Flex Question

[pody37 3]

Hey guys,

I am currently using a 77-flex XXXX shaft, which is cut down to around 59 inches (total length - including the blade). Obviously this makes the shaft stiffer, and I have recently started to think perhaps it is too stiff for me. I dont really feel like it is loading properly when I shoot.

So I have been looking into lower flex shafts, but i am a little concerned about how flexy they will be. I guess i would have to drop down to an int. shaft, which feel-wise would be fine, unless i could find a 70-flex Sr stick. However I used to have an Int R2X10 shaft and I just found it too flexy. When I was catching harder passes, no matter how much I tried to 'accept' the pass, the stick would just flex in my hands and the puck would ping off my blade.

So I guess my question is...was the TPS shaft just mega flexy, or would dropping down to an intermediate stick (or lower flex sr. if i could find one) have the same effect?

Thanks,

[CharlesC 0]

I've found that TPS sticks normally relax to a softer flex than rated after a few uses, so you have to make the purchase knowing that the stick feels too stiff in the store. I think an intermediate shaft shaft is worth trying out. Mission used to have a 65-flex and you could probably pick one up for relatively cheap.

[DolomaticDangles 13]

TPS has a senior whip flex which is 70, otherwise you could get a Warrior intermediate (also 70). The TPS intermediate sticks are 60 flex FYI

[bostonjuniorblackhawks 1]

tps whip is always a good choice for people who like whippy sticks. Also easton makes the non grip se16 shaft in 70 flex.

[AIREAYE 248]

I feel the TPS whip flex (70) isnt that much whippier than other brands' 75 or 77...perhaps something to do with the kickpoint on the TPS? Wierd seeing how I think the low kick X:40 in 77 is whippier than the TPS R6 Armor in 70 i have atm

[Jarick 5]

I've been in the same boat as you and I also found the TPS sticks from a few years back very whippy, and the new Vapors are stiff.

The sticks that have felt best to me are the Bauer One95 77 flex (not the 67, that's too stiff for some reason), the Easton SE16 75 flex (no the 65 flex, that's too stiff as well), and the Reebok 6.0.6. and 8k 65 flex (not the 75 flex).

It's a pain because to me a lot of the intermediate sticks feel too stiff, even at the same length.

[gerbe3:16 19]

The sticks that have felt best to me are the Bauer One95 77 flex (not the 67, that's too stiff for some reason),

Really? That's weird. Doesn't make too much sense but I guess that's possible. Sounds like you and I are in the same boat on flexes for INTs. I wish Bauer made 60 flex available on other sticks other than their top-end sticks on each product line.

60 flex was perfect for me on the old INNOs that I had. Now I'm at 67 XXVs and I'm a little iffy on the stiffness so I'm definitely interested in seeing what everyone has to say. Never tried TPS... wondering if I should wander on over and check it out. I was checking out a 67 flex One95 the other day and really felt a lot whippier than the XXVs I have at the same flex rating (I have read hear that the kickpoint differences changes the flex quite a bit so that would make sense). Even the X:40 67 flex seemed a bit whippier than my XXVs. That might be my next play but I would probably want to check it out again to be sure.

[pody37 3]

I've been in the same boat as you and I also found the TPS sticks from a few years back very whippy, and the new Vapors are stiff.

The sticks that have felt best to me are the Bauer One95 77 flex (not the 67, that's too stiff for some reason), the Easton SE16 75 flex (no the 65 flex, that's too stiff as well), and the Reebok 6.0.6. and 8k 65 flex (not the 75 flex).

It's a pain because to me a lot of the intermediate sticks feel too stiff, even at the same length.

That is odd that intermediate sticks feel stiffer. Do you have to cut any of your sticks or do you just play with them at stock length?

Have you tried the 70 flex SE16 shaft? I'm kinda interested to see how that feels.

EDIT: I used to have a TPS Response in whip flex, which felt pretty good, still maybe not whippy enough, but I cant stand the 'grip zone' thing that TPS brought in. Does anyone know if TPS sticks still have this?

[regularjoe 1]

That is odd that intermediate sticks feel stiffer. Do you have to cut any of your sticks or do you just play with them at stock length?

I had the same experience. I think it has to do with the fact that the intermediate stick is shorter so the flex point is lower so you have to get down even more (as an adult anyhow) to get the leverage on the shot.

An uncut TPS whip feels whippy whereas the intermediate Dolomite does not (even though both should be 70 flex).

However, I switched to a longer stick length at the beginning of the summer and have recently tried an intermediate One95 with a wood extension. It's not much (maybe 1.5 inches) but it's enough for the stick to actually feel whippy.

[Jarick 5]

I use sticks up to about my eyes in bare feet as I play defense and have gotten used to them a little longer. So for intermediates they don't get cut much if at all, and seniors do get cut a few inches.

It's honestly a complete crap shoot with intermediates. My guess is it has something to do with them being thinner or constructed differently.

What I've found over the last several months though is I need to feel some flex in the top hand. A lot of sticks only seem to flex down at the bottom, but if I can get some flex with my hands about 2 feet apart, like they would be with a snapper, it's going to feel more comfortable. That's why I'm really anxious to try a 75 flex SE16...it feels perfect in the store.

And when I do test flexes in the store, I usually have my hands about 2 feet apart with the top hand where I would cut the stick down, then I just give it a little flex with just my arms. If it doesn't flex at all (like most sticks), I know it's not going to work for me. And maybe that's an indication I just need a different kick point rather than a different flex.

I have tried a Synergy 2 70 flex a couple times, never seemed to like them, but it's been so long that maybe by now I'd love it.

[hellaavangard 33]

I second the desire for Bauer to make 60 flex available in more stick models than just the top of the line ones, or at least a 60 flex shaft. It's nice to see Warrior offering 55 flex more now, I'd love to be able to pick up a Dolomite shaft in that rating.

[Cams 7]

pody: you might want to try the Easton Synergy Elite (SE16 ops, or the shaft). I have a XXXX in 77 flex. I have mine cut down to about 57" inches from heel to end of shaft. I find it more stiff than I expected. I think it is the flex area that is "weird" for me. Obviously cutting it makes it stiffer. My Synergy Elite shaft is an 85 flex - cut the same length with blade in it of course. This shaft - feels like it has more flex than the 77 flex OPS. For me - I can't do intermediate - shaft is too small, plus feels too whippy as well.