Mid kick tapered shaft, 52Cal vs TO

[malcb33 100]

I'm in the market for a new tapered shaft and I prefer a mid kick, but I haven't seen many options available. So far the only mid kick tapered shafts I've seen available are TO tapered shaft and from the sound of it the 52Cal from Combat. I know there is already a thread about the taper TO shaft, but does anyone have any experience with the newer version of the 52 Cal shaft or their Smartflex technology? It sounds like a mid kick and similar to the TO "SmartFlex Technology, the 52 Cal shaft becomes progressively stiffer towards the end"

[Scotty 8]

I've been using the tapered 52 Cal R shaft for a while now and absolutely love the kick of it. Definitely more of a mid, even more so than the tapered One95 shaft was. I like feeling the shaft flex in my lower hand and this one definitely does, even on wristers/snappers. I haven't used a tapered TO to compare it to, but the flexpoint is most definitely a bit higher on the 52 Cal than on the SE16, Dolomite, and X60 shafts.

In the hands, it feels like a hybrid mix between an Easton (due to the graphite construction and Kevlar aramid wrap texture) and a Warrior Dolomite shaft. Feels very, very well built. I was shocked at how nice the shaft looks and feels upon unboxing it. Graphics are holding up much better than any other shaft I've ever used as it took a slapshot off the shaft to even knock the tiniest speck of paint/clearcoat off. Kicks pretty well. Not the best I've ever used, but still pretty damn good. Not quite as light as the tapered One95 shaft, but not heavy at all either. I'll gladly take the little bit of extra weight for the protection of the aramid wrap.

[malcb33 100]

That's a pretty glowing reveiw Scotty! How do you find the "R" shape? Is it similar to the old cyclone shape? Also how do you find the flex rating, similar to the One95?

[malcb33 100]

double post, oops

[Jrbears10 3]

Scotty, do you find it to be pretty true to its flex, or does it play stiffer/softer than rated?

[Scotty 8]

That's a pretty glowing reveiw Scotty! How do you find the "R" shape? Is it similar to the old cyclone shape? Also how do you find the flex rating, similar to the One95?

I'll have to go ahead and write up a full review for it sometime.

Growing up, I used the Cyclones all through high school and a good part of college (until I could no longer find them and switched to my Synergy). I got used to the thinner shaft, slimmer profile, and very rounded corners. Also, I grew to love Easton's "texture" on their shafts from the kevlar aramid. I've used many of the rounded shafts out there and was never satisfied with one or more aspects of the stick, so I'd just keep trying out other ones: TPS Pro Radius (loved it, but they stopped making their stuff), S17, Bauer XXXX and X60, Bauer tapered One95 (much more rounded than the standard shaft version), Easton SE16 (more traditional in my opinion, not all that rounded), Dolomite, and so on. I'd had some mild hands-on experience with Ballistik (Combat's previous name) sticks in some of my local hockey stores and remembered how much I loved the shaft profile of the previous 50 Cals. I badgered some members here that had used Ballistik/Combat products about their opinions (Thanks VERY much if I talked to you about it!) and finally found a place that offered the shaft in the rounded AND tapered version. Took me about a month and half to get it, but I was satisfied from the moment I held it.

The shaft shape isn't as narrow or as round as the old Cyclones. Honestly, it pretty much matches up with the feel of the X60/APX shaft shape, but with the aramid wrap texture. In the hands, the shaft feels to be almost exactly the same size as the X60 with the same radius on the corners. It is ever so slightly thicker than the tapered One95 shaft and slightly more rounded than the S17 shaft shape. Nearly perfect, in my opinion.

The next thing I wasn't sure about was the flex. I remember gently flexing some of the old Ballistik 50 Cal sticks and noting how stiff they were. Many of their 90 flex sticks felt stiffer than the 100s of other companies. I knew I'd have to take off almost 3" from the shaft and wanted around an 85-90 flex, so I chose the 80. Some said that it played like other companies' 75 flex, but I thought I'd give it a shot. It was definitely in the 75ish range at normal length, but after taking off 2.5-3", it is now right around a 90 I'd say. I'm mainly a wrist shot guy and I can feel it flex and kick nicely, especially on quick ones off the toe. Doesn't seem to torque much and gives a nice, Easton-ish feel for the puck. Let me know if you guys have any other questions about the shaft and I'd be happy to answer them.

[malcb33 100]

Has anyone seen an 80 flex 52cal square shaped tapered shaft at any of the online or local retailers? I'm having a really hard time tracking one of these down.

[steelnation248 102]

Has anyone seen an 80 flex 52cal square shaped tapered shaft at any of the online or local retailers? I'm having a really hard time tracking one of these down.

http://www.westcoasthockey.com/product-p/comsha52_caliber-sr.htm

[Scotty 8]

Steelnation248, that one is standard.

Has anyone seen an 80 flex 52cal square shaped tapered shaft at any of the online or local retailers? I'm having a really hard time tracking one of these down.

I would contact www.hotshotshockey.ca. They're who I got my tapered 52 Cal R shaft from and were the only place I'd seen that offered the combination of both the rounded AND tapered version together. Most places I see only offer the standard S version. Give them a call or email and ask for Curtis, then tell them that a very satisfied buyer (Scott) referred you. That guy went head over heels to make sure I got the version of the shaft I wanted. Took a while to get because they had to get it in from Combat first, but he got it for me.

[malcb33 100]

Awesome, thanks guys. Much appreciated.

[steelnation248 102]

Steelnation248, that one is standard.

Ughhh. My apologies Malcolm. Thanks for the correct Scotty.

[flagstaff 0]

I am thinking of ordering a 52cal stick but would like to know how hard it is to deal with there warranty policy. I know with my last Bauer stick I just brought it to the retail store and they gave me one off the shelf.

[dnoboy 5]

http://www.hockeygia...52rtshftsr.html

They have a 15% percent off promo on the front page too.

Edit... just realized you needed 80 flex. If you cant find it email sbrown@combatsportsgroup.com. He can get you any combination of shaft shape/flex, as well as a grip version if you want.