standard vs. tapered for slapshots

[SickBoy 0]

Allow me to preface this by saying that I'm a slapshot-from-the-point-taking UltraLite/woody user who's been thinking about trying out a tapered shaft or OPS.

So, I guess I'm confused with the recent talk about the one90 sticks & shafts being better for slapshots & one-timers because of the higher kickpoint. If sticks like this (or standard shafts in general) are really better for those shots, why do we see most of the biggest slapshot guys in the NHL using a tapered OPS?

I understand the low-kickpoint sticks have a quicker release, but that doesn't really affect slapshots, does it? It sounds like the higher kickpoint sticks are supposed to torque less on the harder shots, which again makes me wonder why the D men in the NHL, who can obviously get any sort of custom stick they want, wouldn't use them (for the most part).

Or is the difference just not that noticeable? Is it just marketing? And if not, why would so many people choose an UltraLite or AK27 over their tapered counterparts?

I like my UltraLite, but I don't really have any experience with the tapered stuff to compare it with. I'd rather not drop the $$$ to find out that my wrister (that I don't often take) has improved at the cost of my slapshot. But if my slapshot would be better, I'm all for trying it out.

[blues_91 0]

My take on it is that the higher kick-point on a slapshot allows the stick to load for a longer period of time, and thus, have a stronger shot. The lower kick-point loads the shots quite a bit faster, thus, the release is faster. Atleast, that's the difference I felt using an AK-27 and Dolomite in comparable flexes and curves.

[Chadd 916]

So, I guess I'm confused with the recent talk about the one90 sticks & shafts being better for slapshots & one-timers because of the higher kickpoint. If sticks like this (or standard shafts in general) are really better for those shots, why do we see most of the biggest slapshot guys in the NHL using a tapered OPS?

For the most part tapered shafts load in a limited area, the tapered part of the stick. By spreading the load out more, the standard shaft should hold up to more big shot abuse than a tapered shaft.

As for why NHL guys use them;

1. More power on wristers and you can still get away a great shot with much less windup. How often does any NHL player get a chance to really wind up and blast one?

2. Everyone else is using them. Happens more often than you think.

[Ogie Oglethorpe 14]

Plus... it should be noted that only until recently were manufacturers engineering kick-points into shafts. Just so happens it's a little easier to do so (at least, in my head it seems so) with a tapered shaft than a standard one.

Thus, it's easier to get used to a stick and consistant kick to the stick.

PLUS... what Chadd said above - benefits those who can't get a full wind up.

[Chadd 916]

PLUS... what Chadd said above - benefits those who can't get a full wind up.

That's the biggest advantage to me and most of the older guys that I've converted to tapered stuff. You wind up to your knees and get as much oomph as you would with a waist high or higher windup using a wood stick.

[SickBoy 0]

PLUS... what Chadd said above - benefits those who can't get a full wind up.

That's the biggest advantage to me and most of the older guys that I've converted to tapered stuff. You wind up to your knees and get as much oomph as you would with a waist high or higher windup using a wood stick.

Perfect, that's exactly the sort of info I was looking for. Thanks guys.