P28 Curve Explained: The McDavid Curve for Snipers & Danglers
The P28 is arguably the most hyped blade curve in modern hockey – the pattern of danglers, snipers and quick-release artists. In retail it's often simply called the "McDavid curve," and in the NHL offensive stars like Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, David Pastrnak and Nikita Kucherov reach for exactly this toe-heavy profile. But is the P28 the right curve for you? In this guide we break the P28 down completely: technique, feel, strengths, weaknesses, comparisons with other top curves – plus a self-check that tells you in 30 seconds whether the P28 suits your game.
What exactly is the P28?
The P28 is the toe curve par excellence: an open pattern whose curve clearly sits toward the toe, with a fairly rounded toe shape. This combination makes it the specialist for quick, high-lifting shots off the toe and for creative puck handling. Together with the P88 (Kane) and the P92/P29 it's one of the three most-searched curves in the world.
| Property | P28 |
|---|---|
| Curve type | Toe curve |
| Face | Open |
| Toe shape | Round |
| Curve depth | Medium to deep (at the toe) |
| Lie | 5.5 |
| Ideal for | Quick release, toe drags, dangles, lifting the puck |
| NHL reference | Matthews, Eichel, Pastrnak, Kucherov (often called the "McDavid curve") |
The technique behind the curve
To understand why the P28 plays the way it does, it's worth looking at three features:
1. Toe curve. Because the curve sits at the toe, the puck "snaps" off the toe on release. That produces the lightning-fast, hard-to-read release the P28 is famous for – perfect for surprising goalies on the move.
2. Open face. The open face lifts the puck almost on its own. A blessing for quick shots into the top half of the net – but flat, hard passes and slap shots demand more wrist control.
3. Round toe. The rounded toe is every dangler's best friend: toe drags, puck rolls and tight stickhandling moves are more controlled than with a squared-off toe.
If you want to dig deeper into lie, face and curve depth, you'll find everything in our guide "Which blade is right for me?".
How does the P28 play on the ice?
The P28 is a specialist – not an all-rounder. It shines on offense and in return demands a bit more technique elsewhere. Here's how we rate the individual disciplines:
Rated by the ABSHockey team based on blade geometry and hands-on feedback. 5 = outstanding, 1 = weak.
Who is the P28 ideal for – and who not?
The honest answer: the P28 rewards technique and punishes sloppiness. It's perfect if you think offense and define your shot through release speed rather than pure power.
| ✅ The P28 suits you if … | ❌ Probably not if … |
|---|---|
| you're a forward who shoots a lot on the move | you're a defenseman who needs hard, flat slap shots |
| you love a quick, high release | you rely heavily on your backhand |
| you like to dangle and play toe drags | you're a beginner looking for a forgiving curve |
| you often lift the puck over a down goalie | you have to receive lots of hard, flat passes |
If you're just starting to experiment with curves, the balanced P88 (Kane) is often the easier entry point – you can "grow into" the P28 once your technique is dialed in.
🏒 Self-check: which type of player are you?
Expand the type that fits you best – and see whether the P28 is your curve:
🎯 "I'm a sniper & dangler – quick finishes, lots of moves"
The P28 is your match. Quick release, toe drags and lifting the puck are exactly its signature skills. Configure a SOYUZ with P28 →
🧊 "I'm a defenseman – hard slap shots & a reliable backhand matter"
Probably not the P28. For flat slap shots and a strong backhand, the P88 is the smarter choice.
🎬 "I'm a playmaker – build-up play & precise passing"
Borderline. If you pass a lot, the rounder P92/P29 is often more comfortable. But if you also want to finish dangerously, the P28 is worth a try.
🌱 "I'm a beginner – I want a simple, forgiving curve"
Not the P28 yet. Start with the balanced P88 and switch to the P28 later, once your technique is solid.
The P28 compared to other top curves
No curve exists in a vacuum. Here's how the P28 stacks up against the two other most-played profiles:
| Feature | P28 | P92 / P29 | P88 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curve type | Toe | Mid | Mid |
| Face | Open | Open | Neutral |
| Release speed | Very fast | Fast | Medium |
| Backhand | Demanding | Decent | Very good |
| Difficulty | High | Medium | Low |
| Ideal for | Snipers & danglers | All-round shooter | All-rounders & beginners |
P28 vs. P92 / P29
The P92 (Bauer) and the P29 (CCM) describe practically the same profile: a true mid curve with an open face, round and versatile – more forgiving on slap shots and pass reception than the P28. The P28 shifts everything toward the toe: faster release, better toe dragging, but more demanding on the backhand. In short: P92/P29 = versatile shooter, P28 = specialized sniper. Good to know: at SOYUZ you get the P29 on every model, the P92 not on all of them – so if you're after this mid curve, the P29 is usually the easier choice. More in our direct P29-vs-P28 comparison and in the profile of Nico Hischier's stick.
P28 vs. P88
The P88 (Kane) is the most balanced curve of all: neutral face, top backhand, easy to play. The P28 sacrifices exactly that balance for offensive peak performance. Beginners are better off with the P88; those looking for the next step move to the P28.
Advantages of the P28 at a glance
- Lightning-fast, hard-to-read release off the toe
- Outstanding puck handling – toe drags & dangles come off with control
- The puck lifts effortlessly (lacrosse move, top-corner shots)
- A weapon for offensive forwards who finish on the move
Possible downsides
- Demanding backhand – needs clean technique
- Hard, flat slap shots are harder to control
- The open face takes practice on pass reception
- Tends to be too specialized for beginners
How to configure your SOYUZ with a P28 curve
At ABSHockey you build your stick fully to measure – including the P28 curve. After the curve you decide on the two other big variables:
👉 Flex: How much stiffness suits your weight and shooting style? Our flex guide explains it.
👉 Length: Find the right stick length in our length guide.
👉 Overview: All specs in a nutshell in the ABSHockey stick guide.
Ready for your P28?
Configure your SOYUZ in Senior, Intermediate, Junior or Youth – curve, flex, length and lettering all up to you.
Configure SOYUZ Senior → Intermediate JuniorOur verdict on the P28
The P28 isn't a curve for everyone – and that's exactly its strength. For offensive players who become dangerous through release speed, handling and creativity, there's hardly a better choice. If, on the other hand, you value a rock-solid backhand, hard flat slap shots or an easy entry point, you're better served by the P88 or P92/P29. Our tip: if your game is offensive and you're willing to invest a little technique, you'll love the P28.
Frequently asked questions about the P28 curve
Is the P28 really the "McDavid curve"?
In retail it's often called that, because many toe-heavy offensive stars – Matthews, Eichel, Pastrnak, Kucherov – play a P28 profile. More important than the name is whether the profile suits your game.
Is the P28 suitable for beginners?
Not really. The open face and the toe curve demand technique – especially on the backhand and pass reception. Beginners are usually better off with the balanced P88.
What's the difference between the P28 and the P92/P29?
The P28 is a toe curve (curve at the toe, quick release), the P92/P29 a mid curve (more central, rounder, more versatile). P92 and P29 are simply the Bauer and CCM names for the same mid profile.
Which flex suits the P28?
The curve doesn't change your flex choice – that depends on weight, height and shooting style. Details in the flex guide.
Is the P28 good for slap shots?
For hard, flat slap shots it's not the first choice – the open face lifts the puck. But for quick, high-placed shots on the move it's superb.
