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Whether you're ripping clappers from the blue line or sniping bar-down wristers on a breakaway, your stick curve plays a huge role in how you handle the puck, pass, shoot, and dangle. But with so many options across major brands like Bauer, CCM, Warrior, and TRUE, it can be overwhelming to know which curve suits your game.
Let’s break down the most popular blade curves, how they compare across brands, and how they can impact your performance on the ice.
The Basics of Stick Curves
A curve affects:
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Shooting style (quick release vs. power)
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Puck control (toe vs. mid blade)
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Passing (saucer passes, backhands)
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Stickhandling (close control vs. sweeping moves)
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Faceoffs and backhand shots (deeper curves = trickier backhands)
Curves vary by:
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Curve Type (Mid, Toe, Heel)
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Curve Depth (Shallow to Deep)
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Face Angle (Open, Neutral, Closed)
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Toe Shape (Round, Square)
Cross-Brand Curve Comparison Chart
Here's how the most common curves from Bauer, CCM, Warrior, and TRUE match up:
| Bauer | CCM | Warrior | TRUE | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P92 (Ovechkin) | P29 (Crosby) | W03 (Backstrom) | T92 | Mid-toe, Open Face. | All-around. Great for wrist shots, stickhandling, saucer passes. |
| P28 (McDavid) | P28 (McDavid) | W28 (Gallagher) | T28 | Toe Curve, Open. | Quick release, toe drags, top-shelf snipes. |
| P88 (Kane) | P40 (MacKinnon) | W88 (Gaudreau) | T88 | Mid Curve, Closed. | Versatile. Great for puck control and backhands. |
| PM9 (Modano) | P14 (Datsyuk) | W01 (Spezza) | MC2 | Heel/Mid, Slight Open. | Accurate passes, good for backhands and flat shots. |
| P91A (Stamkos) | P46 | W05 | HCR | Heel Curve, Open. | Big slapshots, defensemen clearing the zone. |
| - | P90TM (Tavares) | - | - | Mid Curve, Long Length, Open Face. | Ideal for Faceoffs, Tipping Pucks and Stickhandling. |
Curve Similarities & Differences Across Brands:
P92 / P29 / W03 / TC2 – The “Do-It-All” Curve
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Best for: Versatile players, forwards who shoot and pass a lot.
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Pros: Great for saucer passes, solid wrist shots, easy puck lifting.
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Downside: Can be awkward for backhands.
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Who it fits: Think Ovechkin, Crosby, Backstrom.
Takeaway: If you switch brands but want the same feel, these are almost interchangeable.
P28 / W28 / P28 CCM / TC4 – The Toe Sniper
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Best for: Players who shoot in tight and love toe drags.
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Pros: Fast release, lifts puck easily, wicked toe snaps.
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Cons: Tricky backhands, takes time to master.
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Who it fits: McDavid, quick snipers, shifty puck magicians.
Takeaway: Nearly identical across brands. P28 is the curve for modern shooters.
P88 / P40 / W88 / MC – The Balanced Classic
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Best for: All-arounders who value control.
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Pros: Reliable backhands, predictable handling.
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Cons: Not as quick for toe snipes or lifting the puck.
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Who it fits: Kane, MacKinnon – players who like puck protection and smooth hands.
Takeaway: The go-to for those who want consistency and solid fundamentals.
PM9 / P14 / W01 / HCS – The Playmaker’s Curve
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Best for: Pass-first players or defensemen.
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Pros: Clean passing, flat shots, solid backhands.
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Cons: Low shot height, tough to elevate.
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Who it fits: Datsyuk, Modano – cerebral players with elite vision.
Takeaway: Great for those who dish more than dangle.
P91A / P46 / W05 / HCR – The Big Bomber
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Best for: Defensemen or big shooters.
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Pros: Heavy slapshots, easy puck elevation.
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Cons: Not ideal for stickhandling or finesse.
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Who it fits: Defence-first players or power forwards.
Takeaway: Ideal for booming slapshots and getting pucks on net from the point.
P90TM Curve - The Hybrid
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Hybrid Blade Pattern: Combines elements from the P92 and P28 curves.
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Curve Type: Mid-to-toe curve with an open face.
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Quick Release: Designed to enhance quick releases and elevate the puck effectively.
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Ideal For: Players who prefer shooting off the toe and want improved puck control in tight spaces.
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Commonly Known As: The "Tavares curve," named after NHL player John Tavares.
Tips for Choosing the Right Curve:
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Know your position & style – Are you a sniper, setup guy, or shutdown D?
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Try similar curves in other brands – Helps when switching sticks.
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Think about release & puck feel – Toe curves for quick releases, mid curves for feel.
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Backhands matter – Deeper curves = weaker backhands.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right hockey stick curve is about knowing your game and finding the blade that supports it. The good news? The major brands all offer curves with very similar profiles, so even if you’re jumping from Bauer to CCM or Warrior to TRUE, you don’t have to sacrifice your style.
The best way to figure out your ideal curve? Try a few. Borrow a teammate’s twig, shoot around, and see what feels natural. Once you lock in your curve, everything else—passing, shooting, dangles—just clicks.