Wood end plug, or Composite end plug?

[hock49]

There isn't alot of talk about end plugs out there and I'm curious to know what players are using....Wood or Composite? Why? & Does it really matter?

 

[noobman]

There isn't alot of talk about end plugs out there and I'm curious to know what players are using....Wood or Composite? Why? & Does it really matter?

I figure that a composite end plug is lighter, and thus less likely to throw off the stick's balance.

I have a one piece stick with just a cap over the end... though now that you mention it, an end plus is a great way to lengthen it if I grow anymore (I'd love to be 6'4...)

 

[XweekendwarriorX]

i use to play with no end plug but i started using the little plug given inside the OPS. ill only use a wooden plug to make the stick longer

 

[hock49]

RE:Wood or Composite

I've used wood end plugs, but I have never used composite. I know there are specialty plugs out there, I'm just wondering if anyone has used both. I know wood sticks are heavier, and Composite sticks are lighter. It just seems that a composite plug might be more consistent with balance and weight. any thoughts?

 

[We'reGonnaWin*]

If your stick is balance in a manner that makes it really blade-heavy, you might want a wood plug to balance that out. However, if you just want to lengthen the stick without affecting the weight too much -- go for a composite plug.

 

[StrykerB]

Wood or Composite - Added weight

If your stick is balance in a manner that makes it really blade-heavy, you might want a wood plug to balance that out. However, if you just want to lengthen the stick without affecting the weight too much -- go for a composite plug.

I find that added weight from a plug in the top doesn't affect me at all as compared to any extra weight down low near the blade. So I use a slightly weighted plug. Blade stiffness is a really big factor for me. Some sticks with really light blades flex WAY too much on slapshots. I get a stiffer blade stick and put a slightly weighted grip in the end. This way I get the best of both worlds, a stiffer and lighter blade light feel.

The wood plugs feel way too stiff for me. I use a composite grip with a bit more weight and it really makes the balance on my S17 feel lighter than ever.

 

[iceman_88888888]

composite plugs are awesome because they don't throw the balance off of a well balanced stick. but i find that most sticks now come with a cap instead of a plug. i was under the assumption that the end plug is there only for 2 reasons: to act as a dampener and to make the end a little safer (so you don't have a jagged end).

 

[CaptBrannigan]

If you're experimenting with stick length, go with a wood plug. Cuts easier and cleaner, i.e. no jagged edges.

 

[StrykerB]

Your not supposed to cut the one that I use. It will mess up the flex of the grip.

 

[cptjeff]

Your not supposed to cut the one that I use. It will mess up the flex of the grip.

So? The primary area you need to be worried about in terms of flex is lower on the shaft where the kickpoint is and all of the force is concentrated. There's very little energy stored at the extreme handle end.

Wood makes much more sense. You don't need that much flex up in the handle area, and it's cheaper, not to mention that you can carve it to your hand shape and all of that. Add to that that the weight is virtually unnoticeable on the part in your hand, and I don't see much reason to use a composite one.

The only thing I can see those composite ones being useful for is if you like the shaped hand grip thing and are actually going to cut down your shaft to use one. If you're simply extending a stick, there's no need for it.

I've never needed one though, being a short guy who cuts sticks down. But why would you waste your money on anything but wood?

 

[StrykerB]

So? The primary area you need to be worried about in terms of flex is lower on the shaft where the kickpoint is and all of the force is concentrated. There's very little energy stored at the extreme handle end.

Wood makes much more sense. You don't need that much flex up in the handle area, and it's cheaper, not to mention that you can carve it to your hand shape and all of that. Add to that that the weight is virtually unnoticeable on the part in your hand, and I don't see much reason to use a composite one.

The only thing I can see those composite ones being useful for is if you like the shaped hand grip thing and are actually going to cut down your shaft to use one. If you're simply extending a stick, there's no need for it.

I've never needed one though, being a short guy who cuts sticks down. But why would you waste your money on anything but wood?

Trust me. I use it and it works. And not just a little. A lot. Read what they say. It is something about being an extension of your wrist. It sounded messed up to me at first. But when you think about it and break down how you shoot, it all makes sense.

 

[xeric716x]

no plug, just cut the stick and tape it up.

 

[db88]

no plug, just cut the stick and tape it up.

some people need extensions... for example. im 6'4".

 

[LA Kings Hockey]

Not to bring up a new topic but what is the point of an end plug

 

[FANonymous]

Not to bring up a new topic but what is the point of an end plug

It's used to plug the end.

 

[Jimmy Carter]

Not to bring up a new topic but what is the point of an end plug

To lengthen a stick

 

[raygunpk]

Or to create a more balanced or blade-light stick. Some NHL players have done this, Datsyuk and Lidstrom off the top of my head.

 

[Narut]

i use wood plugs because it seems to me that the stick vibrates much less than without.

i always thought that these short plugs are only there for this reason (and lengthen the stick of course), but iam wrong as it seems

 

[AIREAYE]

It lengthens and makes the stick slightly whippier. And as for the debate about cutting wooden plugs...there is none; they were meant to be cut; the wooden ones at least.

 

[Lord Helix]

I'm 6'0", and I use a wood plug in Warrior sticks. I cut the plug to give me a 60"-62" long shaft. I've only broke one plug, and it was after a guy taught me how to fully load up on my slap shot. 3 years of playing, and one broken plug isn't too bad considering I payed like $2 for each plug.

 

[hubby1746]

What do end plugs do? I mean the caps not the extensions. Ive seen a few NHL players used sticks and some of them dont have anything...its just a hole.

 

[The Tikkanen]

I use the composite plugs. Have to cut them about half way down, found they are much easier to cut with my saw than wood plugs since they are hollow. Just fire it up, a little bit of pressure and it's cut.

 

[Lord Helix]

I use the composite plugs. Have to cut them about half way down, found they are much easier to cut with my saw than wood plugs since they are hollow. Just fire it up, a little bit of pressure and it's cut.

Use a mitre saw...Guaranteed straight cut, and it's done in less than a second.

 

[kr580]

What do end plugs do? I mean the caps not the extensions. Ive seen a few NHL players used sticks and some of them dont have anything...its just a hole.

I imagine it's just to cap off the sharp edges of the shaft. I wouldn't want a jagged cut to wear thru the tape job or my gloves over time. No idea other than that.

 

[AIREAYE]

The caps are a safety measure, some leagues requires them to be put on so there are no risk of cuts from the edges. Some players prefer them off for stick feel, but I haven't tried so I can't really say anything about that.