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Scotty

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  1. Posted · Edited by Scotty · Report reply

    Easton Z-Bubble

    Background: 5' 9" 175lbs.

    Shaft: Z-Bubble 100 Flex

    Test Blades: Easton Z-Carbon/Focus Flex/S15 blades (all in Modano/Forsberg/Zetterberg pattern)

    Initial Impression: I had always hated the feeling of super-squared off shafts, but made the transition to some of the first year Synergies and gradually got used to them. After I stopped working at a hockey pro shop after 4 years and my access to cheap Synergys went away, I decided to try a Z-Bubble.

    Weight/Balance: With the weight of them now down to a claimed 275 grams (although that is simply the rated weight and they are truly much more than that), I have always paired them with the super lightweight Easton Z-Carbon/S15 blades. It ends up weighing around 470 grams, which is GREAT. The blades really help compliment the lightness and balance of the shaft. However, be aware that using heavier blades will throw off the balance of the stick. These things really need lightweight composite blades. Compared to a OPS, you can certainly feel that the kickpoint is a bit higher, but it isn't something beginners or most anyone is going to notice unless they have plenty of experience and have used many types of sticks. 9/10

    Shooting/Passing/Stickhandling: The feel of these sticks is as good as you can possibly as for from a shaft. From Easton's classic combination of compression-molded graphite and Kevlar to the supreme consistency of these sticks, you'll get the same feel every time. The shaft conveys great feel for the puck (as long as you've used a decent composite blade like I recommend) and responds VERY well with shots. I'm primarily a quick wrist/snap shot kind of guy and require a stick that can meet the load demands of my shot with a quick reaction. With the taper on the Z-Bubble, it loads quickly while still maintaining a great amount of flex and gets rid of the puck well. Passing is sharp, crisp, and can be felt very well. No reverberations or pingy feelings through the shaft, just a clean feeling. 10/10 as long as it's paired with a high-end composite Easton/Bauer/Warrior blade.

    Durability: I always hear complaints about the durability of these, but I'm not sure why. Mine made it through many rec leagues, tournaments, and then through several years of competitive collegiate hockey. Many faceoffs, slashes to the tapered zone, blocked shots, and overall rough abuse that a stick takes have left mine quite intact and in great shape. I have the blue tinted version and a good amount of the blue clearcoat is coming off to reveal the silver Kevlar underneath, but that's merely cosmetic. Despite my admitted tendency for wristers, I take a fair amount of slapshots too and have never snapped one of these yet. Easton's materials and construction process really lend to durability, regardless of which of their shafts you buy. I have never broken one and have personally only seen a handful break over the years, despite knowing MANY people that used them. 8/10

    Conclusion: If you're looking for a solid traditional shaft with a great kick, very light weight, amazing solid feel, wonderful construction, and old-school reliability, the Z-Bubble will always be your shaft. 10/10.

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