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When choosing a new hockey stick, it's important to match it to your playing ability, height, and style. Consider the size, flex, and the type of surface you’ll be playing on.
With numerous choices available, selecting the perfect hockey stick for your needs might appear daunting. Regardless of whether you play roller hockey or ice hockey, having the right stick is essential for your game performance. Below is a list of significant factors to guide you in picking the ideal hockey stick for your playing style, skill level, and environment.
- Surface Type: Select the stick based on your playing surface—ice, roller, or street.
- Material: Opt for a stick made from a strong yet lightweight material.
- Length: Choose the stick length according to your height and playing preferences.
- Flex: Decide on a flex that suits your strength and shot technique.
- Handedness: Choose left or right depending on your grip preference.
Read on for more detailed information on these factors!
Overview
Kinds of Hockey Sticks: Ice, Roller, and Street
A crucial consideration is whether you'll use the stick for ice hockey, roller hockey, or street hockey. The choice of the stick largely depends on the type of surface you play on and your playing style.
- Ice hockey sticks: Specifically designed for use on ice surfaces.
- Roller hockey sticks: Created for roller hockey on smooth asphalt or sport court tiles.
- Street hockey sticks: Made to endure tough outdoor surfaces like asphalt, these sticks are usually constructed with robust materials for durability.
- Multi-purpose sticks: Some hockey sticks are versatile enough for both street and indoor hockey, making them a convenient choice if you play both types.
When reviewing a product description for a hockey stick, pay attention to whether it is tailored for a specific type of hockey or surface.
Are Ice Hockey Sticks Suitable for Roller Hockey?
If you possess an ice hockey-specific stick, we advise against using it for roller hockey as it would cause quicker wear to the blade on rougher surfaces. It is strongly advised to utilise the stick for the manufacturer’s intended purpose if you'd like it to last.
What Materials Constitute Hockey Sticks?
Hockey sticks are crafted from materials such as carbon fibre, fibreglass, Kevlar, and wood—the latter being the original material for hockey sticks. Nowadays, it is common to encounter sticks composed of composite materials, frequently a blend of fibreglass and carbon fibre.
The blade of a hockey stick is not made from the exact same material as the shaft. This is because the shaft requires durability and lightness, whereas the blade must be strong enough to endure the intense impacts of pucks and balls.
The shafts of hockey sticks need a high strength-to-weight ratio and must offer flexibility to bend without breaking during competitive matches. Although different composite materials optimise for these properties, certain hardwoods also share these characteristics.
Meanwhile, hockey stick blades need to withstand significant impacts without adding excessive weight for the player to manage. Blade construction may involve carbon fibre, fibreglass, wood, or plastic. It's vital that both the material and shape of the blade assist the player in puck control and ensuring accurate shots.
Composite vs. Wood Hockey Sticks
- Wood sticks: Traditional and robust, wooden sticks tend to be heavier but offer a classic feel. These sticks are often chosen for street or roller hockey because of their durability.
- Composite sticks: Constructed from materials like carbon fibre, Kevlar, or fibreglass, composite sticks are lighter and more flexible. While typically used for ice hockey, they also excel in roller hockey if a high-performance stick is desired. Composite sticks are usually more costly but provide enhanced energy transfer for shots and improved control.
While exploring our range of roller hockey and ice hockey sticks, you may filter by shaft material and blade material.
How to Select the Proper Hockey Stick Length for You
Finding the proper hockey stick length is crucial for amplifying your control and shot power. Your choice should be based on various factors including your height, skill level, playing style, and personal preferences.
Short Versus Long Hockey Stick
A shorter stick provides easier control and increased agility, whereas a longer stick allows for a more extensive reach. Offensive players often prefer shorter sticks, whilst defensive players lean towards longer sticks.
Selecting the Correct Hockey Stick Length
Stand with your arm against your body, wearing skates, and hold the end of the stick. Your arm should be slightly bent and close to your body. If the blade’s toe points faintly upward, the stick length is ideal.
An alternative approach is to stand with or without skates and hold the stick vertically towards your chin.
- With skates on: The stick's end should not extend beyond your chin.
- Without skates on: The stick's end should not surpass the tip of your nose.
Many players purchase sticks slightly longer to trim them to their desired length. This technique is beneficial if you’re knowledgeable, yet be aware that cutting voids any warranty.
While exploring our selection of roller hockey and ice hockey sticks, filter by length to view available options matching your preference. Our hockey stick size guide is a helpful resource if you have uncertainties.
- Explore our hockey stick size guide
- Explore our range of ice hockey sticks
- Explore our range of roller hockey sticks
Understanding Hockey Stick Flex
Flex denotes how much a hockey stick bends when exerted with force, such as during a shot. A higher flex number indicates a stiffer stick, and choosing the right flex relies on your strength and shooting style.
- Lower flex: Easier for more finesse and accuracy in shots. Lower flex is often suggested for less experienced or younger players for their ease of handling.
- Higher flex: Facilitates extremely powerful shots with added force. Advanced hockey players typically prefer higher flex ratings.
The Function of the Hockey Stick Blade Curve
The blade curve is an essential aspect of the hockey stick, impacting how you manage the puck or ball when shooting, passing, and dribbling. Exploring various blade curves can help you determine the most natural feel for your playing style.
By forming a ‘pocket’ for the ball or puck, the blade curve enhances ball/puck control and facilitates more consistent and powerful shots.
Selecting a Left-Handed or Right-Handed Hockey Stick
Your choice between a left-handed or right-handed hockey stick depends on which hand you use to guide the stick. A left-handed stick is appropriate if your right hand is on top (and vice versa). The choice is not dictated by natural hand dominance, but rather by comfort during play.
If uncertain, hold a hockey stick with both hands as though about to shoot and determine your...
- Left-handed stick: If the puck is on your left side with the right hand on top and the left hand near the blade.
- Right-handed stick: If the puck is on your right side with the left hand on top and the right hand near the blade.
In the following video, Nicklas shows how to ascertain whether you are a left or right-handed hockey player.
Do not forget to explore our complete selections for roller hockey and ice hockey. We provide all the equipment you need for hockey:
