Switching from OPS to Shaft combo

[akhenat0n 0]

I'va always played with one piece stick (my last was X:60). Now I'm considering switching to a Shaft + Blade combo to save a little money on my next stick. I was wondering about the difference if I buy a blade with less quality.

I'm thinking about buying a 11k inter Shaft with a 8k tapered blade on clearance. Any advice about this? And what will it change in swiching from OPS to Shaft Combo?

Thank you guys in advance.

[wetwilly17 6]

the lower end blades will weigh more. if it were me and i were trying to save money, i'd rather buy a mid level shaft and high end blades. you'll get better feel and balance with the higher end blades.

[17D1998 1]

I have 3 high end one-piece sticks, 2 pro stock one-piece sticks turned into shafts with mid level blades and even a mid-high level one-piece turned into a shaft with a high end blade and honestly I don't see much of a difference between them. But maybe it's just me. You can always try an 8k blade and if you find it too heavy/not good enough, well no big deal just swap it for a better one, it is the very reason why using a shaft/blade combo is awesome

[sickwilly 37]

Why not try the 8k shaft and blade combo? The 8k shafts seems like it's nice and it's $50 less, in some places. There's most of the cost of the 8k blade on clearance. Don't get me wrong, I really like the 11k shaft/blade, but the price on the 8k shafts in some places (69.99) seems like an awfully good deal. If that deal had been around when I bought my 11k shaft/blade, I'd have gone that route instead. I'm still using my TPS R9 shaft with an older Inno blade over the 11k shaft/blade.

Most of the shafts and blades that I buy are top-end, but a year or more old. Personally, I'd rather get top end shafts/blades that are a a couple of years old than mid-range stuff from the current year.

[ibeck 38]

the lower end blades will weigh more. if it were me and i were trying to save money, i'd rather buy a mid level shaft and high end blades. you'll get better feel and balance with the higher end blades.

plus the blades wont go soft as quicker.

[mrruin 0]

The 8k blade is last year's top of the line Reebok blade so it's not really low/mid end. I have not used the blade, but the shaft is excellent and recommended especially at the price. I also concur that if you want to save money save on the shaft, the blade will have more impact on overall feel, balance and performance of your combo.

[HockeySavants 5]

I use a One95 shaft with One95 Blade I can't complain, I hate breaking blades off OPS.

[akhenat0n 0]

Thanks all for your feedback. I will seriously consider buying a shaft/blade combo eventually. I have to try it soner or later! And as HockeySavant said... Breaking an OPS blade makes my furious. Playing with a combo would less make my feel I ruined my stick. And who knows, maybe it'll change my life ehehe :P

For your info as for now I found a 11k pro stock 75 flex for 129.99 $ so I went for that !!!

[Top Cheese 0]

I've just switched to using 2 pieces as well. I don't see any difference between my OPS Dolomite DDs and the 2 piece. I would definitely go with a top of the line blade though.

[Brian Harte 1]

Considering that a lot of "one piece sticks" are essentially the same as a two piece stick, I think you'll find them to be very similar.

[Neal 41]

If you are willing to accept a little extra weight, the Harrow replacement blades are incredibly durable and have good feel. Really the best value on the market in my opinion.

[Jarick 5]

I just picked up an 8k shaft last week and I'm liking it so far. Pretty decent weight, not super light, although I have a wood blade in there now and just ordered a Harrow Sakic clone to hopefully save some weight.

[scorer75 9]

I just picked up an 8k shaft last week and I'm liking it so far. Pretty decent weight, not super light, although I have a wood blade in there now and just ordered a Harrow Sakic clone to hopefully save some weight.

+1 on the Harrow blades. When they have a sale, u can get them @ 50% off, or $20 a blade, great value, durability, and puck feel.