The leader in carbon fiber lacrosse shaft technology, Epoch Lacrosse, releases their Gen.5 Dragonfly shafts with Reload Technology.
Minneapolis, MN (October 4, 2013) - Having released their Gen.4 Dragonfly shaft line-up less than 60 days ago, Epoch Lacrosse announces the launch of their 5th Generation Dragonfly shafts with Reload Technology. “The Gen.5 shaft line-up was originally planned for a 2016-17 release, but during the development process we had a breakthrough and validated that the shafts were market ready,” said James Miceli, Principal at Epoch Lacrosse. “The Dragonfly Gen.5 is the most technologically advanced shaft on the market,” he added.
Reload Technology:
There are several revolutionary features of the Dragonfly Gen.5 highlighted by the introduction of Reload Technology. Reload Technology goes beyond conventional shafts that flex and is designed to improve the recovery of the shaft back to its original position before a load was introduced. Reload Technology helps improve shot accuracy, velocity and release point.
When passing or shooting a load is introduced to the shaft causing it to flex back, this causes the carbon fibers to be stretched along the front of the shaft and compressed along the back. Reload Technology takes advantage of this situation by using low F.A.W. (Fiber Areal Weight) and high-modulus carbon fiber, which creates urgency for the fibers to return to their natural position for maximum recoil. “Working with our engineers, we wanted the additional whip and hold experienced from a more flexible shaft, but without the shaft feeling like a noodle. If the head lags behind the hands when shooting, accuracy and feel are diminished. With Reload Technology, we have addressed this issue,” said Ryan Hurley, Partner at Epoch Lacrosse. “Simply put, once the shaft flexes back it wants to quickly return to straight,” he added.
Advanced Carbon Layering with Axis Technology:
Epoch’s Gen. 5 lacrosse shafts enhance their Advanced Carbon Layering technique, found on the Dragonfly Gen.4, with the addition of Axis Technology. Axis Technology is designed to preserve 100% of the carbon fiber properties by incorporating unidirectional low F.A.W high-modulus fiber. These fibers are strategically placed in layers and along multiple axes throughout the full length of the shaft. The result, without having to sacrifice materials, is unequalled design consistency, material integrity and performance.
Nano Tubes:
Adding Carbon Nanotubes, the strongest materials known to man, and Nanofuse® technology, a patented and proprietary material produced from the fusion of nano-crystalline molecules with a composite polymer substrate, Epoch has created a very strong and lightweight lacrosse shaft using space age materials. With the addition of new lightweight materials, Epoch’s Gen.5 Dragonfly boasts a 10-gram weight savings over their already leading class lightweight Gen.4 shafts.
Resin:
The carbon fiber prepreg used in Epoch shafts undergoes a chemical surface treatment process to improve the mechanical "locking” (compatibility) between the fibers and the matrix resin. The result is better laminate properties of the carbon fiber. An improved laminate results in better load transfer (energy) for increased durability.
All this additional technology and performance doesn’t come without a price. The Dragonfly Gen.5 C30 has an MSRP of $160, an increase of $30 compared to the Dragonfly Gen.4. The Dragonfly Gen.5 d-pole versions have a MSRP of $240.
“The Gen.5 Dragonfly line-up was engineered for the absolute top 2-3% of players looking to maximize playability and performance. In order to achieve the performance we desired, we had to source rare and ultimately higher priced raw materials,” said James Miceli. “We realize the Gen.5 is not for everyone, however it is our mission to advance technology and performance, through technology, which often comes at an higher cost.”
Cosmetics:
To compliment the technology incorporated into the Dragonfly Gen.5, Epoch has finished these shafts using a top-coat finish containing less than 5% black paint resulting in a naked cosmetic allowing you to see the actual carbon fiber material. “We wanted to provide a window into the technology,” said Brian Hochman, Lead Designer at Epoch. “We designed a shaft that would not take away from the material that makes up the Dragonfly Gen.5. The technology in the Dragonfly Gen.5 is absolutely incredible. So I designed the shafts to be as minimalistic as possible. I wanted to the technology to do all the talking.
Dragonfly Gen.5
The Dragonfly Gen.5 is available in two models for attack and middies. The C30iQ5 (mid flex) and C30iQ9 (soft flex) are for players who want a softer feel and additional whip/hold from a more flexible shaft when passing and shooting.
The Dragonfly Gen.5 C30’s unique concave design offers additional flex and reload, in an extremely lightweight forward-thinking shaft, offering unrivaled control.
As part of their Dragonfly Gen.5 line-up, Epoch has introduced two additional d-poles, for LSMs and Defensemen, the Gen.5 C60 and Gen.5 C60xl.
The Dragonfly Gen.5 C60 is a lightweight, extremely durable d-pole with a true concave geometry and a FlexiQ of 8. The additional flex provides extended reach when checking and additional whip and hold when passing and shooting.
The Dragonfly Gen.5 C60xl has 14% more mass than the C60 and is designed for the d-pole looking for less flex and additional durability. It is made with our Dragonfly Gen.5 technology platform but reinforced with additional material in the slash zone. The C60xl is perfect for the size and athleticism of today’s defensemen and a FlexiQ of 5.
All Dragonfly Gen.5 shafts come with Epoch’s industry-best 1-year warranty and are available for purchase only at select Authorized Retailers.
Dragonfly C30 iQ5 (Mid-Flex)
The unique concave design offers unrivaled control for the elite player looking to elevate his game. Reload Technology helps improve shot accuracy, velocity and release point.
Generation: Gen.5
Position: Attack/ Midfield
Length: 30”
Geometry: Concave
Material: Composite w/High-Modulus Carbon Fiber
MSRP: $160
Flex iQ: 5
Release Point: Uniform
Technology Platform: A.C.L. with Axis Technology
Reload Technology: Yes
Warranty: 1-Year
Cosmetics: Naked
Dragonfly C30 IQ9 (Soft Flex)
The unique concave design offers unrivaled control for the elite player looking to elevate his game. Reload Technology helps improve shot accuracy, velocity and release point.
Generation: Gen.5
Position: Attack/ Midfield
Length: 30”
Geometry: Concave
Material: Composite w/High-Modulus Carbon Fiber
MSRP: $160
Flex iQ: 9
Release Point: Uniform
Technology Platform: A.C.L. with Axis Technology
Reload Technology: Yes
Warranty: 1-Year
Cosmetics: Naked
Dragonfly C60 iQ8
Redefining how a d-pole should perform. This 60” shaft features lightweight design, additional durability, extreme flex capabilities, and unmatched performance. The true concave geometry is a popular choice for top-level players.
Generation: Gen.5
Position: Defense/LSM
Length: 60”
Geometry: True Concave
Material: Composite w/High-Modulus Carbon Fiber
MSRP: $240
Flex iQ: 8
Release Point: Uniform
Technology Platform: A.C.L. with Axis Technology
Reload Technology: Yes
Warranty: 1-Year
Cosmetics: Naked
Dragonfly C60xl iQ5
Better known as “The Big Brother” of the Dragonfly Gen.5 C60. The C60xl has a 14% more material than the C60 providing a stiffer FlexiQ, increased durability and checking power.
Generation: Gen.5
Position: Defense/LSM
Length: 60”
Geometry: True Concave
Material: Composite w/High-Modulus Carbon Fiber
MSRP: $240
Flex iQ: 5
Release Point: Uniform
Technology Platform: A.C.L. with Axis Technology
Reload Technology: Yes
Warranty: 1-Year
Cosmetics: Naked
About Epoch Lacrosse: Epoch Lacrosse delivers the finest manufactured lacrosse equipment designed to increase playability and maximize performance by utilizing world-class materials and manufacturing techniques. Developed in collaboration with True Temper Sports, Epoch shafts are made from the highest-grade materials available. They have tested and re-tested each design, to ensure optimal durability, playability and performance. Their goal is simple, to give the player every opportunity to reach their true potential. Live. Play. Be.
Visit www.EpochLacrosse.com to learn more about Epoch’s Gen.5 and Gen.4 lacrosse shafts.
To stay up-to-date on Epoch’s Gen.5 and Gen.4 product line-up, “Like” them on Facebook.com/Epochlax. You can also follow Epoch on Twitter @epochlax and check out their blog at http://www.LivePlayBe.com.