S19 stiffness (75 vs. 85)

[EkoostikNation 0]

So Total Hockey is clearing out their S19 sticks at only $130 a pop with a surprisingly descent selection still left.

I normally play with a 85 flex and am looking to replace both my AKs that are getting pretty close to breaking. From what I've heard, the S19s are a little stiffer than they let on to be and was wondering if I should try a 75 seeing as they have it in a Getzlaf curve which is somewhat similar to the modified Lidstrom that I've been playing with for the past couple seasons. All three of the LHS around my area haven't had the S19 in stock for sometime so I'm not able to go in there to test the feeling between the two flexes.

If anyone has any experience with the S19, I'd appreciate the input seeing as I'd like to pull the trigger today on these S19s cause at $260 for 2 it'd be hard to pass it up.

[steelnation248 102]

I have a retail 75 flex S19 and you have to remember that Easton sticks require you to cut your stick a couple inches in order to get it to the listed flex. So the 75 flex wil actually be about a 70 flex at full length. That being said, the S19 did feel slightly stiffer at full length than around 70. I cut mine down about 3 inches and it feels stiffer than the flex chart on the back. It says it should be somewhere between 75 and 80 but it feels closer to 85. So, in my experience, it feels only slightly stiffer than the listed number, not by much though.

[Scotty 8]

In recent years I've come to nearly ignore the flex ratings on sticks and go largely by feel. My weight has stayed the same, so I give them a gentle lean without putting any extra downward force using my arms or hands. I found the S19 to definitely be a bit stiffer than rated and they seem to play that way as well.