P86 / PRO9246 Curve: Who It’s Really Made For

The P86 or PRO9246 curve is an exciting option for players who do not want to choose strictly between the P92 and the P28. Technically speaking, it combines the blade shape of a P92 with a more pronounced toe hook in the style of a P28. Pro stock descriptions often sum it up as a “P28-like curve with a P92 blade shape” or a “deep P92,” and it is also typically listed with Lie 6.

If you want to find out more generally which hockey blade curve is right for you, this guide gives you a very good overview. The P86 / PRO9246 is aimed primarily at players who want something more offensive than a classic all-round curve.

What exactly is the P86 / PRO9246?

The P86 is not a classic mainstream retail curve like the P92, P88 or P28, but rather a more modern hybrid option. At its core, it follows the logic of the P92 family: a mid curve that shifts slightly toward the toe, an open blade face and a very versatile overall geometry. At the same time, it offers noticeably more toe action than a standard P92. That is exactly why it is often described as a blend of the P92 and P28.

That makes the curve especially interesting for players who already get along well with the P92, but want a little more life in the blade for quick releases, toe drags and offensive one-on-one situations. If you also want to dial in other stick variables alongside your curve, our Stick Guide, the article on the right stick length and our guide on choosing the right flex can help.

The technology behind the curve

From a technical point of view, a blade curve is mainly defined by five things:

1. Where the main curve sits
With the PRO9246, the overall character is closer to a mid-toe / toe-oriented setup than to a more traditional, calmer mid curve. The blade does not stay neutral, but actively works with you once the puck moves more toward the toe. That supports dynamic releases and helps lift the puck in tight situations. The P92 is generally considered an open mid-toe curve, while the P28 is known as a more pronounced toe curve.

2. How open the blade face is
A more open blade helps lift the puck more quickly. This is one of the biggest advantages of the P86 / PRO9246: it makes it easier to place shots higher with very little wind-up. At the same time, it also demands more from your technique. If your hands are in the wrong position or you get too far under the puck with the open face, your shots will sail high much more easily. The stick’s kick point also affects how quickly and directly the shot comes off the blade.

3. The blade shape
According to pro stock descriptions, the PRO9246 uses a P92 blade shape. That is important because blade shape strongly affects the feel on the forehand, backhand, passing and puck control. As a result, the curve does not feel completely exotic, but stays within a familiar geometry.

4. The toe hook
The additional toe hook is the real defining feature of this curve. It supports tight puck control at the toe, creative finishes and quick releases from the wrists. That is exactly why the P86 appeals so much to players who play offensively, technically and with plenty of movement.

5. The lie
The PRO9246 is typically listed with Lie 6. That is a relatively universal value and works well for many players with a neutral to slightly more upright stick position. Other factors such as shaft shape, weight and stick length also influence how a curve ultimately feels in real play.

How does the P86 / PRO9246 play on the ice?

On the ice, this curve usually feels like this:

It is more aggressive than a standard P92, but not quite as extreme or specialized as some pure toe curves. That makes it a very interesting in-between option.

In stickhandling, you benefit from the more active toe area. Toe drags, tight moves around defenders and quick changes of direction in small spaces come very naturally. Skilled players quickly notice that the blade actually works with them during creative plays, rather than staying completely neutral.

With wrist shots and snap shots, one of the biggest strengths becomes obvious. The combination of an open face and extra toe hook makes it easy to load the puck quickly and get it up fast. Players who like shooting in motion will usually find a better feel here sooner than with a flatter or more conservative curve.

On backhands, it is solid, but that is not its biggest strength. That is typical for more offensive, toe-heavy curves. The more active the toe area becomes, the more neutrality you usually lose on the backhand.

On passes, it performs well, especially on the forehand. Flat, hard passes work, but the player needs to control the open face properly. If your technique is sloppy, you will notice more inconsistency than with a P88.

Who is the P86 ideal for?

The P86 / PRO9246 is best suited for players who:

• like the P92, but want more toe action
• can already handle the P28, but prefer a more familiar blade shape
• take a lot of wrist shots, snap shots and shots in motion
• like to use toe drags, quick hands and creative one-on-one moves
• think offensively and want to use their curve actively for scoring

It is especially useful for skill-based forwards, agile centers and technically strong wingers. It is generally less ideal for players who mainly rely on simple passing, backhands, board play and the most neutral all-around characteristics possible.

Comparison with other popular curves

P86 / PRO9246 vs. P92

The P92 has been one of the most popular all-around curves for years and is generally considered an open mid-toe option across brands. It is very versatile, relatively forgiving and works well for many different player types.

The P86 takes things one step further offensively. It builds on that base, but adds more toe hook and therefore more dynamic finishing. If you are looking for a blade that feels a little more lively, you will often end up closer to the P86.

P86 / PRO9246 vs. P28

The P28 is a classic toe curve that is especially popular with players who keep their hands further in front and want to release the puck quickly. It is excellent for fast shots, but it is not intuitive for everyone.

The P86 feels like a more accessible alternative here: offensive and modern, but with a more familiar overall feel thanks to its P92-like blade shape.

P86 / PRO9246 vs. P88

The P88 is more neutral, more controlled and for many players easier on the backhand and in general puck feel. If you want maximum all-around security, the P88 is often the better choice. But if you want more danger in your release and more creativity in the toe area, the P86 offers more upside.

Advantages of the P86 / PRO9246

The biggest advantage is the combination of versatility and offensive upside. That is exactly what makes this curve so interesting. It is not as ordinary as a standard P92, but also not as uncompromising as some extreme pro stock curves.

Additional strengths include:

• very strong potential for quick releases
• a strong feel for toe drags and tight skill moves
• good conditions for high, dangerous shots
• a more familiar base shape than some very specialized toe curves
• a smart option for players who feel caught between the P92 and P28

Possible downsides

The P86 is not automatically better for everyone. It requires a bit of feel and technique.

Possible downsides include:

• Backhand is usually not as neutral as with a P88 or more conservative curves
• the open face can cause shots to go too high if your technique is sloppy
• for very simple, straight-line playing styles, it can feel unnecessarily active
• it is not quite as beginner-friendly as classic mainstream all-round options

Especially players who have only used very neutral curves before often need a few sessions until their timing and shot angle feel completely natural.

Our final verdict on the P86 / PRO9246

The P86 / PRO9246 is a modern hybrid curve for offensive players who want the best of two worlds: the more familiar base and blade shape of a P92 plus the more aggressive, creatively offensive toe character of a P28. Pro stock sources describe it exactly in that space: as a deep P92 or a P28-style curve on a P92 blade shape, usually with Lie 6.

If you want to release the puck quickly, play creatively and give your stick a little more character in the offensive zone, this is definitely a curve worth considering. For players who want maximum neutrality, simple backhands and a very classic feel, a P88 or P92 will often remain the safer choice. But for many technically strong forwards, the P86 can be exactly the sweet spot.