Darkhorse-425 | 60" Carbon Composite Defensive Shaft | 3D Raised Checkered Grip
The Darkhorse-425 is a 425-gram carbon composite defensive shaft built for close defenders who break poles. At 425 grams over 60 inches, the Darkhorse-425 is the heavier of Primo's two checkered-grip D-poles. That extra mass is the whole point — more material where the checks land means a shaft that takes a season of contact and comes out the other side. Who this shaft is for Buy this one if you're a close defender playing a physical game, you check hard, and you've snapped a pole before and don't want to do it again. Buy the Darkhorse-375 instead if you're an LSM who runs the field and wants the lighter pole in your hands on the clear. Darkhorse-425 specifications Weight 425g Length 60" Material Carbon composite Construction Impact Shield™ Grip 3D raised checkered, soft tack finish Position Close defense Colors Black, White Warranty 365 days NFHS / NCAA Legal Impact Shield™ construction A layered carbon structure with integrated material designed to absorb checks, reduce vibration, and maintain structural integrity under pressure. Combined with the heavier 425-gram build, it's why this pole carries a full-year warranty. 3D raised checkered grip — no tape required Textured control combined with a soft tack finish gives you maximum grip, zero glove burn, and no need for tape. Graphic-free in both colors — no oversized logos, no added weight for looks. Carbon composite vs alloy for a defensive pole Alloy poles dent. Carbon composite doesn't — it flexes and returns, and when it does eventually fail it tends to go progressively rather than all at once. Against a scandium or scandium-titanium pole at the same weight you give up a little stiffness on the poke check and get back a shaft that survives a full season of contact. If you want the metal feel, look at the Sc-Ti 7X. If you want a pole that holds up to punishment, this is the one. Darkhorse-425 or Darkhorse-375? Same build, same Impact Shield™ construction, same grip, same colorways. The difference is weight — and warranty. Darkhorse-425 — 425g, $154.99, 365-day warranty. Close D, physical play, repeat breakers. More material where checks land. Darkhorse-375 — 375g, $134.99, 180-day warranty. LSM, transition, quick hands. Lighter in the clear. Not sure? If you take wood, take the 425. If you push transition, take the 375. See the Darkhorse-375 → Get the Darkhorse-425 2-Pack → Shop LSM & Defense → Warranty and legality 365 days from purchase — a full year, and the longest warranty on any Primo defensive shaft. If it breaks in normal play, submit a warranty claim with a photo and a short description of the break — you don't need to send the shaft back. Claims are reviewed within 5 business days. NFHS and NCAA legal. All Primo shafts are legal for high school and college play. Note: the 2-pack carries no separate warranty — the second shaft is the replacement. Frequently asked questions Is the Darkhorse-425 NFHS and NCAA legal? Yes. All Primo shafts are legal for high school and college play. How long is the warranty? 365 days from date of purchase, covering breakage under normal playing conditions. Do I have to send the broken shaft back? No. Submit the warranty form with a photo of the break and a short description. Does it come in white? Yes — black and white, graphic-free in both. Should I buy the 2-pack? If you play a physical game, yes. $214.99 for two works out to $107.50 each, and the second shaft is your warranty replacement — already in your bag on the day it arrives. Ships in 1–2 business days, with multiple carrier options at checkout.