Most Durable Stick?

[adam14 182]

For canadians, the Easton Stealths available at Sportchek are worth looking at (the originals) I bought 2 in august, and i still have one of them going strong, paid 120 each for them, cant complain.

[elihl6 0]

Have to agree that the ST is a tank. It really takes a licking and keeps on ticking!

It is probably the closest to my old combination with an UltraLite shaft and graphite blade. The downside is I definitely don't get the same feel with my shots as I had become a custom to with my first forays into OPS - 9K-0, OnePro (Pro One90), U+, and most favourite so far - Synergy Elite.

Really want to rock an SE16, but can't justify the price. Many are commenting that the ST "feels" heavier than their s17/19s, SE16s, and One85/95s, but I don't notice that much difference. Of course, I am only taking a shot or two with theirs, as I play with a heavier flex (110), as well as afraid if I break one of their sticks. Granted, their parents still pay for it (for the most part), but I would feel awful/guilty.

[skyscrape 5]

Have to agree that the ST is a tank. It really takes a licking and keeps on ticking!

It is probably the closest to my old combination with an UltraLite shaft and graphite blade. The downside is I definitely don't get the same feel with my shots as I had become a custom to with my first forays into OPS - 9K-0, OnePro (Pro One90), U+, and most favourite so far - Synergy Elite.

Really want to rock an SE16, but can't justify the price. Many are commenting that the ST "feels" heavier than their s17/19s, SE16s, and One85/95s, but I don't notice that much difference. Of course, I am only taking a shot or two with theirs, as I play with a heavier flex (110), as well as afraid if I break one of their sticks. Granted, their parents still pay for it (for the most part), but I would feel awful/guilty.

My One85 112 flex is way lighter than my ST 100 flex. It is amazing how much more I feel I can load my one85 over the ST though.!

[mack 44]

All-time I'd go with a Grip Lite. The ST is durable but inferior to the originals.

hahaha

Christ you're annoying.

[santiclaws 0]

+1 on TPS. Of my three XN10's the shortest-lived one was 9 months, the other two lasted about a year. My current R8 is 15 months old and shows no signs of wanting to break any time soon.

[epstud74 24]

I bought 2 TPS XN10 chromes over a year ago.. One was broken in a HS game by my cousin, but he used it all summer and finally broke it halfway through the season. I'm still using my 2nd one, and it looks and performs great.

[epstud74 24]

The Easton ST offers a hell of a lot of performance for the $$$ IMO

It is lighter than a lot of the other sticks out there and they're on closeout. The S17 is garbage and I'm not sure I'd pay the clearance price on it either. Especially for us beer league guys. Even though we do not hit 10-15 slapshots a game, I think it would break within 2 months of use. I bought an SE16 and it was garbage too.

[farhanshak 1]

about 2-2.5 years ago i was able to pick up 2 easton sc2 85 flex sakic hockey sticks for $75 total at sportchek.

i have been using one of them for about 2.5 years now 2-3x a week and its still going strong. a bit more whippy than before and the paint job on it near the bottom is almost non existent.

also have a TPS wood hockey stick regular flex that i got about 2 years ago and have been using it once a week. not bad for 20 dollars.

[kayhat12 0]

Like I have said before. The Easton ST is the only stick I have used since 2006. Sure there are better preforming sticks out there, but in the recreational hockey world, I dont think people can really take advantage of (or at least really notice) the performance features these sticks have to offer. Besides, from what I have read on here, a lot of the pro sticks are repainted STs or other sticks. I have also tries a pro stock SE16 to my Pro Stock ST and there is really no difference between the two (In my opinion).

In all honesty, sticks these days are like fishing lures. Everyone says one is better than the other, but when it comes down to it, it is all about how much you are willing to spend.

My personal preference is the ST because it is the stick I am most comfortable using. Sure I can find another stick that is better, but for the price, the STs will last you a long long time. Hence why I purchased 12 of them.....yeah, arent we all gear whores....:)

[skyscrape 5]

Like I have said before. The Easton ST is the only stick I have used since 2006. Sure there are better preforming sticks out there, but in the recreational hockey world, I dont think people can really take advantage of (or at least really notice) the performance features these sticks have to offer. Besides, from what I have read on here, a lot of the pro sticks are repainted STs or other sticks. I have also tries a pro stock SE16 to my Pro Stock ST and there is really no difference between the two (In my opinion).

In all honesty, sticks these days are like fishing lures. Everyone says one is better than the other, but when it comes down to it, it is all about how much you are willing to spend.

My personal preference is the ST because it is the stick I am most comfortable using. Sure I can find another stick that is better, but for the price, the STs will last you a long long time. Hence why I purchased 12 of them.....yeah, arent we all gear whores....:)

So after reading this and an off night with the one85, I taped up the ST and used it again. While I was taping it, I realized that overall weight was not that noticeable! What was noticeable was that the ST has a two inch graphite plug to make it 63 inches and very balanced! WHere as the One85 has a two inch wood plug that makes it grip heavy(or light on the blade). After I noticed this and pulled up my skirt I ripped a few shots with the ST and Just like it was stated above...I can not for the life of me see a difference in slap shots between the two, wrist shots are in favor of the ST, and snap shots are in favor of the One85! The only reason the snapper's aren't equal I believe, is due to the fact that the one85 is a 112 and the ST is a 100 flex and yes I feel the difference. Way more torque with the ST than the Supreme. SO maybe I will try to special order a 110 ST? The Supreme stills feels more dampened on shots though.

[kayhat12 0]

So, I have another question to add onto this forum. I have been wondering which (in your experiences) has been more durable: Pro stock sticks, or retail sticks? The only reason I ask is because I have heard both stories and it seems like it is a 50/50 split. I wanted a few more ideas on the subject. I realize that if I were to purchase a 110 flex retail stick, it should hold up better than, say a 85 flex pro stock. Anyway, just thought I would stir the fire.

[Chadd 916]

1. Flex has nothing to do with durability

2. It would depend on the specs of the pro stock stick. If it has thinner shaft walls it will be less durable, thicker shaft walls would obviously result in a stick being more durable.

[Machinehead2k5 32]

1. Flex has nothing to do with durability

2. It would depend on the specs of the pro stock stick. If it has thinner shaft walls it will be less durable, thicker shaft walls would obviously result in a stick being more durable.

Going with number two. In your explanation a wooden stick made from balsa wood would be stronger than a stick made from aluminum that was hollow and had a smaller shaft wall. :)

[kayhat12 0]

Well I guess my question would be better phrased as: Would a retail ST in 110 flex "in theory" be more durable than an identical ST in 100 flex? My follow up question would be which curve would you guys prefer..... Iginla or Zetterberg? Obviously you can guess I am thinking about making a purchase. :)

[Chadd 916]

Well I guess my question would be better phrased as: Would a retail ST in 110 flex "in theory" be more durable than an identical ST in 100 flex? My follow up question would be which curve would you guys prefer..... Iginla or Zetterberg? Obviously you can guess I am thinking about making a purchase. :)

In practice blades break before shafts for me, so that doesn't make a bit of difference for me. Plus, the 110 would last me forever because it would never get used.

For normal play; shooting, slashing, etc... there is no durability benefit to the stiffer stick.

Going with number two. In your explanation a wooden stick made from balsa wood would be stronger than a stick made from aluminum that was hollow and had a smaller shaft wall. :)

I give our members enough credit to not be morons.

[Machinehead2k5 32]

Curve is all personal preference. You'll have to experiment with them to see which you like.

I myself like a mid-toe/toe curve. I usually take an Yzerman/Bergeron blade and customize it some. I can use the iginla pretty good but have better feel/shooting ability with the modified blades.

I've used a 50 flex Z Bubble shaft with 5 inch plug in it for 9 seasons and never broke it, but I broke many a blade in the period.

Chadd: I figured as much. Just wanted to add some humor to the thread.

[G0NUCKSG0 0]

I've gotten good durability out of the AK 27 shaft/blade combo, too.

The HD blades don't last that long. The toe usually gets cracked open first, then the middle of the blade. I've broken 3 in the same manner.

[shotty 7]

people that know sticks and how they're built say that flex isn't indicative of durability. I've used everything from senior 77 flex to 110+ and can attest to it, although I can't explain how.

[kayhat12 0]

First of all, Chadd, thank you for your help! I really appreciate it.

Second of all, I have been using the Zetterberg and Drury curves for a long time, but I thought I would change it up a little. I just dont want to have a "dramatic" change in curve style. I just dont really like the deeper curved sticks. If only the Zetterberg was in a 5.5 lie.....But the Iginla and Zetterberg arent that far off right?

[kovalchuk71 212]

First of all, Chadd, thank you for your help! I really appreciate it.

Second of all, I have been using the Zetterberg and Drury curves for a long time, but I thought I would change it up a little. I just dont want to have a "dramatic" change in curve style. I just dont really like the deeper curved sticks. If only the Zetterberg was in a 5.5 lie.....But the Iginla and Zetterberg arent that far off right?

Thats an expensive investment just to "change it up". Why dont you try a wood blade or something with the curve first?

[kayhat12 0]

Yeah. I have seen the iginla and have liked what it looks like. I think if might be a curve that I might like. I am just really REALLY indecisive when it comes to things like this. I am sorry for all of the trouble.

[shotty 7]

careful though, iggy blade is short. hard to get used to.

[kayhat12 0]

Shotty, that is what I was thinking. I am defenitely not a big fan of little blades.

I am going to pull the trigger on a couple more sticks.....So long money! Ohh well, you only live once right?

Ohh, I just wanted to thank everyone for the help. I appreciate all the info.

[bostonjuniorblackhawks 1]

careful though, iggy blade is short. hard to get used to.

going through this problem now... <_<

[gxc999 7]

 The biggest factor is style of play, don't hack and slash a lot, and you'll probably be ok. Beyond that, heavier sticks are normally more durable than lighter sticks.