Davideo

I stand corrected, thank you. I was confusing it with the football study. The abstract states they added rotational measurements to the hockey study to help address this critique of the football study.

Currently we don't have the best understanding on what causes concussions and longer term brain damage. So developing safety tests is difficult. The biggest knock against the VT tests is that they only test linear forces and not rotational, which are known to play a large role. Factors such as fit and head shape intuitively seem like they would make a difference, but again there isn't much data that I'm aware off. It's also tough to perform real-world measurements when the result of accurate testing is brain damage (volunteers anyone?). I wouldn't call them crap, but certainly not the gold standard. I play non-check adult hockey at this point and so don't worry about it. Though if I was still playing competitive, checking hockey I would probably mostly ignore them. To address the OP's question, I have no idea about testing new models.

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.

I can't intelligently speak to matching the feel of old Bauer's, but I think using a two piece can be a cost effective strategy. I've never broken a shaft since using an aluminum shaft in the late 90's, but will bust a blade every month or so. While I'll occasionally pick up a one piece if there is a really good deal, I mostly just use a two piece and a shaft will last me for many years. I play/played at a reasonably high level and the difference is pretty negligible. All that being said, if you are literally getting seasons out of a single stick I think you are doing really well and I probably wouldn't worry about it.

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?