Mid-level '06 shafts.

[trox_355 0]

With the 2007 gear coming out soon, I'm looking for people's opinions on a few shafts from the 2006 line that I might be able to get on clearance sale. I don't really want or need anything too fancy, just a good, durable moderate-flex shaft that'll do well for rec hockey.

I've looked at and read some reviews on the Easton Cyclone, Easton UltraLite, RBK 4 and 5k, and TPS Intrigue. Right now after reading about the shaft's good marks for durability, I'm leaning toward the Cyclone.

Anything else out there, or anything I should be looking for specifically?

Thanks, much!

EDIT: I should probably mention that this is my first shaft purchase too, so I'm not really sure what I should be looking for, anyway.

[figgifumi_11 3]

I recently picked up an Easton cyclone shaft 70 flex on eBay pretty cheap. Seems to be solid so far (the blade I paired it with sucks though), kind of reminds me of my old Mission Flyweight. You should also look at the Mission L-2 since they seem to be coming way down in price.

[odp 0]

What flex you thinking of trying and tapered or standard?

[Doctor Hook 0]

I got a Bauer Endure shaft and it's a tank. Great especially if you play defense. Loved it so much I got another one. The price is within your range as well. Check it.

[hurricaneoasis 0]

honestly, if you are going to pay $70 or so for an intermediate shaft, you'd be much better off to pay $100 for a warrior dolomite, trust me you won't regret it. It's a good investment in the long run!

[DamnLocust 0]

I'm going to second the Cyclone here. I've had 3 (original aluminum, the blue one ('05 i think?) and now the colorshift one that I got from another member here. The shaft works very well with wood blades (I usually use Easton RB Pro or NBH ONE60 with it)

The only thing that may throw you off of this shaft is the rounded grip. It's a hit or miss thing- some love it, some hate it.

I'll also say that it seems that the Cyclone and the Ultralite will give you better performance than the other shafts listed. Both the Cyclone and UL are top-flight shafts from Easton, using their compression molding construction. The 4k and Intrigue are both entry level shafts from their respective manufacturers. I'm not sure where exactly the 5K stacks up.

[trox_355 0]

What flex you thinking of trying and tapered or standard?

Whippier, 85-95 or so. I'm using a sherwood 7000 95-flex now. Standard or tapered...dunno. What's the specific benefits? I've read something about lowering the kickpoint a bit. I'd imagine I'll stick with wood blades for at least a little bit if I go the standard route.

The only thing that may throw you off of this shaft is the rounded grip. It's a hit or miss thing- some love it, some hate it.

I used a NBH One40 woodie before a sherwood 5030 before my now-current 7000. The One40 was definitely squarer than the 7000 which has more rounded edges that I've now come to prefer on the 7000.

P.S. loving the Av. I caught that episode on syndication the other night.

honestly, if you are going to pay $70 or so for an intermediate shaft, you'd be much better off to pay $100 for a warrior dolomite, trust me you won't regret it. It's a good investment in the long run!

Good investments make me happy. But what really makes the high-end shafts worth the extra money? I know a few people with Warriors, but never really grilled them on what makes them (or any other $100+ shaft) special.

[odp 0]

Basically the low-kickpoint and having a longer shaft means keeping the weight down. However, if you're on a budget, cheap tapered blades are difficult to find as of now, but it looks like there will be greater selection next year.

[DamnLocust 0]

High end shafts will be more consistent and lighter than low end or pricepoint shafts. They can sometimes be not as durable, however. You will likely also get better feel out of the higher end shafts.

Tapered shafts are generally on the high end side of things, which is why they're generally more expensive than most standard shafts. Wood blades are also available for tapered shafts, if you decide to go that route.

[trox_355 0]

To finish the thread off, I got the Mission L-2 combo from Hockeymonkey. I read some other posts on here where most said they liked it. Here's hoping for a good choice whenever it comes next week.

[Remman 0]

I just bought an Easton Ultra Lite with a Bauer Endure blade on clearance. Hope the combo works well when it arrives.

[fatwabbit 93]

Ultra lights are good... the cyclone is by far the best I've had (love the feel in my girlie hands)