There are so many options out there when it comes to curves, how can you be sure you are getting the right one? You are actually the best person to figure out which is the right one for you. But you don’t even know where to start? Well let me give you a little of the basics and maybe that will help you narrow down your search. Your first stick will be your learning curve to see what you like and dislike..pun intended. You can find the different types of curves here.
What kind is your playing style?
Your playing style can greatly affect which type of curve you may prefer. A forward who likes to stick handle may prefer a different curve to a forward who likes to snipe the goalie. Lets break it down by position:
Centers: Centers take the majority of the face-offs and are the quarterback of the forwards. They tend to be in front of the net as well as revolving around the zone to set up big plays. What I would recommend would be a mid to a mid-heel curve or a curve with a flat mid section. (Like the Bauer PM9) Its much easier to take a face-off with a flatter blade so you can send the puck right back with accuracy. The heel curve also allows a large surface area for tip ins and deflections. Now this isn’t your only option, you may like a big toe curve because you find it easier to control.
Wingers: I think wingers have the most options when it comes to curves because there are so many variables. Wingers can use almost any curve they are comfortable using. If you really like to stick handle a lot or you are a beginner you should try a mid curve or a mid-toe curve. (Like the P88) they give you the most comfort stick handling as well as shooting forehand and back hand. You will also have the most accuracy. If you like to snipe corners you want a mid-toe to toe curve. (Like the Bauer P92 or the P14) Many NHL players use big toe hooks. They like it because it gives your shots a little extra speed and accuracy. The toe curve allow the puck to flatten out as it is released give you that nice sauce.
Defenseman: Last but not least are defensem*n. Many defensem*n prefer a heel or mid heel curve. The large flat surface allows for easy stopping of pucks and long accurate passes. Depending on your league, you may prefer to take a big slapshot from the point. The heel curve will allow you to snipe top shelf from the blue line. The heel curve also allows you to dump in pucks and lift them out of the zone much easier. However, not all defenseman are the same. You may be the type of defenseman who likes to stick handle and get into the play. For this you may prefer a more neutral or mid curve compared to the heel.
So as you can tell there are specific advantages to using differnt curves for different positions. This is not set in stone and you should only use this as a suggestion. You can be a forward who loves a deep heel curve or a defensem*n who loves a toe curve. What really matters is what is comfortable for you.
There are also some features of your curve that you may not have considered.
Square toe vs Round toe?
I’m sure you have noticed that some blades have squared toes and some are rounded. Have you wondered why? The round toe helps you toe drag and keep more of your blade on the ice for stick handling. If this is something you like to do, then make sure you have a round toe on your stick. The square toe is to help pick up pucks by the boards. The square toe fits nicely and square to the boards not allowing the puck to go under or past the toe of your blade. You may also notice that most goalie sticks have very squared toes for this very reason. When the puck goes behind the net they can stop it easily. If you are having trouble with loosing pucks on the boards you may want to consider a square toe.
Here you will find a breakdown of all the popular curves and much more specific information here.
FAQs
Mid curves are more versatile than toe curves. As the term suggests, mid curves are in the middle of the blade, which makes it ideal for cradling the puck when stickhandling and generating puck spin when shooting. Toe curves have most of their curve at the very end of the blade.
What curve do most defensem*n use? ›
Defensem*n prefer a mid-curve or heel curve which provides greater control for handling the puck and improves accuracy for heavy shooting (slap shots and clear outs) Players who pass more than shoot often prefer a heel curve which enhances their ability to stick handle and make saucer passes (passing through the air)
What CCM curve is like P88? ›
Bauer P88. Similar Curves: CCM/Reebok P40 “Hedman/Perron” (Formerly “P40 Hossa”) , Easton E36, Sherwood “PP88 LS”, Warrior W88 “Zetterberg”, True Temper “MC” and All Black “AB88”. Pros: This curve is great for stick handling and for shooting.
Is P92 and P29 the same? ›
So, the CCM P29 (Crosby) is essentially the same as the Bauer P92 -- they're crazy similar and, all told, it's a good curve for kids. The other option, the P28 (McDavid) is another banana curve -- hardly different from the similarly named P29 -- but the toe is different.
What curve is better P92 or P28? ›
TLDR; Entry level players will likely play better with a P92 curve, but could grow in skill-set by using the P28 for one stick-life. Advanced players can choose either based on preference on the ice. P92: Easy to aim high, and low shots are very easily managed by rolling the wrists to close the blade.
Is P28 a McDavid curve? ›
McDavid Curve
Perhaps the fastest growing Hockey Blade right now is the P28 “McDavid” curve. This Hockey Blade curve is a great option for players who play the game with the puck on the toe of their stick, due to the toe curve with an open face.
Who uses P92? ›
One of the most iconic curves of all time is the P92 "Sakic" curve, named after Colorado Avalanche legend (and current GM), Joe Sakic.
...
Retail Curves vs Pro Curves.
| Player | Retail Curve Namesake | Actual Pro Curve |
|---|
| Connor McDavid | CCM P28 | modified P29 ❌ |
| Alexander Ovechkin | CCM P88, Bauer P92 | custom open toe ❌ |
14 more rowsLaine's sweet custom toe curve is like a blend of P92, P28, & P14. A versatile pattern great for stickhandling and shooting, this is one that we expect to see a lot more of in future years. The blade is average length and has a P92-type shape with the P14's semi-squared toe.
What Flex does Ovechkin use? ›
Alexander Ovechkin is 230 pounds and uses a 79 flex stick, which is probably a big reason for his one-timer. Sidney Crosby uses a 100 flex stick, higher than you may imagine for a skilled player.
Mid-curves are the most common. They're better for stick-handling than heel curves while retaining a decent sweet spot on both the forehand and backhand. Toe curves twist down as they bend, making them great for danglers who favor quick wrist shots.
What stick does Ovechkin use? ›
Equipment History
| Type | Changing From | Date |
|---|
| Stick | CCM Ribcor Trigger ASY | 01/19/2023 |
| Stick | CCM JetSpeed FT5 Pro | 01/17/2023 |
| Stick | CCM Ribcor Trigger ASY | 01/14/2023 |
| Stick | CCM JetSpeed FT5 Pro | 12/31/2022 |
11 more rowsHAVE YOU NOTICED THAT HOCKEY STICKS WITH A HIGHER BLADE APPEAR NEWLY - THE MARK IS FOR EXAMPLE P92M (MAX BLADE HEIGHT) - WE MARK THE HOCKEY STICKS AS A MAX BLADE!
Is P92 a heel curve? ›
Since the P92 has a straight heel it is best to pick up backhand passes on the heel, avoid picking up on the toe. It is always harder to pick up the puck on the back toe of the blade, it often bounces off it.
Are P90 and P92 the same curve? ›
P90 is a prostock CCM equivalent to Bauer P92. Pretty much identical.
What CCM curve is like P28? ›
Comparison of Standard Blade Patterns based on Curve Type (Heel VS Toe)
| CCM | P6 / P15 | P28 |
| EASTON | E6 Parise | E28 |
| SHERWOOD | PP20 DR | |
| WARRIOR | W05 Granlund | W28 / W28MAX Yakupov |
| TRUE | HCR | TC3, TC4 |
3 more rowsCCM Jetspeed FT4 Pro Limited Edition Auston Matthews Hockey Sticks.
What curve does O'Reilly use? ›
Description: The blade is a heel curve like a P91A Drury but about an inch longer and then it has the famous toe kink.
What is Bauer P92? ›
P92 - Another mid-curve blade, opens up mid way, great for shooting high and builds confidence for beginners who struggle to lift pucks with P88. More difficult to execute backhands due to the more open curve (more closed for backhands).
Who uses P28 in NHL? ›
Over the past few years you've no doubt taken notice of NHL players using what appears to be a massive hook! Most noticeably stars like Ovechkin, Doughty or Getzlaf are using what has become known as the Open Toe (P28 in most brands) pattern.
The movement was started by none other than Wayne Gretzky who signed an endorsem*nt deal to use an HXP 5100 aluminum shafted stick made by Easton. The late 80's saw initial use of aluminum shafted sticks, but it was Wayne Gretzky who made them popular in the early 90's.
What flex stick did Brett Hull use? ›
Back when Hull used to score 60+ goals in the early 90s, his stick was very conventional: the same stiff Easton Aluminum shaft + wood blade combo that Gretzky used, with a pretty conventional heel curve. In the late 90s, however, Hull switched to a new two-piece combo by Easton.
What Flex does Malkin use? ›
PRO712 (ST: Malkin Pro, New) - Third Line (425 G) - Pro Stock Hockey Stick - Left
| Model | PRO Third Line |
|---|
| Flex | 70 / 77 / 85 |
| Grip | Standard Grip |
| Shaft Shape & Kick Point | 70 Flex: Super Round, Low Kick 77 Flex: Rounded Square, Mid Kick 85 Flex: Square, Mid Kick |
| Lie | 5.5 |
4 more rowsConnor McDavid Stick Spec Check
McDavid's custom curve is a variation on the popular P92 pattern, with a smaller, slightly squared blade face. He has been using the curve since he was a young, and for the most part has stuck with it throughout his pro career (with some brief experimentation here and there).
What stick does Patrick Kane? ›
Equipment History
| Type | Changing From | Changing To |
|---|
| Visor | New | Bauer 55P X Cut |
| Stick | Bauer Vapor HyperLite | Bauer AG5NT |
| Stick | Bauer AG5NT | Bauer Vapor HyperLite |
| Stick | Bauer Vapor HyperLite | Bauer AG5NT |
5 more rowsP88 - Very simple blade with a mid-curve (curve of the blade occurs in the middle of the blade), and no opening (does not curve up). Great for stick handling and keeping the puck from flopping. Excellent for backhand shots. More difficult to lift puck over goalies in tight when close to the crease.
What stick and curve does Connor McDavid use? ›
Connor McDavid Stick Spec Check
McDavid's custom curve is a variation on the popular P92 pattern, with a smaller, slightly squared blade face. He has been using the curve since he was a young, and for the most part has stuck with it throughout his pro career (with some brief experimentation here and there).
What NHL players use the P92 curve? ›
Retail Curves vs Pro Curves
| Player | Retail Curve Namesake | Actual Pro Curve |
|---|
| Auston Matthews | Bauer P92 | P29 ✔️ |
| Sidney Crosby | CCM P29 | custom flat heel ❌ |
| Patrick Kane | Bauer P88 | modifed P10 ❌ |
| Johnny Gaudreau | Warrior W88 | P88 ✔️ |
12 more rowsSep 14, 2022
The Ovechkin Curve (formerly Bauer's popular P92 curve) is now a P88 curve. This classic mid-curve blade is a great all-around blade, excelling in puck control, stick handling, hard wrist shots, and quick releases!
Generating table...
| PLAYER | HAND | CURVE |
|---|
| Connor McDavid | L | P90 |
|---|
| Cale Makar | R | P88 |
| KEVIN FIALA | L | P92 (SAKIC) |
| Victor Hedman | L | P92 (SAKIC) |
46 more rows