HOW TO CHOOSE A HOCKEY STICK

Choose a stick that matches your skill level. For beginners, look for a stick that allows you to focus on the fundamentals and learn control. As you advance your skills, consider a stick with the right balance of control and power.

Selecting a stick is generally a personal preference and largely depends on what feels the most comfortable to you. Consider which skills are most important to your game and performance and find a stick that gives you the edge and enhances your playing style.

STICK WEIGHT

The best stick weight is going to depend on your strength, position, style of play and personal preference. A light to medium weight stick (approx. 540-560 grams) is ideal for quick, controlled stick work. Many sticks fall within this range.

Very lightweight sticks: those under 540 grams, tend be used by more advanced players and are less commonly used by beginners.

Heavier sticks: which are over 560 grams, are most appropriate for players who feel that they get more power from the additional weight.

STICK COMPOSITION

The composition of your stick largely determines its strength and how controllable it is. Knowing the carbon content can help determine the best stick for your style of play.

A higher level of carbon creates a stiffer stick with more strength and power. This stiffness also causes more deflection when receiving passes and requires more control.

For a guide, consider looking for sticks with the following range of carbon based on your skill level:

70-100% for Advanced & Elite

45-70% for Intermediate

0-30% for Beginner

BOW SHAPE

All sticks are made with a bow depth dimension between 19 and 24 millimeters. The 24mm bow depth is the largest allowed for regulation play and is found in advanced level sticks. A standard bow is the straightest shape and is easier to control than the more advanced bow shapes that are lower on the stick. Which type you choose is based on personal preference or depending on your style of hockey.

Bow depth dimensions can be the same on different sticks, but the location of the bow and whether it is closer or further away from the toe can help with certain skills. A stick with a bow closer to the toe, is helpful for creating momentum for a drag flicker and will be easier to get under the ball for better for aerial skills. A bow located in the middle of stick is very versatile and can be used for all positions.

STICK SIZING

CHILDREN
The stick should be measure from the floor to the tummy button and their hip, and the measurement in inches relates to the size of the hockey stick. We recommend children have smaller sized sticks is to enable them to develop good technique, like getting into a nice low body position and enhance their basics especially dribbling skills and making hitting easier. If the stick is too long they will find it difficult to hit the ball as well as the need to carry the ball a further away from their body, and making it more difficult to maintain control of the ball. The size range of junior sticks is from 26 to 35 inches.

YOUTH / ADULTS
The choice between 36.5, 37.5 or 38.5 really comes down to the customer’s personal preference. The majority will opt for a 36.5 or 37.5 inch stick.