Need opinions on choosing cheap OPS or shaft

[andysly 1]

I’ve searched the site endlessly and the opinions are all over the place. Figured I’d post and ask for your thoughts.

Background: I’m 35 and play ice 3-4 times per month in pick up games. I am a 6 ft, 240 lb dman who like to take mostly slappers from the point. Looking to spend about $50-70 on a new stick. I’m tied to Hockeygiant as a friend is sending me an online gift certificate for my birthday.

I currently have two sticks – a 10 year old Easton ultralite shaft and a former Hespeler OPS that had to be converted to a 2 piece due to a broken blade. Neither has much fire in them anymore.

Should I go for the TPS R2? Endure? How about the Mission Z-2 shaft and 2 blade combo?

Thanks for the help.

[Jarick 5]

Well, if you like to take slappers and durable sticks, I'd look at getting another Ultra Lite shaft, a Bauer One90 shaft, and also the original Endure (not the Endure 2).

[Chadd 916]

Looking over the choices on their website, I would add a couple bucks and go with the One90 shaft or Mission Ion if you're going to go standard, and the XXX Lite if you're thinking about going tapered.

If you want a lighter flex (you didn't mention what you use now) the CCM V8.0 is on sale again at this moment for $29. Never used one but hard to resist at that price.

[jestrs 0]

I agree with Chad and Jarick. I would add some money and get the One90 or Easton Ultra Light. They are pretty good shafts for $80.

[andysly 1]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

As for what flex I am currently using...to be honest, I'm not sure off the top of my head. When I bought these sticks I didn't pay much attention to little details like pattern and flex! Now that I am a bit more educated I need to take those things into account.

I guess based on my stature and the game I play I should go for a stiff flex, right? Something in the 100-105 range?

Oh, one other thing. Can someone please educate me on tapered vs. non-tapered? Advantages of one over the other?

[Chadd 916]

I'm roughly the same size but I prefer less than 100 flex sticks. The best I have found for me is the TPS Regular flex, it's around 90 or so. Obviously, your preferences may differ. I think that you should feel the shaft flex when you take a wrist shot, especially for youth hockey players.

Tapered shafts are essentially an OPS without the blade. You get the benefits of a one piece stick combined with the ability to change blades if they break or you don't like a particular curve. The downside is that tapered blades are usually a little harder to find at your local hockey shop.

[Jarick 5]

Some people also prefer standard taper shafts that have a higher kickpoint for slap shots. Probably has something to do with more potential energy due to a higher fulcrum point. I have found that standard taper feels about 10 flex stiffer than a tapered stick or combo, and the stiffer flex gives better slap shots and better accuracy at the expense of wrist shot power and quick release.

[Chadd 916]

Some people also prefer standard taper shafts that have a higher kickpoint for slap shots. Probably has something to do with more potential energy due to a higher fulcrum point. I have found that standard taper feels about 10 flex stiffer than a tapered stick or combo, and the stiffer flex gives better slap shots and better accuracy at the expense of wrist shot power and quick release.

It's more accurate to say that the tapered sticks flex slightly more at a given rating than standard shafts. I would also disagree with your assertion that a stiffer flex is more accurate or produces a better slap shot. Having the correct flex for your shooting motion and applied power provides better accuracy and more power, not simply stiffer is better.

You have to adjust a bit to the way any particular stick performs. If you can't feel it load and kick, you aren't using the right stick.

[andysly 1]

GREAT info guys. I appreciate it.

So, if I go standard non-tapered then I can use standard blades, correct? I have two relatively new ones so that would work best.

I could go with the one90 (which is non-tapered). Problem is that Hockeygiant only has 77 flex. Being the strong and "husky" dman I am, would a 77 flex be a bit too low?

Or I can go with the Ultra Lite. They have both 100 and 110 flex.

[Viking 1]

77 flex would most likely be too light. I'd maybe call or e-mail and ask when/if they'll get some 87's/102's in.

[TomMc#4 0]

Personally i would go for the ultra lite 100 flex as its a nice middle flex. could go with an easton z-carbon blade if u want to try lower the kickpoint(due to the focus flex area) but keep the standard hosel size. however u will have to drop a bit more cash on the blade.

if anything i reckon for your weight u wud have no problem loadin a 110flex. im 6ft and about 190 and i have no problem getting a nice whip from 100 flexs and have found i can load 110 flex's on slappers and snappers no prob.

its personal preference like chad said but i reckon u may find urself breaking that 77 flex pretty quickly.

[B-Nads 0]

Personally i would go for the ultra lite 100 flex as its a nice middle flex. could go with an easton z-carbon blade if u want to try lower the kickpoint(due to the focus flex area) but keep the standard hosel size. however u will have to drop a bit more cash on the blade.

if anything i reckon for your weight u wud have no problem loadin a 110flex. im 6ft and about 190 and i have no problem getting a nice whip from 100 flexs and have found i can load 110 flex's on slappers and snappers no prob.

its personal preference like chad said but i reckon u may find urself breaking that 77 flex pretty quickly.

Got to disagree with you there, Tom. 110 is a lot of shaft to be flexing, I don't care how heavy you are. I am 6'3, 235, have been playing for over 20 years, and have played D and forward. I, too, prefer a stiffer shaft, but someone who does not put in a lot of time and hopne a good technique will probably suffer more from too stiff a shaft than they will from a more flexible one. I use TPS stiff flex shafts, and even mine felt a bit too stiff for me until I got them worked in some - now they are around 95 or 100, which is perfect.

Andy - it is tough to suggest shaft flex without seeing you shoot - basically you will get the formula of half your weight tossed at you a lot, which is a good starting point. In your shoes, I would look at the shafts suggested earlier - an Ultra-Lite would be a good place to start, but you will be between either an 85 or a 100 flex. Te 85 will feel nice for a while, but will lose some pop quickly and probably become too whippy for what you want. The 100 will probably be the better choice, as it will break into about a 95 or 90 - especially if you have to extend it with a plug. Another great option would be a 95 flex Sherwood - maybe a RM9. You can get it in a standard or tapered hosel, they are a little heavier than the UL (not much), and they are reasonably priced. The 95 would be a great starting point by the sound of what you want.

[andysly 1]

Again, thanks so much for taking the time to provide your valuable advice.

I'm looking to buy around a week from now. I'll keep you posted on which way I go.