How to pick a hockey stick perfectly?

Choosing the right hockey stick is essential for any competitive hockey player. The right stick can boost performance, but it must be chosen carefully. Thus, how to pick a hockey stick?

In this blog post, Adam Matter will guide you through the process of finding the perfect hockey stick for your style of play. Whether it’s choosing between which are types of hockey sticks – we’ve got all the key information here. Now, let’s get started!

How to pick a hockey stick?

Do many people always ask how to pick out a hockey stick? When selecting a hockey stick, there are several factors to consider:

Hockey stick materials

Hockey sticks can be made from wood, composite material, material, or a combination of both. Wood hockey sticks provide more flex and feel, while composite sticks tend to be stiffer and offer greater control. Shorter hockey sticks are better for quick shots and maneuverability, while longer ones are better for reach and power.

The shape of hockey sticks and their grip

Some players choose different grips and shaft shapes for their hockey sticks. You should test out different shafts with varying shapes until you discover one that fits your hand.

Hockey sticks can be gripped in a variety of ways. Grip shafts typically have a rough surface or a sticky or tacky coating to increase grip. Although grip shafts are more frequent, some players may prefer the more natural feel of a transparent (non-grip) or matte shaft. Gripless shafts demand players to move their hands more, which may weaken their strokes and passes.

Size of a hockey stick

Lastly, the length of a hockey stick is also important and should be based on your height. A rule of thumb for selecting a suitable stick size is to have the end of the blade reach your chin when standing upright with skates on.

Hockey stick flex

The typical rule of thumb for selecting the appropriate flex for your hockey stick is to select the flex number that is half your weight. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, your starting flex will be 75. If you are on the borderline of two sizes, choose the smaller one. A higher flex number would be indicative of a stiffer stick; for instance, an 85 flex would be more rigid than a 75 flex.

Kick point

Picking the appropriate kick point for your hockey stick is crucial, as this is where the shaft will flex the greatest when passing and shooting. Players that choose release speed over strength will benefit from a low kick point toward the bottom of the stick.

Players that take a lot of slap shots and other hard strokes from a distance should use high kick sticks, which have a high kick point at the top of the shaft. Mid-kick sticks offer a combination of both power and agility, with the ability to create enough energy to take shots from wherever on the rink.

Hockey stick curve

When selecting a blade curve pattern, you should consider the type of shots you’re most likely to take. Shooters and passers should choose a deeper curve, whereas stick handlers and agile players should choose a flatter curve. Nowadays, the toe curve, the mid-heel curve, and the mid curve are the most popular blade curves.  All these variations help you maximize your shooting accuracy.

Hockey stick blades

Similarly, the blade of your hockey stick can also be made from either wood or composite material.  Hardwood blades are flexible and feel better, whereas composite blades are more controllable.

The face angle is an important factor; it affects where the puck goes when you shoot it. An open-face angle has more power but less precision, while a closed-face angle is faster and more accurate.

When you’ve chosen the right material, size, flex, kick point, and blade for your hockey stick, it is time to start using it on the ice.

What kind of player would prefer a shorter or longer stick?

Junior and youth players like lightweight, maneuverable sticks between 46 and 53 inches. Adult and professional players choose longer sticks (54–63 inches) for better reach and accuracy.

Forwards prefer lighter sticks, while defensemen prefer longer ones for reach. Ultimately, the type of stick you choose should fit your individual playing style, position and skill level.

Measure yourself on skates with a tape or ruler flat against your body to get the most accurate hockey stick size. Measure from the ground to where the stick should hit you (usually just below the chin on defensemen and at a mid-chest level for forwards). This will give you an ideal length of stick in inches that’s right for you.

Which are the types of hockey sticks?

Wood hockey sticks

Due to technical advances in hockey, wood sticks are considered “old school,” although they can still be good for some players.

While wooden sticks have been made all but obsolete in the NHL, they are still very much alive for many players who grew up with them. They’re well-liked for their puck “feel,” long-lasting durability, and low pricing.

The weight of the wooden stick, on the other hand, is a significant disadvantage. A wooden stick can weigh two to three times as much as some of the composite sticks available today. Another issue to consider is performance, which might degrade with time. The more a wooden stick is used, the less effective it becomes.

Composite hockey sticks

Composite sticks use various high-tech materials to create lightweight and durable sticks. These materials range from fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar, Aramid, and more. Composite sticks are the most popular choice for those playing at all levels of hockey today.

Composite sticks have a significant weight advantage over wooden sticks. This can be beneficial for players who prefer a light stick and helps them achieve better wrist shots and slap shots. Composite sticks are more expensive than wood and require a learning curve to get the most out of them.

Composite hockey sticks are ideal because they combine many of the beneficial properties of other stick compositions, but there is still a significant amount of improvement that can be made to the technology.

As cited by: https://illumin.usc.edu/

Two-piece hockey sticks

This types also known as hybrid sticks, are a relatively new type of stick that combines the best of both worlds. These sticks have a composite or carbon fiber shaft and a wood or fiberglass handle and blade.

The problem with this type of stick is that it usually takes some time to get used to it before you can play well with it. Additionally, hybrid sticks are typically more expensive than either wood or composite sticks. And while they tend to be lighter than wooden sticks, they are usually still heavier than composite sticks.

Which hockey stick is right for you?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, such as the level of play you’re at, your budget, and the type of playstyle you prefer. Players who are looking for more power in their shots might favor a composite stick, while those who want better control may prefer a wooden stick.

What is the price of a hockey stick?

Composite hockey sticks range in price from roughly $45 for an entry-level youth stick to around $330 for an elite-level stick, depending on features and technology. From entry-level to senior players, wood hockey sticks range in price from $16 to $45 USD.

Professional-level sticks may cost over $100. The price of a hockey stick also varies depending on the brand and whether it is a one-piece, two-piece or three-piece stick.

How do you determine the precise height of the hockey stick?

The height of the hockey stick is an important factor when selecting a stick. It is recommended to choose a stick that reaches up to your chin when standing with skates on.

If you are taller than average, it would be beneficial to look for sticks that reach up to your nose when standing in skates. You can also use a tape measure to get a precise measurement and find the stick that is of the correct length for you. This can help ensure you have full control over the stick and comfort when playing hockey.

Additionally, make sure to adjust your posture when measuring to ensure an accurate reading.

FAQs: How to pick a hockey stick perfectly?

What size hockey stick should I get based on my height?

Put on your skates and hold your stick out in front of you. Your stick should be 1 to 2 inches beneath or above your chin. Bear in mind that while shorter sticks are fantastic for puck handling, they may lack a forceful shot.

How should I select a hockey stick for my child?

A stick should be able to reach between a player’s mouth and nose if they are not wearing skates. It should be around the chin when skating. Most players want as much of the blade’s bottom edge to be in contact with the ice as feasible. This is the simplest method for determining which stick is best for you.

Is a shorter hockey stick preferable?

Because the puck is closer to your body, a shorter hockey stick allows for faster mobility. This will also assist you to keep the puck out of reach of a defenseman.

Is a lighter hockey stick preferable?

This is a matter of personal preference. Lighter sticks are preferred by certain players because they are simpler to hold and move around on the ice. Some like a heavier stick because it helps to gain strength while using it and is more difficult for opponents to take off the ice.

Conclusion

Thus, you already know how to pick a hockey stick that suits you best. It all comes down to personal preference and the style of play you are performing.  With this knowledge, hockeyheritage.org hopes you can make a wiser decision when selecting a hockey stick. Good luck!