2003-2004 pro-stock Synergy shaft flare

[Lester8 11]

I've noticed something strange on a few recent pro-stock synergy sticks. I traded with a board member for a package including a pro-stock silver Synergy shaft (semi-circle graphics) with a blank nameplate and I noticed it flared. At around the N in Synergy it flares in a subtler Z-bubble manner and then tapers off in the usual S-T area of the lower EASTON graphic. It's not just a change in corner radius like a Cyclone. I put in a fresh long hosel wood T-flex blade and the feel was untolerable.

I have two of McCabe's red grip Si-Cores (2003-2004 season, original blades in tact) and the shafts do the same thing, but they have the best feel I have ever experienced. There is gold paint under the red which means one of two things: it's an old Synergy or its gold base coat contributes to the final look. I checked an '02-'03 season McCabe Si-core shaft (no grip) and it didn't have the flare. Above the taper, the shaft is wider throughout than the '03-'04 Si-cores.

Has anybody noticed this on any other Synergies? I'm guessing the thicker area helps resist breaking in the "weak spot" everyone went after in the '03 playoffs, but wouldn't that alter the feel and flex characteristic of the taper shafts? Could it just be how Easton does a thinner grip on Synergies? Why does one shaft feel like poo and the other two don't? I'm stumped.

[Wayne 0]

If I'm understanding your description correctly, I've got a 03-04 pro-return regular synergy that seems to do the same thing. I noticed it immediatly after picked it up and have since been timid to use it in a game since I thought it was a defect.

I'll use it tonight and see how the feel/flex etc.. is.

[flashgordon 0]

I have 3 pro stock Synergies. One is a '02-'03 and does not have the "flare". The other two are '03-'04 and do have it.

[Gongshow11 1]

maybe it helps durability soem way as we all saw the rave when synergies were breaking this season and maybe they were testing new methods?

[Eazy_b97 1]

I remember hearing, from an unreliable source mind you, that Mission was considering re-enforcing the area your talking about, so I can see Easton trying it as well.