End plugs and shaft durability

[rjmurp01 0]

Just a quick question: for those of you that use a composite one-piece or a composite shaft/blade combo, do you put the wood end plug into the top of the shaft?

The reason I'm asking is that I've been using various composites or shaft/blade setups for years and I can't remember ever snapping a shaft. I always put the wood end plug in and cut to size. Recently, I've pulled out the end plugs and have been using a Warrior AK shaft/blade setup. I've snapped 2 shafts in about a week. Both in the exact same spot. Coincidence, bad luck?

Is there any correlation here? I'm trying to think of how this could affect durability, but I can't really see how. I was thinking about things like pressure inside the shaft during loading, etc, but this doesn't seem likely. Thoughts?

[starskie 0]

I don't use a wood end. Sometimes I keep the plastic they have in the end already or I take it out, either way I haven't had a stick break.

btw, where exactly on the shaft did your stick snap?

[shifter 0]

a wood plugs is their to help height and reduce the flex a little. It possbily can be a durability issue because of the batch depends.

[thejackal 46]

i've used wood plugs, no plug and plastic caps. i didnt like the hollow end too much since i didnt feel the shaft kick as much, plus its a bit of a safety hazard. durability wise i didnt see a problem

[rjmurp01 0]

I don't use a wood end. Sometimes I keep the plastic they have in the end already or I take it out, either way I haven't had a stick break.

btw, where exactly on the shaft did your stick snap?

The shaft snapped about 10" from the bottom (the side the blade is in.) Both times it snapped in the same spot and in the same fashion. The backhand side of the the shaft collapsed inward while the forehand side remained intact.

[chippa13 1844]

Sounds like you're pounding the blade into the ice when shooting.

[rubberduckie 0]

I don't think an endcap or plug would have any cause to the stick breaking at the flex point. It is snapping where the force on the shaft is exerted. The volume of the shaft wouldn't change nearly enough to cause a big enough pressure change (PV=nRT).

[aarondevera 0]

I don't use a wood end. Sometimes I keep the plastic they have in the end already or I take it out, either way I haven't had a stick break.

btw, where exactly on the shaft did your stick snap?

The shaft snapped about 10" from the bottom (the side the blade is in.) Both times it snapped in the same spot and in the same fashion. The backhand side of the the shaft collapsed inward while the forehand side remained intact.

i've snapped two 85 flex AK27 shafts, both about 10 inches from the bottom of the blade. one had a one-inch plug, and the other just had a plastic cap in the end. i was trying to get used to a shorter twig, but i usually use some sort of wood or carbon fiber extension in most of my sticks.

i've break sticks often, regardless of if i'm using and extension or not, so i'm sure we just had a bad run of luck with our AK's.

[rjmurp01 0]

Sounds like you're pounding the blade into the ice when shooting.

does your stick not touch the ice when taking a shot? do you tee the puck up like a golfer? i'd like to see that.

of course the stick hits the ice. this is how you exert the force needed to torque the shaft and create a powerful release. thank you for the helpful answer.

[chippa13 1844]

There is hitting the ice and there is pounding your stick into the ice. I have a heavy slapper and rarely break sticks.

[sharks12 0]

I have used caps and wood plugs before and in my opinion wood feels better on the ice. I also believe that it is stronger though.

[Zootsuit 0]

Little off topic but.......

Why do Pros "all" use wooden plugs? Does it effect feel?

Andrew

[Chadd 916]

Little off topic but.......

Why do Pros "all" use wooden plugs? Does it effect feel?

Andrew

Obviously all of them don't, but there are a number of reasons why they would do so.

1. Ability to shave down the handle

2. To make up for a shorter shaft length (not as common anymore)

3. Because that's what they're used to using

4. Change the balance of the stick

5. Dampen vibrations, improve puck feel

[shifter 0]

you forgot about adding weight :P

[Chadd 916]

you forgot about adding weight :P

No, I covered it under the "changing balance" part. More weight at the butt end is what changes the balance.

[thejackal 46]

isnt it illegal to use an open shaft also?

[Chadd 916]

It is under USA Hockey rules.

[shifter 0]

you forgot about adding weight :P

No, I covered it under the "changing balance" part. More weight at the butt end is what changes the balance.

sorry didn't see ;)

[Race4LastPlace 31]

i cut my sticks down to about 56.5 inches. I have used open ended, used wooden plugs, but it all feels different. I cant stand now not using just the standard cap. aside from having some people on here send me some, ive had to go to home depot and find caps that i can cut and melt together to create the "cap"

[habsfan87 0]

I've also used every method and I like the wooden plug in, I feel it balances the stick out better and doesnt have that hollow feeling. Even if I get a stick and I don't need the length past the top of the composite I just cut where I need to and leave the remaining hosel in there.