Easton Synthesis Shaft Background:  5’ 9† 190lbs. Shaft: Easton Synthesis Grip 100 Flex Compatible Blades: any tapered, Synthesis, R2, L2, Inno tapered, T-flex Options: 50 flex junior, 75 flex intermediate, 85 and 100 flex senior, 100 and 110 Grip Initial Impression:  My first thoughts on the shaft were the graphics, lovely, ugly banana yellow.  The paint scheme is neat, the shaft is a nice squared shape, the grip was initially nice, and the shaft was very light in comparison to others.  I used an Iginla composite Synthesis blade, and the weight was still light in comparison to other sticks. Stickhandling/Passing/Shooting:  All are effortless, the shaft sits naturally in your hands, and the short hosel blade balances the shaft and blade weight.  It does not feel too blade heavy, and it is very comparable to the Synergy in most aspects.  The low kick point seems to lower the flex a little, making a 100 feel like a 95, it gives wrist shots a little extra kick, but doesn’t take anything away from slappers.  Getting to slap shots, the synthesis fires rockets.  I have no trouble putting shots in any corner at will, and the synthesis fires the puck harder than any stick I’ve ever used, rivaled only by the original Tri-Flex and XN10.  (5/5) Weight/Balance:  As stated above, this stick is flawless in terms of weight and balance.  It is heavier than an XN10, but noticeably lighter than most other OPS.  Even despite its light weight, the stick feels solid all the way through.  Some sticks tend to feel “brittle†when used but this certainly is not one.  (5/5) Durability:  Another shining point.  This stick is the highlight of the Easton line up.  The one complaint I have is the grip coating unravels itself once its scratched, and pretty soon no grip is left.  The paint also tends to chip and leaves black leopard marks all over.  But I cannot complain too much, I tend to break shafts on a regular basis, but this has lasted me well over a year, much longer than most shafts I’ve owned.  (4/5) Conclusion:  This shaft is one of my favorites, the chipping paint and tear away grip can be overlooked by the high performance this shaft delivers.  Anyone looking for a high end stick should give this stick a second and even third look, it comes highly recommended.