Standard vs tapered

[hhojman 0]

This is a very basic question. I'm afraid that it is so basic that I am embarrased to ask :-)

But I did many searches (MSH and Google) and I can't find the answer.

I always used wood sticks but now I decided to give the composites a try. I would like to try a two piece stick with a wooden blade. This would also allow me to keep using the blade that I like (Sher-Wood Leclair with 4.5 lie).

I can't find the difference between a standard and a tapered shaft (or blade for that matter). Intuitively I understand the difference in the "hole". But what are the practical differences? Why should I choose one over the other?

Also, how do I know if a particular blade is tapered or standard?

For example:

http://www.hockey1.com/product-info.asp?pi...&manuf=SHERWOOD

Is this one a tapered or a standard?

TIA,

Horacio.

[ATLstealth09 0]

The difference between standard and tapered is all in the definition. "Standard" means that the shaft is either a straight box from end to end, or both ends are of the same width. The tapered shafts, however, beging to taper, or thin out from the top hand to the bottom end. The difference is considerable. The reason for the taper is to improve the kick and response times of the stick. When the kick point is lower or thinner, it will more readily "snap" back. Tapered shaft and blade combos are most similar to one piece composite sticks in performance, whereas standard does not have the same kick or feel; it will feel more solid and stiff.

The blade there is not tapered; not many are, in fact. Usually web sites will say whether or not the blade is tapered; if it does not say, it probably is not.

Synergy II or Synthesis come in composite and wood

Vapor XV or 7500 are Bauer's composite and wood, respectively

Reebok 6k

CCM 8.0, 10.0, and Vector 130c are tapered as well.

Here and there you might find an Innovative, which is the same as a warrior.

Warrior's Dolomite 2 tapered blade is different; it is longer in the hosel, so not exactly the same as the others; it is meant for the Dolomite 2 shaft, I believe, but will work with others.

[Andoy 5]

That one is a standard hosel.

Why should you choose one over the other? Tapered shafts are supposed to have a lower kickpoint over standard shafts meaning a quicker release as it is easier to load. However, there are NHLers that continue to use standard shafts. You'll also notice that tapered shafts are a bit more expensive than standard shafts although there are also high end standard shafts. It's really a matter of how much are you willing to spend on a stick.

And don't be turned off by the initial price. In the long run replacing a blade is cheaper than buying a new stick!

[hhojman 0]

Thank you guys.

I didn't realize that the tapered were the ones with the lower kick points. I read about this, and I assumed that I would like it. But I thought that both composites (Standard and tapered) have the lower kick point. Your answers were very helpful.

[Sven 1]

Well i was just a OPS guy, but i start to like shaft/blade combos more and more, so heres a question.

I got a 10.0 Vector shaft with a tapered blade, when i need a new one, does a regular blade fit in there too? Just want to get sure.

[odp 0]

No, a regular blade will not fit in there unless you flip the shaft over. (basically nullifying the whole taper concept)

[xMenace 0]

Good luck finding tapered wooden blades tho. TPS are the only ones I've seen. I haven't tried whittling down a standard one, but I suppose you could.

I think there is very little difference between standard and tapered for the non-pro player. Buy a good standard shaft, something with an advertised low kick-point, a Z-bubble for example.

[Sven 1]

I think there is very little difference between standard and tapered for the non-pro player. Buy a good standard shaft, something with an advertised low kick-point, a Z-bubble for example.

The funny thing is, i just got a Z-Bubble. My friend (owner of a wholesale/distributor) will give it to me in a couple of days. I think the flexy 85 one is better for me.

[toroytorero 0]

christian and easton both make wood tapered blades. Personally I didn't have much luck with the christian blades as they broke down very quickly.

[CanuckFan 0]

Good luck finding tapered wooden blades tho.

No problem finding tapered wood blades......I have a Easton Sakic on cut SL OPS, works great!.

[Gongshow11 1]

christian wood blades are the most durable blades out there. My bauer 4000 broke after 500 shots, christian roughly 800

[kovalchuk71 212]

And when did they become rubber?

[David13 0]

I broke my xxx lite very low down on the hostle right where the blade starts and got another one because it was still under warranty and I was wondering if i broke this new one in the same place would a tapered blade fit because the xxx lite thins out a lot towards the bottom or would I have to flip it over and go with a standard blade.

[Jake 0]

Not to threadjack, but what are everyone's opinions of tapered wood blades in general? Thinking of making the switch.

[Chadd 916]

Not to threadjack, but what are everyone's opinions of tapered wood blades in general? Thinking of making the switch.

I like the blade to be nice and stiff and while wood blades feel so much better, they lose stiffness really quickly. If they would last longer I would use them exclusively but I'm lucky if I can get 10 games out of a wood blade before it turns to rubber. Meanwhile, I have comp blades that have been around for almost two years. My tapered blade selection is a matter of economics.