trained_seal

Easton Synergy SE Non-Grip Krys Barch Pro-Stock (I'd say 85-95 flex) Blade: I have been using two pieces with wood blades for a while, but I picked this up on the cheap so I thought I'd give it a go. I'm fairly surprised and pleased with the puck feel. Not quite wood feel, but certainly doesn't feel dead or anything like that. Blade is stiff. 8/10 Flex: Not marked. Feels consistent, no complaints here. 9/10 Balance: Coming from wood blades, this is probably the nicest part about being back with a OPS. The SE is much better balanced. On par with other OPSs I have used, very comfortable to hold and skate with. 9/10 Durability: So far it has held up marvelously, I've heard about some shenanigans with SE durability, but to date I have experienced none of it. For now... 10/10 Shot: Excellent pop. Shots are strong and true. 9/10 Looks: I like the way this stick looks. I feel like it's one of the "classiest" looking sticks out there. Professional graphics, doesn't look garish. 10/10 Conclusion: Great re-introduction to OPSs. Has renewed my faith in Easton equipment (I was not a very big fan of the SL) Feel is competitive, shots are strong, the stick is very responsive overall.

Bauer Vapor XXX lite P106 Curve, 87 Flex Blade: Puck feel is great, better than the One90 I bought to replace it, in my opinion. Blade was stiff, even after months of use, a while in the garage, and a few more months of use blade had only softened a little...10/10 Shaft/flex: I chopped about an inch a half/inch and three quarters off, so it was probably about a low 90s flex. Good range for me. Flex felt consistent. Shaft dimensions felt good, and Bauer/NBH has the best grip. I find most grip too much, but Stick'um has always suited me...10/10 Stickhandling/Passing: Stickhandling was good, passes came off with enough force, nothing outstanding, but solid nonetheless...9/10 Shooting: Excellent pop, shooting is definitely this stick's highlight. Important to me at least, all the shots feel comfortable, I don't feel I have to force anything, if anyone knows what that means...10/10 Weight and balance: Stick is very light, very evenly balanced, no complaints here...10/10 Durability: I'd say this is the only hang-up to this stick. I've had mixed results with this stick. I've used three of these, two broke after 3-6 months, yet this last has gone over a year. So mixed results here, but still a worry...7/10 Intangibles: Still one of the best looking sticks out there. Shame they stopped making them...10/10 Conclusion: I've used more of these sticks than any other stick, overall I've been very happy. Sharp looking stick with some solid performance to back it up. Only slight durability concerns, but Bauer hit the nail on the head, as they say...9/10