Are tapered shafts and blades less durable than standard?

[martywest 0]

Basically, like the title of this thread asks, are tapered shafts and blades going to break more often than regular? I've never used one and was considering getting one, but would like some feedback first. I'm not really hard on my sticks; I don't take a lot of slappers at all, and play non check beer games, but I still want a stick that will last for a while under normal playing conditions. Any thoughts?

[Chadd 916]

I have been using the same two tapered shafts for two years. Every once in a while I bust out an OPS but I end up going back to my tapered shafts.

[zinNergy 0]

I wouldn't say so. You're probably just thinking that because people usually pay a higher price for a tapered combo, for they usually have bought it (because they think tapered is better, but really tapered and standard both have pros and cons)to find a light two piece solution and justify the cost of a higher priced stick which equals lighter blades, which may make you think that people break them more often, but don't forget that there are many more standard options than tapered, and people who want high performance, go for tapered making the expensive options more popular (making breaks, etc. more common).

I would say it definatley doesn't matter, Because of the limited tapered options out, which makes it seem that more are breaking, but really it may be a certain blade from a company. Standards have the same problem, but it is seen as a minor product defect amongst all other blades (and shafts). For tapered sticks, when a single tapered blade (or shaft) that breaks alot, it can create a problem because it may seem like a big flaw for the few other tapered blades because the spectrum of the category is smaller and people tend to view all the products as 'the same'.

In the end it really doesn't matter what you get, for tapered or standard really don't win durability wise one over another, It's just what type of two piece you like best. Thats all. I hope I didn't confuse you...

[--notorious 0]

I wouldn't say so. You're probably just thinking that because people usually pay a higher price for a tapered combo, for they usually have bought it (because they think tapered is better, but really tapered and standard both have pros and cons)to find a light two piece solution and justify the cost of a higher priced stick which equals lighter blades, which may make you think that people break them more often, but don't forget that there are many more standard options than tapered, and people who want high performance, go for tapered making the expensive options more popular (making breaks, etc. more common).

I would say it definatley doesn't matter, Because of the limited tapered options out, which makes it seem that more are breaking, but really it may be a certain blade from a company. Standards have the same problem, but it is seen as a minor product defect amongst all other blades (and shafts). For tapered sticks, when a single tapered blade (or shaft) that breaks alot, it can create a problem because it may seem like a big flaw for the few other tapered blades because the spectrum of the category is smaller and people tend to view all the products as 'the same'.

In the end it really doesn't matter what you get, for tapered or standard really don't win durability wise one over another, It's just what type of two piece you like best. Thats all. I hope I didn't confuse you...

LOL So if im understanding you right, Zinergy is saying its not if its tapered or standard its what shaft and blade your using.

[wallin2199 0]

I've been playing with a tapered shaft for about 2 years right now and I really don't have any durability issues with them. After a while some of them will get "flexed out" and lose its pop and feel, but thats just natural. I'm sure if your only on the ice once or twice a week you will be just fine with a tapered combo.

[fatwabbit 93]

never really tried a tapered shaft with tapered blade... been using a cut synergy but had flipped it over. I'm about 6ft and 210lbs, but still use an int flex. Just prefer a whippy shot... I've actualy taken a senior blade and shaved the hosel a bit to get it to fit, but it works out pretty well.

[saba 0]

Have been using the 2 piece system for a few years as well. Besides limited choices in blades my tapered shafts last just as long and perform just as well as any standard combo I've had

[zinNergy 0]

LOL So if im understanding you right, Zinergy is saying its not if its tapered or standard its what shaft and blade your using.

Exactly, and a little about why people are biased towards tapered because they think they break more often when they don't.

[Roach 0]

I have been using the same two tapered shafts for two years. Every once in a while I bust out an OPS but I end up going back to my tapered shafts.

Chadd, what tapered shafts have you been using for the past 2 years? TPS?

[tml67 0]

... I've actualy taken a senior blade and shaved the hosel a bit to get it to fit, but it works out pretty well.

I did that twice and it cost me $50!! Both blades broke/cracked at the hosel after a few shifts. Never again.

[fatwabbit 93]

hmmmm.... hard luck? Been using the same shaft for about 1 year, and its still alright. I dont play that hard though, and my slappers are my forte

[chilaxin12 2]

I find that the tapered blades last longer than standard ones and tend to be stiffer, with the shorter hosel there is not as much room to flex and torque and I find that they are stiffer.

[nathanrowsell 0]

Ok so i know this is going to sound completelt stupid but what is the difference between standard and tapered. Like what does it mean if it is a tapered shaft.

[G60 0]

tapered shafts are longer, and taper (hence the name) to a narrower diameter on the blade end.

the longer shaft length and narrowing help to focus flex toward the end of the stick, and can give the flex more of a 'pop' effect. i'll take a pic comparing the blades in a bit.

[nathanrowsell 0]

tapered shafts are longer, and taper (hence the name) to a narrower diameter on the blade end.

the longer shaft length and narrowing help to focus flex toward the end of the stick, and can give the flex more of a 'pop' effect. i'll take a pic comparing the blades in a bit.

Thanks i have been wondering that for a lil while now lol

[Bazan110584 0]

Back to the original question, in my experience, no--they last about the same. It just comes down to how you treat your stick, if you're aggressive with it, take a lot of slap shots, etc. And sometimes, it just comes down to that 250 pound skater falling squarely on your stick, cracking it like a wet towel on a fat man's ass.