With so much to choose from, finding a curve pattern and flex value that fits your game and style of play can be a huge challenge. It's always especially difficult putting your faith into a curve pattern without having the opportunity to test it out on the ice before purchasing. 

For many players, there are a few patterns that have remained a staple throughout their playing careers, allowing them to identify the specs they need rather quickly. For others, the process may include endlessly searching on hockey forums and blogs, hoping that the information found is trustworthy and valuable. 

For COLT Hockey sticks in particular, we've made a point to ensure that the most popular patterns are always offered, with an ability to expand our selection when player demand calls for it. The all new COLT 3 product line is no exception, with additional curve patterns set to be introduced throughout the season (all you have to do is ask). 

For now, here's a quick guide for the players having some difficulty finding the right specs.

FINDING THE RIGHT CURVE PATTERN

We'll stick to the most popular for now. If you're about to pre-order a COLT 3 and can't find the pattern you're looking for, just shoot us an email at info@colthockey.com and we'll notify you once it arrives. 

COLT 3 PATTERN: C92 

The most popular pattern in the game. Great for puck control, quick release and controlled shooting. Boasts a 5.5" lie, 1/2" depth, with an open face and mid-toe curve. 

Similar to: Eason's Hall/Sakic (E3) Curve, Bauer's Backstrom/Naslund (P92) Curve, CCM's Nugent-Hopkins (P19) Curve, Reebok's Crosby (P87A) Curve, and Warrior's Henrique/Kopitar (W03) Curve. 

COLT 3 PATTERN: C88 

Great for stick handling and quick release shooting. If your game is dependent on the trusty wrist shot, then this is your go-to. Boasts a 5" lie, 9/16" depth, with a slightly open face and mid curve. 

Similar to: Eason's Iginla (E36) Curve, Bauer's Kane/Lindross (P88) Curve, CCM's Hossa/Thornton (P40) Curve, Reebok's Perron/Hedman (P40) Curve, and Warrior's Zetterberg/Kovalchuk (W88) Curve.

COLT 3 PATTERN: C09

Improves overall puck-feel by keeping more blade on the ice (that's why it's great for puck handling). Enjoy going forehand, backhand on breakaways? This pattern is calling your name. Boasts a 5" lie, 3/8" depth, with a closed face and mid-heel curve.

Similar to: Eason's Cammallari/Zetterberg (E4) Curve, Bauer's Stamkos/Malkin (PM9) Curve, CCM's Couturier Curve, Reebok's Duchene/Hamrlik (P42) Curve, and Warrior's Burrows/Savard (W01) Curve.

COLT 3 PATTERN: C91

Designed for shooting off the heel, leading to heavy shots. If keeping your shot low and hard is vital to your game (especially if your team offence is built on generating deflections in front of the crease) the C91 pattern may provide a huge advantage. Boasts a 6" lie, 1/2" depth, with an open face and heel curve.

Similar to: Eason's Parise/Drury (P6) Curve, Bauer's Stall (P91A) Curve, Reebok's Phaneuf/Spezza (P36A) Curve, and Warrior's Granlund/Kovalev (W05) Curve.

COLT 3 PATTERN: C02

Like the C91, the C02 is designed for off the heel shooting. Great for slap shots and one-times from the top of the dots, and crisp, pin-point passing out of the corners. Boasts a 6" lie, 1/2" depth, with an open face and heel curve.

Similar to: Eason's Getzlaf/Lidstrom (E5) Curve, Bauer's Kesler/Kronwall (P02) Curve, CCM's Burns Curve, and Warrior's Lidstrom (W02) Curve.

COLT 3 PATTERN: C28

Only one word can really describe this pattern: wild. The fastest growing pattern in hockey and used at the elite level to keep the puck on the toe, leading to insane quick release shooting, extreme precision and accuracy (once you get the hang of it), and, of course, the occasional toe-drag of epic proportions. Boasts a 5" lie, 1/2" depth, with an ope face and toe curve.

Similar to: Eason's Open Toe (E28) Curve, Bauer's Toews (P14) and Ovechkin (P08) Curves, CCM's Landeskog (P46) Curve, and Reebok's Bergeron (P46) Curve.

DETERMINING THE RIGHT FLEX VALUE

Too often do players use the wrong flex in-game. Sure, it may seem like no big deal (the majority of hockey's all-time greats probably didn't know what flex meant when they were playing), but unlike good ol' lumber, composite hockey sticks (and nano-composite hybrids like the COLT) leverage flex to amplify quick release and shooting power.

When you're playing with an elite hockey stick of the wrong flex value, you're only increasing the potential for sub-optimal performance (and, in the worst cases, an increased probably of total stick failure). 

Here are a few rules of thumb you should follow (special note: COLT 3 hockey sticks that are 65 flex are offered in senior shaft lengths, but can be cut down to size to accommodate intermediate players):