Best stick for a defensemen?

[Accord 0]

EDIT: I ended up buying an M2 a while ago.

Can a mod please delete or close this thread?

[echi24 1]

There is no "one stick" best for a defenceman, its all personal preference and how much cash you are willing to pay. I have heard that the Vectors and Rubber Responses are tanks, as well as tps tricores. But once again its all just what you liek and what your used to. Personally, as a defenceman im using a true1 and a tapered novius shaft+blade. I paid a total of 230 dollars CDN for these and im happy.

[Accord 0]

Basically what i'm wondering is, what is the most durable OPS stick on the market?

[hehatemefrisbee 0]

Basically what i'm wondering is, what is the most durable OPS stick on the market?

In my experience, its been the rubber response

[Icedog03 0]

if your going for durablity try one of the graf OPS. Id try an L-2 or some other tapered shaft instead though.

[echi24 1]

vector 110s would be the most durable IMO, but i'd rather get a shaft balde combo if your so worried about durability.

[Accord 0]

vector 110s would be the most durable IMO, but i'd rather get a shaft balde combo if your so worried about durability.

That's probably what i'll do.

[Chadd 916]

Tri-core is the most durable shaft I've ever used, though Inno 1100s work well for a lot of people.

[Shorthanded67 0]

Basically what i'm trying to figure out is, what is the most durable OPS stick and/or aluminum shaft on the market?

Did you say aluminum? I don't know if you got the memo, but we held the funeral for aluminum shafts about 3 years ago..... :D

Well there's no secret that Innovative produces very durable composite shafts and blades although they get hard to come by.

If this is your first dip into the composite world, I'd suggest trying out an Easton Ultralite shaft (about $80 USD) with Easton Ultra Graphite blade (about $30 USD). Both are very durable and you're not spending your life savings if you decide that composites aren't for you. You may even experiment and decide that you'd like the wooden blade in a composite shaft.

[mack 44]

Grip Lite, Inno 1100 or Easton Z-Core.

[Briggy 0]

Rubbers are tanks as well as Ultra Lites. Thats just my previous experiences.

[thejackal 46]

UG's are a waste of money, there are a lot of better, lighter blades for less money.

[bulletproof_funk 0]

I don't know if you got the memo, but we held the funeral for aluminum shafts about 3 years ago..... :D

I saw some new aluminum shafts labeled "Easton Cyclone" last week, 95 flex. It's painted black w/white trim, about the same grip size as the regular Cyclone, but heavier (330 g about). I was a bit surprised by that actually.

[LetsGoWings13 0]

id probly go for the m-2 it has a 45 day warrenty and it supposedly very nice altho i havent tried it yet i have one comming on the way

[Pinkfloydspig 0]

Griplite

[clarkstowncaps15 0]

mostly all sticks are durable,its just the way u get hacked at or the way u play. i us a si-core and best durablitly iv tried im going to go get a bauer XX and an inno 1100.

[bubber27 0]

Like others have said, UltraLites and GripLites are total tanks.

As well as Inno 1100's.

I'm a defencemen, I've used them all, and they're all great.

For blades, stick with a woodie. Great puck feel and cheap. You won't have to break the bank for a blade. Especially when SportChek had their 2 for 1 sale, and I picked up 4 Lidstrom woodies..........

I'd stay away from graphite/composite blades if you've only used wood sticks. One, the price will open your eyes, and two, you don't get as well as a feel for the puck.

HTH,

Phil

[Dan_The_Man_16 0]

Although I don't think there are sticks "designated" for defencemen, I currently am playing with a TPS Tricore (stiff Pro radius) and a Bauer 5000 woody(P71). Both are really durable and very light. I would reccomed trying to go with a light combo (avoid OPS) because it makes your reaction at the blue line that much quicker.

[mm705 0]

id get either a griplite or an m-2...personally id stay away from tapered i think they tend to make the puck go higher even when you dont want it to...great for forwards but im partial to anything in the ultralight family from any company (meaning non tapered), so redlight xn10, m-2, inno 1100 standard, UL, griplite. all great shafts ive used all of em and it takes alot to wreck one. tapered isnt worth the money neither is an ops IMO.

[mack 44]

Never had a problem keeping a shot down with tapered/OPS. I'd check the technique.

[Chadd 916]

I'm a headhunter no matter what I use.

[ItalianSpartan 0]

You should also consider the new Montreal Nitro. It is a bit heavier, but is extremely durable. Probably the Gold Line and Nitro are among the strongest. I have been using the Nitro for a few months and absolutely love it.

[hockey_player_11 0]

You should also consider the new Montreal Nitro. It is a bit heavier, but is extremely durable. Probably the Gold Line and Nitro are among the strongest. I have been using the Nitro for a few months and absolutely love it.

The nitro 8500? I've flipped through the montreal catalogue a few times, and it looks nice. I haven't seen it around though.

[ItalianSpartan 0]

Yes, it's the Nitro 8500. I've been using a demo for a while...they've revamped it again. They strengthened the four corners of the shaft so that when you get a slash or something, there is not as much stress on the damaged area. They also strengthened the shaft at and around the fusion point (I can't remember, I think these are stil fused) because they found 90% of breakages occur in that area. As for availability, they will probably be a bit harder to find, but it shouldn't be a problem.

[beaucoup_fish 0]

Actually, aluminum isn't COMPLETELY dead. A few pros still refuse to change over to one pieces or composite shafts, most notably Brendan Shanahan and Ryan Smyth, both of whom still use aluminum shafts.

I heard that Easton had once tried to get them to switch so that they could stop manufacturing Alumi shafts, but they refused!