What is Pro Stock Equipment?

Characteristics and Features

Pros have many liberties when it comes to picking out and making their gear, which means pro stock equipment will usually have different specs compared to their retail counterparts.

They might even take more artistic liberties beyond what you can do with just a customizer; for example, some players might wrap their stick differently from the actual build (see Hockey Sticks section). In terms of sticks, some pros may even make their own curve or use one that is not commonly found in stores.

Examples of characteristics and features you might find in pro stock gear include:

• Different wrap from the build (ex. the gear might look like a Nexus on the outside, but the internal build/geometry is Vapor)

• Extra strappings/parts taken out

• Color customization

• Increased/decreased stiffness in specific areas

It’s a good idea to look up a description of the gear to figure out if it’s the right one for you.

Hockey Sticks

Hockey sticks stand as the centrepiece of pro stock gear. Custom blade patterns, flex profiles, and even materials used in construction are tailored to fit a player's specific needs. From subtle tweaks in curves to unique flex points, pro stock sticks are crafted to enhance shooting accuracy, power, and overall performance.

Lots of pros use standard, more recognizable blade curves, but not all— many also modify the curve they use to better fit their playing style. Occasionally, the custom curve becomes so popular among pros and fans that it enters the market, such as the Pro Benn curve (which inspired the P90TM curve that you can find at retail). Like it was with the Pro Benn, some players modified an existing curve slightly to fit their style. 

Pro stock sticks also usually come in higher flexes, or very specific flexes and/or heights. Some manufacturers may also work with the player to reconstruct the geometry of the shaft and grip.

It’s a good idea to check the description or do extra research on a player’s stick specs when deciding what’s best for you.

Gloves and Protective Gear

Gloves, elbow pads, shin guards, and other protective equipment may undergo custom modifications for professional players, depending on their sizings. Padding thickness, materials, and even stitching patterns are altered to provide maximum comfort, protection, and mobility while maintaining the durability required for professional play. This gear also usually comes with custom colours and/or logos to fit the player or team they are associated with.

Some pro players may also require in-between sizings on the gear or parts of it for a better fit; it’s a good idea to do your research on pro stock protectives or look at the gear in-store if you aren’t completely sure about the size.

Skates

Pro stock skates often feature personalized blade profiles and boot modifications. These alterations focus on optimizing speed, agility, and stability, allowing players to maneuver more effectively on the ice and capitalize on split-second opportunities. If you’re lucky enough to find a good pair of pro stock skates on the market, they’ll be a good investment to jump on. Similar to protectives, skates may come in different and more specific sizes to fit their respective player.

It’s important to note that skates work best when they fit perfectly— in other words, if you’re looking at investing in some pro stock skates, it’s a good idea to see the skates in person beforehand. As mentioned, pro players may get specific parts punched out, or the skates themselves may be molded differently from stock or even custom. Pro stock skates can still be punched out or heat molded to fit your personal size, even with a pro’s customization. Skate blades can also always be reprofiled.

Goalie Equipment

Goalies regularly get their gear customized for their perfect fit— from the leg pads to the glove and blocker, and even their sticks, and professional players are no different. So it shouldn’t be all that surprising to hear that goalie equipment is usually some of the most customized out of all pro stock gear. These customizations offer a tailored solution for the goalie's unique playing style and preferences to elevate their performance between the pipes.

Examples of things goalies may get customized include strappings (extra or missing), custom sizes (including in-between sizes compared to retail), and custom designs and colours. Some gear might also have a modified internal construction, such as either stiffer or softer boards. The gear can also look like it’s part of one equipment family but actually be something else entirely (a blocker wrapped as a Vapor might really be Supreme build). It’s a good idea to research the gear a bit or read the description carefully when considering pro stock goalie equipment.

Contrary to other pro stock equipment, goalie gear tends to sit at a higher price point, similar to other custom goalie equipment. The Hockey Shop occasionally gets pro stock equipment from prominent goalies in the NHL and other professional leagues. Keep an eye out for the sales!

Durability

Pro stock gear has to be ready to withstand the highest level of hockey, so this gear often goes through the most rigorous testing and design processes, with more thorough attention to detail. It’s no surprise then that this gear would also be tougher than standard retail equipment. There may be reinforced stitchings, extra layers of padding, or other design modifications built-in to make it so the gear lasts longer.

In terms of sticks, most pro stock sticks will also come at a higher flex rating, which is another element that increases durability.

Quality

As mentioned earlier, this gear goes through extra testing and more thorough detailing to make it perfect for pro players, meaning that not only will the durability be high, but also the quality. This gear is almost if not always one of the top two price points as well, so the quality of materials used will be some of hockey’s best.

Price

Pro stock hockey gear often comes at a more accessible price point compared to retail options for several reasons. This gear is limited in supply and does not come with warranty— this is a major reason for their usually lower price. However, their quality and performance remain top-notch, making them a cost-effective choice for players seeking elite-level equipment without the premium price tag.

If you want well-performing equipment at a more accessible price point, pro stock gear is a good place to look for affordable high-end gear.