Hockey Stick Buying Guide

Believe it or not, there are many factors to be take into consideration when it comes to choosing a hockey stick. Using the right hockey stick can make a huge difference in your game, as it can make shooting, stick handling, and overall control of your game much easier. Use this guide to find the best hockey stick for you and your style of play.

 

Left or Right?

There isn't a generally accepted rule of thumb of whether you should use a right or a left-haded hockey stick. You should just go with whatever feels most comfortable when you pick up a hockey stick and play. 

 

 

 

What hockey flex should I use?

Stick flex is a measurement of how flexible or how stiff a hockey stick is when force is applied to it. The appropriate flex varies among players, so you'll want to try out different options. The higher the flex number, the stiffer or less bend a stick has. Inversely, the smaller the flex number, the more bending and softer the stick is. 

 

 

Height and weight are to be considered to choose the right flex for you. You can use this chart as general guideline but flex is also about preferences so the best to find the right one is to try many and see what you like the most.

 

 

What is the right hockey stick height?

Your player type will mostly influence your hockey stick height. Again personal preference is super important. The most important is that the stick feels good in your hands but here are some guidelines that will suit most players. 

Short (Below the chin): Shorter hockey stick are likely used by player with good stickhandling. Using a short stick makes it a bit easier to move the puck around because the stick will be lighter (less material) and a shorter stick is easier to move around the body

Average (Below the nose):  With an average length stick you can still easily handle the puck, and also make poke checks, intercept passes, and hammer off a slapshot.

Long (Above the nose) :  A long stick gives you a better reach for pock checks and passes interception while providing more power on slapshot. Defensemem prefers longer stick as they can really benefits of those advantages on the ice.

Note: Always have skates on when you measure the right height for your hockey stick. 

 

How do we measure hockey stick length?

 

 

All of our sticks are measured from heel to the top. For length measured against a wall, simply add 6 inches to our measurements. Standard hockey stick length measured from heel to top is 60" and 66" measured against a wall.

CUTTING AN EXTENDED PRO STOCK STICK DOES NOT INCREASE FLEX!

 

What curve should i use?

Curve type can easily be divided in three categories: Heel curve, Mid curve and Toe Curve 

 

 

Heel curve: This “heel” curve is perfect for players who take mostly slap shots and one-timers and also a stickhandlers pattern. The slightly exaggerated curve allows for better puck control in tight spaces. The open face is beneficial for snap shots, or when the player needs to elevate the puck quickly. 

Mid curve: This “mid” curve has become the most popular pattern on the market today. It has a perfect blend of attributes, and is not drastically catered to any specific style of play. Whether you are a puck moving defensemen, or a goal scorer, this has proven to be increasingly popular among players as a true “hybrid” pattern.

Toe curve: This “toe” curve is a true shooters pattern and is probably the fastest growing pattern on the market today, especially among forwards. The major hook at the toe allows for quick accurate and shooting and  is ideal for stickhandling in tight spaces. Your backhand will suffer and it is not great for slap shots and one-timers.

The above chart categorized  by curve type the most popular retail blade patterns offered by some stick manufacturers to give you some reference

 

 

Custom curves

Some professional hockey players will customize retail blade to create their own custom curves. They usually start using a retail blade pattern and eventually  begin to adapt/customize it to their own individual preferences. To simplify things those curve are called ''custom + the starting retail curve it comes from''.  For exemple a curve that was initially a P28 but was customize to a pro's preferences will be listed as a custom P28. Thereby, this curve would be similar to an retail P28 but with certain differences.