Hockey Stick Buying Guide
Believe it or not, there are many factors to be taken 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 for whether you should use a right or a left-handed 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 a general guideline, but flex is also about preferences, so the best way 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 thing 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 sticks are likely used by players 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 poke checks and pass interceptions while providing more power on slapshots. Defensemen prefer longer sticks as they can really benefit from 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?
Our stick measurements:
Our sticks are measured against a wall from the floor to the top. For shaft length, subtract 6 inches from our measurements. Retail hockey stick length, measured against a wall from floor to top, is 66" and 60" measured from the heel.
Important Note:
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, as well as for stickhandling patterns. 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 defenseman 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 shooter's 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 shooting and is ideal for stickhandling in tight spaces. However, your backhand may suffer, and it is not great for slap shots or one-timers.
The above chart categorizes the most popular retail blade patterns offered by some stick manufacturers, giving you a reference based on curve type.
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.