The R2 is great, best shaft I've used yet.  Quite a bit of pop for a whip flex.  It's a bit heavier than the ultra high end shafts but balances well with a wood blade.  Good deal for $40. The Bauer I cut from a OPS.  Really durable, great for slappers, not bad for wristers.  Also a good deal as I paid $60 for the stick and used it probably 20-30 times before cutting the blade off (which was still in great shape, just got bored with the pattern).   Where did you find the R2 for $40. I seen the Endure for $59 on Hockey Giant or Hockey Monkey i forget which one but, its one of those.