Oggie Ergo Curved Hockey Stick Grip

[Oggie Grip 0]

Hi all. Haven't posted in quite some time, but I admit I'm on Modsquad looking at posts all the time.

Another loaded question, but looking to find out reasons why you would or wouldn't use an Oggie Ergo grip. The answer for everyone that uses it is clear and it's still crystal clear to me, but I want to know what your thoughts are.

Some reasons we have heard why players DO use them:

1. Put your wrist at a more relaxed angle for better stickhandling

2. The grip flex makes the stick have a more livelier feel

3. Very consistent from grip to grip

4. Adding the grip makes the stick feel blade-light

5. It's cool looking

6. Ergonomic feel fits hand much better

Some reasons we have heard why players DO NOT use them:

1. Think that it changes the lie of the stick

2. Too heavy

3. They stickhandle with their hand off the stick

4. It's not my tape job

5. Too hard to get used to after playing with a straight grip for so many years

Any others I missed good or bad?

[Ogie Oglethorpe 14]

I have one currently (the "classic").

Like:

* Good grip

* Doesn't smell up like clothe tape

* Seems easier on the gloves

Dislike:

* I don't like having to cut my stick DOWN to get it to work

* The extra flex in the handle is weird getting used to

* It has loosened a few times (sliding around during game use), requiring me to re-glue it

* I am not sure I like the skinnier dimension

* I ended up having a technical problem.

Regarding the technical problem: I presume the idea is that the handle is supposed to slide into the shaft up to where the rubber starts, correct? Similar to a normal butt-end? However, the rubber cover seems to have separated from the white plastic tenon. Now, the shaft slips far under the rubber. Not sure if that is the intention or not. Based on the youtube video, I'm guessing not. Had I known it could do this prior to installing it, not have cut the shaft down (it was pro-length too; which was nice as I need the extra length), and just slipped it deeper into the shaft. That would have handled the odd feel to the thinner dimension, likely wouldn't have flexed as much in the handle (which I am not sure I like or not), and I'd not have had to sacrifice any length to the stick.

Regarding the flex and thinner dimension. I could probably get used to both over time, but the slippage and rubber pulling apart from the actual tenon happened before I got a ton of uses in. I've subsequently put it on my backup stick and added a zip-tie to try to keep the shaft from sliding up under the rubber. Not sure how it will work, though.

P.S.: I could care less how it looks, but I did have someone comment on it; thought it did look cool and he, too, liked the way the grip felt.

[Oggie Grip 0]

I have one currently (the "classic").

Dislike:

* I don't like having to cut my stick DOWN to get it to work

* The extra flex in the handle is weird getting used to

* It has loosened a few times (sliding around during game use), requiring me to re-glue it

* I am not sure I like the skinnier dimension

* I ended up having a technical problem.

Regarding the technical problem: I presume the idea is that the handle is supposed to slide into the shaft up to where the rubber starts, correct? Similar to a normal butt-end? However, the rubber cover seems to have separated from the white plastic tenon. Now, the shaft slips far under the rubber. Not sure if that is the intention or not. Based on the youtube video, I'm guessing not. Had I known it could do this prior to installing it, not have cut the shaft down (it was pro-length too; which was nice as I need the extra length), and just slipped it deeper into the shaft. That would have handled the odd feel to the thinner dimension, likely wouldn't have flexed as much in the handle (which I am not sure I like or not), and I'd not have had to sacrifice any length to the stick.

Regarding the flex and thinner dimension. I could probably get used to both over time, but the slippage and rubber pulling apart from the actual tenon happened before I got a ton of uses in. I've subsequently put it on my backup stick and added a zip-tie to try to keep the shaft from sliding up under the rubber. Not sure how it will work, though.

P.S.: I could care less how it looks, but I did have someone comment on it; thought it did look cool and he, too, liked the way the grip felt.

Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, the Classic grip doesn't' have a stop like our Ergo grip, so if you push too far, you can over insert. The thought process behind our Ergo and Classic grips was to enhance the performance of any stick. Some of the stick manufacturers have been thinning out the grip end of their sticks, which can act as a grip flex, but unfortunately also results in more breakage in the grip area. And it makes inserting both our grips as well as wood endplugs a nightmare.

The only way you can keep the grip in solid is with tape shims and some extra hot melt glue.

And btw, you have the best screen name on Modsquad....

[bdh13 1]

I've never used one, but I don't like using long extensions in general. The chance of cutting a stick 6.5 inches, then not liking the grip doesn't outweigh the worth of trying the product (for me).

[steelnation248 102]

I've never used one, but I don't like using long extensions in general. The chance of cutting a stick 6.5 inches, then not liking the grip doesn't outweigh the worth of trying the product (for me).

I agree 100% with this statement. I'd hate to cut that much off and end up not liking it.

[Oggie Grip 0]

I've never used one, but I don't like using long extensions in general. The chance of cutting a stick 6.5 inches, then not liking the grip doesn't outweigh the worth of trying the product (for me).

Yeah agreed. That's why we always say try it in a backup stick at first to see if you like it. If it performs well in an older backup stick, you will definitely see the benefits of how well it performs in a new stick.

[TBLfan 25]

If you want to try it like I did find a stick that is similar to what you use but cut short at play it again or even a friend's old stick... come on, we all know someone that took an Ultralite 100/110 flex and cut it 5" at one point.

I didn't like the ergo for puckhandling but I didn't find that there was an adjustment period for shooting. Shooting felt natural. I've talked with Joe about this and I believe that those that hold their sticks pinkie-off might be more inclined to use the standard option. I'd personally like to hear from those that felt the ergo was comfortable or not about how they hold the stick.

[Jarick 5]

Reasons I would be interested in trying one again:

1. Most intermediate sticks are too whippy and senior 75 flex sticks are too stiff

2. I'd like to try an additional top hand kick point

3. They're pretty inexpensive

Reasons I haven't tried one in a long time:

1. The Ergo grip is too skinny form my tastes and forces my hand to be in a certain position which was awkward for shooting

2. The Classic grip is too skinny with way too big a butt end for my tastes

3. The grip is too slick

4. If I disklike it, cutting 6" off the stick makes it pretty much worthless

EDIT: I already have to cut off 5-6" off a senior stick, so I'd have to cut off 12" to try an Oggie...that's a lot.

I honestly think that if you just had a regular straight end plug that was the size/shape of a hockey shaft, more people would try it. I'd also make them with a tacky/gritty finish, like Tacki Mac grips. That way, you could just add your own tape job or use it as is. Even better would be to have a whip flex and a stiff flex, as there are people who might like it who need a long end plug.

[Oggie Grip 0]

If you want to try it like I did find a stick that is similar to what you use but cut short at play it again or even a friend's old stick... come on, we all know someone that took an Ultralite 100/110 flex and cut it 5" at one point.

I didn't like the ergo for puckhandling but I didn't find that there was an adjustment period for shooting. Shooting felt natural. I've talked with Joe about this and I believe that those that hold their sticks pinkie-off might be more inclined to use the standard option. I'd personally like to hear from those that felt the ergo was comfortable or not about how they hold the stick.

Have been talking to our product testers about the discussion you and I had about how you had trouble with toe drags with the Ergo. A few guys indicated that the curved grip allowed them to go with a slightly shorter stick length, and they said this really helped with their toe drags and overall stick handling as well. But they didn't have any initial problem with toe drags in the first place, so not sure if this would help any.

[Secti0n31 0]

Hey Oggie. I'd just like to let you know the only reason that I don't have an oggie on any of my sticks is because, off the rack, I already have to cut 5" off of a senior stick. The only way I'd be able to use an oggie is if I had a 60 flex int stick or shaft and the ability to cut an extra 6" off of it bringing the flex up to 80+ before sticking an oggie in there.

I like the grips alot, and I even emailed one of your reps back in October. they suggested to get a light INT stick and put an oggie in that, but I'm still leary, and the only ways I'd actually end up buying one of your grips would be if I broke a OPS and used it as a tapered shaft, giving me the ability to puts around with it since it's already broken; OR of I bought a stick and it was way too soft, so I could cut more length off of it and add the oggie.

I like my sticks to end up between 70 and 90 flex after my cut, and thats very difficult to get with an 11-12" cut.

[Ogie Oglethorpe 14]

And btw, you have the best screen name on Modsquad....

Now that made me laugh!

[fiimb 1]

some of the reason's i dont use one is that i play with my pinky off the handle. in fact my tape job is just covering the last 4-5 inches of the stick with gauze tape, no knob at all (something i saw markus naslund do).

on top of that, i use wood end plugs and file off the corners of the plug so my palm can cup the end of it comfortably ( no jabbing of the corners into your hand)

so given that, having a 6" handle which i would only hold 3 inches of, and with a knob that wouldn't sit so comfortably in the palm of my hand, doesn't appeal to me.

perhaps if you offered a shortened version of the grip, with a less aggressive knob, could entice me, as I would usually give anything a shot once.

[start_today 778]

I know you asked specifically about the Ergo grip, but I'd like to echo some of the statements about the knob on the Classic being to big. I played with it for about a month, but I couldn't get over how bulky the knob felt as compared to the rest of the grip.

[Oggie Grip 0]

some of the reason's i dont use one is that i play with my pinky off the handle. in fact my tape job is just covering the last 4-5 inches of the stick with gauze tape, no knob at all (something i saw markus naslund do).

on top of that, i use wood end plugs and file off the corners of the plug so my palm can cup the end of it comfortably ( no jabbing of the corners into your hand)

so given that, having a 6" handle which i would only hold 3 inches of, and with a knob that wouldn't sit so comfortably in the palm of my hand, doesn't appeal to me.

perhaps if you offered a shortened version of the grip, with a less aggressive knob, could entice me, as I would usually give anything a shot once.

Based on what you've said, it sounds like you would be a good candidate for a Mission Powerplug if you could find one. The reason why we don't sell our Oggie grips at shorter lengths is because shorter grips = less effective grip flex. You need a grip at least 4-1/2" to establish an effective grip flex zone in order for the stick to perform better. But you need to find your proper grip flex first.

[malcb33 100]

a little off topic, but I have a grip question for you Oggie. Have you ever thought about selling your grips without the rubber grip,in just the straight shaft shape? That way people could add their own buttend tape job they're accustom to and might be more interested in taking the plunge.

I would love to try a grip, but like to shave down my buttend so I don't know if the current styles would work for me. I did email you sometime ago about the possibility of cutting the classic grip down to a more standard square shaft shape, but I never heard back from you.

[Hooah4 12]

I've found that the more you use it...like any other thing you will become more comfortable with it. I have it on 2 sticks right now. a Battleaxe BX7, and an AK27 shaft that had cracked near where my top hand was. Love it on the AK as it seems to "amplify" the flex. I find it really helps on poke and sweep checks. Once you "get it" with regards to shooting with it, you really appreciate what your top hand can do and I feel its made my shot better as well.

[Oggie Grip 0]

a little off topic, but I have a grip question for you Oggie. Have you ever thought about selling your grips without the rubber grip,in just the straight shaft shape? That way people could add their own buttend tape job they're accustom to and might be more interested in taking the plunge.

I would love to try a grip, but like to shave down my buttend so I don't know if the current styles would work for me. I did email you sometime ago about the possibility of cutting the classic grip down to a more standard square shaft shape, but I never heard back from you.

We thought of the idea of making an Oggie that you can tape, but figured we'd even take it one step further. Over the last year and a half we have been concentrating on our pro-stock grip program. We can now recreate almost any player's grip pattern out of our patented grips. The beauty of our pro-stock program is that we can make a player's pattern in the exact net shape of his grip. So if you have a shaved grip pattern, we can recreate it. If you want your grip pattern, but in an Ergo curved grip style, we can make that too. Have a larger grip pattern, we can make that one also, and make it lighter. I know it doesn't help everyone right now, but our product lines are developed by pro player input and select product testers so you'll have the best grip possible in the future.

I've found that the more you use it...like any other thing you will become more comfortable with it. I have it on 2 sticks right now. a Battleaxe BX7, and an AK27 shaft that had cracked near where my top hand was. Love it on the AK as it seems to "amplify" the flex. I find it really helps on poke and sweep checks. Once you "get it" with regards to shooting with it, you really appreciate what your top hand can do and I feel its made my shot better as well.

Yeah, we don't have millions of players using our Ergo, but the ones that do use it, can't use any other grip but our curved grip any longer.

[Jackal_17 0]

Yeah, we don't have millions of players using our Ergo, but the ones that do use it, can't use any other grip but our curved grip any longer.

I seconded that. Read about the Oggie Grip on here, decided to try it out because I always felt that my sticks are too boxy for my hands. Had a few shafts that are broken and inserted a Grip to try out at a Stick n Puck. Initially, the stick handling felt awkward as I didn't really know how to place my top hand. Wristers were easier though as I felt I had better leverage with my top hand and can pick the corners with better accuracy. Slap shots were awkward as the profile of the grip felt different within my glove and I couldn't put leverage on my stick.

Eventually, it took me a few Stick n Puck sessions to get used to stick handling and the slap shot again. Now, I feel I could stick handle better than before as I feel I have a better grip as the contoured shape fits my hand better. Slap shot still feels a bit awkward as I feel I have to turn the grip 90 degrees first before I could strike the puck.

Couldn't really tell anything about the additional flex as I was using 100 flex sticks before but put the grip in a 87 flex shaft. I did put the grip in a 100 flex shaft just to try out and it definitely felt stiffer. Might be a result from the fact that I have to cut my shaft down to insert the grip.

Overall, I got so used to the feel of the grip that it feels awkward going back to grip-less. I feel more assured about my stick handling and feel it is easier to dig pucks out in the corner. However, I did have to "relearn" how to stick handle and my slap shot. I feel that the Oggie Grip could potentially benefit some players while others will find that if it ain't broke why fix it and too "weird" for their tastes. Finally, the grip could render your stick to the "Frankenstick" category. My set up is a matte black Oggie grip, a shinny black 7k shaft with gold detailing and a silver Easton Drury blade. I got more than a few comments on how my stick looks weird. So, if you are one of those matriculate person that colour coordinates every piece of your equipment, the grip definitely will stick out like a sore thumb. :P

[HockeySavants 5]

my experience, they work better on stiff flex sticks, I used them on wood sticks as well and coming from a baseball player's perspective it gave me a similarly good grip

[Hooah4 12]

We thought of the idea of making an Oggie that you can tape, but figured we'd even take it one step further. Over the last year and a half we have been concentrating on our pro-stock grip program. We can now recreate almost any player's grip pattern out of our patented grips. The beauty of our pro-stock program is that we can make a player's pattern in the exact net shape of his grip. So if you have a shaved grip pattern, we can recreate it. If you want your grip pattern, but in an Ergo curved grip style, we can make that too. Have a larger grip pattern, we can make that one also, and make it lighter. I know it doesn't help everyone right now, but our product lines are developed by pro player input and select product testers so you'll have the best grip possible in the future.

Yeah, we don't have millions of players using our Ergo, but the ones that do use it, can't use any other grip but our curved grip any longer.

I have had several comments on it from parents and some college players. Most of them can't believe its legal. I assure them that it is and direct them to the website for any info.

Any rough #'s on pros using them? no names just #'s.

[Oggie Grip 0]

I have had several comments on it from parents and some college players. Most of them can't believe its legal. I assure them that it is and direct them to the website for any info.

Any rough #'s on pros using them? no names just #'s.

It's legal. We still hear players saying the referees were questioning them in tournaments every so often.

We've got over 120 pro-stock patterns available right now. Just a sample here Pro-Stock Oggie Grips

[Hooah4 12]

those look great! can't wait to try one if you ever release them to the public.

[malcb33 100]

Ditto. I can understand that the pro's get more options, but I still think a generic shaft shape option should be part of the retail equation.

[Neal 41]

I use an Oggie ergo grip in all my OPS or shafts and I have have to say that some of those pro stock ergo grips are very interesting looking. That is my one beef with the ergo grip. That end is just a bit too large for my tastes. In fact, I think I'll go take a Dremel to my pro stock one now.

[Oggie Grip 0]

I use an Oggie ergo grip in all my OPS or shafts and I have have to say that some of those pro stock ergo grips are very interesting looking. That is my one beef with the ergo grip. That end is just a bit too large for my tastes. In fact, I think I'll go take a Dremel to my pro stock one now.

No need to bother Neal. You've been a great supporter of our Ergo, even when a lot of people were at first skeptical about it. E-mail me through our site www.oggiegrip.com, and we will set you up with a free pro-stock Ergo.

Joe