Need help deciding between 2 combos

[BLKHKhockey 0]

I'm posting this for my brother, Versus1888, because his account is taking a little while to be activated. He posted the same thing on IW but wanted me to post it on MSH for a faster result.

Quoted from his thread on IW: "My brother(me) is set on the SE16 shaft, but I've been looking at the one95 shaft. I'm looking for the one that shoots better wrist/snap shots so I need feedback by those who have only used both." He has enough money for both but wouldn't mind saving a few bucks with the one95 shaft. He has also varied it a little from IW. He also wants to add a few questions:

"How long will a wood blade last?

Will a wood blade affect my shot?"

Thanks

[Scotty 8]

I vote for the One95 shaft, as I've heard nothing but good things about them. I know tapered shafts have been all the rage for the past few years as far as shafts go, but it seems that some of the manufacturers are seeing the writing on the wall... there are very few blades produced for tapered shafts. On the other hand, you know that standard blades will always be around. Most guys say that the One95 shaft and One95 composite blade combo is 95% as good as the one-piece, so that's my vote.

As far as a wood blade goes, I personally think that you're better off to spend a little extra and get a really solid composite blade. They last so much longer, provide higher performance, and are more consistent that wood blades. Plus you won't be replacing them nearly as often. Don't finish off a great shaft with a crap blade.

[Chadd 916]

Assuming you are using the correct flex, a tapered shaft will almost always provide better performance on wrist or snap shots than a standard shaft.

[fatwabbit 93]

if i were to go back to a standard shaft, I would get a one95...

[cptjeff 0]

I vote for the One95 shaft, as I've heard nothing but good things about them. I know tapered shafts have been all the rage for the past few years as far as shafts go, but it seems that some of the manufacturers are seeing the writing on the wall... there are very few blades produced for tapered shafts. On the other hand, you know that standard blades will always be around. Most guys say that the One95 shaft and One95 composite blade combo is 95% as good as the one-piece, so that's my vote.

As far as a wood blade goes, I personally think that you're better off to spend a little extra and get a really solid composite blade. They last so much longer, provide higher performance, and are more consistent that wood blades. Plus you won't be replacing them nearly as often. Don't finish off a great shaft with a crap blade.

Very few blades because the whole point of a tapered setup is to have the feel of a OPS- something that's best accomplished with the corresponding top end blade. Standard setups have a wide variety because they fill the entire "everything not top top end in 2 pc" market. It's like you comparing the number of True OPS to the number of price point OPS. There are many more selections in the price point range, but that wider range exists because they're filling several different market niches with those products.

It's not "tapered shafts" and "standard shafts"

It's "top end shafts", "Close to top range shafts", "Mid range shafts", "Budget shafts", and "Beater I'm only ever going to use for road hockey shafts".

And since tapered shafts are harder and more expensive to make in most cases, which setup do they go with for options 2-5?

There are lots of choices for tapered blades. Your LHS may not stock them, but they're there. CCM makes a wood and composite, Easton, RBK, Bauer makes a wood and composite, Sherwood makes both wood and composite (which the store up here in dinky potsdam NY stocks for some reason), Warrior makes a very popular one (always sold out in RH on monkey though), Mission made one... The selection is there.

The SE16 is the better shaft, especially for snappers due to the lower kickpoint. But if you do go with the One95, I'm gonna echo the buy above. A good composite blade will give you better performance and last you much longer. Woodies also loose their pop really quickly. They'll stay in one piece, but the spring will go from them quite quickly. A composite will be stiff until it breaks.

[epstud74 24]

Assuming you are using the correct flex, a tapered shaft will almost always provide better performance on wrist or snap shots than a standard shaft.

Not for me though. I'm not sure why. Personal preference I suppose, but I prefer my One95 shaft/blade combo over the Synergy II tapered shaft and blade combo.

[cptjeff 0]

^You're the reason for the almost I guess.

[goaliemanshark 6]

Perhaps you could get a synergy 2, or synergy elite somewhere and make the price of the se16 combo come down a little? They are all basically the same shaft... Which is an awesome shaft, highly recommend it.

[simnorm 2]

The biggest hockey store in my area didn't even order any new 09 tapered blades, only regular.

They have received new one95 & ak27 shafts, but no new tapered shafts.

Where are the Dolomite, RBK 08 blades? This is a pretty big store even by Canadian standards.

I'd go with the regular combo.

[Chadd 916]

Assuming you are using the correct flex, a tapered shaft will almost always provide better performance on wrist or snap shots than a standard shaft.

Not for me though. I'm not sure why. Personal preference I suppose, but I prefer my One95 shaft/blade combo over the Synergy II tapered shaft and blade combo.

The Synthesis/Syn II were the worst performing tapered sticks I've ever used.

[Scotty 8]

The Synthesis/Syn II were the worst performing tapered sticks I've ever used.

I tend to hear this repeatedly.

How was the Synthesis changed into the SE16 to improve it that much? Besides the weight distribution, I don't see how they're any different.

[Chadd 916]

The Synthesis/Syn II were the worst performing tapered sticks I've ever used.

I tend to hear this repeatedly.

How was the Synthesis changed into the SE16 to improve it that much? Besides the weight distribution, I don't see how they're any different.

I haven't used the SE16, no idea if it has improved at all.

[Cams 7]

My SE tapered shaft is quite good. I really like it. First tapered set up I have used, and would continue to use the tapered shaft. Not too keen on the blade I have (Fischer pattern synthesis), too brittle, but hard to find tapered blades, unless I can convince myself to drop $80cdn on a blade. If I do go back to standard shafts, I would probably the One95 though. Wish I had the luxury and/or cash of being able to try to find that "just right" set up for me.

[Jarick 5]

If I were to get another tapered rig, it would be an 8k shaft plus the Dolo HD blade.

[Leafsrule16 5]

Assuming you are using the correct flex, a tapered shaft will almost always provide better performance on wrist or snap shots than a standard shaft.

I think thats subjective to the shooter. Using any flex, my shots with a non tapered shaft are always harder. Not a huge difference, but i feel like i get a bit better shot off in all areas with a mid kick point.

[pody37 3]

I haven't used either shaft, but as far as blades go i found the curve on wood can be somewhat different to what you were expecting. I had some wooden Easton Forsberg blades and i couldnt use them.

I'd suggest spending a bit extra on a good composite blade too