How to Choose a Hockey Stick

If you’re new to hockey, or even if you’ve been playing for a while, you might not know how to choose a hockey stick. With all of the different brands, materials, lengths, and flexes available, it can be overwhelming trying to find the right stick. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to choose a hockey stick that’s right for you.

When choosing a hockey stick, there are four main factors you need to consider: length, material, flex, and lie. Let’s go over each one so you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next stick.

Length

Hockey sticks come in a variety of lengths, from 46″ all the way up to 60″. The general rule of thumb is that the taller you are, the longer stick you’ll need. However, it’s also important to consider your skating style and position when choosing a stick length. For example, defensemen tend to prefer shorter sticks because they offer better maneuverability and control when clearing the puck from their own zone. On the other hand, forwards usually prefer longer sticks because they provide more reach when shooting and checking opponents.

Material

Hockey sticks are made from either wood or composite materials. Wood sticks are typically cheaper but they’re also heavier and more likely to break. Composite sticks are more expensive but they’re lighter and more durable. If you’re just starting out, we recommend going with a wood stick. But if you’re looking for a higher-quality stick that will last longer, then composite is the way to go.

Flex

The flex of a hockey stick is measured in two ways: by its stiffness (in pounds of pressure required to bend the shaft 1″) and by its degree (the number of degrees between the shaft and blade when the shaft is fully extended). A higher flex number means the shaft is stiffer and will require more force to bend it. For example, a 100-flex stick will be much stiffer than an 80-flex stick. The degree rating tells you how much the blade will lie flat when the shaft is fully extended; lower numbers mean less lie and higher numbers mean more lie. Defensemen tend to prefer lower lie sticks because they offer better puck control while forwards usually prefer higher lie sticks because they provide more power on their shots.

Lie

The final factor to consider when choosing a hockey stick is its lie angle—this is simply the angle between the blade and shaft when the stick is resting on flat ground. Most manufacturers make several different lie angles ranging from 4° (low) to 7° (high). The ideal lie angle for you depends on your height and skating style; taller players and those who skate upright tend to prefer lower lies while shorter players and those who skate hunched over tend to prefer higher lies.

We hope this blog post has given you some helpful tips on how to choose a hockey stick that’s right for you. When making your decision, be sure to consider the four main factors: length, material, flex, and lie angle. And if you’re still not sure which one is best for you, ask one for help at Csignsports.com