On the contrary, defensemen prefer heavier sticks to defend the ball from their opponent. Most of the forward players prefer lightweight sticks because it helps them move forward quickly with ease and they can pass and shoot quickly. Weight is another factor to consider when buying a hockey stick because the more massive the stick, the more difficult it will be to carry it throughout the game. Most of the sticks have a lie between 4 to 7. A higher lie is apt for taller players while a lower lie is suitable for shorter players.

Another critical factor about the blade is the blade lie which is angle made between the shaft and the blade. Deeper curves help in picking corners whereas flatter curves keep the shot lower and provide assistance in hard slap shots. Rarely straight hockey sticks are available in the market because the sticks are curved either on the right size or the left size based on whether the player is right-handed or left-handed. The highest point of the bend lies toward the head which makes it an ideal choice for drag flicking, lifting the ball and helps the elite players gain control of their stick. The highest point of the bend lies toward the toe which imparts additional power during flicking and lifting the ball. The highest point of the bend lies in the middle most section which helps in enhancing the overall performance of the player

A standard bow is handy in all areas of the sport whereas dynamic bows create an accurate head angle which enhances the lifts and controls.īefore choosing the stick bow, its useful to know about the three different types of bow. Customized kick helps in unleashing powerful shots from any distance in the rink.Ī majority of the composite sticks features bow in the shaft which results in the stick bending from the handle to the toe. Usually, the kick bends in the middle of the shafts which helps in providing great shots for players who love to score from greater lengths.Ĭustomized kick – such hockey sticks flex wherever the player places their hand at the bottom. Mid kick- ideal for power players who like wrist and hard slap shots. The low kick point comes in handy when the player is in close vicinity of the net. These are perfect for small, snap and quick shots. Low kick – ideal for agile players who like lighting quick shots. To provide comfort to the players, there are three types of kick point – low kick, mid-kick, and customized kick. Flex indicates how much bend the stick has while taking a shot on the field whereas kick point is the area where the stick will flex the maximum. The kick point is probably the most critical and distinguishing factor for a hockey stick. When it comes to cost, more expensive composite sticks are made from a lighter material which reduces the durability and makes it prone to breakage.Īfter knowing the different types of stick, it’s time to look at the characteristics to consider before buying a hockey stick. The two-piece stick features wooden blade and composite shaft. And, they are available in one or two piece model although the one-piece model is widely preferred by the players. Though sticks made from the composite material are less durable, they’re worth a try. The playing gear is usually made from fiberglass blend and carbon fiber which makes the sticks lightweight. Today, composite sticks are in trend because they are more flexible than their wooden counterpart. On the downside, these sticks are heavy, and the performance reduces with time. These sticks are regarded for their feel of the puck, durability and low price. Wood sticks are appropriate for entry-level players tight on budget. Like in olden days, wooden sticks were made from a single piece of wood, even today these sticks from high-quality wood. Let us first understand the types of hockey sticks. No two sticks are alike, and all sticks have certain unique features which makes them different from one another. Unlike other gears, a stick is a prized possession for the hockey enthusiast because the performance of the player relies on it. With the evolution of technology, the hockey stick has undergone visible changes, and for players, it’s their best friend.ĭid you know that even in the technologically advanced world, a large chunk of players use the stiff hockey stick because they want to look cool in the dressing room? Read our latest guide about the best hockey skates. The rich history of hockey sticks dates back to the 18th century when the first hockey stick was carved out from a Low angle view of hockey stick and puck on ice with deliberate shallow depth of field on brightly lit stadium background and copy space.

Best hockey gear 2022