Hockey Stick Curve Guide

A lot of players ask us how to choose a hockey stick curve. There are a wide variety of options, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming when looking at all the manufacturers, types of sticks, and related characteristics. This is where Sports Etc. comes in. Follow our guide below and use the hockey stick curve chart for quick reference and comparison!

Hockey Stick Curves Explained

The curve of a hockey stick refers to the blade’s pattern; more specifically, it dictates how the blade meets the puck and the ice. The depth of curve and where it is placed on the blade will affect how you stick-handle, pass, and shoot. For example:

• Blades with more curve toward the toe offer quicker puck lift and better control in tight spaces, making them ideal for fast releases and close-range shooting.
• Blades with more curve toward the heel allow for stronger, more accurate slap shots and powerful point shots, giving players added control on longer shots.
• Blades with a deeper overall curve help cup the puck for maximum control, added spin, and improved ability to snipe corners—though they can make backhand shots more difficult.

The most important part of choosing a hockey stick curve is identifying the pattern that suits your style of play. Every manufacturer produces the same exact curve patterns, but they often give them different names. To help eliminate some of the confusion around this, Sports Etc. has a hockey stick curve chart that lists out pattern name, lie, curve, face, toe, and length.

Hockey Stick Curve Comparison Chart

Most Popular Hockey Stick Curves

Here is a simple breakdown of the most common 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 market, 9 out of 10 hockey players will choose one of these 3 curves, leading to a shift within production for hockey manufacturers. Most companies have begun to reduce the amount of stick patterns available for the consumer, and some players might have difficulty finding a unique pattern that they once used. Browse all our available ice hockey sticks!

Hockey Stick Pattern FAQs

What is hockey stick lie?

Hockey stick lie refers to the angle of the stick when the blade sits flat on the ice. If the toe or heel lifts off the ice while you’re in your normal stance, the lie is incorrect for you. Lower lie numbers (like 4) suit players who skate lower with the puck out front, while higher lies (like 6) are better for more upright skaters who keep the puck closer to their body. Lie 5 is the most common and offers a balanced feel.

What are heel curves?

Heel curves have most of their bend near the base (heel) of the blade, with the mid and toe sections remaining straighter. This style is great for powerful, accurate slap shots and long-range shooting. Heel curves are often preferred by defensemen who take more point shots.

What are toe curves?

Toe curves place most of the blade’s curve near the toe. This design helps players lift the puck quickly and makes toe drags easier. Toe curves are popular with forwards and goal scorers who shoot in tight spaces and rely on quick releases.

What is the best hockey stick curve for beginners?

For most beginners, a mid-curve pattern like the Bauer P88 / CCM P40 or the popular P92 / CCM P29 is a great starting point. These curves offer balanced puck control, solid accuracy, and make it easier to learn proper shooting and passing mechanics. Beginners should typically avoid deep toe curves (like P28-style patterns), as they can make backhand shots and consistent puck handling more difficult while learning fundamentals.

What is the most common hockey stick curve?

The most common hockey stick curve at retail is the P92 (Bauer) / P29 (CCM) mid-toe curve. It’s widely considered the most popular pattern in North America and Europe because it offers a strong balance of puck control, quick release, and easy puck elevation. Equivalent patterns include Warrior W03 and TRUE TC2.

What is the most popular curve in the NHL?

While there is no official NHL-wide curve usage report, mid-toe patterns like the Bauer P92 / CCM P29 are widely regarded as among the most commonly used curves at the professional level. Many NHL players prefer mid-toe or toe-focused curves because they make it easier to elevate shots quickly and generate spin.