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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.
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.
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
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!
Sports Etc Product Review: 2017 Bauer Vapor 1X Hockey Skate
Sports Etc Performance To Value Rating– 9 out of 10
The Bauer Vapor 1X hockey skate continues to be the best-selling high-end performance skate that we carry. The 2017 version of the 1X has had some noticeable changes, which in our opinion have been for the better. Here are some of the pros and cons:
PROS:
- New and improved tongue: The newly designed “Flex Lock Pro” tongue has heat moldable inserts that improve the overall flexibility of the tongue, while not compromising on protection. The old high-end vapor model had a thick felt tongue, which was great for comfort and protection, but it also created an extremely stiff feel when attempting to flex your foot forward. The new tongue provides the most flexible and comfortable feel of any high-end model to date.
- Realigned Inner Quarter Panel: The inside panel of the boot has been increased in overall size to help support the natural ankle position and pressure that a skater puts on the boot. The majority of time, a skater is putting most of their pressure on the inside of the skate while pushing off. The increased surface area on the inside allows for a better response, while providing more support as you drive your skate into the ice.
- Improved Skate Eyelets: The softer flex composition of the eyelets makes them more durable than last years 1X model. The 2015 Bauer 1X had some issues with eyelets cracking because of the one piece composition of the boot and eyelets. This created too much stress on the eyelet, causing them to break. Bauer has redesigned the eyelets on the 2017 model to mimic a more traditional eyelet, which reduces stress on the eyelets, in turn improving the durability.
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- New Tongue/Eyelets
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- Realigned Quarter Panel
CONS:
- Steel Cracking: Since Bauer has changed to the Lightspeed Edge trigger holder, there has definitely been an uptick in steel breaking on their skates. This may be attributed to the way the steel is held into the skate. The “trigger” piece that holds the skate blade does not secure the blade as tight as the traditional screw that used to hold the steel. With that said, the convenience of changing steel on the fly has been a major benefit to the hockey community.
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
Product Review: Superfeet Carbon Pro Hockey Insoles
The Superfeet Carbon Pro Hockey insoles provide up to 11% better acceleration on the ice, unrivaled edge control and exceptional energy transfer. Designed for tight turns, crossovers, quick starts and hard stops, these Superfeet footbeds are a game changer on the ice.
Here are some of the highlights and benefits of Superfeet:
- On-Ice Benefits: The plastic Flybridge reinforcement through the heel and mid-foot loads and channels energy when the skater puts pressure on the bottom of his/her foot. This energy transfer is much smoother with a reinforced insole and creates an 11% improvement in acceleration on the ice. The carbon fiber in the heel of the Flybridge also creates added stability and improves the attack angle for the skater- which allows for quick starts, crisp stops and tight turns.
- Medical Benefits: The added support and stability that the Superfeet insole provides has contributed to health benefits in the feet, ankles, knees, back and spine. The improved stability in the footbed aligns the ankles and knees of the skater, which in turn takes stress off of other parts of the body including the knees, back and spine. We have also seen huge benefits for individuals with foot problems as well, including plantar fasciitis, high arch, low arch, flat feet, etc. The support provided takes tremendous stress off of the skaters foot in these situations.
- Equipment Benefits: The venting system in the Superfeet insoles improves air circulation and drainage, which helps the hockey skate boot from breaking down and diminishes the accumulation of rust on a players steel through normal wear-and-tear. The footbeds also reduce friction between the foot and the boot because the footbed secures the players foot in a more stable position, in turn reducing pressure and wear-and-tear on the skate.
All in all, the Superfeet Carbon Pro Hockey insoles provide an incredible improvement over the flimsy footbeds that come in the majority of hockey skates on the market today. Typical footbeds consist of not much more than a single layer of foam padding, with no structural support. These insoles help improve on-ice performance, medical ailments and equipment issues.
For a limited time you can get the ultimate hockey skate upgrade and get a great price! From November 9-30 you can get the Carbon Pro Hockey Footbeds for 20% Off our regular price!
The Best Deal in Hockey Equipment: Exclusive Products from Source For Sports
Source for Sports is the largest independent sporting goods buying group in the world. Sports Etc is a proud member of this group, and our access to the group allows us to offer some of the best deals in hockey equipment that you will only find exclusively at Source for Sports retailers in the United States and Canada.
To get a better idea of what this means, here is a quick overview: Because of our large buying power as a group, hockey manufacturers like CCM and Bauer cater to members of the Source for Sports group to create hockey equipment made to our specifications. More simply put, this allows us to offer higher-end products at a more affordable price.
Here are a few examples:
The CCM Jetspeed Vibe hockey skate is sold for $299.99 retail, but contains many high-end features that are typically on a skate that costs $799+. The boot is full composite, which is an NHL caliber construction. Similarly, the steel on the skate is + 2mm in length, which is another key feature in many premier hockey skates.
The Bauer Vapor XShift hockey stick is based off the Bauer European Team stick, which is used in professional/junior leagues across the world. The added performance upgrades include high-end shaft and blade constructions that are typically on a stick in the $269.99+ range, but we are able to offer it at $159.99. Nearly $100 savings without sacrificing any performance on the ice.
These types of deals exist only because of the buying group, and are only available at Source for Sports retailers. The exclusive offers can be found in all types of hockey equipment- sticks, skates, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, pants, shin guards, etc. Shop now at www.sportsetc.net!
Hockey Helmets-It’s Time For An Upgrade!
As we learn more about head injuries and contact sports, the process of choosing the proper hockey helmet becomes more and more important. While the technical engineering of hockey helmets continues to advance, the bottom line is it’s not a “one size fits all” concept. There is more to purchasing the proper helmet than the “nuts and bolts”. At Sports Etc. we like to highlight a few important pieces to focus on when fitting a hockey helmet. Most notably- proper fit, protection level and life span.
Proper Fit: A proper fitting helmet should fit snugly on the player’s head. Any sign of a helmet rattling around, or fitting too loosely can be a major issue. Hockey players can take a variety of impacts, and a helmet that does not sit tightly on the head can lead to a variety of dangerous scenarios. Mainly, the helmet being dislodged from the player completely.
One of the commonly overlooked aspects of fitting a helmet, is how the cage fits onto the helmet itself. Many helmets are sold in “combo” form, with a cage already attached, but it is important to know that sometimes cage size and helmet size are not always consistent with each other. That is why we recommend buying the cage and helmet separately, to ensure the absolute best fit. The cage should sit right on the player’s chin, and should be firmly locked into the “J-Clips” on the side of the helmet. This ensures that the cage will not be driven into the players chin upon impact- which is a common factor in concussions.
Protection Level: Hockey hits come in all types, sizes and intensities. Often times, it is not necessarily the biggest hit on the ice that causes injury, but the most “awkward” hits. Different types of protection levels are essential in preventing concussions. Most helmets on the market help to protect against linear or direct impacts to the head. The difference between the cheaper and more expensive helmets though, is the quality of the foam used within the helmet. The best type of foam to look for is layered EPP or Poron. Most helmets in the $120+ range contain these materials. Low-end helmets often contain one layer of standard VN foam, which loses protective capability over time as it hardens.
The one aspect that differentiates the BEST helmets, from the lower-end helmets, is a helmets protection level against rotational impacts. Most helmets can withstand a linear or direct impact, and can sufficiently protect the player, but the rotational impacts typically have a more devastating impact on a players head. There are helmets on the market that take this into account- most notably the Bauer Re-Akt helmet. These technologies help the head move independent of the helmet, so the awkward angle impacts, which cause the head to snap around with the helmet are mitigated.
Life Span: Another critical and overlooked area in preventing concussions, is paying attention to the “life span” of a helmet. Routinely, a player can wear the same size helmet for years and years. A lot of times, a youth hockey player can stay in that same size helmet until adulthood. Just like anything that gets worn down over time, a completely. The important piece to look at, is the foam within the helmet. The foam is designed to take repeated impacts, but over time as the impacts increase, and sweat is absorbed and dried out into the material- the foam hardens. As the player takes an impact, this hardened foam is driving into the head, which can cause major head trauma. At Sports Etc. we suggest changing out your helmet every 3 years. hockey helmet needs to be re-examined and at times replaced
Check out more information on 2 of the newest, next generation helmets available now!
https://www.sportsetc.net/news/hockey-equipment/introducing-the-ccm-tacks-710-hockey-helmet
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