Tweaking your gear can change your game

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Before everyone looses their mind, if you dont realize this is a parody of reddit comments, I dunno what to tell you... :)

[@SevnZeroFive]

Tf7 skates or cat 5 ??

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@SevnZeroFive true skates don’t fit my skating style I didn’t like the fit so can’t help sorry

[@jakecogger4062]

I felt like you made this video talking about me. I literally just switched from a P92 to a P28 and put in 6 goals in the first beer league game I played 😂 not only is my shot 100 x’s better, but the lie on the p28 suits my game better since I like a slightly longer stick so my puck handling also improved. Total game changer!

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Jake it was for you! But seriously most people that struggle shooting are using a p92. I chose it for fun as I had other jokes written for the other curves too, but a lot of people ask me for shooting advice and first thing I always ask is what curve they are using. Usually it’s a p92. The 28 is just a better shooting curve.

[@jjronzoni2640]

This video is gold and I totally agree, just started experimenting with my gear a tweaking what I use for sticks. Was using a P02 Warrior 100 flex, after picking up several other sticks I bumped down to a 90 flex P92 FT4 Pro and AS-V Pro. Absolutely loving it and glad I tried something new.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Awesome to hear!! Appreciate the comment and seeing what you’re rocking

[@mattiasfucik5014]

Personally, I love the old Sakic curve. Makes everything easy and doesn't mess up my aim. (P28, ovie curve etc, works well for slapshots.) One of the main benefits of both is that they are always avalible. I love a nice custom curve but... I also like being able to try out different flex, kick points and models. Using the stock/go to curve makes this very easy. Also makes it easier if you need to grab a cheap stick. Lucky preference I guess. 😊

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Yeah curves are crazy subjective. I can’t use a sakic to save my life, but the p28 is best of retail but definitely isn’t best curve. It’s to bad they don’t make a few more options but I get it from a sales perspective

[@bfish9700]

100%, I have so much gear in my garage that just didn't feel right. I'm relatively strong but short, started with a 100 flex, now I'm down to a 65 flex, whippier stick works for me.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

That’s crazy you started at 100 and now at 65. What a difference eh.

[@bfish9700]

@@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews I'm back up to like a 79 now. Got the Rekker in 75 flex and cut it.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@bfish9700 I never tried Rekker below 85 but bet it would be sweet

[@vess1962]

Thank you for your constant research and advice. Thanks to it, I have found the optimum gear that works for me.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

That’s great to hear! And thanks for your support on the channel

[@arkirch]

Totally agree. One of the biggest improvements to my game was actually getting new shoulders. Went from NXGs to FT4 Pros and the difference was night and day. Felt 10lbs lighter, better mobility, more comfortable. The smallest gear tweaks can make the biggest impacts. On a different note. Have you ever tried Marsblades? Was wondering if they were as good as advertised and if they actually helped with on-ice performance. Keep up the great work!!

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Thank you, the surpreme nxgs were so large feeling. The ft4 is a huge upgrade. I haven’t tried the mars blade they seem like hype to me that wouldn’t do much

[@Zednix]

I've used a p88 for a long time now and I have tried the P28 and P92 blades. I like the P92 but I can't do anything with these new toe-curve sticks. P88 gives me generally everything I need, great slapshots that stay below the belt line, great backhands and decent wristers. I just like to try something else to see if I can find a new gem. Recently on a whim I picked up 2 heel-curves just to try them since you can't find them in stores. The heel curves have been interesting but I will go back to the P88 once these wear out or blow up. I don't mind them but my backhand has suffered and my slapshots from the point have been unreliable. The p28 was very frustrating to try and use and ultimately I retired the one I had and it just lives in my garage lol.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

It’s definitely that one style of shooting and if you don’t like it you don’t like it for sure. P88 Tried and true !

[@mackwrx]

Recently switched to taping stick like Pastrnak and really liked it. More consistent so far and can feel the puck a little better. Slight gear tweak at zero cost. Well, for now. :)

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

It’s weird how small stuff matters though if my stick isn’t taped right I can feel it!

[@hawk12983]

If I don't use flame tape I can't hit the net. Put the flame tape on and it's a guaranteed hatty.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@hawk12983 lol 😂

[@alexeyorlov4573]

@@hawk12983 What about the pink one?

[@hawk12983]

@@alexeyorlov4573 I go pink skate laces to increase my speed.

[@nofearmx3601]

After years in competition Archery its definitely Archer over Arrow haha. You're video is 100% accurate though, been playing for just a year now and already changed multiple sticks, skates and gear.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

What did you settle on for your gear and what did you start with?

[@nofearmx3601]

@@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews I Started with CCM 9370 skates, Bauer 2s elbows and AS3 (100flex 28curve) stick. Now Bauer Ultrasonics/CCM ASv pro, CCM AS1 elbows and Trigger 6/7pro(85flex 29 curve).

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@nofearmx3601 nice some solid upgrades

[@mattm1296]

Completely agree with this. You got a lot of new players that buy matching gear just for the sake of matching. Buy what FITS and works well for you. No one cares if you match and it’s not like you’re getting sponsored. It may take more time to get things dialed in, but once you do, you realize how much of a difference all those little tweaks make

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

For sure! What’s funny cause I was one of those guys that matched on my power stuff never trying anything else in the day I picked up a CCM stick I was like where is the been all my life

[@donairsauce2496]

i've heard one of the reasons Patrick Marleau retired is because reebok/ccm stopped making the pumps about 8 years ago and Patty would get his agent to look for pumps and buy as many pairs as he could but i guess last year his stockpile of reeboks ran out

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Pros and there gear eh

[@PrinceOfIonia]

Hi! You are an awesome Hockey channel! I just got done playing in the USPHL Premier league (had to end my season early due to a family health crisis unfortunately) and your advice can still even be applied to those tiers of competitive hockey! What curve do you use personally? Could you make a video explaining all the popular curves with the benefits and cons to each one? I think that would help a lot of people out in beer league. I'm a smaller guy but I play defense so I like having a long stick with a heavy shot. I've been trying out curve after curve to see if I can find the perfect one, especially one to improve my shot power and accuracy. I've tried the P92, P28, P90TM, the P88, and the W71. I also see a lot of beer leaguers running the old PM9 curve. Any advice?

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Hey. Thanks for the kind words. Sorry your season was cut short. I use a p28 as in my opinion it’s the best shooting retail curve. It’s not the best shooting curve there are many others pro curves and others that are better but when testing retail sticks I have to stick with p28. I can think about a curve video sure. My personal favourite curve for shooting was the p14 and a p14/p28 hybrid which is available on prostock hockey sticks. The p14 was the ultimate shooter. I used it at retail for 10 years in bauers before it was discountinued. Curve choice always comes down to what gives you the best results on your shooting style. There’s no way I could use a p88 or pm9 for shooting. I can’t even use a p29. So although I can’t be like one of those curves is better than the other all I know is when I have the p14 my shot is not touchable it’s just that good. When it’s a p28 it’s still elite but just not quite as good and if I use anything else I see a significant reduction is velocity, release accuracy. So you just need to compare those curves and be like what gives me the best results and stick with it

[@PrinceOfIonia]

@@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews I can find the P14, but only on pro-stock websites or if I custom order a stick from Bauer. I've never used it before, do you think it's a good choice for someone with a long stick or do you think sticking with the retail P28 is better because longer sticks tend to be better with a lower lie and there's also the fact that I can buy it much easier from different brands.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@PrinceOfIonia it would depend on your choice of stick I prefer retails sticks so I have to stick with the p28. I don’t want to get a p14 anymore for my gamer because it has to be custom and I can’t use it testing for my channel so I’ll just be using something different and may have a biased approach if I’m used to my p14 again. So if you are ok grabbing a custom stick I would try a p14 but if you are like me stick with the p28 at retail. Also lie depends on your game I prefer longer sticks as well I’m not a stick handler but a shooter and prefer to have that bigger whip and flex on a longer stick. I can’t stick handle to save my life so don’t worry about lie for that

[@hawk12983]

I put tint on my bubble shield so opponents can't read my eyes.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Smart af

[@qmechanic]

I don't think the P92 is that bad of a curve. I think it's a really good starting point for a lot of people. I started with P88 and I was having trouble with my shot, so I switched to P92. Currently, I use the Benn curve from Bauer customs, and when I have more time to experiment, I'm also going to try a Bauer Sync P90TM that I have. Both the Benn and P90TM are more modern variations on the P92. I should probably try the P28 at some point. I'm guessing I would probably not like it because it's really different from the P92, but I have been working on my snap shot, so P28 might be an interesting curve. I find it pretty difficult to change curves at this point, after playing hockey for over 15 years.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Yeah the p92 variants I find are much better curves. The p92 is just a bit to far from current shooting for me. It’s one of those does sorta work not really type thing. But it your comfortable than that’s all that matters!

[@iandillon2062]

Holy shit! The 00’s jokes are perfection!

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Yes. Yes they are

[@DumbOrangeFrog]

yeah my ultrasonics arent very fitting but my cheap reebok 6k are so good but the holder is broken

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Ah man sucks when something you like is toast

[@louiefriesen]

Yeah curve is really important. Personally I can't shoot with P28, I'm pretty decent with P92, and really good with P88. I can just get so much more power, and way better accuracy, with P88 vs other curves, which is why it's my go-to curve.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

I’m with you on the smaller blade if a p14 was retail I would have never changed!

[@CompletelyInadequate]

what if you’re new to the game and don’t really know your play style just yet?! also I’m playing inline/roller hockey, does that change your recommendations? love the unbiased videos, thanks you.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Answered as best I can on your other comment :)

[@rickyhine3597]

Always found warrior sticks, bauer nexus skates, bauer pants but ccm for everything else works for me. My wife hates my stick collection. I have so many sticks when i buy a new one, i just hide it in the stack of sticks and she never knows.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Haha that’s amazing. Sell that stuff on sideline or face book and pick up a few bucks for new stuff!!

[@mhicaoidh1]

She knows. She's just not saying anything.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@mhicaoidh1 yeah my wife the same

[@xICRA1G]

This video should be helpful but I suck at so many things that it can’t just be the gear. I’ve tried changing sticks loads of times but I can’t get one that suits me

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Well that’s just harsh on yourself, sounds like you haven’t found “the one” for sure. Skills are important of course but to many guys running around with Sherwood 5030 sticks and Graf skates from 1980 and wonder why they struggle.

[@thecount1001]

i tried the P28 (normally a P88 guy, moderate curve, also known as Kane/Sakic, etc) and hated it. had to give the stick away. i would call it a radical curve. if you've been playing for 30 years or more, it's unlikely you can adapt to this kind of curve IMO.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Curve choice is so subjective and for everyone who likes a p88 someone hates it and same can be said for every retail curve. It’s most important to try them,see what works best for you and utilize that. Least you tried it which is all you can do

[@ianrankin4701]

I have been playing for a few years, any advice on sticks? looking for something that is good in writer's puck control have not found a kick point that I like, so is a Hybrid kick point the best bet for me ?

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

So much goes into sticks have you watched my flex video and kick point videos? You have to break down a lot of your game for me to help :) what type of shot you take mostly? How strong are you? How much money do you have to budget for a stick?

[@ianrankin4701]

@@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews I barely can flex the 85 flex TRUE SBP 6.0 sticks one is a mid kick the other is a low kick, I take all kinds of shots minus one timers and slap shots I wouod say wrist and back hands are what I take most

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@ianrankin4701 I usually recommend a very low flex for beginners learning to shoot properly. I would be going to the 65 flex senior in a low kick stick that is very easy to use like the trigger line or Rekker line. The biggest one will be flex. As a beginner you want to be able to flex a stick extremely easy so you can work on technique. Next stick I would grab a 65 and work on shooting with proper technique.

[@ianrankin4701]

@@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews Thank you for tue advice

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@ianrankin4701 no worries good luck

[@GeeVideos]

This video came at the perfect timing cause I've been considering upgrading my current 2x skates, tried asking on reddit and it's true, there's tons of hate for anything high end or gear related questions. Was told there would be no difference between a 2x and hyperlites in beer league, how can that be possible? lol

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

I saw your post. Almost responded then didn’t. The responses you will get will not be helpful at all. The hyperlites are amazing skates. I’ll never go back to not top end skates

[@GeeVideos]

@@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews haha you recognized the post, yeah I was trying to ask people whom specifically upgraded to hyperlites for beer league not just "archer arrow" comments...

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@GeeVideos the hyperlite is the best skate I’ve used. Yeah I’m not a fan of the Reddit bs most of the time

[@GeeVideos]

@@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews did you upgrade from a 2x pro or which skate did you go from to the hyperlite? And did you find you were faster and it improved your game?

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@GeeVideos I had 2xpro, then hyperlites; then Machs: the hyperlite being the nicest skate I’ve had. The hyperlite is an amazingly comfy skate and I love the forward flex. It’s been a solid year since the 2xpro but the hyperlite is just a great skate

[@joelhassell8126]

This is all good, and I appreciate the idea. But how in the world do you implement these "try out different _______ " without spending a boat load of money? I spent $1000 on new True custom skates a couple years back; but that was after having skated on my old Graf's for like 17 years. How do I test out new sticks on the ice without purchasing them first? I don't see any adverts for "fitting" days from manufacturers. And even according to you, testing them in store is a bad idea because it's on synthetic ice, the stick isn't taped properly, not wearing the right gloves, the stick isn't at the right height, etc. I simply can't afford to go out and buy $350 sticks just to try. Even spending $160 on an old model prostock just to find out it doesn't work for me sounds terrible... still appreciate the content!

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

You are right in that regard. It’s best to look at your gear and see what you like and don’t like and make tweaks next time, based on some information you gather in regards to that particular thing. Say if you feel your shot could improve and your not getting best results with a low kick trying a mid kick next stick purchase instead of staying with your tradionAl choice or asking a team mate to shoot a few with a stick they have that interests you. But skates you are correct it was a 1500$ cost for me to realize I skate better in hyperlites than Machs. It just means I’m not going to be chasing the next surpreme model moving forward. Hockey gear is so subjective but man people sure aren’t helpful when someone posts like how do you like the “as5 stick” and people just respond with expensive, waste of money etc. doesn’t help anyone.

[@Pau1ywog5]

I disagree. All sorts of deals on Sideline Swap and eBay for second-hand gear. I regularly try sticks for little to no cost. That's right, sometimes by the time I buy it, try it and sell it, I breakeven entirely. You look hard enough/are patient enough, you can get top of the line skates to try off Sideline and sell them for a very small loss. CCM and True have trials now for their skates, also.I tried their whole lineup for maybe $15 because of shipping.

[@Taooflu]

To be honest I’ve never heard that expression. However I do think gear is supremely important, you should have brought up skates… ever play with skates that don’t fit right or hurt? Sticks are more nuanced I think, I can do well with most sticks within a certain range except for mid kicks.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

I had mx3 skates I ditched cause my feet hurt so bad. Best decision ever

[@henrikforsberg9465]

Hey quick question, do you have a quick initial thought on the Novium Pro? Could get a Novium, FT5 or Trigger 7 fairly cheap this week

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Those are all different styles of sticks so depends on your game. The stick is ok but I’m concerned about durability

[@henrikforsberg9465]

@@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews Thank you very much, yeah I know they are different sticks, normally I'm a low kick guy, but I figured I try somthing new, so if the Novium isn't something special, I will go with the FT5 and/or the Trigger, was also interested in the LX Pro, but it isn't on sale unfortunately. Thank you!

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@henrikforsberg9465 ok cool, yeah if you a low kick guy I wouldn’t go novium it’s definitely a mid kicker and I’m not 100% on it yet. The trigger 7 is great as is ft5 pro which is a nice happy medium and maintains that lower kick feel with power I always think it’s best of both

[@henrikforsberg9465]

@@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews Thanks for your input, much appreciated

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@henrikforsberg9465 no prob!

[@fatmonster9176]

You need to do an ASV pro review

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

It’s coming I’ve had the stick for a few weeks

[@danielcrossthwaite605]

can you you do a review on the ccm AS-V pro?

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

releases today

[@Lazyworker123]

Small preview of the novium?

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

I try not to give to much away! Should release in next 7-10 days need some more game time with it for footage etc

[@Lazyworker123]

@@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews aw come on just a quick positive or negative?

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@Lazyworker123 well if I just say positive misses a lot of what I do in reviews so I’ll leave at positive for now ;)

[@BlakeKubeska]

Totally agree with you on this. Too many times ppl are given generic “go practice” advice when all they really need are gear recommendations! Do you play at ScotiaBarn? Looks like 8 Rinks

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

I know people ask what gear to recomend and they just get go practice you don’t need gear! Like what?! Yes I do. You play there as well? What team and div?

[@BlakeKubeska]

@@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews yessir! Currently in the ASHL weekend league. On a team called “Rice on Ice” haha. I think I saw your team play a couple Sunday’s ago. You guys have those LA Kings style jerseys that have the Red Wings logo?

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@BlakeKubeska yep! Small world that’s awesome. Sweet name by the way lol

[@sirkaleb9587]

Hey Boomer or anyone else that might be able to answer… I’m 5’6” settled on a 55flex, p28/w28 curve but still can’t find a kick point I like. Grip measures 30” at the widest on a Covert intermediate full length. •😮Considering my grip and current stick stats what kickpoint could you recommend next? (I do have to save to buy my next stick for the season so I can’t exactly buy 2 different at once) Thanks 🙏 I also have a Alpha DX4 in 75flex/w28curve and a Jetspeed345 in the same specs but I can’t really tell if I like those kickpoints cuz I can’t flex them much. Might as well be a Sherwood wooden 😂

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Have you watched my kick point vid? Maybe able to help you choose. But kick point is all shot type you use.

[@sirkaleb9587]

@@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews I have seen it and I haven’t really narrowed down my shot type yet. When I practice form, my grip is usually mid and shot is low/ quick sweep which gives a great shot. At speed in a game I’m low but more snappy & hands are closer together with a weaker shot based on the few clips I got. I’m only a sub btw.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@sirkaleb9587 have a good look at what you are doing in game when under pressure or with the puck with time and where you resort to is best way. I find space and have time for big slappers so I gravitate to mid kicks. It’s tough to help without video of someone etc that’s why I tried to make my kick point flex and shooting vids as a way to help everyone break it down. I would grab a couple friends sticks if possible and ask if you have a couple shots as you describe and see which gives you best result

[@swedishgoaliephenom2252]

what did u think of the warrior covert qre10?

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

It was just ok and basically same stick as the qr5 whippy lacked shot power. Just better low kick sticks on market

[@scott88]

There are guys on my team that use an old Easton Aluminum sticks. I mean they are great sticks, as they will never break. But man are they way way way too heavy. There is no way I would ever find myself on the ice with one. Lugging that thing up and down the ice....no thanks. Don't get me started on skates. Look...if you have old Bauers with the Nike symbol....its time to find some new skates.....Classics are great and all....but that extra weight from your stick and skates isn't helping.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Haha yeah I always look around drop ins and stuff and see that in the end the better players have better gear. For some reason people can’t put this together

[@DougieFresh13]

p28 85f ft3 pro??

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Yes. Also have a 75 flex one. Fav stick in the last few years

[@alexeyorlov4573]

"it's the archer not the arrow" , but shows us THE BOW 😄

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Gotta shoot it with something see the whole slang term is useless

[@alexeyorlov4573]

@@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews I agree and disagree with it. For a beginner it is really doesn't matter what stick flex, lie, kick point and curve he is going to use. At that point it is really important to concentrate on technique and only after that proceed with preferences. I had really poor shot mechanics and only after whole summer of off ice practice I started to understand how it works.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@alexeyorlov4573 did you use a stick that was to stiff or to flexy or wierd or wrong kick point to wrong length and curve while practicing? That’s what I’m getting at. The technique is so important but if you’re using the toy bow and arrow it’s pretty irrelevant is what I’m getting at

[@alexeyorlov4573]

@@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews In the very beginning I did, and looked like a clown :) Slowly moved towards proper gear.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@alexeyorlov4573 awesome and appreciate the comments

[@questionhouse303]

It’s the Indian. Gear helps, got to know what you’re doing though.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Careful new phrase is archer haha

[@bleve97]

"Never read the comments" (irony noted ;) )

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Haha

[@bleve97]

@@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews I do commentary for some of our local leagues, and ... just don't ever read the comments!

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

@@bleve97 it’s true sometimes they can be pretty…interesting. But it’s what happens when you put yourself out there so I have fun with it

[@joshyurko4621]

Mod squad hockey seems to be more helpful

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Yes much better and in tune with gear choices.

[@BlueFlash25]

Man, I didn´t know that Marchand, Matthews, Stamkos, and like 40% of NHL forwards use outdated stick curves, with all seriousness I know that was not the point but you have to admit that your delivery was also quite bad.

[@beerleaguebumhockeyreviews]

Comparing a professional hockey player to a beer leaguer for this is not indicative of the results we are trying to achieve. An NHLer as everyone says “can score or shoot with anything” however their gear is so tweaked to them specifically in every aspect and they practice and play with it literally 4-8 hours per day. It’s just not comparable. The idea here is as a beer leaguer to choose the gear retail that makes things as easy as possible. Just because Matthews may use a p92 doesn’t mean Joe average can and shoot well, the idea here is a 28 makes shooting easier. Lifting the puck, whatever. By your logic we should all use Ryan o Riley’s curve because he can shoot with a toe kick. Because an NHL player does.