Standard blade durability

[B-Nads 0]

Just picked up a couple standard hosel shafts and am headed out tonight to buy two blades. I am leaning towards the One95 or the AK27. I've done a little searching, but didn't come up with a lot. Which will generally hold its stiffness longer?

The new 6k blade is also getting a look, but my experience with RBK blades from the past is not confidence inspiring.

Thanks.

[Scotty 8]

I've heard nothing good about Reebok blades. AK27 blades have a good reputation for the most part. However, One95 blades are the absolute king of standard blades for me. Very lightweight, absolute tanks in terms of durability, a combination of soft feel combined with liveliness and responsiveness. I can feel the puck very well with them and they don't torque at all on shots. I REALLY wish they made them in a tapered version because they're incredible. Best standard blade i've ever used.

[sarmalidu 1]

This is definitely an issue of personal preference. Warrior blades have a unique feel which you may or may not prefer. Overall they are both very good options. The 6K is a lower-end blade and is probably heavier although it may be slightly cheaper. My impression is that most people would consider the One95 and AK27 blades to be superior. Unfortunately, RBK does not make a top level standard blade (their 8k blades are tapered).

In my opinion you can't really go wrong with either the One95 or AK27 blades (if you don't mind a bit heavier blade I would even suggest Easton ST blades since they are cheap and durable). Easton S15 blades are a great lightweight option but don't have as strong of a reputation for durability.

[sickwilly 37]

This is definitely an issue of personal preference. Warrior blades have a unique feel which you may or may not prefer. Overall they are both very good options. The 6K is a lower-end blade and is probably heavier although it may be slightly cheaper. My impression is that most people would consider the One95 and AK27 blades to be superior. Unfortunately, RBK does not make a top level standard blade (their 8k blades are tapered).

Sorry for hijacking here (but I think it's connected to the topic, since I'm wondering the same thing as the O.P.)...

What do you think is unique about the AK27's feel?

[sarmalidu 1]

It's not unique to just AK27 blades. Warrior blades have a characteristic feel that is different (not necessarily better or worse) and, for me, easy to identify ( I have used dolos, macdaddys, and AK27s so these are the sticks I am basing that off of). It's not very easy for me to explain because it's just "different". It's like trying to tell you how a pomegranate tastes. I can relate it to other fruit, but the fact is a pomegranate tastes like a pomegranate and you can't really know it until you taste it.

This is all personal preference so you really need to develop your own opinion. Personally, Easton SE/SE16 blades are my overall favorite despite their lackluster durability and tendancy to go soft. On my standard sticks I tend to use ST blades these days because they still have great feel and stiffness but much better durability (not to mention the 07 models were short hosel and cheap). I use them with One95 shafts which are abnormally long so the short hosel is important.

I really like the Inno sticks I have (repainted MacDaddys) and my friend's dolos / AKs that I have used. However, overall, I slightly prefer Easton blades so that's what I tend to use. Some prefer One95s, Some prefer warrior blades, some prefer something else entirely. I always recommend that you go try one and see what you think for yourself. All of these companies are making nice products and you can't really go too wrong with any of them. If you don't love what you try, try something else.

One more comment - the O.P. seems to have durability as a high priority. Based off of that, I would say that the ST / warrior Johnson blades are a strong option as they are durable and cheaper. If you want a blade that's a bit lighter without losing too much durability, the One95 and AK27 blades would both have to be at the top of the list.

[K9 Unit 1]

IMO one95 blade would beat ST and Johnson, in durability and performance by far, ak27 would be pretty close

[automorph 0]

ST blades are pretty heavy (hollowed out hosel Sakic 190grams)

[B-Nads 0]

Just got back from the shop - went with two One95 blades. I considered a mix of a One95 and a AK27, but the 27 was $15 more expensive, and I didn't get the impression that I would be sufficiently more impressed by it to add the money. The Johnson, Swizzle, X20, and One55 all flexed too much in my hands - seemed pretty obvious they would noodle faster than the 95 or the 27. The One95 in my 7k shaft feels like the most balanced combo I have lifted - can;'t wait to try it out tomorrow - I got it and a Redlite together - was more hyped over the Redlite, but so far the RBK feels lighter and better balanced.