How We Make Talons So Strong
>> Talon Manufacturing Process
>> Dynamic Testing
>> PSI Values
>> Choosing Your Talon
>> Compare Talon With Other Lacrosse Shafts
Talon Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process involves layering a piece of flawless hardwood veneer over a high grade
fiberglass composite core using a proprietary high impact resin. The veneer and fiberglass lay-up is then
pressed in a mold under heat and pressure which bonds the veneer to the composite core and forms the
unique shape of the shaft. This process tightly bonds the veneer to the composite core so that the wood
cannot chip or splinter away from the shaft. The molding process is carefully controlled to produce the
proper strength, weight and impact properties of each of the different Talon models.
 
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Talon Dynamic Testing Methodology
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Our dynamic testing methods validate that our products will meet the demands of aggressive field or box play. The best way to determine durability and reliability of our shafts is to mimic hard stick checks and brutal cross checks in the laboratory under controlled conditions. Our testing protocol is to accurately measure the amount of impact force our shafts can withstand without breaking. This is done by dropping a weighted impact slide onto a shaft which is supported by two fixed points that are 22 inches apart to simulate the hand position when applying a box-style cross check. |
| The maximum drop height determines the amount of Kinetic Energy (KE) the shaft can tolerate without breaking. The formula for KE applied equals 1/2 the mass multiplied by the velocity squared. As the formula indicates, with every additional inch in drop height the force is magnified by the acceleration of gravity. After extensive sample testing, the minimum impact strength thresholds are: |
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Spirit : 38 ft-lbs
Legend : 48 ft-lbs
Thunder : 59 ft-lbs
To put these numbers in perspective, 59 ft-lbs of energy is the equivalent of
dropping a 10 lb. weight from a height of nearly 6 ft. Imagine the damage inflicted
by dropping a 10 lb. dumbbell onto your foot from a height of 6 ft.; this should give you an idea of just how tough our Thunder shaft is.
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PSI Values
Spirit : 90,000 lbs/in2 Similar to aluminum/alloy shafts at $75-105 (retail)
Legend : 125,000 lbs/in2 Similar to entry level titanium shafts at
$110-130 (retail)
Thunder : 150,000 lbs/in2 Similar to box shafts and 'high price point'
field shafts at $135-155 (retail)
We conduct true "application
tests" to validate the strength of our shafts. We are confident in our strength
claims because we have benchmarked
our products against the leading manufacturers. The design of the manufacturing process and the materials we have chosen were
derived by extensive application testing, not just PSI ratings of materials. Many shafts claim to
have high PSI numbers even though they have a reputation of breaking during
actual playing situations. This is why our extensive application testing is a
realistic measure of how well our shafts will stand up to the rigors of a
lacrosse game.
Kinetic Energy = Dynamic Force
Pressure = Static Force
If you wanted to knock a door
down, would you lean on it (static force) or would you kick it down (dynamic
force)?
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Choosing Your Talon Lacrosse Shaft (in terms of weight, flexibility, durability and strength)
Each Talon shaft has different strength, flex and durability characteristics. We've designed three offensive shafts to suit different playing levels, positions and styles of play.
To help you choose the right shaft for you, we've rated our shafts using a simple 1-5 rating system.
Talon Rating System:
1 = Poor, 2 = Fair, 3 = Good, 4 = Very Good, 5 = Excellent
Talon Performance Table
| Characteristic |
Spirit |
Legend | Thunder |
| Weight |
5+ (6.3 oz, 30") |
4 (7.3 oz, 30") | 2+ (9.8 oz, 32")
|
| Flexibility |
5+ |
5 | 4 |
| Durability |
3 |
4+ | 5+ |
| Strength |
3 |
5 | 5+ |
In the testing we've conducted, we feel that our Spirit shaft (youth-level shaft) is comparable to light aluminum alloys in impact strength but far superior in durability to denting. Our Legend shaft is comparable to composite shafts on the market in terms of impact strength, but with better durability as the finish does not chip or dent when the shaft is checked. Our Thunder shaft is engineered to withstand the increased power and frequency of checking in the indoor game, but is the heaviest of the three shafts.
In general, we recommend as follows:
Spirit—youth player, 6th grade and younger
Legend—aggressive offensive and defensive player who prefers a good balance between strength and weight
Thunder—indoor/box lacrosse player; aggressive offensive and defensive player who prefers maximum strength over increased weight
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Compare Talon With Other Lacrosse Shafts
Aluminum:
- Inexpensive
- Heavier than aluminum alloys
- Very soft; dents easily
- Low strength; easily bends or breaks with an aggressive cross check
- A temperature sensitive material; the player may require tape for improved grip and warmth in the winter
- Good entry level shaft for youth
Aluminum Alloys:
- Low to mid price point
- More durable than aluminum, but still dents easily
- Average strength
- Durability and strength go up proportionally with the price
- Temperature sensitive
- Strength-to-weight ratio makes them a good choice for mid to upper level players
Composite:
- Mid to high price point
- Light weight and strong; excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Stiff or flexible, depending on the type of composite used
- Not affected by temperature changes
- Average durability; exterior finish can chip when the stick is checked
- Good for players of all levels
Titanium:
- High price point
- Very hard material; more dent-resistant than aluminum alloy, but still dents
- Very strong, although the lighter shafts break more easily than the heavier ones
- Stiff; no flex
- Temperature sensitive
- Good for advanced, aggressive players
Talon Shafts:
- Mid to high price point, comparable to composite shafts
- Light weight and strong; excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Stiff or flexible, depending on the Talon shaft
- Not affected by temperature changes; wood veneer provides a soft, warm and natural feel
- High durability and resistance to chipping and dents (the wood veneer cover on Talon shafts does not deteriorate from stick checks vs. other composite shafts where the exterior finish chips off when checked)
- Good for players of all levels
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