AK27 Shaft Length

[theflash0000 0]

Hey all,

I have been using a 2010 (I think) Warrior AK27 85 Flex non-grip shaft for a while. It came with a wood plug installed, which I removed and did not cut the shaft because that leaves it at the perfect length for me. I'm not sure the exact length but its around 46" (shaft only, without blade) without the plug.

I ordered a 2011 AK27 85 Flex Grip shaft (the new graphics) online, assuming that it would be the same length. It arrived and the shaft itself approximately 4"-6" longer with no plug. My first question is--did Warrior produce the AK27 shaft longer this year? Or did I somehow get a mislabeled deluxe edition (I'm 100% sure its NOT labeled as the longer deluxe model)?

Second question--I tried flexing it with a blade in and at full length it has a good deal more flex that my older AK27. Was this shaft meant to be cut down? Is holding my top hand at the point where I would cut it then flexing it indicative of how it will be once I cut it? I tried that and it does seem closer in flex to my older one.

Thanks for any help anyone can provide. Just trying to decide whether to cut it or sell it on eBay and look for another 2010 model.

[bdh13 1]

46" seems a bit short for a senior shaft, is the first an intermediate?. However, there is an AK27XL shaft, which is an extra long version of the AK27 (I believe 57"). That may be what your new shaft is.

[theflash0000 0]

46" seems a bit short for a senior shaft, is the first an intermediate?. However, there is an AK27XL shaft, which is an extra long version of the AK27 (I believe 57"). That may be what your new shaft is.

Yeah, I'm going to measure it again tonight. The new one is definitely not the XL--I checked, I promise!

[mack 44]

Just compared an '11 clear 120 from the wrapper and compared it to an older grip model and it's an inch longer than the previous model plus its wooden endplug. I'm glad this year's don't have that.

[Buzz_LightBeer 973]

4-6" is quite a discrepancy, perhaps the newer one is an XL model. I believe they were 48" and 54" respectively

[t-bone 1]

Got my 85 today. Compared to my gold and black ak27, it is 4" longer, lighter, has no plug, and has more flex.

[theflash0000 0]

Got my 85 today. Compared to my gold and black ak27, it is 4" longer, lighter, has no plug, and has more flex.

Ok, so you think cutting off those 4" extra inches should bring it back to the same flex as the older model 85?

[t-bone 1]

Ok, so you think cutting off those 4" extra inches should bring it back to the same flex as the older model 85?

i'll be skating tonight. Will let you know after.

[ejs280 0]

I had another question about the '11 AK shaft. I want the black and silver graphics but I also want an intermediate. Ice warehouse has the intermediate as only coming in the black and gold while hockey monkey has the intermediate only coming in black and silver. So which one is it?

[mack 44]

Just remember that grip=gold and clear=silver.

[t-bone 1]

i'll be skating tonight. Will let you know after.

Having played with it, i'd say new ak is a bit stiffer. not much less than 5 points.

[theflash0000 0]

Having played with it, i'd say new ak is a bit stiffer. not much less than 5 points.

Ok thanks for the input. I'm going to go ahead and cut mine to my desired length and see how it goes.

[warrior37 0]

How are the graphics holding up on the newest AK's? Any flaking/peeling issues? Thanks

[mack 44]

How are the graphics holding up on the newest AK's? Any flaking/peeling issues? Thanks

Mine (clear) have chipped off some but it's not as messy as the previous versions.

[toddmanley 0]

Has anybody confirmed the length on the deluxe version? I use a long stick (65" Easton Synergy ST) and would love to find a shaft longer than what I currently have (Reebok 8k - 56").

[skyscrape 5]

Has anybody confirmed the length on the deluxe version? I use a long stick (65" Easton Synergy ST) and would love to find a shaft longer than what I currently have (Reebok 8k - 56").

The 8k is a tapered shaft correct? Because I believe the AK is 56 inches, but because it is a standard shaft it will be longer than the 8k tapered.

[ligcmp 0]

Off topic but didn't feel a new thread should be opened. Anyone using the Ak shaft blade combo? Using a one95 shaft and blade combo now but very interested and trying a new setup, thoughts on weight, feel?