I have both Avid 11.75 and 12.75. My 11.75 looks to be a long pro taper. I'd say the 12.75 is also long pro taper. I have both Avid and the older SST shafts. I haven't noticed that the Avid gets sticky. I haven't played it in high humidity nor high temperature. I see no difference in deflection between Avid 11.75 or 12.75. . I like the 11.75 better but for no particular reason other than it's smaller. Both play great and are well made.