Hockey Stick Curve Profiles Explained

Walk into any pro shop and you'll see blade codes like P28, P92, P88 scattered across stick racks. Most players just grab what their favourite NHL player uses. That's not the worst strategy — but understanding what those curves actually do will help you make a smarter choice.

The Three Things a Curve Affects

Puck control — how the puck sits on your blade during stickhandling
Shot trajectory — how high or low the puck naturally leaves your blade
Backhand — how easy or hard it is to lift the puck on your off-hand side

Breaking Down the Key Specs

Every curve has three characteristics:

Toe curve vs. mid curve vs. heel curve — where the bend starts along the blade
Open face vs. closed face — the angle of the blade face at rest
Depth — how dramatic the curve is (shallow, mid, deep)

The Most Common Profiles

NN28 (Toe curve, open face)

The most popular curve in hockey right now. Deep toe curve with an open face. Great for toe drags, quick releases, and getting the puck off the ice fast. Backhands are harder. Used by players like McDavid and Matthews.

Best for: Forwards who stickhandle a lot and want a high, quick release.

NN92 (Mid curve, open face)

A versatile all-around curve. More forgiving than the P28 on backhands while still giving you a good release. One of the most popular curves for recreational and beer league players.

Best for: Players who want balance between shooting and puck control.

NN88 (Mid curve, slightly closed face)

A classic. Slightly more closed face than the P92, which helps keep shots lower. Better for players who want a harder, flatter shot.

Best for: Defensemen and players who prefer a low, heavy shot.

NN91 / NN02 Heel curve

Less common but preferred by some playmakers. Heel curves give you a bigger “pocket” for receiving passes and make backhand passes easier. Shot trajectory tends to be lower.

Best for: Playmakers and centers who prioritize passing and puck reception.

Open vs. Closed Face: What It Means in Practice

An open face naturally lifts the puck — great for getting it off the ice quickly, harder to keep shots low. A closed face does the opposite: easier to keep shots on the ice, harder to elevate quickly.

Which Curve Should You Use?

Want to dangle and score highlight goals? → NN28
Want a reliable all-around stick? → NN92
Play the point or want a heavy low shot? → NN88
Prioritize passing and playmaking? → Heel curve

→ Explore all available curves on our Find Your Curve page and build your custom stick.

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