Stick Question

[Human Zamboni 0]

I am looking into buying my first "non-Sherwood woodie" and am trying to decide on whether to get a OPS or shaft. From what I've read on searches and other posts, you can turn a OPS into a shaft if and when the blade breaks, but I am not sure if I understood what I read. I am an older beginning rec leaguer, have no LHS with any selection at all in my area, and would really like any advice on purchasing my first nice stick. My current woodies are the Sherwood 5030 Havlat and a CCM V30 Recchi, and I'm not overly fond of either.

[Bruin88 0]

what dont you like about those sticks? if your just playing rec hockey for fun once and a while i suggest a woody you like or a decent shaft blade combo.

[notorious#29 0]

If you are really set on getting an OPS, you could find last years Synergys, TPS XN10s, Mission M-1s ect. for cheap. That way you can see if you like a OPS, and not spend a ton of money. I would recommend the XN10 or Mission M-1. If your look around you could find either stick for 100 bucks. Turning an OPS into a shaft is possible with almost any OPS, you can simply flip the OPS over once it breaks and put a standered blade in the top (now bottom.) Or you could cut the broken blade off to fit a tapered it the correct end.

[Andoy 5]

It depends on how "nice" you want your nice stick to be. Try to avoid some (not all) "price point" OPS as some of them are heavier and not that better than wood sticks. Personally I would check out the old model synergies as you might be able to get one for a good deal (129.99 cdn Easton Si-Cores here in Canada).

Z carbon wood sticks are also pretty nice. They have a graphite blade and it's worked well for me. Curve wise it's up to you to just keep trying but for a beginner's curve i was suggested a Modano curve and I still use it. Nice sweet spot and the curve isn't too extreme making it a good all around blade.

[mickz 107]

I'd say it depends on how much money you're willing to shell out. Personally I'd pick a $40 wood stick such as a Z-Carbon or a SW 9950 over a low end shaft like the Easton Octane, E-Flex, or any of those crappy Easton Shafts. Sportchek here in Canada is blowing out OPS' like the Apollo ($89.99 for Senoir) and the Synergy Si-Core ($129.99 for Senoir).

[Eazy_b97 1]

I'd suggest checking out the forums buy and sell section. You'll be able to find top end models for a fairly low price. They'll be used, but you'll be able to try out more models and see what you like/dislike. As mentioned above, Synergys, Xn10, M-1s and Appollo's are all on sale, and they are all good for the prices they are at, especially the Xn10. Try and decide on a curve and flex, and also check out some reviews on the stick before you buy.

[Sticks of Fury 0]

I would recommend a shaft (cheap) with a whip flex 75 or 85 flex.

Get a common curve like the modano(easton) or lindros(bauer) or recchi(ccm) in wood or hybrid or composite if cheap enough.

Mostly good for wrist shots if you are just starting out. Can find out where your release point is (accuracy) better.

Once you want to get better at the snap shot or slap shop get another shaft with a 90 to 100 rating.

That's just my opinion but I am sure other's opinion may be more correct.