Bauer OPS durability?

[Multipass 0]

Hey guys, I'm having problems with the durability of my bauer sticks. I first broke a "vapor sniper" stick in 5 days around the heel of the blade, when I sent it back to bauer for a replacement I got a one55, I have now broken that stick in two weeks about 2 inches off center on the blade (more towards the heel). I'm a bauer junkie and I would like to buy another one of their sticks, my question to you guys is simple: would a higher price point stick offer more durability? Or have my experiences just been flukes?

For reference I've only been playing forward for 5 months now, but I play 7 days a week (indoor and outdoor) and take a good amount of slapshots (my guess why the sticks are breaking)

Also can improper shot technique cause a stick to break early, like if im connecting with the puck more towards the heel rather than the center of the blade? Thanks!!

[interpathway 9]

Also can improper shot technique cause a stick to break early, like if im connecting with the puck more towards the heel rather than the center of the blade? Thanks!!

Most likely, if you're taking too much ice/SportCourt with your shots that will lead to premature breakdown. 5 days seems a little early for even the heaviest "ice eater" but if you find yourself taking a ton of ice before the puck it certainly doesn't help the blade structure. Most times (read the CCM U+ thread started by goodguy) a high price point stick is designed for performance, with durability as an afterthought. You might want to give the ONE75 a whirl. Otherwise, I know many members here have been extremely happy with the durability (and performance) of their ONE90s, and you should be able to pick them up on clearance for pennies on the dollar.

[Chadd 916]

It sounds like a problem with form and , yes, that will cause you to break sticks. It's also more likely that the problem stems from hitting the ice too hard than it is hitting the puck in the wrong spot.

[phunky_monkey 6]

You say you play outdoors, is that on concrete? If it is, that would also be a major part of your problem along with your technique.

[Multipass 0]

I live in Canada, when I say outdoors I still mean ice hockey (less slashing/stick checking but more choppy ice) , when I say indoors I mean a hockey arena with a standard rink. Personally I can't imagine playing on anything other than ice, never tried it.

Thanks for the replies, they have been very informative. I have to admit I probably take too much ice on most slappers, I dedicate anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour everyday practicing my slappers. Most stay too low cause I'm hitting the ice too early, but lately I've been getting MUCH better.

I've read on a few different places that warrior sticks are pretty durable? Whats your guys experiences with that brand?

I'm thinking of maybe going down the 2 piece route, that way I can snap a bunch of blades inexpensively while still keeping a pricey shaft in tact.

[Chadd 916]

I live in Canada, when I say outdoors I still mean ice hockey (less slashing/stick checking but more choppy ice) , when I say indoors I mean a hockey arena with a standard rink. Personally I can't imagine playing on anything other than ice, never tried it.

Thanks for the replies, they have been very informative. I have to admit I probably take too much ice on most slappers, I dedicate anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour everyday practicing my slappers. Most stay too low cause I'm hitting the ice too early, but lately I've been getting MUCH better.

I've read on a few different places that warrior sticks are pretty durable? Whats your guys experiences with that brand?

I'm thinking of maybe going down the 2 piece route, that way I can snap a bunch of blades inexpensively while still keeping a pricey shaft in tact.

Get a private lesson with a coach and you'll save a lot of money and improve much faster.

[BearsEatBeets 0]

That sounds like a lot of strain on your OPS if you are practicing to shoot a slap shot. Outdoor rinks are not necessarily the best ice to use your OPS on as there's a lot of stuff on the ice like snow, uneven ice, etc., essentially the ice is rough. I find, myself personally, there is more stress on the stick flexing wise when I'm on outdoor ice versus indoor ice (arena) because of the unsmooth ice and friction of the outdoor ice.

If you're going to be practicing slap shots and such that put a lot of strain on your stick, I'd recommend you use a wood stick. The durability and price is perfect for you to practice your shooting technique. Just make sure you take care of your wood stick by not allow the condensation of snow on your blade to seep into the wood by removing tape as necessary.

Once you get your shooting technique in order then, you can go back to OPS and hopefully you won't be going through as my sticks as you're probably not going to put as much strain practicing your shot as you can already do it.

[Multipass 0]

That sounds like a lot of strain on your OPS if you are practicing to shoot a slap shot. Outdoor rinks are not necessarily the best ice to use your OPS on as there's a lot of stuff on the ice like snow, uneven ice, etc., essentially the ice is rough. I find, myself personally, there is more stress on the stick flexing wise when I'm on outdoor ice versus indoor ice (arena) because of the unsmooth ice and friction of the outdoor ice.

If you're going to be practicing slap shots and such that put a lot of strain on your stick, I'd recommend you use a wood stick. The durability and price is perfect for you to practice your shooting technique. Just make sure you take care of your wood stick by not allow the condensation of snow on your blade to seep into the wood by removing tape as necessary.

Once you get your shooting technique in order then, you can go back to OPS and hopefully you won't be going through as my sticks as you're probably not going to put as much strain practicing your shot as you can already do it.

Best answer so far, I think I'll do that!

[leduc9102 0]

not to be a chirp but... the vapor sniper and one55 are both "canadian tire" qulity sticks so im not that suprised that they broke so quick. although one of my teamates has gone through about 4 bauer ops,2 xx, one90 and a one95, so... i dont think baueris that durable. i had a one90 but it lasted me a long time, so did his...

[DarkStar50 680]

Playing outdoors in Canada, eh? A friend of mine just played in Lake Placid in an outdoor pond hockey tourney. Temps were from 0*F to 10*F. First game they lined up against an experienced team in these pond hockey tourneys. The guy on the other side said "what stick are you using?" "My Easton OPS" "Forget it. You have to play with woodies outside. The OPS gets brittle in the extreme cold." The entire team had woodies. Indoor rinks are not 0* to 10*. Use a woodie when playing outside. BTW, my friends team got waxed by the guys with the woodies.