Hockey shafts are the long part of the hockey stick you hold onto. Two-piece sticks consist of the shaft and a blade, which fits inside of the shaft by heating up the adhesive on the blade of the stick and allowing it to harden inside the shaft. The best quality hockey shafts generally come with a steeper price tag, but buying a two-piece stick allows you to mix-and-match blades when they wear out or break, saving you money in the long run.
Types
There are three primary types of hockey stick shafts: junior, intermediate and senior. Each type is made for a different level of player, from youth to adult players. The difference between the three types is typically the length, diameter and flex of the shaft. Choose a shaft based on your age and skill level for optimal performance and durability. For instance, kids must use junior shafts since they're shorter and more flexible, while an experienced or adult player is best suited for a senior stick that has slightly less flex and is longer overall.
Flex
Flex is a measure of how much the shaft of the stick bends when you shoot the puck. More flex leads to a catapult effect that causes the puck to travel faster and harder. Too much flex, however, can lead to a stick snapping in half. According to HockeyReviewHQ.com, youth sticks should have a flex of 40 to 50, intermediate players between 60 and 70 and adult or stronger players a flex of 85 to 110. The best hockey shaft for forwards will be more flexible for better wrist shots around the net, 85 is ideal. Defensemen are best suited to have a stiffer stick of about 100.
Construction
Most sticks constructed after 2000 are made from composite materials; this is the type of stick used by the majority of NHL players. Composite materials make the stick lighter and more flexible, which allows for a harder shot and improved maneuverability. The primary composite materials hockey shafts are made from include fiberglass, aluminum, graphite, Kevlar and titanium. According to NHL.com, the best overall stick shafts are made from Kevlar or titanium, although they are also the most expensive.
What the Pros Use
Hockey stick shafts are made by several popular hockey equipment manufacturers, including Bauer, CCM, Reebok, Warrior and Easton. Knowing what some of the top NHL players are using can help you determine the type of hockey shaft that may work best for you. According to IceWarehouse.com, Sydney Crosby and Pavel Datsyuk use Reebok SickKick shafts; Alex Ovechkin opts for the CCM Crazy Light shaft; Steven Stamkos uses the Bauer Supreme TotalOne stick; Dany Heatly chooses to use the Easton Synergy EQ50; Patrick Kane goes with a Bauer Vapor X60; Patrick Marleau uses a Warrior AK27 shaft.
Member Comments