How to Choose a Hockey Stick

How to Choose a Hockey Stick

• 1

  Consider how long you have been playing hockey. If you are new to the sport, you probably don't need to purchase a very expensive composite stick, and would be just fine with a wooden stick, which shouldn't cost more than thirty dollars.

• 2

  Visit a specialty hockey store. This will give you the largest selection of sticks to choose from. You need to consider material of the stick (do you prefer a wooden or composite), one or two-piece stick, the curve of the hockey blade, and the flex of the stick.

• 3

  Decide if you would prefer a wooden or composite stick. Composite sticks are lighter, more durable, and hold a more consistent flex. Wooden sticks are a bit heavier, tend to break more easily, and wear out faster, but many players prefer them to the composites because you can feel the puck on your stick better.

• 4

  Find a curve you like and with which you can shoot, pass, and catch the puck. If you are just starting out, you may be better with a flatter blade (one that doesn't have much toe curve or loft to it). This will make it easier to pass and catch the puck without it flicking off the curved toe of the stick. The more loft the stick has (the more open the face of the blade), the higher you should be able to lift the puck. The more curved the toe of the stick, the more you should be able to lift the puck and put some spin on your shot, but it also makes it harder to shoot or pass with a backhand.

• 5

  Determine how much flex you need the shaft of the stick to have. When testing the stick in the store, you want to hold the stick as if you were playing with it in a game, then turn the face of the blade toward the floor and push on the middle of the shaft, thus flexing the stick. You want a stick that you are able to flex (not too stiff), but also one that isn't too easy to flex (because you will probably break it). Generally, the larger and stronger you are, the stiffer you want the stick.

• 6

  Determine the length of the stick. Most sticks (goalie sticks not included) are a standard length depending on if they are junior, intermediate, or senior sticks. All sticks have the ability to be cut down to make them the correct height for the individual hockey player. To figure out how tall your stick needs to be, put the toe of the stick down on the ground, right at your feet. The top of the shaft should end at your nose if you are wearing street shoes, and at your chin if you are wearing skates.