Easton Ultra Lite -versus- Easton Z-Bubble

[Accord 0]

I've narrowed my shaft selection down to 2 shafts, the Easton Ultra Lite and Easton Z-Bubble (non-grip version). The difference in price between the Ultra Lite and Z-Bubble is only 10 bucks so money is not a factor in deciding between either of these two shafts. I want to buy the best shaft and need your help in deciding which one. Also take note that durability is a major factor for me and I play in a no-checking league, I want something that is going to last a while.

Which shaft would YOU rather have when factoring in performance and durability and why?

[Karly14 21]

for durability the ultra lite is best, the bubble has a lower kickpoint then the ultralite which in theory means better performance. ive used both shafts for extended periods of time, i love them both, but if durability is your main concern, the UL is what you want

[Eazy_b97 1]

What's a Long time for you?

UL for Durability, and Z-bub for performance. If it's a mix of both, I'd go UL.

[NYR14 0]

I was not a big fan of the UL. I broke 3 blades almost in the identical spot all 3 times. They broke right up by the hosel, all on slapshots. And I very rairly just snap a blade.

[thejackal 46]

I was not a big fan of the UL. I broke 3 blades almost in the identical spot all 3 times. They broke right up by the hosel, all on slapshots. And I very rairly just snap a blade.

What kind of blades? The UL being a stiff and durable shaft is prone to that unless you used a graphite blade or a renforced wood one.

[Accord 0]

What's a Long time for you?

One game a week for a year in a no-checking league plus some pickup hockey every now and then.

[Shorthanded67 0]

The UltraLite is the "OG" of composite shafts. It's been a long time since I've used one dating back to the original brownish/orangeish but they were very durable and did me well for the money spent. I liked the Z-Bubble later for it's slimmer profile for my small hands but you can't go wrong with the UL for a good mix.

[all-star 0]

definetly the ul. the zbub tends to break too much at the taper zone.

[NYR14 0]

What kind of blades? The UL being a stiff and durable shaft is prone to that unless you used a graphite blade or a renforced wood one.

I didn't know that at the time. I used those Leetch pattern Easton pro blades.

[beaucoup_fish 0]

UL for sure. Like many have already noted, the Bubble breaks pretty frequently. ULs have been bombproof for me, you won't be disappointed.

[roadrunner 12]

If your league is not that rough a Z-bubble will do you good. Performance is awesome compared to the UL. It's alot lighter and has a quicker release, On the other hand I used a UL for 2 years before I got a Bubble. It's an awesome shaft as well I would think it's more durable than the Bubble. But then again I've had my BUbble for almost 5 years and still going strong. The guy on my team still has the UL I sold to him and it too is still kicking. It depends on your playing style. If your a D or a grinder/digger I would go with the UL. If your a Finesse player go with the Bubble.

[LetsGoWings13 0]

ultra light = tank and your shot well be just as hard its a good balanced stick and your wallet well stay fat lol.

[Neo5370 132]

I dunno how rough you are on your sticks, but one game a week in a no check league sounds like a stick-friendly environment (assuming you haven't too many hackers and slashers in your league)

I don't why a z-bubble should break too easily on you in that situation.

But yes, UL's are as durable as cockroaches.....they'll eventually outlive humans.

[Accord 0]

Thanks for all of your opinions. I've decided to go with the Ultra Lite for a few reasons.

1) It's more durable than the Z-bubble (from what i've read) and I play defense in a no-checking league and since it's a no-checking league there is a ridiculous amount of slashing and hackers.

2) Since it'll be my first 2-piece composite stick, i'd prefer to go for a lesser model right off the bat so later on when I decide to buy a more high performance shaft i'll really be able to appreciate the differences in performance.

[LetsGoWings13 0]

inno blades are very nice if you can get a curve you like if you decide to go composite. that stick well be crazy balanced and durible

[stevoc 0]

This probably doesn't help, but I have both and think they are pretty similar...mine are different flex's however. The UL does seem a little more durable...at least it feels that way.

Anyway, both are great. No breaks with either, and I play 2 times a week in a rec league and low level competitive league, both with no checking.

[rjdlucky 0]

I have both and used them for about three years until last season when I switched to OPS. I would go with the UL. I have two and not only are they in good shape but they still have good life left to them.