OPS vs. 2pc set up

[Cams 7]

I think this will tie in a couple different threads on here, plus hopefully help me out..... :D

Is there much performace difference between the 2? I have always used the one pc set up, and for the most part liked it alot. As much as I would love to use the high-end OPS, they are way out of my price range. I would suggest too, as I never played jr., or any high-level hockey (I am 36 now), but have played for many years in rec leagues, pick up, tournys, etc.... I still have an old silver Synergy (Drury-85 I think, not marked-pro stock) that is still alive, but not kicking (dead stick - is that possible?). I also have a CCM V110 (J. Allison) that is not too bad, it's all I've got to use, but there is something just not right about it. I got an Inno MegaLyte (Kovalev curve, 87 flex - marked pro stock) early this spring for $79CDN (apparently a decent deal), and liked it a lot, but frustration got the best of me, and I snapped it on the crossbar a couple weeks back. Loved the stick, almost too whippy, but perfect curve. I consider myself a good player skill wise. I am more of a defensive forward or setup, playmaker type - not a big shooter, plus I play in a summer rec league with no slapshots anyways, but concentrate on my wrister as my #1 weapon.

I would like to get into a One95 or XXXX type stick (even would consider SE16, 10K, etc.), however the costs are extremely out of my range, and all those little technicalilites - would it benefit me that much to make that much of a difference....not likely. I am also not one to go out and "get the latest and greatest". On the other hand - I have picked up the cheap OPS in the $50-$70 price range, and they are generally too heavy for my liking.

So, that begs to ask: What should I be looking at in the OPS area that isn't $150 and up? Should I consider a 2pc (shaft/blade) set-up? Can I get a 2pc set-up in a good line of shaft/blade for a better price than going stricly OPS? If so, any suggestions???

Also, I read the long term review on the Ballistik 52. I am intrigued by their product, but there seems to be limited distribution (at least in Windsor), and think the 50 cal, or 45 would be something to consider. What is their pricing like? They are a Canadian company too!

[epstud74 24]

You cannot go wrong with a One95 shaft and One95 blade. Very, very light and does the job well.

[starsfan71 9]

Call up or email Ballistik they would prbably tell you a price and myabe ship you a stick they did for my friend and he has been using the 50 cal for 4 months and has had no problems.

[Chadd 916]

You also have the standard versus tapered two piece combos and there are a ton of topics discussing all of these options.

[sickwilly 37]

I'd agree with the idea of a higher end two piece setup (such as the one95 suggested previously).

In addition to the added durability (hopefully)It also gives you the freedom to try different blades and patterns.

I also find that the standard shafts tend to last a lot longer than one pieces. I have not used a lot of tapered shafts yet, so I can't really say.

While I do notice a difference in performance using a one piece, I'm leaning heavily toward going back to the 2 piece setup once my stash of one pieces is gone. I think the durability and savings outweigh the extra kick on my shots (for beer league purposes).

[epstud74 24]

I get a lot of kick on my shot when it comes to my standard one95 shaft/blade combo. It really isnt the stick, but the player.

[Jarick 5]

I think I answered your post over at HF Boards, but my favorite tapered 2-piece is the Dolomite and my favorite standard 2-piece is the One95 (although I haven't used the blade, but it has great reviews).

[epstud74 24]

The new Warrior AK27 XL combined with the One95 blade is pretty sweet too Jarick

[sickwilly 37]

If you're really in cost-saving mode, you can find some nice older shafts on ebay, too... TPS XN10 redlites and Easton Ultra lites are pretty solid. for shafts that are a bit older. You can sometimes get them real cheaply, if you keep looking.

I have a couple of TPS CSR Rubber tapered shafts that I just bought as well. Only used them a little, but they seem really nice for 43 bucks each (Hockeygiant). I'd buy 'em again.

[NYRSinceBirth 0]

I used to like OPS, but I have since converted to the 2 piece jobbies. There's not really a difference between a OPS and a tapered 2 piece, plus I like the freedom of switching blades at will.

[Jarick 5]

The new Warrior AK27 XL combined with the One95 blade is pretty sweet too Jarick

I just picked up a One90 shaft (67 flex) for shooting range purposes and a new Dolo HD combo for league games...I'm a low kickpoint man myself. But I'll be the AK's are a great shooting rig.

[s4gobabygo 0]

maybe look for a leftover easton z-bubble shaft. they're as light as any current shaft on the market, but can be found for like $40. then just pair with a nice light blade... one95 is under $50 most places. you'll wind up with something in the 430-440g range for under $100.

[epstud74 24]

My One95 shaft/blade combo is lighter than my Synergy ST OPS. You'd be surprised at how light some shafts are. My TPS XN10 Redlite shaft is 250 grams. Thinka bout that for a minute, and throw in a 130-145 gram blade..

[Cams 7]

Thanks Jarick for both! And yes, low kick point seems to be what I prefer.

Cost savings are key, but without going too much on the cheap. I know it's like asking for a 5 series BMW at the price of a Neon....

My fav. LHS usually has good deals, but I've never bothered to look at or ask about the 2 pc set ups as far as the composite stick are concerned. Of course, I partook (is that a word?) in the old days of aluminum shafts and "graphite" shafts with the wood blade, but those are pretty much gone.

[epstud74 24]

You can get a light shaft and use a short hosel wood blade. I've got a wood Euro blade on my TPS Redlite and it is lighter than 9/10 of my OPS sticks other than my CNT Stealth

[Jarick 5]

Is that the Montreal Euro? I've got the same blade in my One90 shaft. Balance was pretty screwy but I put the wood end plug in the other end and sawed it flat, added the Tacki Mac, and it's a lot better. Then again it's a 67 flex so a senior stick would be great.

[epstud74 24]

Yep..Montreal Euro.. It is a really nice blade pattern, very underated IMO

I can get some nice zip with that TPS Redlite and the Euro woodie blade

[Jarick 5]

Oh yeah, that's the one I opened up :) Mine was pretty flat, like a Forsberg/Iginla, not a lot of curve. I gave it a good 5/8" mid-toe curve. They take shape pretty well so long as you don't do anything crazy, and they seem to last forever. That's my dryland stick as it's got the ABS core.

[epstud74 24]

There must be some discrepancies over the years regarding the euro curves.

Ever used an Yzerman? Those things are great. If I could find more of those, I'd buy them all up. I'd like to set up a custom pattern with this curve along with the P14. Got a nasty lil hook on it

[Jarick 5]

No, I tried a Coffey, I can't use that much curve. I know I've had Euros that are more open or closed, more curved or flat.

[sniper_23 0]

You cannot go wrong with a One95 shaft and One95 blade. Very, very light and does the job well.

+1 on the one95 shaft/blade combo. I've gone through 2 one95 blades and my one95 shaft is still going strong. I just picked up an AK 27 blade to try with the shaft and will see how that combo goes.

I use regular flex Bauer sticks. I originally purchased the 87 flex shaft but I found it to be about 1.5" longer than a retail OPS after putting in the standard blade. After cutting it down it was about a 90-95 flex which was a bit much. I switched to the 77 flex shaft and cut it down a bit and it fires rockets.

[tml67 0]

Slightly off topic...

Can the One95 OPS be converted to a shaft without adding an extension for length? Is the tapered portion on One95 shaft fairly long like the S17?

[sickwilly 37]

You can get a light shaft and use a short hosel wood blade. I've got a wood Euro blade on my TPS Redlite and it is lighter than 9/10 of my OPS sticks other than my CNT Stealth

Sorry if this is somewhat of a hijack... but we're talking about shaft recommendations.

I see you've used both the XN10 (my fave shaft to date) and the one 95... how would you compare them in terms of performance? Thanks!

[Leafsrule16 5]

If you're really in cost-saving mode, you can find some nice older shafts on ebay, too... TPS XN10 redlites and Easton Ultra lites are pretty solid. for shafts that are a bit older. You can sometimes get them real cheaply, if you keep looking.

I have a couple of TPS CSR Rubber tapered shafts that I just bought as well. Only used them a little, but they seem really nice for 43 bucks each (Hockeygiant). I'd buy 'em again.

Redlites here are $159.99, used to be 189.99. Still to this day, checked today. I picked up a reebok 8k shaft and i have a mission pro stock blade in it, awesome setup.

[Vishi05 0]

I use a z-bubble with a focus flex and I seem to do okay shooting the puck. If you're not a pro or playing in super advanced leagues, $200 sticks aren't going to make too much of a difference in my opinion.

Even then, a bunch of pros still use two piece sticks so I think the advantage of a one piece stick is mental a lot of the time.