Can a blade really make that much of a difference?

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

OK, so I was just wondering. When I started playing, I bought a couple of cheap sticks that were on sale at my lhs in reston (virginia). I saw that a MSH member was selling a OPS fairly cheap here, so I bought it.

Now after a while using it (I am still in beginner league levels, so it has not been broke yet), I have really noticed the difference in the way I can cradle the puck, and get passes off.

I had been using the Koho Jagr curve on my old woodies, and the stick I bought from Ogie was a Bauer with the Gagne curve.

It has made a huge huge difference I feel.

How much of that is actually a new curve, and how much is mental?

And if they change from the closed Jager to the slightly open Gagne face made an improvement, should I stop, or should I try more open faces etc?

I just bought a TPS rubber on closeout for $50, so was thinking of getting a couple of cheap blades in different curves anyway.

But is it the blade or the player, is I guess what I am trying to ask?

Sorry for the rambling post

[Project_2501 0]

Well, the open face makes lifting the puck much easier, as for passing, you may just be more set for the curve...

[JSchultz 27]

Well, the open face makes lifting the puck much easier, as for passing, you may just be more set for the curve...

This is true.

I just went from a very closed yzerman, to a rockered and open sakic (at the toe end).

I'm trying to re-learn shooting, as my shots are rising like 16 yr old in a strip club.

[Hidious 0]

as my shots are rising like 16 yr old in a strip club.

Hahahaha nice one.

The Gagne pattern is a toe curve witch, i think, is more appropriate for advanced/skilled players. Try a heelcurve, they have big sweetspots.

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

The Gagne pattern is a toe curve witch, i think, is more appropriate for advanced/skilled players. Try a heelcurve, they have big sweetspots.

But stick with a slightly open or open face on it? Yes, no

[jjtt99 0]

I know what you're going through All Smoke. At times I think I should keep trying curves so I can experience a wide range. Then at other times I tell myself to stick with what I got and learn how to use it.

DOH!

Then I realize I'm cheap and not much of a risk taker so I stick with my Modano/Forsburg....not great at any one thing, but okay at everything.

Good luck!

[jjalb29 0]

There's nothing wrong with experimenting with different curves. Personal advice i have would be to stay away from something like a Lidstrom type curve, unless you want to go head hunting.

I also found it alot harder to stick handle and pass with that type of curve. I know it wasn't my cement hands.

For a beginner type player might be better to focus more on how you control the puck.

[donkey87 0]

The Gagne pattern is a toe curve witch, i think, is more appropriate for advanced/skilled players. Try a heelcurve, they have big sweetspots.

Considering that a majority of NHLers use a heel curve, I don't think that you can say that advanced player use toe curves.

[Andoy 5]

Heh i've went from a recchi ->sakic ->modano->jokinen->christian#4->modano->then back to the #4.

I think Toe curves like the Gagne have a good sweet spot as most of the blade is pretty flat until it reaches the toe part!

[Accord 0]

I just bought a TPS rubber on closeout for $50

Did you buy it online?

Thanks!

[sn1per 0]

The Gagne pattern is a toe curve witch, i think, is more appropriate for advanced/skilled players. Try a heelcurve, they have big sweetspots.

Considering that a majority of NHLers use a heel curve, I don't think that you can say that advanced player use toe curves.

I'm not sure if you can say that. It's all personal preference and you put any curve in a good players hands and that person will be able to probably make use of the curve's advantages and minimize its weakness by making up for it with just skill. I saw a Mogilny pro return Novius and the toe curve on that thing was so ridiculous. I can't remember which post i read it in, but it basically said that because pros have such good hands, that they go for a curve that caters to the shot. But back to the original discussion, I started off with a Shanahan and then tested out some other curves. Tried out the Yzerman and a few other curves. Ended up with the Modano, went to mogilny retail, played around with some other curves and then ended back to the Modano. I found this works for me and I like it. I find its a good all round curve to play with.

[saba 0]

I stick with what works and what I can find most resembles the curves I like. I would go out of my way to have consistency in my blade choice. I stick with Messier and Iginla curve. I have tried with no success the Brendl, Sakic, and Modano

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

I just bought a TPS rubber on closeout for $50

Did you buy it online?

Thanks!

No, my LHS in reston has them for $50 at the minute, on closeout, guess cause they are discontinuing them. They have a few left in regular flex, no whips or stiffs left