Replacing the floorball blade on your stick can improve both your playing experience and performance on the court. It’s a relatively simple process, but there are a few important things to keep in mind to do it correctly, as well as some rules that must be followed.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace your floorball blade, along with answers to the most common questions.
Step 1: Remove the old blade
The first thing you need to do is remove the old blade from the stick. Most floorball sticks are attached with screws, so you’ll need a small screwdriver to loosen them. Different brands may use different screws, so make sure you use the correct screwdriver for your stick.
Heat gun or screwdriver?
After loosening the screws, try pulling the blade off. Sometimes it comes off easily, but in some cases, a bit of heat is needed. You can use a heat gun (or an alternative heat source). Be careful not to overheat – apply heat gradually while twisting the stick until the blade loosens.
Heating with boiling water
If you use boiling water, be careful with the timing – do not leave the blade in the water too long, as this can make the plastic too soft and affect durability. Place the blade in boiling water for about 30–60 seconds to make it flexible, and monitor it closely to avoid overheating.
After heating, you can carefully bend the blade to the desired shape, either to improve shooting accuracy or to adjust stiffness for dribbling and passing. Let the blade cool and set in its new shape before use – preferably by cooling it in cold water to ensure the shape holds.
We recommend using a heat gun, but if you don’t have access to one, boiling water is a good alternative when shaping the blade.
Pull the blade straight off
When removing or adjusting the blade, pull it straight off the shaft. This reduces the risk of damage to both the blade and the shaft and makes it easier to attach a new blade.
Unscrew the screws from the old blade
Heat the blade/shaft to make it easier to remove
Step 2: Choose the right blade
Make sure the shaft and blade use the same mounting system (there are different standards between manufacturers). It is important that the blade is approved for competition use, especially if you play at a higher level. At Innebandy24, you’ll find several popular blades such as EVOLITE from Unihoc, FSL from Oxdog and AIR/ONE from Zone in various blade plastics.
Choose the right blade
Step 3: Attach the new blade
Place the new blade onto the shaft and secure it with the screws provided. Tighten the screws firmly, but not too hard, as this may damage both the blade and the screws. In most cases, you can use the existing holes in the shaft.
Drill new holes
If the holes don’t match, you can use a small drill to create new ones. Make sure the holes are small before inserting the screws. Once attached, ensure that the blade is secure and does not move under pressure.
Align the blade with the shaft holes and fasten the screws
Step 4: Adjust the hook (curve)
The curve of your blade affects how you handle the ball and shoot. It is allowed to bend (hook) the blade to a certain extent, but according to Swedish regulations, the curve must not exceed 30 mm.
How to measure your curve
To measure this, place the stick flat on the floor with the blade touching the ground. The maximum distance from the floor to the highest point of the curve must not exceed 30 mm.
Common questions about replacing a floorball blade
Are you allowed to change the blade on a floorball stick?
Yes, it is allowed to change the blade on a floorball stick. However, it is important to ensure that the blade is approved for competition and that the screws are properly secured to avoid injuries or the blade coming loose during play. There is also a rule stating that the blade must be of the same brand as the shaft.
Can you use different brands for blade and shaft?
In official league play, the shaft and blade must be from the same brand. You are not allowed to play with a shaft from one brand and a blade from another. Not following this rule may result in penalties during official matches.
How much can you curve a floorball blade?
According to official rules in Swedish leagues, the blade curve must not exceed 30 mm. It is important to follow this rule to avoid disqualification.
Can you play matches with a Zorro blade?
In Swedish leagues, so-called Zorro blades are not allowed during matches. These blades are often designed to make technical tricks easier. However, they can be used for fun and effective training drills, such as the EVO3 Hook from Unihoc, which is a popular Zorro blade.
