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Hockey Sticks Buying Guide

Whether you've joined the university hockey  team or just like to pal around with your friends on the streets, one thing's for certain:  you can't play hockey without a proper hockey stick.  You'll need something that can stand up to all the slashing and crashing a rowdy hockey game  can bring, while still being easy to grip, handle and manoeuvre.  Check out some of your options when it comes to stick materials, sizes and angles; you'll be shooting straight for the goal  in no time.

The Shaft

The shaft is the longest part of the hockey stick that you hold onto.  They come in a variety of materials, which may add or detract from their weights and durabilities.

Wood 

  • Traditional.
  • Less expensive than composite.
  • You can tailor your stick to you by cutting or sanding it.
  • Break easily.
  • Heavier and stiffer than other models.

Composite  

Modern shafts come in all sorts of materials.  While the blades are still made of wood, the shaft is a composite that is attached with glue.  Generally, these models are lighter and more expensive than all-wood sticks.

Fibreglass 

  • Have a wooden core and are reinforced with a fibreglass coating.
  • Somewhat heavy.
  • Least expensive of the composites.
  • Their wooden core makes them somewhat heavy.
  • Not as strong as other composites.

Graphite 
Graphite can be used to coat or reinforce a wooden core, it can be mixed with Kevlar to create the shaft, or it can make up the entire body of the stick.

  • More expensive than fibreglass and aluminium.
  • Less expensive than Kevlar and titanium.
  • Strong and lightweight.
  • Replaceable blades.

Titanium 

Titanium is usually used alone to create the body and blade of the stick.

  • Expensive.
  • Similar price to Kevlar.
  • Strongest and most lightweight.
  • May use torch for blade insertion.

Aluminium 

  • Relatively inexpensive.
  • Light.
  • Use replaceable blades.
  • Not as strong as Kevlar or titanium.

Stick Length

It's super-hard to control and over or under-sized stick.  Do make sure you get a stick that's comfortable for your body size.

  • Standard sizes include junior and senior.
  • Offensive players should have slightly shorter sticks so that they can exercise better puck control and accuracy.
  • Defensive players benefit from longer sticks that make it easier to hit the puck away from an opposing player.
  • If you can't find the perfect size for you, it's common practice to cut it down to make it an acceptable length. Just stand in your hockey skates and make sure the stick reaches somewhere between your chin and the tip of your nose.

Other Considerations

  • Blade Angle
  • Stick Lie.
  • Blade and Stick Stiffness.

Major Manufacturers

Check out some of the most popular brands for high-quality products.

Related Guides and Products

Hockey Pads

Goalie Masks

Hockey Skates 

Goalie Skates

NHL Merchandise 

External Links