Selecting a new hockey stick involves aligning it with your ability, height, and style. Consider the size, the flex, and the surface you’re playing on.

With an abundance of choices out there, pinpointing the optimal hockey stick may feel daunting. Whether your game is roller hockey or ice hockey, the right stick is vital to your performance. Below are essential factors to assist you in choosing the perfect hockey stick according to your playing style, skill level, and environment.

• Surface Type: Pick your stick based on location—ice, roller, or street.
• Material: Opt for a stick constructed with a robust yet lightweight material.
• Length: Measure to suit your height and playing style.
• Flex: Select a flex level according to your strength and shot preference.
• Handedness: Decide on left or right based on your way of holding the stick.

For more detailed insights on these aspects, keep reading!

---

Varieties of Hockey Sticks: Ice, Roller, and Street

The initial decision point is whether you'll employ the stick for ice, roller, or street hockey. Your surface choice and playing style heavily influence the stick to choose.

• Ice Hockey Sticks: Tailored for ice surfaces.
• Roller Hockey Sticks: Designed for roller surfaces such as smooth asphalt or sports court tiles.
• Street Hockey Sticks: Meant for rugged outdoor surfaces, typically made of durable materials enduring wear and tear.
• Multi-use Hockey Sticks: Some sticks excel in versatility, catering to both street and indoor play, enabling use of just one stick.

When evaluating a product detail for a hockey stick, note its suitability for a particular type of hockey or surface.

Are Ice Hockey Sticks Suitable for Roller Hockey?

If you possess a stick specific to ice hockey, it's not advisable to use it for roller hockey as it will wear down the blade faster on rougher surfaces. The recommendation is to adhere to the manufacturer's intended use to ensure the stick's longevity.

• Browse our collection of ice hockey sticks
• Browse our collection of roller hockey sticks

---

What Materials Are Used in Hockey Sticks?

Hockey sticks are crafted from materials such as carbon fibre, fibreglass, Kevlar, and wood—the latter being the traditional material. Nowadays, composite sticks, typically a blend of fibreglass and carbon fibre, are prevalent.

The hockey stick's shaft and blade differ in material due to different demands. The shaft requires a balance of durability and lightness, whereas the blade must endure forceful puck and ball impacts.

Shafts need a high strength-to-weight ratio and flexibility to withstand the game's intensity. Composite materials or certain hardwoods are optimized for these traits.

Blades must handle harsh impacts without excessive weight, using materials like carbon fibre, fibreglass, wood, or plastic. Both material and shape are crucial for controlling the puck and executing precise shots.

Composite vs. Wood Hockey Sticks

• Wood Hockey Sticks: Known for a classic feel, they are heavier yet sturdy, good for street or roller hockey due to durability.
• Composite Hockey Sticks: Comprising materials like carbon fibre, Kevlar, or fibreglass, these lighter sticks offer flexibility, often used for ice hockey and advantageous for roller hockey given their performance. Though pricier, they provide enhanced shot energy and control.

During your exploration of roller and ice hockey sticks, you can refine the search by shaft and blade materials.

• Explore our selection of ice hockey sticks
• Explore our selection of roller hockey sticks

---

How to Determine the Right Hockey Stick Length

Choosing the right stick length is essential for maximizing control and shot power. Factors like height, skill, style, and preference should guide your choice.

Short vs Long Sticks

A shorter stick boosts control and agility, while a longer stick provides greater reach. Offensive players usually prefer shorter sticks, while defenders opt for longer ones.

Properly Measuring Hockey Stick Length

Extend your arm alongside your body while wearing skates and grab the stick's end. Slightly bend your arm close to your side. If the blade’s toe points upward a bit, the length is suitable.

An alternative way is to stand (with or without skates) and hold the stick vertically to your chin.

• With skates: The stick tip shouldn’t exceed chin height.
• Without skates: The stick shouldn’t surpass the nose tip.

Many players choose slightly longer sticks to customize length later. This works well if you’re experienced but note cutting voids the warranty.

Our inventory allows filtering roller and ice hockey sticks by length. Consult our size guide for additional help.

• Check out our hockey stick size guide
• View our ice hockey stick selection
• View our roller hockey stick selection

---

Understanding Hockey Stick Flexibility

Flexibility indicates how much a stick bends under applied force, like during a shot. A higher flex denotes a stiffer stick. Your strength and preferred shot type influence your flex choice.

• Lower Flex: Allows finesse and accuracy, beneficial for beginners or younger players due to ease of use.
• Higher Flex: Enables impactful shots with substantial force, suited to more seasoned players.

---

Significance of Blade Curve on a Hockey Stick

The blade's curve plays a vital role, affecting puck or ball control during shooting, passing, and dribbling. Experimenting with diverse blade curves helps find what complements your natural playing style best.

The curve designs a 'pocket' enhancing consistent, powerful puck or ball interactions.

---

Deciding on a Left or Right-Handed Hockey Stick

Choosing a left or right-handed stick depends on your hand’s position on the stick. If your right hand is on top, opt for a left-handed stick, and vice versa. What matters is comfort, not inherent handedness.

For clarity, hold the stick with both hands and mimic a shot. Choose a...

• Left-Handed Stick: When the puck is on the left and the right hand is atop, with the left hand near the blade.
• Right-Handed Stick: When the puck is on the right and the left hand is atop, with the right hand near the blade.

Watch the video below, where Nicklas walks through determining if you are a left- or right-handed hockey player.

Remember to explore our comprehensive collections for roller and ice hockey. We've got all your hockey essentials covered:

• Roller Hockey
• Ice Hockey