Davideo

Extensively, and as a lifelong 2 piece user have some points of comparison. I find performance to be better than any other blades I've used previously, and it pairs very well with the TRUE shaft. The biggest difference in what I've experienced is that other blades go soft and the TRUE blades do not. That being said, I have had two basically shear at the hosel and break off. One happened on the second skate, the other was probably after 15-20. The others have actually been very durable and last upwards of perhaps 100 skates. I would estimate other blades (I've used Warrior more recently) start breaking down after maybe not even 50 skates, and are pretty well shot as I approach 75. There have also been a few versions of the blades and each one seems to advertise improved durability, so perhaps the hosel breakage is no longer an issue. And the last time it happened was on a blade probably two generations back. I did have to switch from a PM9 type curve to an 88 in making the switch to TRUE. But that may have been for the better overall. I feel my shot is slightly improved and with very little impact to passing or backhands. RIP Modano curve 2 piece sticks 4 lyfe.

It's a "variable" flex shaft. Here is their marketing speak for their "Smart Flex Technology": "Our composite design technology offers an optimized, varied stiffness distribution throughout the shaft." There are ways to adjust the flex point besides taper.

I feel the performance is very good for what works out to a $150 stick. And I rarely break shafts, but do go through blades more quickly. So yes, the economics of a $50 replacement blade are much better. I also switched from a PM9 curve a few years ago as they were becoming more scarce and it was easier and less expensive to try a few different curves.

Ah, looks like they are switching to the new AX9 and I'm guessing they pulled down the old line from their site and haven't put up the new one yet. Thanks. I was starting to panic a bit...

Does anyone know if TRUE is discontinuing their blades and shafts? The direct link to the relevant page on their site is still active: https://www.true-hockey.com/true-products/sticks/shafts-blades. However, I can no longer find a way to navigate to it from their home page. I ask because if they are, I need to seriously stock up.

It's been about 6 years since the last shaft review, so I figured one was due. Background: I have played hockey for nearly 30 years, topping out as an ACHA club player and now just in pickup/adult league. As someone who breaks blades but very rarely breaks a shaft using a two piece makes more sense to me. It is also much easier/cheaper to experiment with different curves. I have not tried any Base shafts but starting from Easton aluminum's have used quite a few different shafts from a number of manufacturers. The performance and feel of a shaft is obviously strongly correlated with the blade being used. I've used a few, but settled on using a TRUE blade as well as that seemed to have the best overall feel and performance. Though in general I think my comments hold if using different blades. Specs: TRUE 6.0 ABP Shaft - Flex 75 Usage: ~2 Seasons and still going strong (I have been told that differences with the latest version are minor to non-existent). Weight: I've never been one to pay all to much attention (see usage of Easton aluminum shafts 20 years ago...) but it compares well to other higher end sticks. Total weight of course matters greatly which blade you put on. Performance: I'm mostly of the opinion that once you get to around the mid-range of sticks there isn't much difference going higher in price, and things like flex, feel, weight, balance, etc. become more important. It is definitely the highest performing shaft I have used. Flex profile can be very specific to the individual, but the flex profile works very well for me. It is advertised as a variable kick point and works quite well across the board: passing, wrist shot, snap shot, slap shot, one timer, etc. I broke a blade the other day and had to switch to my backup with a Bauer shaft. The difference in flex and feel were very noticeable, and much worse. Durability: I've used the shaft for almost 2 seasons now, which I would estimate to be about 200 hours of ice time. It has some scuffs, scapes, and dings, but nothing that seems to be affecting things in any way. With the exception of Base, it seems most equipment manufacturers have either stopped manufacturing shafts or at least stopped caring about putting out the best product possible. In my opinion, TRUE does still care and puts out a top-notch product. I know the market is quite small, but I'm very glad that they do. Before I found the TRUE shaft I had started trying some one pieces thinking I'd have to make the switch as they were much better than the shafts I was using, but the TRUE shaft changed that for me and I personally don't think I would gain much by using more expensive one pieces.

You are correct that there is no different in volume. However, my theory is that it changes slightly where the laces dig into the foot, temporarily lessening the pain. Either that or it's completely placebo.

I find significant improvements in hockey equipment to be quite infrequent. I stopped playing competitively a dozen years ago and my gear from then was not much worse than what you can get now. Sticks rapidly improved in function and durability the first handful of years when one pieces came out, but the last half a dozen of years there hasn't been much improvement. I've heard helmets have improved, but for no check, I don't really care about that. Stuff is lighter, but often trivially so. Seems most yearly updates are a color change and "upgrade" from SUPER ProTec Foam to ELITE ProTec Foam! So in summary, I don't see much reason to upgrade when you get your gear dialed in. And even playing pretty regularly most stuff should last a few years. I do get excited by certain older gear in good shape. Old Eagle gloves, CCM HT2 helmet that must be paired with a Jofa 381 cage (currently looking for a black one, much harder to find than white), NOS righty senior replacement stick blades in an acceptable curve (seems like they are as rare as hen's teeth these days), game worn or practice jerseys from the '90's, etc.

Our rink got some cheap pucks a few years ago that chipped and split very easily. I'm not sure what exactly made them different, but they were really bad.

It wouldn't be hard to sew velcro onto a cheap pair of compression shorts.

I think you are giving STX more than bit too much credit. They did not "literally" take lacrosse from "ultra niche" to more popular that hockey. How about: STX is a large, long-established, and well respected brand in the lacrosse industry, which has more players than hockey. I'm sure STX tries to build their market and create more players, but that only goes so far. From name recognition from lacrosse and some previous hockey equipment it seems they could make a decent go of DTC. I don't need any gear at moment, but I but wish them success.

Anyone know what "Flex Fenders Technology" is?

If I'm digging at a goalie's glove at pickup I should not be surprised by a crotch shot in return. There are self-righteous hot head jerks in every walk of life, and pickup hockey certainly has its fair share.

My guess would be that the Graf brand holds cachet amongst older players. However, their influence has been going down for a while and so younger players don't really care about them. If the Graf brand was able to marry together their classic style and their fit selection with newer materials and performance they could have a compelling lineup.

A lower model would be interesting. Thanks for the info.

Any difference in the fiberglass vs composite as far as durability or stiffness, or is it pretty much just weight?

What is the difference between the II and the M8? It looks like a different tongue and quarter/outsole material. So in real world scenarios what is the difference and impact?