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Your Guide to the Most Popular Hockey Stick Curves
When choosing your hockey stick curve, it is important to pick a pattern that suits your style of play. There are a wide variety of options, and sometimes it may feel overwhelming when looking at all the stick manufacturers, and types of sticks, but it is not as confusing as you may think. Each hockey stick manufacturer produces the same exact curve patterns, they just give them different names based on the player that represents their company.
Here is a simple breakdown, and a look at the most popular hockey stick curves on the market today based on sales:
Bauer P92 (Ovechkin), CCM P29 (Crosby), Warrior W03 (Backstrom), TRUE TC2, STX X92
- Most popular curve in the US, Canada & Europe
- Used in 95% of European Pro Leagues according to Bauer
- Mid-Toe Curve
- Open Face/Toe
- Ideal for toe drags/controlling puck when stick-handling
- Perfect for elevating the puck on quick wristers or snapshots
- A shooter’s curve
Bauer P88 (Kane), CCM P40 (MacKinnon), Warrior W88 (Zetterberg), TRUE MC, STX X88
- Second most popular curve on the market today
- Standard Mid-Curve
- Slightly open face
- Ideal for stick-handling/puck possession
- Perfect for puck control and accurate shooting
- A playmaker’s curve
Bauer P28 (Eichel), CCM P28 (McDavid), Warrior W28 (Gallagher), TRUE TC4, STX X28
- Quickly rising in popularity at all levels, including the NHL
- Mid-Toe Curve
- Open toe with a large hook
- Makes toe drags easy
- The ultimate shooter’s curve- easy to elevate the puck and pick corners, but can make stick-handling more difficult for beginners
- Ideal for a skilled goal-scorer
In today’s hockey market, 9 out of 10 players will choose one of these 3 curves, which has led to a shift within production for hockey manufacturers. Most, if not all companies have begun to reduce the amount of stick patterns available for the consumer. For this reason, you may find it difficult to find a unique stick pattern, that you may have once used.
The Best Value Hockey Sticks of 2018
With so many hockey sticks to choose from, and prices topping out at $300+, it is important to find the best value when shopping for a hockey stick. Here is a list of the top 5 sticks for 2018 based on the best bang for your buck:
1. The Warrior Alpha QX Pro Hockey Stick- $199.99
The Warrior Alpha QX Pro may be the best value in a performance level, quick release composite stick that we’ve seen. The QX Pro delivers at about 2/3 the price of most pro sticks– and contains most, if not all the benefits of a high-end hockey stick. The QX Pro is essentially a “team stick” that is used at the collegiate/junior/European professional league level, and is now being offered to consumers that are looking for a high-end stick at an affordable price.
2. The CCM Ribcor Pro PMT Hockey Stick- $149.99
Combined with its low kick point, optimized flex ratio, and PopMatrix technology, the Ribcor Trigger Pro PMT delivers excellent feel and a quick release in all situations of the game. One of the better value sticks on the market with high-end technology at an affordable price point. You will be surprised how light this stick is at a $150 price point. It has the weight and feel of a top-end hockey stick.
3. The True T-Pro Hockey Stick- $149.99
The True T-Pro “pro stock” may be one of the best stick bargains on the market today. This performance stick is used in professional leagues across Europe, and has an excellent overall value. Similar to the Warrior QX Pro, this is a can’t miss deal. A unique opportunity for a consumer to buy an affordable “team stick” used by professional hockey players overseas.
4. The STX Stallion HPR Hockey Stick- $249.99
The STX Stallion HPR has a lighter blade, which allows the ability to redistribute the weight up the shaft, providing you with a higher balance point for a lighter feeling stick, without compromising durability. This stick is extremely light at 420 grams, but is designed to be more durable than your average high-end stick. At around $50 cheaper than your average top of the line stick, this stick is an excellent value.
5. The Bauer Supreme Comp Hockey Stick- $119.99
The Bauer Supreme Comp has the same kick-point and feel of the Bauer Supreme 1S. The kick-point is located higher on the stick, which makes it ideal for powerful slap-shots and snap-shots. At 475 grams, the Comp has a similar weight to high-end Bauer sticks such as the X900, S190 at a more affordable price.
Order Your Custom CCM Premier II Goalie Gear Now!
If you’ve been waiting in anticipation to order your CCM Premier II custom setup, fear not, the wait is over! The CCM Premier II customizer is online now! This will allow you you design your own custom set up. When you’re ready to order, just select Sports Etc as your store and we’ll get the wheels rolling on your new gear!
CCM Premier II Customizer
CCM Premier II Goalie Gear
Tourney Time Checklist 2018
It’s tourney time! End of season tournaments are, without a doubt, the most exciting time of the season. It is also the most critical time as the games mean more and the competition is even greater. For these reasons it’s worth taking the time to take a few precautions with your most important gear!
Helmet– Check to make sure all your screws, snaps and straps are secure and in place. Most skate shops can help get your helmet in working order in no time. Consider buying an extra chin strap as tourney time tends to be the one time refs check on these things. Having an extra mouthpiece is also strongly recommended.
Skates– Make sure your skates are sharpened. No matter when the last time you got them sharpened was, this is the time of year to have them done before each game. Losing an edge can happen at any point so don’t take any chances! Have your blade height checked by an expert. If they are getting low on steel, get them replaced. If you have Bauer skates with the LS2 Edge holders (trigger) investing in a backup set of blades and having them sharpened and ready to go is a very worthwhile purchase. We recommend Tydan Performance Blades.
Sticks- Obviously, the importance of your sticks can’t be stressed enough. Check the condition of your stick. Oh, and the condition of your backup. If you’re in the market for a reliable primary or backup stick, check out some of our Staff Recommendations.
Goalies- Grab an extra set of toe laces just in case you cut or break one during the course of play. Check out all of your clips and buckles to make sure you have them all and they are all functional. Check the condition of the cage on your mask and if it’s badly dented, get it replaced. Having a backup stick is also strongly recommended. The TRUE A4.5 is one of our favorites. Like with players skates, if you have skates with Bauer Edge Vertexx (trigger) holders, we strongly recommend having a second set of runners, pre-sharpened and ready to go. Check Out Tydan Performance Blades. While you’re at it, grabbing an extra dangler would be a great idea!
Miscellaneous– Make sure you have enough hockey tape, clear tape, and hockey laces to get you through the next couple of weeks! The relatively low cost versus peace of mind makes this an essential purchase.
Introducing Tydan Performance Skate Blades
Tydan Specialty Blades Inc. was founded in 1996, specializing in the manufacturing of industrial blades. The Tydan Performance Blades Skate Shop was born in July of 2012. Shortly there after, Jim & his son Tyler began dealing with replacement blades, but were never completely satisfied with the quality or performance. They decided to take matters into their own hands and created the first prototype of Tydan Blades. 5 years later, Tydan Blades are one of the best quality, high performance replacement blades on the market.
You can find Tydan steel used by professionals, junior and minor hockey players all over the world! Tydan Performance Blades are manufactured with an extremely high quality stainless steel, which are put through an extensive heat treating & annealing process. The end result is a harder, tougher blade than anything else on the market today!
Here are some of the highlights and benefits of Tydan Performance Blades:
– Added height to blades for sharper turns & faster acceleration, better attack angles & stronger push-offs (similar to the height advantages of the Bauer LS3/LS4 steel).
– Harder steel for better edge retention & longer sharpening life.
– Tougher steel to avoid fractures & breakages.
Tydan Performance Stainless Steel Goalie Blades
Tydan Performance Stainless Steel Player Blades
Sports Etc is happy to offer Tydan Performance Blades for Bauer LS Edge (trigger) player skates and LS Vertexx (trigger) goalie skates. Player steel retails for $89.99, while the goalie steel retails $109.99.
Introducing Wall Goalie Masks!
We’re happy to announce we are now carrying Wall goalie masks!
Wall goalie masks has been hand crafting top of the line goalie masks for 15 years. Wall uses cutting edge engineering as well as traditional materials to make each one of our masks. 80% of the Finnish SM liga, 30% of the KHL, and numerous NHL draft picks are wearing Wall Masks. Each mask is handcrafted with care and precision using only the best quality materials, for top of the line durability, comfort, feel, and protection. The goal is to provide the safest most comfortable mask on the market with the utmost in quality and value!
We carry the following models-
W8
– Kevlar, Carbon Fiber and Fiberglass shell
– Rigid Hand Laid shell
– PRO level mask
– Extremely durable
– Reinforced forehead, chin and sides
– Available in Long Chin and short chin (we stock short chin)
– Superior spring steel cage (we stock non-certified “cat eye” cage)
– Plush VN Pro inner foam lining
– Engineered to minimize impact Inclusions
– Sweat band
– Ventilated Nylon carry bag
– $749.99
Wall W8
W6
– Polycarbonate Shell (used in bullet proof vests and Air force fighter jet cockpits)
– Extremely durable
– Reinforced for side impact
– Superior spring steel cage
– Plush VN Pro inner foam lining
– Engineered to minimize front impact Inclusions
– Sweat band
– Ventilated Nylon carry bag
– $599.99
Wall W6
W4
– Available in Long chin and short chin size
– Shell is ABS plastic and rubber composite
– Extremely Durable (withstood over 400 hammer blows)
– No ear ringing
– Exceptionally light
– Superior spring steel cage (we stock square certified and non-certified “cat eye”)
– Sleek design for deflecting impact
– Very comfortable and adjustable waffle foam inner lining
– Removable Velcro inner lining
– Only mask under $500.00 ever to be worn in the NHL Inclusions
– Sweat band
– Ventilated Nylon carry bag
– $399.99
Wall W4 Certified Cage
Wall W4 Cat Eye Cage
W1 Youth Mask
– Shell made of ABS and Rubber in the composite
– Extremely light
– No ear ringing!
– Adjustable 5 point skull plate
– Adjustable chin cup
– Extra ventilation holes to increase breathability and reduce weight
– Superior Spring steal cage
– Shell shape of the W6 model
– Sweatband and carrying bag included
– Extremely Durable, Shell material withstood over 400 hammer hits
– Comfortable and safe Inner liner
– $259.99
Wall W1 Youth Mask
Top Secret: The Bauer Advanced Series ADV Limited Edition Hockey Stick
The secret Was revealed on January 27th– the ultra-limited edition Bauer VAPOR ADV hockey stick hit the shelves With stores only allowed to sell 12 sticks each! The response has been phenomenal!
After three years of top-secret development, 2,000 hours of on-ice testing, and just 3,000 sticks made worldwide, the Advanced Series is ready to be unveiled as the lightest stick ever made. This once-in-a-lifetime stick is so limited, you might be the only one on your team who has it. Some of the highlights:
- 3 years of top-secret development
- 2,000 hours of on-ice testing
- Advanced Carbon Layering: less weight without sacrificing durability
- Speedier recoil for quicker releases
- Only 3,000 made worldwide
- 12 sticks per participating store: 6 left-handed, 6 right
- 67, 77, 87 flex
- P92 pattern
Introducing the Vaughn Velocity VE8 Goalie Line
New to February 2018, Vaughn will be releasing their latest line of Vaughn Velocity VE8 goalie equipment. The custom made pro carbon products are handmade in London, Ontario and Oxford Michigan. We have seen their operation in person, and can safely say that each piece of VE8 goalie equipment is handcrafted with care to achieve pro spec quality– creating the highest performing goalie gear on the market today. Here are some of the highlights and improvements:
VAUGHN VELOCITY VE8 CARBON PRO LEG PADS
- Single break outside roll
- Full pro core internal padding
- Stiffer ankle break area
- Wide knee with knee strap that has two attachment position options
- Center calf strap with wider adjustment area
Vaughn VE8 Carbon Pro
- Thin profile outer side panel
- New magnetic buckle quick attach system
- Adjustable skate strap position
- Full Carbon fiber reinforced front surface
- Solid inside knee drive block
- Smooth inside edge for easy movement on ice
- Lower profile outside roll
- Thin front face cushion foam for more puck action
- New graphic with visually disruptive graphic
- New design top thigh rise creates more blocking surface
- Large inside landing area for greater balance and precise movements
- Full 11″ width
VAUGHN VELOCITY VE8 CARBON PRO CATCHER
- Two piece cuff thumb design for active glove feel
- Carbon fiber palm and back thumb
- Large wide span T-web with new spilt VE8 design
- Pre-formed palm flex area
- Carbon fiber front palm/back thumb segments
- Offset t-web creates deeper pocket
- Full grip interior palm surface
Vaughn VE8 Carbon Pro
- Dual pull wrist strap for greater glove control
- Pro-Spec construction with reinforced perimeter edges
- Adjustable inner hand padding for precise fit
- 45” max perimeter size
- Padded wrist strap
- Light weight
- Full grip interior palm surface
- Hand security strap across fingers
- Heat moldable for custom fit and quick break-in
- Internal finger grip rail
VAUGHN VELOCITY VE8 PRO CARBON XP CATCHER
- Full grip interior palm surface
- Hand security strap across fingers
Vaughn VE8 Carbon Pro XP
- Solid thumb/cuff design with more open front surface
- Adjustable inner hand padding for precise fit
- 45” max perimeter size
- Padded wrist strap lined with Neoprene
- Light weight
- VAS high impact foam padding in palm and thumb base locations
- Floating cuff design allows glove to be held at a more acute angle to the arm.
- Heat moldable for custom fit and quick break-in
VAUGHN VELOCITY VE8 CARBON PRO BLOCKER
- Full coverage formed finger protectors
- Higher hand position
- Four palm attachment tabs for increased glove control
- Back hand internal cushion padding
- Tapered side profile
- Fitted palm for control and grip
- Full Pro spec construction
- Double layered side index finger guards
- Carbon reinforced front and side shield
Vaughn VE8 Carbon Pro
- Large side shield with HD ridge on inner edge
- Full coverage formed finger protectors with 3mm thick carbon fiber
- Higher hand position
- Laced down front face for superior puck control and deflection for greater durability
- Full adjustable wrist strap
- Tapered side profile for board shape
- Palm with VX suede and grip overlay construction
- Full Pro spec construction
- Dual layered side index finger guards with carbon fiber insert
The Future of Skate Fitting: TRUE/VH Custom Hockey Skates
Holding a bachelor’s of Science Degree and Masters in Biomechanics from the University of Calgary, former Canadian National team speed skater Scott Van Horne (VH) is the brain behind the new TRUE Pro Custom hockey and goalie skate. The monocoque skate design creates a skate that fits like a second skin on your foot, with no wasted space within the boot. Everything about these skates is unique. From being the first, truly 100% custom built for YOUR feet skates to each pair being handcrafted in Canada. The custom True/VH Skates come in both player and goalie options:
PRO CUSTOM PLAYER SKATE – Junior/Senior:
- Patented TRUE MonoForm, monocoque design yields more direct power transfer and unmatched control while in stride or using your edges.
- Built from the inside out using a custom 3D foot last shaped to the individual skater’s foot, the thermoformed boot locks in the foot, eliminating loss of energy and producing unrivaled power, comfort, and control. A truly pain-free skating experience for anyone with foot issues.
- The patented TRUE tendon guard provides optimized flexibility and stability in every stride for a more direct and fluid power transfer.
- The strategically placed eyelets unlock an optimized knee-forward position, facilitating natural and more direct energy transfer and maximum power in every stride.
- The antimicrobial and hydrophobic liner wicks moisture to the venting holes to keep the feet dry and comfortable.
- Averaging 18 seconds per holder, BenchChange technology allows for fast blade replacement via TRUE’s magnetized blade change tool provided with each pair of skates.
- Made in Canada with only the finest raw materials, the best-in-class StepSteel blade carves through the ice with precision and power.
PRO CUSTOM GOALIE 2-PIECE SKATE – Senior
- Lightweight, Forward Pitch, Taller Attack Angle
- With greater clearance from the ice, achieve an optimized attack angle, deeper stance, and maintained edges before committing to a shooter.
- Formed with the monocoque shell, the patented TRUE ToeCap provides superior comfort and unrivaled protection.
- Strategically placed eyelets put goalies in the deepest attack position, facilitating natural and more direct energy transfer when moving laterally.
PRO CUSTOM GOALIE 1-PIECE SKATE – Senior
- Zero Energy Loss, Neutral Pitch, Lower Attack Angle
- Strategically placed eyelets put goalies in the deepest attack position, facilitating natural and more direct energy transfer when moving laterally.
- Formed with the monocoque shell, the patented TRUE ToeCap provides superior comfort and unrivaled protection.
- One piece molded design leads to zero loss of energy and responsive power transfer allowing goalies to get across the crease faster. The lower profile also assists with maintaining edges before committing to the shooter.
- Without a traditional cowling the boot allows for a lower position to the ice for heightened feel, maximum control, and improved attack angle.
Come on in or talk to one of the experts at Sports Etc to arrange for your 3D, true custom fit scan today and be one of the first to experience a #TrueFit!
Introducing the Bauer 3D Skate Lab
New to Sports Etc, the Bauer 3D Skate Lab introduces a whole new process for custom skate fitting. The custom foot scanner uses state-of-the-art, foot-to-skate data and algorithms to create a 3D image of your foot. Based on the length, width and depth characteristics of your foot profile, this foot scanner recommends a Bauer hockey skate that is most appropriate for your foot. The 3D skate imager personalizes skate specs and tracks your skate history to improve fit and performance throughout your career. The 3-step process is simple:
Scan: The process begins with a 3D scan of your foot using numerous digital cameras that capture images from every possible angle of your foot. These images take into account length, width, depth, hot spots, etc.
Analyze: This foot data is then collected and uploaded instantaneously to an iPad station that is connected to the lab. The data is used to recommend one of the 3 Bauer skate families: Vapor, Supreme & Nexus.
Fit: Last, but not least and without a doubt the most important part of the whole custom skate fitting process- the professional fit that you get from a skate expert at Sports Etc. The 3D skate machine is excellent for identifying problem areas, and providing general recommendations for a Bauer skate, but still lacks the personal experience of physically trying on the skate, and finding what is comfortable for you.
Be sure to stop by Sports Etc to experience the custom Bauer 3D Skate Lab!
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- SCAN
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- ANALYZE
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- FIT
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Email: info@sportsetc.net