUDukes26]

Wouldn't it be nice if all the shaft companies would convert to a standard measurement of flex?

Personally, I have a very heavy and hard shot that I lean into alot. I was breaking Easton Cyclones like they were toothpicks, so I switched to Ultra Light 110's. The shaft has a nice feel, and my shot has never been better. I'm about 5'10 200 lbs, so cut down I figure its about 113 flex or so.

My roomate has always loved his Z-Bubbles, but also uses a TPS Red Light from time to time. He's a tall thin guy, and it serves him well. He's like 6'1 and doesn't cut his sticks down, and uses alot of whip. He usually uses about a 100 flex.

Gary

[columbus_RHstar]

I just broke my shaft and blade in back-to-back games,m talk about tough luck, and I bought a new shaft, I can't be sure of the model # but it is Branches and I've already used it in about 15 games and it has worked great so far.

[almostheroes]

what about the TPS Redline shaft ? What your feelings?

[missionhockey21]

Do you mean the Redlite?

[JMUDukes26]

I know a few guys that use it and like it. Its less mainstream than the Easton sticks, but if you like a really stiff shaft, the Red Lite X-Stiff is a good buy.

My goalie told me: "The thing that sucks about shafts is once you cut it down, you can't put the shaft back together"

My question is... how does this differ from any other stick you have every purchased?

Gary

[BkHdTpShlf]

The Red Lite shaft definately ain't one of the top shafts out there, not that its bad its actually pretty solid. Also if your looking for a long lasting shaft its definately a great buy.

Darrell Interbartolo/Rink Rat Rep. New England

[JMUDukes26]

I guess that's part of the appeal, if you search hard enough, you can find them very cheap. I've seen them go on ebay for 20 bucks used. Dollar for dollar, its a good shaft, but if you are looking for top performance, I would look elsewhere.

Gary

[missionhockey21]

I got one before, and really enjoyed it. It's not a "top of the line" shaft. But its the best shaft you can find for around $70.

[missionhockey21]

Yeah you can get a cometic blem red lite for around $30-$40 on www.1800faceoff.com

[columbus_RHstar]

It's a good shaft, definitley durable, but if you are able to, try to come down to the Hockey Stop, they have some pretty good sticks, I know I got my Branches for $50 and so far I've liked it better than I liked my Red Lite as far as performanc.

[-venom-]

it's a TPS RedliGHT you fools!!! :)

[missionhockey21]

Check a few posts up WRXRioT, I asked dont you mean a REDLITE?
lol

[almostheroes]

There are you happy? *L*

[missionhockey21]

yes, I am :P