Defensemen looking for a new stick

[Rebels Ice hockey 0]

Well I will be starting my final highschool hockey season in about a month, so Ive decided to treat myself to a new stick. I play defense and Im looking for a good one piece for my final season. Ive played hockey since mite, but I dont really keep up with equipment trends. Money isnt really an object here so lemme know what you think. I need something that can take a beating and is great for taking shots from the point.

One more question. Do they sell the extra long end plugs in carbon fiber? Im about 6'4 and most all of the sticks at my local pro shop are too short, so ill be needing a new end plug most likely, I know ive seen the short ones in carbon fiber, but ive only seen the longer ones made out of wood. Any ideas?

[Neo5370 132]

If you want durability I think CCM Vectors and Graf/Bush Goldlines are known for their durability.

Or you can get a traditional composite shaft like an Easton Grip or Ultra Lite and put in a blade of your choice.

Better yet, depending on how you are on your sticks pick up 6 or 12 Sherwood 9950's. They're wood but very stiff. I honestly don't know if they'd hold up for you or not but I like the idea of getting multiple wood sticks for the price of one composite stick.

[notorious#29 0]

Welcome to MSH!

In regards to the composite end plug. I don't think your going to find a composite end plug longer then 3 inches. Seeing as they really aren't available besides the 3 inch ones that come on Easton sticks. Someone correct me if I'm wrong though.

[DeI 18 0]

From what I've noticed at my LHS, the CCM sticks are the longest OPS uncut, plus they are really durable, as stated above. I figure i'll just throw this out there, because it's all personal preference. Pick what feels the best, my recomendation for you, though, is probably a Vector 110, or spend alot more on a 130 or RBK 7K, and get a composite endplug if you still need one.

[Rebels Ice hockey 0]

Thanks for the warm welcome and quick replys so far. Yea the composite end plug isnt necessary, i was just wondering if they made them at all. Any thoughts on the TPS XN 10? ive heard great things, and ive seen them as low as 70 bucks online.

[thejackal 46]

I'd like to suggest the Bauer Endure or Inno fused ops's as well.

[DeI 18 0]

Thanks for the warm welcome and quick replys so far. Yea the composite end plug isnt necessary, i was just wondering if they made them at all. Any thoughts on the TPS XN 10? ive heard great things, and ive seen them as low as 70 bucks online.

The XN10 is extremely light, and very well balanced. I use an XN10 shaft right now and have had no problems with it. It is a definite plus that they are much cheaper now than they were before, because they are phenomenal(sp?) sticks.

[Whip 0]

Tps Rubber Response if they still make those, the Bauer Endure is supposidly designed for durability but no reviews so its hard to say.

[notorious#29 0]

Thanks for the warm welcome and quick replys so far. Yea the composite end plug isnt necessary, i was just wondering if they made them at all. Any thoughts on the TPS XN 10? ive heard great things, and ive seen them as low as 70 bucks online.

From the very short time I had an XN-10 I loved it. Hands down one of the best shooting sticks I have ever used. Very light as well. For 70 bucks you really can't go wrong

[Jason Harris 31]

Our G1 has great durability. Plus, I watched two kids pick up 11MPH and 16MPH respectively on their shots measured by a radar.

Regarding an end plug, I'd suggest the Oggie Grip. It's about six inches long and has also been measured to increase shot speed -- 2.5 MPH average increase with the same sticks.

[malcb33 100]

Sorry this is not on topic, but were have you seen XN10's for $70?

[shute 4]

i've been using the redlite XN10 for almost 6 months and love it! it's very lite, can shot as well if not better then my old z-bubble and WAY better in terms of durability. first stick in a long time i didn't have to worry or have that eck feeling everytime someone chopped on it. only down side with it was that the paint chips off very easy but it's no big deal.

[jrhky36 1]

Sorry this is not on topic, but were have you seen XN10's for $70?

i have seen them for that price at summit sports in the detroit area.

look at any ops that does not come with an end plug they are usually longer than the eastons. btw stay away from the '05 syngerys. try looking at the review section for more info.

i currently use an inno 1100 tapered with a winwell/inno blade. i switched from an easton ops. the inno feels better to me. i don't plan on going back to an ops. i like the ablity to change blades with out buying a new stick.

good luck with your season.

[Whip 0]

Sorry for side tracking the thread but which company makes the shortest sticks. I need something of a Jr. length and an intermediate flex. I know my Tps intermediate Genisis is shorter then my Easton Cyclone Interemdiate.

[Overtime 0]

try a sl int

[notorious#29 0]

Sorry for side tracking the thread but which company makes the shortest sticks. I need something of a Jr. length and an intermediate flex. I know my Tps intermediate Genisis is shorter then my Easton Cyclone Interemdiate.

Are you looking for a shaft, or an OPS? I think I heard someone mention not to long ago on this board, that Easton makes the shortest shaft. Not sure if that goes for their OPS too.

[Jason Harris 31]

Sorry for side tracking the thread but which company makes the shortest sticks. I need something of a Jr. length and an intermediate flex. I know my Tps intermediate Genisis is shorter then my Easton Cyclone Interemdiate.

Well, Whip, my unlucky year could be your lucky day.... ;)

Our 2004 Intermediate G2's are too short. They come in a 75 flex with a Modano clone, but they are the same length as our 2005 TF3 junior sticks. However, even though they are short, their performance is excellent.

I think "Jimmy" has some in stock. You could PM him.

[cobrAA 0]

without beeing an asshole...how a butt end can add 2.5mph to a shoot??

[SR27 0]

CCM Vector V110 is the most durable OPS on the planet...period. Other than that if you are looking for an other really long stick you might as well think about a TPS Rubber as someone already mentioned. I think the TPS stuff also comes in extra long versions (maybe shafts only?). Well at least I have seen some a while ago.

[Vapor#42 0]

Bauer Endure fits your stick description.. It's new and innovative, designed to withstand alot of rough play it is constructed with various mesh and rubber slash zones and built with a new concept.. It's designed to endure typical gameplay..

I've seen alot of Defensemen with them popping up here and there, i've used one too, IMO, they are a nice OPS if you are coming from a woodie, weighing in at 475 Grams it's a tad heavier than a few of the top-of-the line performance sticks { XXX's , Stealths, SL's etc } but it's the extra weight that claims to allow it to take a real beating.. They feel well balanced and solid, similair blade construction to the Vapor XX and look pretty sharp too.. Hope my 2 cents have helped..

[Jason Harris 31]

without beeing an asshole...how a butt end can add 2.5mph to a shoot??

The Oggie Grips have built in flex points. Enough people who used them remarked that their shots seemed harder, so Joe had them radar tested -- same length, flex and brand sticks with and without Grips.

The average improvement with the Oggie Grip was 2.5 MPH. All I know is whenever I miss the net, it sure sounds louder against the boards...... ;)

[prenny207 1]

Bauer Endure fits your stick description..

not from what ive heard... in talking with the dealers that i call on, they have said there is a big breakage issue with this stick. that is exactly opposite of what it is designed/sold for!!!

[golfpuck 0]

might want to try prostock shafts/one pieces as i have noticed they are much longer