Description
Blade Models
When buying a new ice hockey stick, there are several factors to consider. For example, length, weight, and flexibility are important, but perhaps the curve of the blade on your ice hockey stick is what stands out the most. Most hockey stick brands offer a variety of blades with different strengths and weaknesses based on personal preferences. When choosing the best curve for you, it's important to consider the position you play, the type of shots you primarily take, and other characteristics that enhance your game. With the help of our blade guide, we hope to assist you in making your blade selection.
What influences my blade choice? Heel curve blades have more bend near the base (or heel) of the blade. This means the curve of the blade starts here, straightening out a bit towards the middle and toe of the blade. Defensemen primarily use heel curves as they help improve the power and accuracy of slap shots and stable passes. On the contrary, toe curve blades have most of their bend at the toe area of the blade. Forwards often prefer toe curves as they enable them to lift the puck quickly and easily during shots in tight spaces. Mid curve is a mix of these two profiles. Because most of the bend is in the middle of the blade, sticks with these blade profiles are excellent for puck handlers, passers, and precision in all types of shots, including backhand shots.
All blade models have a certain degree of loft, similar to how golf wedges look, but to a much lesser extent. Blade models with a closed profile help keep shots low and powerful, with more straight-line speed. Slightly open profiles are somewhat more open than the closed option, so they will still provide great power on heavy shots while making it easier for players to lift the puck during shots. Open blade types are, as the name suggests, the most open of the three. Blades with open surfaces are good for getting the puck airborne as quickly as possible in tight areas.
Large or small curve refers to how deep the actual bend on the blade is. For perspective, a completely flat blade has a zero-depth. A small curve provides great accuracy on all shots and puck control but becomes more challenging to lift the puck with. A moderate curve depth is the most popular and will help improve puck control, enhance the ability to lift the puck more easily (compared to a small curve), all while maintaining a good backhand. A deep curve provides the most control as the blade can cup the puck effectively. This option will also help in tight spaces to "cup" the puck more easily. However, backhand shots will be much more challenging to execute. Blades with deep curve depths are not recommended for beginners.
Sometimes you hear the term "lie" regarding hockey sticks, and this refers to the angle your stick is at when the bottom of your blade is flat on the ice. If you stand on the ice and hold the stick against your side normally, and the blade is more on the heel or toe, then you have the wrong lie. One wants the blade to lie flat on the ice as it helps control the puck when handling the stick, receiving passes, and shooting. The easiest way to check if you have the right length and lie on your stick and blade is to look at how the tape wears. Ideally, the tape should wear evenly across the entire blade, not just at the toe or heel. The most common lies on standard sticks range from 4.5 to 6. A lie 4 is good for players who skate with a lower balance point, with the puck in front of them more often. A higher lie, like six, will cater to players who skate more upright, with the puck closer to the body. This will be the recommended position for quick forward puck handling and is the most common on standard sticks. A lie 5 is a good balance between the two.
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What qualities does the curve give to my puck control? Puck Spin - The curve helps generate spin on your shots and passes. The spinning motion of a hockey puck affects stability and precision. Control - The curve on the blade significantly influences puck control, especially during quick handling in tight spaces. It makes it easier to "grip" the puck with the blade without it rolling off.
Shot Power - The curve also helps increase shot power. Because you can cup the puck with the blade, combined with added spin, it will help increase shot speed.
How long does a hockey stick last? There are several factors to consider when determining how long a hockey stick lasts. The two main factors are the frequency of play and the level of the game you participate in. If you play at a highly competitive youth level, where you're on the ice every day, there is a greater chance that your stick develops "stress fractures" in the toe and heel areas. This can be due to contact or hits from opponents, more physical moments along the boards, and so on. This is a significant reason why players at this level go through a number of sticks.
Conversely, if you are a player who practices/plays less, perhaps once or twice a week, your stick may last a longer time! Other factors to consider would be the position you play, stick construction, and ice quality. To mitigate potential damage to the blade, consider taping the entire blade instead of leaving the heel or toe untaped.