Buying my first OPS... or not

[theelite 1]

Hi All,

I'm in the market for my first one piece stick but I'm having such a hard time trying to pick a stick that I like. I've tried several sticks on the ice and they just don't feel good in my hands and/or they don't come in the configuration that I like. Every store I go to tell me different things and there's no consistency. I was hoping I could get some help and even some recommendations.

I'm 5'8" playing a recreational hockey league. My shot of choice is the wrist shot so I'm looking for something in a regular (85) flex with a mid or toe curve? Is that correct?

The sticks that I've tried are:

NBH One40

NBH XVI

Easton Synergy 300

TPS R2

Mission Toxic

I've also taken a look at the RBK 5K but I feel like I might snap the shaft in the store.

After searching for a month or so now, I've also started to look at shafts. Would this be a good way to go so that I can just piece together the components that I like? I'm currently liking the Warrior AK27 shaft... but only based on look and how it feels when I pick it up at the store.

Thanks for your comments and suggestions!

[djosbun 0]

You can't go wrong with the AK27 shaft. I have one with rubbery coating, which I think is not available anymore. It's a great shaft.

[Rabid Ranger 0]

For a rec player, my advice would be to go with a fairly high end tapered shaft (I use the Warrior Dolomite) and pair it up with the blade of your choice (wood for better puck feel, composite for better performance). You get better bang for your buck and quite a bit more versatility.

[Fire0nIce228 1]

x2. Go with a decent shaft (AK27 is a great choice, very popular for its performance) and get a wood blade. That may help some of your woes with puck feel

[gagner89 0]

I am a big fan of the Warrior shafts and I use the AK27 myself.

Then you can mix-and -match to find out what kind of blade works for you.

I suppose...x3?

[Chadd 916]

For a rec player, my advice would be to go with a fairly high end tapered shaft (I use the Warrior Dolomite) and pair it up with the blade of your choice (wood for better puck feel, composite for better performance). You get better bang for your buck and quite a bit more versatility.

This has always been my advice as well. I prefer the R2 XN10 to any other shaft I've used and have used Mission, TPS, Christian, Easton and other tapered blades in them with varying degrees of success.

[epstud74 24]

I concur with the wood blade/composite shaft combo. You dont need a booming slapper for a rec league, but some control and feel. Plus, wood is much better when it comes to touch and blades are moldable and replaceable. I do not like the limitations that come with OPS sticks and having to conform with someone elses idea of a blade pattern (retail sticks) when developing ones game and style of play.

[Jarick 5]

I would go with a high end tapered shaft. Something like a Dolomite, R8, Synergy II (or whatever they're called now), XXX, etc. You can try out all the different curves and blades and it will probably save money in the long run since blades tend to wear quicker than shafts (unless you like to slash).

I would also try a 75 flex shaft. If you take mostly wristers, you might like the extra loading you get. Especially at 5'8" (I use 75-80 flex, same height, keep them at about nose height on skates).

[mickz 107]

I've only liked using certain high end composite shafts/one piece sticks. Speaking from personal experience I'd avoid anything short of top of the line when it comes to composites.

My rule of thumb is you're better off using an expensive wood stick than a cheap composite.

The AK27 is a good shaft. Mine was one of the HockeyMonkey Pro-Stock ones. I loved everything about the stick except for the shape of the shaft... it was way too boxy. If you're getting the Retail AK27 I'd go for it... Pro-Stock... maybe not.

[theelite 1]

I would go with a high end tapered shaft. Something like a Dolomite, R8, Synergy II (or whatever they're called now), XXX, etc. You can try out all the different curves and blades and it will probably save money in the long run since blades tend to wear quicker than shafts (unless you like to slash).

I would also try a 75 flex shaft. If you take mostly wristers, you might like the extra loading you get. Especially at 5'8" (I use 75-80 flex, same height, keep them at about nose height on skates).

I didn't know they made a 75 flex shaft, the Hockey Experts nearby doesn't have 75. I also like the stick up to my nose on skates.

I've only liked using certain high end composite shafts/one piece sticks. Speaking from personal experience I'd avoid anything short of top of the line when it comes to composites.

My rule of thumb is you're better off using an expensive wood stick than a cheap composite.

The AK27 is a good shaft. Mine was one of the HockeyMonkey Pro-Stock ones. I loved everything about the stick except for the shape of the shaft... it was way too boxy. If you're getting the Retail AK27 I'd go for it... Pro-Stock... maybe not.

I was about to ask what the difference between the pro stock and retail shafts were, but it seems like the pro stock shafts are higher in flex and boxy?

[DamnLocust 0]

pro stock shafts will have a bunch of options not available at retail.

The Warriors at hockeymonkey let you choose your flex, but you don't have any control over which shaft shape you get. But then again, you're basically paying half price for them.

[Rustpot 1]

The AK27 is a good shaft. Mine was one of the HockeyMonkey Pro-Stock ones. I loved everything about the stick except for the shape of the shaft... it was way too boxy. If you're getting the Retail AK27 I'd go for it... Pro-Stock... maybe not.

I liked my AKs as well. Good shaft and kick.

My complaint? Besides the feel of the soft grip, the shaft shape. Too small and concave walls don't suit me, I like the boxes.

[MR.Bobby.Orr 0]

Warrior also makes good ops. I use a ops Dolomite and I love it. You should check that out.

[theelite 1]

i went out and bought the ak27 shaft today. loaded it with a wood easton blade in the shape of a sakic... which oddly enough was the same as the easton classic yzerman curve. woot. the shaft feels graet!