Blade Advice for Newbie

[hockeysc23 0]

Hey guys,

I know there have been tons of threads on which blade is the best etc. and I tried to use the Pattern DB but wasn't sure what I was looking for to get what I need out of my next blade.

Background:

Ive used a CCM Ovechkin curve. Love the snap shots. I could roof everything with little to no effort. But slapshot and stick handling were no existent. Then I borrowed a friends Lindros One90 and my stickhandling was great. Good slapshots but couldn't get anything on the snap shot or wristers.

So what kind of blade (or what should I be looking for to give me the best of both worlds?). I'd like to stay away from Easton as I seem to snap their blades routinely. I'm not opposed to get 3-4 blades to try and see what works best. Just looking for some recommendations.

Thanks in advance.

[Warriorsdman 1]

If you have good form, then you should be able to adjust to a blade very quickly. But the p92 from NBH might be an option, it's open like an ovechkin, but a little more curve.

[hockeysc23 0]

If you have good form, then you should be able to adjust to a blade very quickly. But the p92 from NBH might be an option, it's open like an ovechkin, but a little more curve.

I don't have good form ... yet. I transferred from playing roller where with a lighter puck my form was different. Since I have broken 4 sticks in 4 weeks (yes an expensive month) I decided to go away from Easton and see what other options might be out there.

Thanks!

[mbhockeyplaya88 0]

I would second the p92 from NBH. I used to use a lindros curve and then switched to the p92, my opinion a better curve for my game set.

[raygunpk 0]

Could it be the difference in lie that messes up your stickhandling? I believe the Ovechkin is a 5.5 and the Lindros is 6. If so you could find a heel curve with a 6 lie and maybe that would be the best of both worlds.

[lampliter87 8]

How upright or bent over is your stance? That will determine correct lie.

[hockeysc23 0]

Could it be the difference in lie that messes up your stickhandling? I believe the Ovechkin is a 5.5 and the Lindros is 6. If so you could find a heel curve with a 6 lie and maybe that would be the best of both worlds.

Excellent point. I didn't even think of the lie. Thats why I asked you all!

As far as my stance I skate with and shoot with a pretty good bend in my stride and stance.

[Jarick 5]

Tried a Forsberg yet? Those are great all-around blades. Otherwise a P106 might be nice, mid-heel with some loft, lower lie too.

[hockeysc23 0]

Tried a Forsberg yet? Those are great all-around blades. Otherwise a P106 might be nice, mid-heel with some loft, lower lie too.

Whats a non easton equivalent of the forsburg (in warrior for example?). I broke an SL, S17, CNT Blade and SE blades all in a matter of weeks so I am not too happy with Easton's blade quality.

I think Im going to find a couple of these and just try them all out. Thanks everyone for the advice I really appreciate it.

[NoAngleDangler 0]

The Warrior equivalant to the Forsberg is the Fedorov. NBH is PM9/Malkin.

[gxc999 7]

Contrary to common belief, you can do a lot more with a small curve and a nearly straight face. It makes stick handling much easier IMO. Roofing the puck has little to do with curve, and all to do with technique. The proper technique on wristers is cup, drag, snap (lower), pull (upper hand). On backhanders, just roll your wrists like it's a reverse wrist shot. All big curves do is make you more likely to shoot it over the net <_<

[english15x 3]

Contrary to common belief, you can do a lot more with a small curve and a nearly straight face. It makes stick handling much easier IMO. Roofing the puck has little to do with curve, and all to do with technique. The proper technique on wristers is cup, drag, snap (lower), pull (upper hand). On backhanders, just roll your wrists like it's a reverse wrist shot. All big curves do is make you more likely to shoot it over the net <_<

+1 . love the pm9/forsberg clones.

[Jarick 5]

I always go back to the Forsberg. Although right now I'm enjoying the Weight. I like to have one Forsberg and then one other curve to switch between. It's flat enough that I can shoot wristers a bit more accurately with it, slappers are on target and stay low enough, backhanders are easy, passing is great, no real downside for me.

[gxc999 7]

The one thing about PM9 I don't love is that it's too hard for me to pick the puck up off the ice/floor with the toe. BTW, I missed an open net last game, from 4 or 5 feet away. I shot a rolling puck over the net, even with the PM9! Time for a closed face...

[DEATHTRON 19]

Im tired of hearing all this "if youre technique is proper..." BS. Theres a reason there are different curves, everyone is different in one way or another, so proper technique will only take you so far....after that the curve bridges the gap in doing what your mind wants to do and what actually happens.

Sorry For just flying off the handle like that, but I really am tired of hearing it and I dont think its true at all.

To the OP, give the Lidstrom and its clones a try, its got some curve...and its open. Only difference between all of those is it has a square toe....

Zach

[gxc999 7]

Im tired of hearing all this "if youre technique is proper..." BS. Theres a reason there are different curves, everyone is different in one way or another, so proper technique will only take you so far....after that the curve bridges the gap in doing what your mind wants to do and what actually happens.

Sorry For just flying off the handle like that, but I really am tired of hearing it and I dont think its true at all.

To the OP, give the Lidstrom and its clones a try, its got some curve...and its open. Only difference between all of those is it has a square toe....

Zach

Part of me can understand what you're saying. But it really is true. 8 or 9 months ago when I was basically new to hockey, I couldn't lift the puck up well, then I got good with one curve but had trouble with the rest. So I went back and spent a lot of time making sure my technique was up to snuff and now the curve only matters if it's on the extreme side. If anything, I think more people are harmed than helped by a large curve or very open face. I'm not saying I don't like P92 yah know but all things in moderation.

[DEATHTRON 19]

I think a large part of just using one cruve is A. consistency, and B. learning to manipulate that curve. Sure...you might suck with other curves, but if you can do everything with that curve..who cares whats your technique is like. I think using an open faced curve/larger curve is more advantageous if you can make it work. Thats just me though...

Zach

[hockeysc23 0]

Thanks everyone. I have a lot of blades to try and a ton of advice which I appreciate. Since making the switch to ice ive been loving hockey again. Just gotta score more goals ;)

I assumed I was going to get a lot of check the pattern db and search. So I appreciate you all taking the time to make suggestions. Its off to the lhs with my shaft!

[raygunpk 0]

Yeah make sure you get the right lie, I think that's the most important thing for me. If I'm using too high of a lie I'll be "overskating" the puck all the time or losing it while just skating up with it, or my pass reception will be terrible.

The general consensus here is you should have even wear on the bottom of your tape to determine your lie. Although I find my lie is perfect (5.5) even though my heel wears out like crazy. I think it's because I stickhandle on my heel all the time, it never touches the mid or toe unless I'm trying something crazy. I'm not sure if I have wrong form... how do you guys stickhandle?

Speaking of those straight blades, how is the toe drag with them? I like the little toe hooks on blades like Sakic/Naslund but I hate the huge wedge faces. Wish they would make a Kovalchuk/Hossa pro into retail lol.