Good Shaft for Ice Hockey

[jrbrown092 0]

I am turning to a two piece for the while, because I need to experiment with blade patterns more than I originally thought I would.

I'm looking for a 75 flex tapered shaft, grip or non-grip, but I prefer non-grip.

The Reebok 11k, CCM U+ CS, and Warrior Dolomite shafts are the ones that catch my eye, but I really don't know which one, if any, will be true to its flex rating, keep its pop the longest, and overall will be good. This is only a list of the shafts that I have really considered, with the Warrior and Reebok shafts being the most appealing to me due to price and the quality. But for all I know, there are better options out there. Which is why I created this topic.

[Stewie 721]

not sure i have ever seen the 11k shaft without griptonite, but it could exist. In which case, if you prefer non-grip sticks id stay away from the 11k, if grip is truly a big concern.

[jrbrown092 0]

Grip is not a big, big concern. I just want a quality shaft.

[chippa13 1844]

The Reebok will play stiffer than other 75 flex shafts. I've got a 75 flex 11K that I use along with an 85 flex Easton EQ50.

[jrbrown092 0]

That's what I thought upon reading about it throughout the forum. Won't go for 11k, then.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Easton has a Mako (tapered shaft) in 75 flex without grip.

[jrbrown092 0]

Will Easton stay true to the flex being a bit whippier than normal with the shaft? I'm not sure for a two piece, but the Mako looks to be an option.

However, I'm also looking for possibilities that are also cost effective. That's why I'm looking at the Dolomite as an option because of how it's on clearance.

[sickwilly 37]

The Dolo is a great shaft. What about a Bauer X60 (77 flex)? While I really like Dolos, I've had better luck with the durability of Bauer shafts.

[jrbrown092 0]

I might actually be more willing to try an X60 shaft, since I hear the Dolo shaft is a bit boxier than others. That might be a good idea...

[s_franchise 5]

You might want to consider the length of the shaft and flex/how much you'll need to cut. (if indeed you need to cut anyways)

[jrbrown092 0]

Yes, I will probably need to put a plug on the stick if I got an X60 shaft. I like my sticks fairly long and whippy, as being 135 lbs. doesn't help me when using an 85 flex. Although I can't stand intermediate shaft dimensions and how much whip they have.

Another +1 for the X60: You can add a composite plug to the end of it! Plus with an end plug, I can experiment with different stick lengths.

[kovalchuk71 212]

The X60 shaft plays very stiff as well.

[Jrbears10 3]

The X60 shaft plays very stiff as well.

Agreed. I normally use 100 flex Easton sticks and the 87 flex X:60 shaft I have feels perfect to me. I would definitely bump down a flex level from what you'd normally use if you go with the x:60/APX shaft.

[jrbrown092 0]

That would make sense since the kickpoint would make the stick play stiffer. So maybe I should get the Dolo after all?

[steelnation248 102]

I've never used a senior Dolo shaft, but I do have the intermediate 70 flex shaft. Uncut, the shaft feels like it's at least an 85 flex to me. I don't know if the senior shafts play stiffer, but the int one I have definitely does.

[jrbrown092 0]

Hmm, maybe I am asking for too much when I want a tapered shaft... like I hear with Bauer Vapor sticks, they seem to play stiffer than the flex rating. All I know is that I hear a lot of good things from the Dolo shaft.

Does it matter if the shaft plays stiffer if I'm the guy who is strict on using wrist/snap shots? I mean, I'd assume the taper would flex somewhat anyways. Also, let's keep in mind that I will probably add a wooden plug at the end of it to extend it.

[adam14 182]

keep in mind that once you start using it regularly, it will also soften up a bit.

[jrbrown092 0]

keep in mind that once you start using it regularly, it will also soften up a bit.

Which reminds me: Should I get a stiffer flex anyways if I am going to extend it? I would assume that lengthening the shaft would soften the flex, and with the given break-in time to soften the stick, might make the stick a bit too whippy...

[Scotty 8]

Hmm, maybe I am asking for too much when I want a tapered shaft... like I hear with Bauer Vapor sticks, they seem to play stiffer than the flex rating. All I know is that I hear a lot of good things from the Dolo shaft.

Does it matter if the shaft plays stiffer if I'm the guy who is strict on using wrist/snap shots? I mean, I'd assume the taper would flex somewhat anyways. Also, let's keep in mind that I will probably add a wooden plug at the end of it to extend it.

No, you're not asking too much. But just realize that you can't classify all sticks purely by their brand. For example, the X60 (and APX I'm guessing, seeing as it's only a different paint job) plays stiffer than rated, whereas the One95 and Total One shafts do not. That's because of their kickpoints and other factors like Bauer stiffening the X60 to artifically move the kickpoint lower.

For preferentially a non-grip, tapered, 75 flex shaft, you have the options of the older Dolomite, the current Dynasty, X60/APX, tapered Total One shafts from PureHockey, Easton SE16/EQ50/Mako shafts, and offerings from Reebok and CCM.

Dolomite: Good all around shaft. Senior 75 plays true to rating. Bigger dimensions, but rounded corners. Very Easton-ish feel because of the composite construction and kevlar wrap.

Dynasty: I have not personally used one, but they offer very standard squared dimensions with a matte feel.

X60/APX: Play stiffer than rated, slightly smaller shaft dimensions with rounded corners like the Dolo. Extremely slick finish on the shafts deters some people away. They kick fairly hard if you get the right flex for yourself. Many people go down a flex rating when using these compared to their usual, but you're going to add length on anyway.

Tapered Total One: I haven't used one, but they offer shaft dimensions identical to the regular OPS and standard shaft (squared, boxy). Supposedly good kick.

SE16/EQ50/Mako: Pretty much the same shaft with different graphics over the years from Easton. Very traditional boxy/squared shaft, plays true to flex rating, kicks more like a standard shaft (ie. higher up). Your straightforward tapered shaft that will last and perform.

CCM/Reebok: In my experience, both play notably stiffer than rated, especially Reebok. CCM's newer stuff seems to have remedied this a bit, but I haven't used their newer shafts.

[jrbrown092 0]

Thanks, Scotty, that was very informative. I am slightly intrigued about the Total One shaft, but I don't know if it will be THE best for me, knowing that Supremes are for the person who takes slapshots all the time; I take wrist shots most of the time.

Maybe the question I should ask is if I need to up the flex rating or get a shaft that is longer, because I am going to extend the shaft. i.e., I would get an 85 flex Dolo because of how relatively small the shaft is height wise in order to get into the 75 flex range easily with a wood plug. Or, I would get something like an X60 shaft in a 77, because it is 2 inches longer and plays stiffer than a Dolo, and then add length.

Essentially, how many flex points does a shaft lose per every inch added on length on the shaft? I'll look about the forums and see, but I would like confirmation.

EDIT: Then again, the X60 shaft is actually shorter than a Dolo, whoops.

[cemetery 14]

knowing that Supremes are for the person who takes slapshots all the time; I take wrist shots most of the time.

Hook, line, and sinker...it's all marketing bud. I use the tapered TotalOne shaft and barely ever take slap shots. It performs awesome for snapshots/wristers, and feels nearly identical in flex to me when compared to the OPS TotalOne cut to the same length. I have it paired with a Dolo DD blade and prefer the combo to any of my others OPS'.

[jrbrown092 0]

Hook, line, and sinker...it's all marketing bud. I use the tapered TotalOne shaft and barely ever take slap shots. It performs awesome for snapshots/wristers, and feels nearly identical in flex to me when compared to the OPS TotalOne cut to the same length. I have it paired with a Dolo DD blade and prefer the combo to any of my others OPS'.

Really? I must think the way I did because my One80 I have might be too stiff. Seems interesting, but I don't see one in a 77 flex on Pure Hockey. Plus, it's a bit much than what I am willing to pay for...

[Scotty 8]

Thanks, Scotty, that was very informative. I am slightly intrigued about the Total One shaft, but I don't know if it will be THE best for me, knowing that Supremes are for the person who takes slapshots all the time; I take wrist shots most of the time.

Maybe the question I should ask is if I need to up the flex rating or get a shaft that is longer, because I am going to extend the shaft. i.e., I would get an 85 flex Dolo because of how relatively small the shaft is height wise in order to get into the 75 flex range easily with a wood plug. Or, I would get something like an X60 shaft in a 77, because it is 2 inches longer and plays stiffer than a Dolo, and then add length.

Essentially, how many flex points does a shaft lose per every inch added on length on the shaft? I'll look about the forums and see, but I would like confirmation.

EDIT: Then again, the X60 shaft is actually shorter than a Dolo, whoops.

Exactly like cemetary said, don't let marketing BS fool you. Mid kickpoint sticks are not necessarily better for slapshots and low kickpoint sticks aren't necessarily better for wristers. I rely on a wrist shot or quick snap of my hands probably 95% of the time I'm shooting, but I don't use a low kickpoint stick.

As for how much flex is gained or lost when adding or removing length, it's really hard to say. Some manufacturers have (or still do) put markings on the back of the stick that indicate these things, but it's almost all a guess. For instance, Easton indicated that for every 3", it changes 5 in flex. This is much different than Bauer, who claimed that every 2" was more like 8-9 in flex. It's all over the place and can really depend on the materials and kickpoint as to what it will feel like afterward. Just know that if you're adding a few inches (2-3"), expect the stick to feel about 5-10 points more flexible.

[jrbrown092 0]

Wow, adding length to the stick just made my life that much harder...

I'm thinking X:60 because it plays stiffer and I can experiment with different stick lengths more w/ a wood plug. In the case of the wood plug, I can soften up the X60. But then again, it's possible the shaft would play way too soft after it is "broken in" so that makes me want to get a Dolo, 85 flex.

[sickwilly 37]

If you can swing it, buy a couple and experiment a little bit. Do any of your teammates have sticks/setups that are close to what you're looking for?