Two-piece Easton hockey sticks consist of a shaft and a blade. The blade can be replaced if signs of wear and tear begin to show, or if the blade completely breaks during play. The advantage of two-piece hockey sticks are that you can replace the blade to fit your personal preference in terms of curve and build material, and it's more cost-effective over buying a new stick.
Types
There are two primary types of replacement blades. Easton makes composite blades and ABS wood fiberglass blades. The composite blades are slightly more expensive but offer better performance on the ice and indoor roller hockey rinks. The ABS blades are made from fiberglass for increased durability and are ideal for outdoor use. Choosing the right blade depends on your price preference and intended use of the stick --- outdoor or indoor play.
Tapered vs. Traditional
Your new Easton blade must match the opening of your stick shaft. This comes in two varieties: traditional or tapered. Traditional shafts offer a square opening and they require you to use a traditional hockey blade replacement. Tapered shafts require that you use a tapered replacement blade. Tapered hockey sticks feature a lower kick-point, meaning the power of the shot comes from farther down the shaft than in traditional sticks. Some players may prefer this sort of feel.
Removing Old Blade
Place your stick in a vise for support. If you do not have a vise or clamp, you can still remove the blade, but the added support makes it easier. Use a heat gun set at about 1,000 degrees to heat up the point where your blade meets the shaft near the bottom of the stick. Heat it for about 30 seconds. This will loosen the resin holding the stick and blade together. Pull the two pieces of the stick apart to remove the blade from within the stick's shaft.
Installing New Blade
Place the new Easton blade in the vise and secure it. Alternatively, just hold the blade, and begin heating it until the resin on the hosel -- the part that fits within the shaft --- begins to bubble. Heat all four sides of the hosel. Slowly insert the blade into the shaft, and make sure it's pushed in as far as it can go. The glue will begin to dry immediately; there's no need to reheat the stick at this point. Within seconds, the stick is ready for play.
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