prostockhockeysticks

[bl4 39]

For my fellow lovers of obsolete tech (i.e., heel curves), has anyone tried the Silfverberg (PRO33), the PRO222 (the Drury w/a toe hook), or the O'Reilly?  If so, any reactions?

[Krev 86]

On 5/30/2025 at 11:05 AM, A2rhino said:

I've considered trying the PRO712 as I do like the squarish style toe and the blade shape seems very similar to the PRO38. My only issue now is that it has a slightly lower lie and is a very long blade.  Who knows. maybe I'll get one just to try it out. 

I did that exact experiment actually. I really really like it, picked up a cheap one on Sideline to try it out. The shooting pocket is a lot smaller but I will say that my stickhandling did noticeably improve.

[flip12 726]

On 5/30/2025 at 11:58 PM, bl4 said:

For my fellow lovers of obsolete tech (i.e., heel curves), has anyone tried the Silfverberg (PRO33), the PRO222 (the Drury w/a toe hook), or the O'Reilly?  If so, any reactions?

P28 is adapted from the Drury. Pro's version is on the more extreme end of the P28 variants, but the Warrior and CCM ones are a bit more mild. There's still enough heel curve in the business half of the blade to play it like that. You just have to remember to release your sweep at the mid-point of the blade, before the toe rocker kicks in or you'll flutter your shots and saucers.

[flip12 726]

On 5/30/2025 at 10:21 PM, A2rhino said:

I would highly recommend that you check out his sticks. He has a few different options as well as the retail P46. 

He still has the OG RED LOW KICK or BLUE (MY FAVORITE) MID KICK. Or the newer sticks.

PRO46

PRO4466

PRO22

You can even use the 3D CURVE VISUALIZER to see the curve from all angles. 

 

I've tried a few different Praux sticks. I kind of loathe Geppetty's style, but I can't deny the value intrigue and potential offer of his sticks.

First go round I tried the old Kovalchuk because I wanted to see how his twist on the E4-with-a-toe-curve was. It's a nice handling curve, but I got a 3rd Line 85 Flex. It kicks alright and stickhandles nicely, but I've never been able to get it to balance out. I realized it was a bit top heavy, so adding a Nexus plug helped. I'm still sitting on that experiment.

Second go I went for a Red Line, because some teammates got Red Lines and they kicked a lot better for me and felt better balanced as well. This time I got a 77 Flex Kane-Praux curve. I loved the curve. It was magic for making passes under pressure forehand or backhand. Again I struggled with the balance issue. It was also 395g instead of the 375 that was advertised. I get that there's variation due to pattern differences, and Kane's a massive blade, but I was still a little bummed. That one broke clean in the "taper" part of the shaft on a wrist shot from a player with three years of experience (an incredible player for so little experience, but still).

Third time, quite recently, I wanted to get a load of sticks before any potential tarrific world events shifted the stick supply/market so I got three P28s: OGs Blue and Red, as well as VF, all 95 flex. I have to say I was happily surprised by the spec of the OGs--shaft shape and balance feels much better than any Praux I tried previously (though my friend with Red Line Hossas from last season doesn't like his new OG Red Hossa). The VF has the balance issue again. This time it feels blade heavy, especially in comparison with the OGs. Adding a Kovalchuk Tacki-Mac helps a bit. It might need a wooden plug as well. I don't really feel anything with the variable kick. It just feels neither here nor there. The Blue has played nicely so far. I'm kind of just seeing how durable the VF is at this point, but I'm thinking I may dedicate it to off-ice/roller.

As for his curve selection, I'm tempted by some fun ones, like the Ovechkin for instance. I'm pretty sure his Barkov is my jam, but I'd rather stick to P28 so I don't get addicted to something limited and tethered to the whims of one Dude.

Another note on the curves, I find it a bit annoying, especially considering his branding choices, that he manipulates the curves. The Kane was nice, but it's more like a Pro Kane mixed with a P28 compared to actual Kane sticks I've seen. I'm sure Kane has probably tried something like this at some point, but his sticks I see popping up don't have nearly the toe pocket of what you find on the Praux Kane Pro. The same for Barkov. I know Sasha used P28M for a season or so, and he's had plenty of variations of his trusty old curve, but the one Geppetty calls Barkov is much more P28 than any of the Barkovs I've seen.

[Sniper9 544]

6 hours ago, flip12 said:

I've tried a few different Praux sticks. I kind of loathe Geppetty's style, but I can't deny the value intrigue and potential offer of his sticks.

First go round I tried the old Kovalchuk because I wanted to see how his twist on the E4-with-a-toe-curve was. It's a nice handling curve, but I got a 3rd Line 85 Flex. It kicks alright and stickhandles nicely, but I've never been able to get it to balance out. I realized it was a bit top heavy, so adding a Nexus plug helped. I'm still sitting on that experiment.

Second go I went for a Red Line, because some teammates got Red Lines and they kicked a lot better for me and felt better balanced as well. This time I got a 77 Flex Kane-Praux curve. I loved the curve. It was magic for making passes under pressure forehand or backhand. Again I struggled with the balance issue. It was also 395g instead of the 375 that was advertised. I get that there's variation due to pattern differences, and Kane's a massive blade, but I was still a little bummed. That one broke clean in the "taper" part of the shaft on a wrist shot from a player with three years of experience (an incredible player for so little experience, but still).

Third time, quite recently, I wanted to get a load of sticks before any potential tarrific world events shifted the stick supply/market so I got three P28s: OGs Blue and Red, as well as VF, all 95 flex. I have to say I was happily surprised by the spec of the OGs--shaft shape and balance feels much better than any Praux I tried previously (though my friend with Red Line Hossas from last season doesn't like his new OG Red Hossa). The VF has the balance issue again. This time it feels blade heavy, especially in comparison with the OGs. Adding a Kovalchuk Tacki-Mac helps a bit. It might need a wooden plug as well. I don't really feel anything with the variable kick. It just feels neither here nor there. The Blue has played nicely so far. I'm kind of just seeing how durable the VF is at this point, but I'm thinking I may dedicate it to off-ice/roller.

As for his curve selection, I'm tempted by some fun ones, like the Ovechkin for instance. I'm pretty sure his Barkov is my jam, but I'd rather stick to P28 so I don't get addicted to something limited and tethered to the whims of one Dude.

Another note on the curves, I find it a bit annoying, especially considering his branding choices, that he manipulates the curves. The Kane was nice, but it's more like a Pro Kane mixed with a P28 compared to actual Kane sticks I've seen. I'm sure Kane has probably tried something like this at some point, but his sticks I see popping up don't have nearly the toe pocket of what you find on the Praux Kane Pro. The same for Barkov. I know Sasha used P28M for a season or so, and he's had plenty of variations of his trusty old curve, but the one Geppetty calls Barkov is much more P28 than any of the Barkovs I've seen.

Did you find the vf whippy. My 70 flex felt like a 65 maybe even a 60. I've read elsewhere the same thing where it's easily 5-10 points whippier than it's listed flex 

[A2rhino 76]

On 5/31/2025 at 8:11 PM, Krev said:

I did that exact experiment actually. I really really like it, picked up a cheap one on Sideline to try it out. The shooting pocket is a lot smaller but I will say that my stickhandling did noticeably improve.

Krev!!!! Long time no speak buddy!! Thanks for the input on this. I'll have to place and order for one and see how it goes. Hope all is well!! 

[A2rhino 76]

12 hours ago, Sniper9 said:

Did you find the vf whippy. My 70 flex felt like a 65 maybe even a 60. I've read elsewhere the same thing where it's easily 5-10 points whippier than it's listed flex 

I cant speak to the VF as I have not tried it but I can say that the OG Blue has been extremely consistent for me in terms of flex from one to the other. Not to mention that for $109 US plus tax and freight. I'll take that all day! 

. As for balance and weight. I laugh at people about this because it can easily be rectified by spending some time in the gym and actually getting stronger and conditioned rather than nit picking about this sort of thing. We were all playing with 415 gram plus sticks just a few years ago.   

[Hills 719]

2 hours ago, A2rhino said:

I cant speak to the VF as I have not tried it but I can say that the OG Blue has been extremely consistent for me in terms of flex from one to the other. Not to mention that for $109 US plus tax and freight. I'll take that all day! 

. As for balance and weight. I laugh at people about this because it can easily be rectified by spending some time in the gym and actually getting stronger and conditioned rather than nit picking about this sort of thing. We were all playing with 415 gram plus sticks just a few years ago.   

Balance has nothing to do with gym time and strength. I'll take a nicely balanced 400 gram stick over a super blade light 360 gram stick any day.

[flip12 726]

4 hours ago, Hills said:

Balance has nothing to do with gym time and strength. I'll take a nicely balanced 400 gram stick over a super blade light 360 gram stick any day.

100%. My best balanced stick is a Kovalev gamer. It's around 550g. It's surprisingly blade light. It's an awesome piece of ingenuity.

I didn't weigh my trio of VF, OGRed, and OGBlue. I really should have. But both the blue and red felt much better balanced stick handling in the basement and on the ice. I was going to say better balanced in spite of their "heavier" weight (it feels wrong to call them heavy), but I have a suspicion that they're better balanced because of the added weight. It's tempting to thin out the shaft at the top, because that's the least abused part of the stick, but that's where the weight has the most effect, it seems.

[flip12 726]

18 hours ago, Sniper9 said:

Did you find the vf whippy. My 70 flex felt like a 65 maybe even a 60. I've read elsewhere the same thing where it's easily 5-10 points whippier than it's listed flex 

It's strange because I've used it half a dozen times now, but I really can't say. It feels like a 95. Just like a 95 I don't feel in tune with. For comparison, it took me a few skates to adjust to a 95 Catalyst because it's been so long since I've used a mid kick. I had the hope that the variable would work even easier--whether I shot with low or mid kick emphasis, it wouldn't matter. Instead it just feels dull. It's not a bad stick, but for the money and compared to my good impression of the OGs, I'm disappointed with the purchase. I'll just stick to the budget lines from now on.

I will say, I have noted it feels soft when I shoot with my bottom hand really low, like past halfway down the shaft, but I don't often have my hands that far apart.

[Krev 86]

8 hours ago, A2rhino said:

Krev!!!! Long time no speak buddy!! Thanks for the input on this. I'll have to place and order for one and see how it goes. Hope all is well!! 

I still lurk about. Been a minute pal.

I wish he made it available in the new sticks. It's unfortunate the new models aren't available for customs, but I understand why.

[A2rhino 76]

13 hours ago, Krev said:

I still lurk about. Been a minute pal.

I wish he made it available in the new sticks. It's unfortunate the new models aren't available for customs, but I understand why.

I'm sure in time it'll happen. But I know that he's always been about providing a great stick for a great price, And to think now he would have 5 different sticks to customize with all the different choices. I cant even begin to guess how much it would cost him to keep this all organized and running. Gotta give it to the guy though. He makes a great stick for a great price. 

I have done a couple custom orders (Wood Grain finish with the basketball grip was a nice touch) but in the end I found that I'm happy with the specs on the sticks he has in stock. Love the mid kick with the rounded square shaft, grip with no texture and sandpaper blade. Works for me. Especially for the price. 

[Yardelm 5]

Has anyone here used the Oates / Stamkos pro9291 curve? Thinking about giving that a try.

Edit: I’m also seeing the W77 curve on warrior sticks popping up that is supposed to be the Oates curve, from what I see, they are. Would be curious to hear if anyone has any insights into that?

Edited June 4 by Yardelm

[apperos76 0]

For you curve geniuses here.

This has been discussed on the forum before, but I was a lifelong P88 user but I wanted something with a bit more loft and, because of another thread, I went with the Pro19 from PSHS.  And I love it!  Sort of exactly what I was looking for except for one thing - I do not like the thinnish blade and P28-like toe shaving.  Another problem is that it doesnt seem like the Pro 19 is a particularly popular curve so the OG Red builds are out of stock (and they dont make it in the new sticks).

Would anyone have any idea what I should try to basically get the Pro19 but with a wider face and more rounded/squarish toe.  I am researching all of the PSHS curves and am driving myself crazy.

Anyway, to add to the blade discussions for others perusing the thread I have tried the Pro71 (Malkin Pro), Pro1088 (Kane Pro), and Pro19. 

For the Pro71 I agree with others here that it is not necessarily a modified P88.  I didnt love it and that is coming from a P88 user.  Stickhandling was great, but there was just something off about the shot.

For the Pro1088 the stickhandling and passing was amazing, but the shooting was horrendous for me.  It was hard to get any velocity on the shot off the rush.  Accuracy was ok, but was rarely beating goalies clean.

 

[Dmitrakov 9]

1 hour ago, apperos76 said:

For you curve geniuses here.

This has been discussed on the forum before, but I was a lifelong P88 user but I wanted something with a bit more loft and, because of another thread, I went with the Pro19 from PSHS.  And I love it!  Sort of exactly what I was looking for except for one thing - I do not like the thinnish blade and P28-like toe shaving.  Another problem is that it doesnt seem like the Pro 19 is a particularly popular curve so the OG Red builds are out of stock (and they dont make it in the new sticks).

Would anyone have any idea what I should try to basically get the Pro19 but with a wider face and more rounded/squarish toe.  I am researching all of the PSHS curves and am driving myself crazy.

Anyway, to add to the blade discussions for others perusing the thread I have tried the Pro71 (Malkin Pro), Pro1088 (Kane Pro), and Pro19. 

For the Pro71 I agree with others here that it is not necessarily a modified P88.  I didnt love it and that is coming from a P88 user.  Stickhandling was great, but there was just something off about the shot.

For the Pro1088 the stickhandling and passing was amazing, but the shooting was horrendous for me.  It was hard to get any velocity on the shot off the rush.  Accuracy was ok, but was rarely beating goalies clean.

 

Seriously, everything with the PRO1088 is stellar except for forehand shots. I pretty much have to slap it or basically saucer pass it at the net without any sort of open toe. I also find the PRO71 does lack in shooting due to the same thing going on, not much wedge/open toe to get it upstairs as consistently. Old Kovalchuk? Forget about it I can't get used to it whatever I try.

[A2rhino 76]

18 hours ago, apperos76 said:

For you curve geniuses here.

This has been discussed on the forum before, but I was a lifelong P88 user but I wanted something with a bit more loft and, because of another thread, I went with the Pro19 from PSHS.  And I love it!  Sort of exactly what I was looking for except for one thing - I do not like the thinnish blade and P28-like toe shaving.  Another problem is that it doesnt seem like the Pro 19 is a particularly popular curve so the OG Red builds are out of stock (and they dont make it in the new sticks).

Would anyone have any idea what I should try to basically get the Pro19 but with a wider face and more rounded/squarish toe.  I am researching all of the PSHS curves and am driving myself crazy.

Anyway, to add to the blade discussions for others perusing the thread I have tried the Pro71 (Malkin Pro), Pro1088 (Kane Pro), and Pro19. 

For the Pro71 I agree with others here that it is not necessarily a modified P88.  I didnt love it and that is coming from a P88 user.  Stickhandling was great, but there was just something off about the shot.

For the Pro1088 the stickhandling and passing was amazing, but the shooting was horrendous for me.  It was hard to get any velocity on the shot off the rush.  Accuracy was ok, but was rarely beating goalies clean.

 

Depending on how committed you are to these specs, You could always ask to have this curve custom (at a price) made for you. I had a curve made for me and was extremely happy with how it came out. It would also be best of you had an example that you could send of what you were looking for.

[flip12 726]

20 hours ago, apperos76 said:

For you curve geniuses here.

This has been discussed on the forum before, but I was a lifelong P88 user but I wanted something with a bit more loft and, because of another thread, I went with the Pro19 from PSHS.  And I love it!  Sort of exactly what I was looking for except for one thing - I do not like the thinnish blade and P28-like toe shaving.  Another problem is that it doesnt seem like the Pro 19 is a particularly popular curve so the OG Red builds are out of stock (and they dont make it in the new sticks).

Would anyone have any idea what I should try to basically get the Pro19 but with a wider face and more rounded/squarish toe.  I am researching all of the PSHS curves and am driving myself crazy.

Anyway, to add to the blade discussions for others perusing the thread I have tried the Pro71 (Malkin Pro), Pro1088 (Kane Pro), and Pro19. 

For the Pro71 I agree with others here that it is not necessarily a modified P88.  I didnt love it and that is coming from a P88 user.  Stickhandling was great, but there was just something off about the shot.

For the Pro1088 the stickhandling and passing was amazing, but the shooting was horrendous for me.  It was hard to get any velocity on the shot off the rush.  Accuracy was ok, but was rarely beating goalies clean.

 

If you want Pro19 without the toe rocker and thinnish blade face, that's just a classic P92. It's a pretty round toe, but you can always shave it down a bit. Might want to try the superglue with baking soda trick to toughen the exposed part up again.

[Dmitrakov 9]

2 hours ago, A2rhino said:

Depending on how committed you are to these specs, You could always ask to have this curve custom (at a price) made for you. I had a curve made for me and was extremely happy with how it came out. It would also be best of you had an example that you could send of what you were looking for.

What's the process like with PRO to make a custom curve? I know how it works with the big companies but just curious for future reference 

[A2rhino 76]

2 hours ago, Dmitrakov said:

What's the process like with PRO to make a custom curve? I know how it works with the big companies but just curious for future reference 

All I did was reach out to them and first asked if they had what I was looking for (like mine) not on the website. They didn't so I asked if they could do a custom mold. They said yes and told me the price. I agreed to it and sent them an extra stick that I had with the curve that I wanted. They sent me CGI photos of it for approval and then developed the blade. I cant remember how many weeks it took but I thought it was fair due to what I was wanting. 

I should add that the blade came out absolutely perfect. 

So now they have the curve and it is available upon request. That's why I would ask first if someone has already requested to have this made. 

Edited June 6 by A2rhino

[apperos76 0]

3 hours ago, flip12 said:

If you want Pro19 without the toe rocker and thinnish blade face, that's just a classic P92. It's a pretty round toe, but you can always shave it down a bit. Might want to try the superglue with baking soda trick to toughen the exposed part up again.

Yea I had that same feeling - got my hands on someone's P92 to compare and you're spot on here.  Gonna give one of the new PSHS sticks in a P92 a shot to see how that goes (believe it or not I never used one growing up, was always either a PM9 or P88 for me).

Thank you all for your replies.

Another one of the PSHS curves I've tried that I forgot to mention was the Draisaitl (again if anyone is looking for thoughts on any of the curves).  I was super intrigued by the size.  Just could not shoot with it in game situations.  Standing still in my driveway could pick where I wanted pretty easily, but impossible to get right on ice during games.  Everything else was fine.  The big difference I noticed, unsurprisingly, was that I got a piece of every single puck I was in the vicinity of in the d-zone, it really is a big blade.  My thinking for trying it out was that I liked the PM9 way back when which was relatively straight so might as well try it and it really didnt shoot the same for me.

[Yardelm 5]

On 6/4/2025 at 11:54 PM, Yardelm said:

Has anyone here used the Oates / Stamkos pro9291 curve? Thinking about giving that a try.

Edit: I’m also seeing the W77 curve on warrior sticks popping up that is supposed to be the Oates curve, from what I see, they are. Would be curious to hear if anyone has any insights into that?

No love for the pro9291 Stamkos / Oates curve? Curious on anyone’s experience?

[stick9 905]

anyone using the PRO21 McKinnon pattern? If so, thoughts?

[flip12 726]

13 minutes ago, stick9 said:

anyone using the PRO21 McKinnon pattern? If so, thoughts?

I have a W10-Gionta in my basement. The P88 flatness of the last 3/4 of the blade always threw my shooting off. I like the curve though. It's nice to stickhandle with. With a PM9 shape would be insane. Kovalchuk's pretty close to that though.

[Duke16 1]

On 6/6/2025 at 4:46 PM, Yardelm said:

No love for the pro9291 Stamkos / Oates curve? Curious on anyone’s experience?

I used it on the OG Red for awhile - nothing special imo.

It really is just a P92 that is flatter towards the middle and then very straight at the heel. That modification didn't do much for me. It wasn't a difficult adjustment or anything, but I prefer the way a regular P92 feels - more loft earlier helps random quick shots come off nicer and I think saucer passes feel better with it as well, including on the backhand

The main Oatesy benefit is probably a larger backhand sweetspot for backhand shooting specifically, but I think the P92 is just fine. It probably offers better control if you do a lot of your work at the heel of the blade too since it's very straight for the first few inches at the heel.

I've also tried the Zegras, Caufield, and Laine in an attempt to use more toe, but I always come back to a regular P92. It's just so versatile. I find toe curve feels great stickhandling, but really reward good puck placement/mechanics when shooting, and it can go poorly otherwise. Maybe Ive just used the P92 so long and can't properly adjust to anything with the same well-rounded results, but I like that I can always pick spots and get solid shots off without thinking about the puck placement on the blade or the mechanics of my shot. I always shoot off the toe when I have time to think about it, but I'm definitely more prone to whiffing with toe curves in the random/quick shooting scenarios.

I think the perfect curve would have the depth of a Zegras/P92 exact midpoint and the blade shape of the Laine in lie 5.5 or 6. Until that exists, P92 it is. PRO has the P92 with Laine blade shape on the customizer (which I was one of the main pushers of), but Lie 6.5 is too high for me to seriously switch to it.

Edited June 8 by Duke16

[start_today 778]

On 6/5/2025 at 3:20 PM, apperos76 said:

For the Pro71 I agree with others here that it is not necessarily a modified P88.  I didnt love it and that is coming from a P88 user.  Stickhandling was great, but there was just something off about the shot.

 

Yeah, his description of both Malkin blades as being “very similar” to a p88 is bizarre. It simply isn’t, and that’s super obvious side by side, and I imagine leads to a lot of disappoint. It’s like the curve on the 712 starts more towards the toe enough that it changes your shooting mechanics. And yeah, for a lot of people who aren’t nerding out on this stuff “similar to a p88” is probably true, but he gets so in the weeds talking about he similarities and differences in other curves, it’s weird he’s lazy about that description. He also seems to kinda hate p88s as old fashioned, so maybe that’s it haha. 

I keep searching for the p88 variant that will make me happy and shoot harder and more accurate and be a more complete and the answer I keep coming back to is…….just the regular p88. There is absolutely 100% not a life lesson there and I refuse to learn anything, and will continue to spend money chasing the dragon.