Help the new guy here!

[_RH_ 1]

Hello, I'm 24 and have been reading this forum for about a week now searching for people looking for similar things as I am in a OPS. I am 5' 7", 160 lbs. I feel like it's an awkward in-between zone of int. and senior, but I don't think I'll be growing so I can't help it much! If I buy the lightest senior flex I'll probably still cut it a few inches, and the stiffest int. flexes are probably bordering on too soft for me. Currently I have a Bauer one80 griptec stick (87 flex, 6 lie, P88 curve I think) I really like the boxy feel of the shaft, the grip of it, and the weight distribution. After noticing a lot more wear on my heel than toe I figured I would cut it down a bit to try to improve that angle. While I might have improved my lie issue, I think it's just so short that I'm not getting a good whip on my shots. Typically I take quicker shots, so the high kick point of the one80 probably isn't best for me. Coupling that with the high flex, I feel like I'm not really getting the most out of the stick. So I'm looking for 70-80 flex with a low lie. I also want to get a closed face, as I have no problem shooting high (or too high..) So coupling low lie with closed face led me to Warrior. However, reviews have been mixed on here. I am looking to spend somewhere around $120-$150, am especially interested in older models that are marked down. Kronics seemed to have quite a durability issue (unacceptable to me), while Dolomites received better reviews.

So I guess I have lots of questions:

-Are shafts of int. slightly smaller than senior and therefore more likely to be broken by slashes? Any other advantages to senior vs int?

-The Kronic reviews were older, has this model improved recently?

-Why the lack of low lie and closed face blades?

-What would you recommend?

-I haven't really thought much about rockers, what are your thoughts?

Sorry for writing a novel on my first post, but I didn't want you to think I blindly came on here without searching for these issues! I have no brand preference and am open to anything. I don't care about aesthetics or graphics of any kind either. Thanks for the help guys!

[Chadd 916]

Bauer does make a 77 flex in many of their sticks, that might be a good transition for you. A PM9 or equivalent curve sounds like an option as well.

As for your questions:

yes to the smaller dimensions, but smaller dimensions doesn't mean weaker.

can't help on the Kronik

There are very few low lie blades available of any kind

See above

I like mild to flat rockers, but I'm more of a shooter than dangler

[sharks25 9]

Look at an Easton ST in a zetterburg or heatley curve. You can get it in a 75 flex and many people consider it one of the most durable sticks on the market. I would get a Easton 75 flex because once you cut it down 2 inches it is a 75 flex. It's closer to 65 flex at full length.

[sickwilly 37]

I like the TPS Afinogenov for a lower-lie curve. The face is pretty closed, but it's a pretty good-sized curve. You might like the TPS whip flex. If you're still trying different patterns, why not try a 2 piece setup?

[AIREAYE 248]

Check out the 2011 Sherwood catalog

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/downloads/sherwoodtps2011.pdf

their new T90 (and its variations, except for the Pro) T80 and T70 feature a 'Flex Free Zone, which is basically a 4 inch buffer zone where you can cut the stick without fear of making the stick any stiffer. The T90 also has a 'Slimfit' option which is basically a 59" stick with smaller shaft dimensions (1" shorter than normal) and either 60 or 70 flex. Comes in either Ryan or Stastny (hard to tell from the pictures, but the Stastny is similar to the Sakic it seems...anyone help me out?)

I don't think many LHSs have this option yet but if you are willing to wait or even order from Sherwood, this sounds like the perfect option for you.

[massive74 4]

Comes in either Ryan or Stastny (hard to tell from the pictures, but the Stastny is similar to the Sakic it seems...anyone help me out?)

you are right , very close to

[Larry54 243]

I'm 5'7" 155lbs and as I was reading your post, it looked so much like the situation I was once in, especially wanting a closed-face blade with a low lie. I found the answer at BASE Hockey. I got their BM09 blade (same as PM9/Zetterburg/Modano) in a 4 lie. I also got their inter 65 flex shaft when cut down a few inches makes it around 75 Flex. It doesn't feel too whippy for me but that may be personal preference. You can also get a 75 inter or a 75 senior shaft among other flexes. You can get it as either a 1-piece or a 2-piece. I finally got the stick that meets my needs, and it seems to be in your price range.

[_RH_ 1]

Thanks for all the responses. Last night I saw an '11 Dolomite on eBay for $70 and I just couldn't pass up that deal!

[sharks25 9]

What lie and flex?

[_RH_ 1]

What lie and flex?

4,75, Savard curve

[nalindabenderz917 1]

Base has a bunch of lies in a bunch of different curves and flexes, from what I hear there really good

basehockey.ca