Which Hockey Stick Curve Should I Use?
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The curve is the bend in the blade, and it changes how the puck comes off your stick. Pro stock sticks use the same curve codes as retail sticks, plus a few pro-only versions. Here is what they mean in plain terms.
Short version: not sure what you need? Start with a P92 or a P28. They are the two curves we carry most, and both lift the puck easily.
What a curve does
The biggest difference between curves is where the bend sits on the blade.
Heel curve
The bend is near the heel. Built for slap shots, one-timers and backhands. Common with defencemen.
Mid curve
The bend is in the middle. The all-rounder: good for stickhandling and for shooting.
Toe curve
The bend is near the end of the blade. Quick releases, lifting the puck in tight, and toe drags.
- Open face: the blade tilts back, which makes it easier to lift the puck.
- An M on the end (like P92M) means a taller blade, for more puck control.
- Warrior uses different codes for the same shapes: a W03 is a P92, and a W28 is a P28.
How to pick a curve
- Already like a retail curve? Pick the same code. A pro stock P92 is the same pattern as a retail P92.
- New, or not sure? Mid and mid-toe curves are the usual starting point. A P92 or P28 is a safe first pick.
- Quick wristers and snap shots in close? Lean toward the toe: P28 or P90TM.
- Play defence, or love the slap shot? Lean toward the heel: P89 or P91A.
The chart
| Curve | Type | Good for | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| P92 | Mid | Stickhandling and quick, high snapshots | Matt Duchene, Darnell Nurse, Roope Hintz |
| P92M | Mid | A P92 with a taller blade for more puck control | Brady Tkachuk, Anthony Mantha, Chris Kreider |
| P28 | Toe | Quick release and toe drags | Connor McDavid, Morgan Rielly |
| P28M | Toe | A P28 with a taller blade | Kevin Rooney |
| P29 | Mid-toe | All-round; the same shape as a P92 | Sidney Crosby, Nick Bonino |
| P88 | Mid | Easy puck cradling and hard wrist shots | Cale Makar |
| P90T | Mid | An open toe hook for lifting the puck fast | Jamie Benn |
| P90TM | Mid-toe | P92 control with a more aggressive toe | John Tavares, Parker Kelly |
| P14 | Toe | Quick release | Jonathan Toews |
| P46 | Mid | All-round, like a P92 with a rounder toe | Mason McTavish, Jeff Skinner |
| P19 | Mid-heel | All-round, with extra heel for shooting | Artemi Panarin, Vladimir Tarasenko |
| P89 | Mid-heel | More heel for slap shots and one-timers | Thomas Chabot, Jordan Eberle |
| P91A | Heel | Slap shots and lifting the puck high | Chris Drury |
| PRO71 | Pro only | A pro-only pattern | Evgeni Malkin |
Known for lists players who use the curve, or whose pro stock sticks in that curve have come through our shop. Pros change specs often, so treat the names as a guide.
Shop pro stock sticks by curve, or read what pro stock is.