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Guide on Purchasing Hockey Sticks
When selecting a new hockey stick, it's vital to match it to your level, height, and playing style. You’ll need to take into account the size, flex, and type of surface you’ll play on.
With countless choices at your disposal, locating the ideal hockey stick can feel daunting. Whether playing roller hockey or ice hockey, having the right stick is essential for optimal performance. Below are essential considerations to guide you in choosing the stick that best suits your play style, skill level, and playing conditions.
- Surface Type: Decide on a stick based on your playing base—ice, roller, or street.
- Material: Opt for a stick crafted from durable yet lightweight materials.
- Length: Match the stick length with your height and style of play.
- Flex: Select the flex level aligning with your strength and preferred shooting style.
- Handedness: Determine left or right based on your grip preference.
To explore these factors in detail, keep reading!
Overview
Varieties of Hockey Sticks: Ice, Roller, and Street
A primary consideration is whether you'll use the stick for ice hockey, roller hockey, or street hockey. The choice relies significantly on the surface as well as your playing technique.
- Ice hockey sticks: Specifically engineered for the ice.
- Roller hockey sticks: Developed for roller surfaces such as smooth asphalt or sport court tiles.
- Street hockey sticks: Designed for enduring the rugged outdoor surfaces like asphalt, with materials built to resist wear.
- Multi-purpose sticks: Many sticks cater to various environments, allowing you to purchase a single stick for both street and indoor use.
When evaluating a hockey stick's product description, observe whether it’s crafted for a particular hockey type or surface.
Can You Utilise Ice Hockey Sticks for Roller Hockey?
It's not advisable to use an ice hockey-specific stick for roller hockey, as it would lead to quicker wear of the blade on rougher surfaces. Using the designated stick for its intended purpose by the manufacturer is recommended to ensure a longer-lasting hockey stick.
Materials Comprising Hockey Sticks
Hockey sticks are constructed from materials like carbon fibre, fibreglass, Kevlar, and wood—the latter being the original material for hockey sticks. Nowadays, sticks made from composite materials, typically blends of fibreglass and carbon fibre, are common.
The shaft and blade of a hockey stick come from different materials. The shaft must be both robust and light, while the blade needs to withstand hard impacts from pucks and balls.
Hockey stick shafts require high strength-to-weight ratios and sufficient flexibility to endure bending during intense play. Composite materials are optimised for these properties, although certain hardwoods share similar characteristics.
The blades must withstand severe impacts without adding excessive weight. They can be made from carbon fibre, fibreglass, wood, or plastic. It’s essential for both the material and shape of the blade to facilitate puck control and precise shooting.
Composite vs Wood Hockey Sticks
- Wood sticks: Known for their classic sturdiness, they’re often heavier but provide a traditional feel. Ideal for street or roller hockey because of their durability.
- Composite sticks: Comprising materials like carbon fibre, Kevlar, or fibreglass, these are lighter and more flexible. Commonly used for ice hockey, they also perform well in roller hockey, providing enhanced energy transfer and control despite a higher cost.
While browsing our roller and ice hockey stick selections, you can sort categories by both shaft and blade material.
How to Determine the Correct Hockey Stick Length
Choosing the correct hockey stick length is essential for enhancing shot power and control. Select your hockey stick length based on a range of factors, including height, skill level, play style, and personal preferences.
Short vs Long Hockey Stick
Shorter sticks are more manageable and nimble, whereas longer sticks offer extended reach. Offensive players typically prefer shorter sticks, while defensive players often opt for longer ones.
Finding the Appropriate Hockey Stick Length
With your arm along your side and wearing your skates, hold the stick's end. Bend your arm slightly, keeping it nearby. If the blade's toe lifts slightly, the length is suitable.
Another method is standing with or without skates, holding the stick vertically towards your chin.
- With skates: The stick should not surpass your chin.
- Without skates: The stick should not go beyond your nose tip.
Some players choose sticks longer than needed to cut to their preferred length, though cutting voids any warranties.
You can filter roller and ice hockey stick selections by length, allowing you to see options available in your preferred size. We also suggest reviewing our hockey stick size guide for clarity.
- Discover our hockey stick size guide
- Discover our selection of ice hockey sticks
- Discover our selection of roller hockey sticks
Understanding Hockey Stick Flex
Flex determines how much a stick bends under force application, such as during a shot. A greater flex value corresponds to a stiffer stick. Select appropriate flex based on your strength and shooting style.
- Less flex: Easier for achieving finesse and accurate shots. Suggested for less experienced or younger players due to ease of use.
- More flex: Allows powerful shots with extra force; typically used by more skilled players.
Function of the Hockey Stick Blade Curve
The blade curve plays a pivotal role in puck or ball handling during shooting, passing, and dribbling. Experimenting with various blade curves helps identify what complements your natural play style.
By creating a 'pocket' for the puck or ball, the blade curve enhances control, enabling 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 is reliant on which hand directs the stick. If the right hand is on top, a left-handed stick suits (and vice versa). Shooting hand isn’t dictated by your inherent handedness but rather by what provides comfort.
Uncertain? Hold a stick with both hands, simulating a shot. Choose a...
- Left-handed stick: If the puck is on your left side, with the right hand atop and left hand nearest the blade.
- Right-handed stick: If the puck is on your right side, with the left hand atop and right hand nearest the blade.
In the video beneath, Nicklas shows determining your left or right hockey handedness.
Ensure to explore our comprehensive roller and ice hockey selections. Everything needed for hockey is here:
