The Epoch C30 is hands down the best shorty that they make. This handle brings advanced tech to a classic shape in the best way possible. With all of the handles that Epoch offers up for testing this season, we have put in a lot of extensive work. Our guy James pushed it through a full season putting up 44 goals and just over 40 assists for his school this year. We put the C30 IQ5 and IQ9 to that absolute stress test and they handled without fail.
Shape: 10 out of 10
The traditional octagonal grip gives the C30 a very light and comfortable feel when carrying the ball. Long time players will find this handle extremely natural and easily transitioned into, simply put it brings the old school shaft back to lacrosse. 10 out of 10.
Weight: 10 out of 10
The C30 is a very light handle that doesn’t shake when taking a hard check. As someone who works the dangle heavily and works for smooth fast movement the weight or lack there of was a great advantage this season. 10 out of 10
Grip: 10 out of 10
The grip has a nice feel, but after a while begins to fade. Even after fading though, the handle still feels solid with gloves on or off with no need for extra tape. Swim dodges and toe drags will feel easy with the combined Slip/Grip and weight of the C30.
Durability: 10 out of 10
James played an entire high school season (including post season) without a scratch on it. As a heavy goal scorer and dodger these handles took some heavy slashes throughout the season with no show of damage at all.
Flex: 10 out of 10
This is where the different versions of the C30 show their strengths and Reload Tech. With a stiff IQ5 and a softer IQ9 model the C30 can fit any shortstick’s needs. The IQ9 with its easier flex is perfect for the inside shooter as the snap is felt more heavily and can aid in adding some speed to a quick snap of the wrists. The IQ5’s flex is felt more on an outside shot and when playing defense. Aggressive D-mids will love this shaft and so will that outside power shooter as the flex definitely adds speed to the shot. We tested this using the same Warrior Evo 4 HS with StringKing Type 2s on a Brine F55 clocking the shot speed at 85MPH from James’ 3 shots in a row. We then changed the head to the C30 IQ5 and he was shooting at 89MPH and a slightly lower 87MPH when using the IQ9 for three shots each. Every field short stick should pick up a C30 and let the Reload Technology add to their game. 10 out of 10.
Looks: 10 out of 10
Looks very clean; better looking than most shafts on the market. The C30’s we had for testing are the limited edition white series and boy did they come out nice. It’s a nice change up from the traditional black. Great handle with great looks. 10 out of 10.
Overall: 10 out of 10
The C30 is one of the best shafts on the market all around for any short stick position or mobile goalie. The C30 isn’t the reason for so many goals this season but it definitely helped. It provides the ability to change up the release when goalies are reading a shot. Epoch only makes quality equipment, and we are looking forward to what comes out in the future. 10 out of 10.
