P88 in heel curve

[Quasitd 1]

Much like the million other questions like this one, trying to find a blade pattern similar to the P88 just in a heel curve.

I trained myself how to shoot on an Easton Zetterberg curve, however I wanted something slightly more open/curve, the P88 is my current blade, but I just seem to prefer a heel curve, plus the lie/rocker on it is a bit odd for me even after playing with it for a bit, I still lose a lot of pucks under the toe.

I haven't been able to find much info on anything like this and was thinking of a Datsyuk(Reebok P38) or Richards(Bauer P106) curve... However it's hard to tell just from pics. I was hoping to get input from someone that has played with the curves themselves?

[TeamHonda401 54]

I would consider the RBK P38 to be a mid curve, and would be really similar to a Bauer P88 in my opinion. The lie angle on the P38 isn't as sharp as the P88, so it would be okay from that standpoint. If you are looking for a big, open heel curve, check out the Warrior Jovanovski. That would be a little closer to what you are looking for than the P38.

[Quasitd 1]

I would consider the RBK P38 to be a mid curve, and would be really similar to a Bauer P88 in my opinion. The lie angle on the P38 isn't as sharp as the P88, so it would be okay from that standpoint. If you are looking for a big, open heel curve, check out the Warrior Jovanovski. That would be a little closer to what you are looking for than the P38.

Hmm, thanks! Not sure I would like the square toe, but worth a shot. I guess my problem is I'm not looking for something really open, I need just a small amount to get the boost I need, hence why I like the P88, has the right amount of openness for how I like to shoot, but verything else I feel either has too much or too little. Not sure there really is any option other than to find something close and just play with it til I adapt...

[TeamHonda401 54]

After the P88 and the P38, there isn't much with a similar curve profile. I've used the P38 for about three years so I'm kinda biased, but it definately has a flatter lie angle than the P88 from my experience. The Warrior Draper/Toews is pretty close to what your looking for, but they open up a little bit more at the toe than the P38 and P88.

[halfmoonyote 0]

So, just so I understand what you are asking...you are looking for a heel curve that has more mid in it than a typical Drury or Forsberg heel?

The Warrior Jovo/Lidstrom/P02 is really ideal for what you are looking for. Is a heel, but has a nice mid bend in it, and IMO is not as wide open a traditional heel wedge. If you don't like the square toe, then definitely P106. The P106 opens up less (IMO) than the Jovo, but you are still getting a true heel/mid curve.

Hope that helps.

[noodle3872 40]

If you want a heel curve similar to Zetterberg but more open, I sugges you check out a Vanek pattern from Warrior or the P89 from Bauer. They are gentle curves with an open toe. I've pictured the P89 from the id Rack and a McCabe Pro Stock which is the clone of the P89/Vanek.

[skyscrape 5]

or get the custom option widow when it is available with the zeterberg pro stock that will be available. It looked to my eye similar to the p02 with a lower lie, round toe, and a will be a great stick.

[A2rhino 63]

I agree with noodle3872

I began on the same curve as you did yers ago. I had found the same issue as you and now could not be more happy using the Warrior Vanek. Worth checking out for sure.

[trtaylor 3]

It's easy...use the MSH Pattern Database

[Quasitd 1]

It's easy...use the MSH Pattern Database

Yeah, problem is I find that the listings there can be deceiving. Not to mention the amount of rocker can change a lot, if I go to stores I use the pattern DB to ballpark a few ideas usually, but I have had little success honestly.

I find the Crosby to be fairly open for example, and it gets listed as slightly open. Honestly it is a good resource, I just hadn't found anything since a lot of the curves I want to try aren't carried by my LHS and I would have to order them sight-unseen.

[Chadd 916]

Yeah, problem is I find that the listings there can be deceiving.

A lot of the curves have changed and we haven't always been able to keep it all current. I've been working on something to improve on it.

[HockeySavants 5]

would be nice if the database would also display a screenshot of the blade profile, that's how I prefer anyway

[Chadd 916]

would be nice if the database would also display a screenshot of the blade profile, that's how I prefer anyway

Wow, never would have thought of that. I've said in the past that we are hoping to include that in the next update.

[trtaylor 3]

Yeah, problem is I find that the listings there can be deceiving. Not to mention the amount of rocker can change a lot, if I go to stores I use the pattern DB to ballpark a few ideas usually, but I have had little success honestly.

I find the Crosby to be fairly open for example, and it gets listed as slightly open. Honestly it is a good resource, I just hadn't found anything since a lot of the curves I want to try aren't carried by my LHS and I would have to order them sight-unseen.

Good points.

[A2rhino 63]

Here's a pic of a Vanek/Weight from the old Johnson blade.

[innotastic 12]

The thing about the vanek is that it's a pretty straight curve, not as much depth as the p88 or p106. The p106 is the closest thing I've found, and I'm in the same boat with wanting a more heel version of the p88

[Quasitd 1]

If you want a heel curve similar to Zetterberg but more open, I sugges you check out a Vanek pattern from Warrior or the P89 from Bauer. They are gentle curves with an open toe. I've pictured the P89 from the id Rack and a McCabe Pro Stock which is the clone of the P89/Vanek

Is the Bauer p89 a typo or a prostock? I can't find a p89 anywhere on retail sites

[sharks25 9]

It got discontinued or its only available on the bauer customizer iirc.

[A2rhino 63]

The thing about the vanek is that it's a pretty straight curve, not as much depth as the p88 or p106. The p106 is the closest thing I've found, and I'm in the same boat with wanting a more heel version of the p88

Your right. The Vanek is a 1/2 inch instead of 9/16. However he began with a Zett. which is a 3/8. Trying to help him find that happy medium is all.

Really my best suggestion is to take the time to drive somewhere that has these to checkout or make the investment, buy 3-4 different blades and try them. Otherwise it's no different than buying skates online without ever trying them on. Blind faith.

[Quasitd 1]

Your right. The Vanek is a 1/2 inch instead of 9/16. However he began with a Zett. which is a 3/8. Trying to help him find that happy medium is all.

Really my best suggestion is to take the time to drive somewhere that has these to checkout or make the investment, buy 3-4 different blades and try them. Otherwise it's no different than buying skates online without ever trying them on. Blind faith.

I picked up the Getzlaf(Lidstrom) today as a replacement blade to try. Honestly it looks like a pretty hefty curve, but I'll give it a shot. Also they had an older wooden Datsyuk to try as well while I have the Vanek on order. Thanks again everyone for all the suggestions!

[Chadd 916]

Too bad you still can't find a TPS Tucker or Bauer Gratton. Those were fairly big, slightly open heel curves.

[lib310 0]

What about harrows pattern 11

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php?/topic/56504-harrow-pattern-11/page__view__findpost__p__859269

[ponder 0]

Much like the million other questions like this one, trying to find a blade pattern similar to the P88 just in a heel curve.

I trained myself how to shoot on an Easton Zetterberg curve, however I wanted something slightly more open/curve, the P88 is my current blade, but I just seem to prefer a heel curve, plus the lie/rocker on it is a bit odd for me even after playing with it for a bit, I still lose a lot of pucks under the toe.

I haven't been able to find much info on anything like this and was thinking of a Datsyuk(Reebok P38) or Richards(Bauer P106) curve... However it's hard to tell just from pics. I was hoping to get input from someone that has played with the curves themselves?

I've played with the P88, Datsyuk and P106, currently using the P106.

The Rbk Datsyuk if anything has a bit less heel than the P88, not more. It's got the lower lie and less rocker that you're looking for, but it's very much a mid curve, and not more open than the P88.

The Bauer P106 is what you're looking for in terms of it being more of a heel curve than the P106, and more open (but still not crazy open), however the lie/rocker would be a poor option for you. It has a very big/extreme rocker, with a weird placement too, instead of the rocker "peaking" mid blade like on most curves, it peaks closer to the heel. Hard to say how to classify the lie on a blade with such a big/weird rocker, but I'd say in the 5.5-6 range on the Bauer scale, plays a bit higher lie than the P88 IMO. I love this curve, but wish it had a more conventional profile on the bottom, with a lie/rocker more along the lines of a Bauer P88 or Easton Drury it would be my dream curve for sure, just a great "do it all" shape for me personally aside from the weird rocker.

Of the curves mentioned so far, the Warrior Vanek (in a lie 4) could be a good option, but as stated it might be a bit small/subtle for you. Otherwise the Harrow pattern 11 might be a good choice, but I've never personally used any Harrow curves so can't comment. Looks like what you'd want from the pictures in the above link though. Can anyone comment on the blade length of the Harrow pattern 11? And the lie/rocker looks to me almost identical to an Easton Drury (bit flatish spot from roughly the heel to a little over half way through the blade, then rocks up quite a bit at the toe), would this be accurate for those who can make a side by side comparison?

From the other thread, here were the pattern 11 pics:

I just got these blades in the mail. I taped them up before I remembered I said I'd take some pictures of them but here they are:

The picture orders are of the rocker, curve, and then a top view.

Pattern 11:

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/4395/111ssf.jpg

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/5817/112bc.jpg

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/1993/113kw.jpg

Pattern 9:

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/8161/66408033.jpg

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/4116/30065856.jpg

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/2820/27735497.jpg

[Jarick 5]

I'd go P106:

[ponder 0]

I'd go P106:

Definitely sounds like the shape he's looking for, but not the lie/rocker. If he's missing pucks under the toe with a P88, it'll be worse with a P106, which IMO has a slightly higher lie and more rocker.

Again, I'd be very curious to hear more about the Harrow Pattern 11, especially in terms of blade length and lie, both for the OP, and for myself (seems like the OP and I have very similar tastes in curves, I love the P106 other than its rocker, while the Harrow Pattern 11 has a beautiful looking rocker, but would love to hear more about the blade length and lie before pulling the trigger and ordering one).