5 Common Mistakes When Buying an Ice Hockey Stick

(And How to Easily Avoid Them)

Introduction

Buying a new ice hockey stick seems simple – but it’s not.
Many players (and parents) grab a model based on brand, price, or recommendation. The result: worse shots, less control, and a stick that breaks faster than necessary.

👉 Here are the 5 most common mistakes when buying a stick – and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: The Flex is Too Hard

The most common mistake by far.

Many players think: "The harder the flex, the more power."
Wrong ❌

A too-stiff flex:

• Doesn’t load properly
• Costs shot speed
• Puts unnecessary strain on hands and wrists

Rule of thumb:
Flex ≈ Body weight (kg)

How to avoid the mistake
Choose a flex you can actually bend in-game – not just in the gym.

➡️ Tip: With custom sticks, you can fine-tune the flex exactly to your needs.

➡️ Learn more about flex

Mistake #2: Incorrect Stick Length

Too short = less reach, encourages poor posture on the ice
Too long = worse technique, less power, incorrect lie (the blade only touches the ice with the heel)

Many people buy a "standard length" and don’t adjust it.

Reference without skates:
Stick end between chin and nose

How to avoid the mistake

• Beginners & Juniors: Slightly shorter
• Advanced players: Depends on your playing style

➡️ A custom-fitted stick saves you from technical problems from the start.

➡️ Learn more about stick length

Mistake #3: Buying a Brand Blindly

"I play Bauer because everyone plays Bauer."
"My buddy has CCM, so I’ll go with CCM."

Big brands are good – but not automatically good for you.

The problem:

• Standard flex
• Standard curve
• Standard grip

➡️ You should adapt to the stick – not the other way around.

Better solution:
Choose specs, not brand:

• Flex
• Curve
• Kickpoint
• Grip

Mistake #4: The Wrong Blade (Curve)

The blade affects:

• Puck control
• Shot precision
• Backhand

Many players use a curve that doesn’t suit their playing style.

Examples:

• Too open a blade → Pucks go over the net
• Too flat a blade → Little lift on shots

How to avoid the mistake

• Beginners: Neutral curve
• Shooters: Slightly more open curve
• Playmakers: More control

➡️ Custom sticks allow you to choose exactly the curve that fits your game.

➡️ All blade curves explained in detail

Mistake #5: Ignoring (or Choosing the Wrong) Grip

Grip is not just a "nice to have."

Too little grip:

• Less control
• Unstable feel

Fact: Some players prefer less grip, as the hand can easily slide on the stick.

Solution:
Choose your grip based on your playing style:

• Quick & technical: Lighter grip
• Power & control: Stronger grip

Conclusion: The Perfect Stick Adapts to You – Not the Other Way Around

Most problems when buying a stick arise because players have to make compromises.

With a personalized ice hockey stick, you can:

• Avoid all 5 mistakes
• Shoot better
• Have more control
• Save money in the long run

👉 Build your own custom ice hockey stick
(Flex, length, curve & grip tailored exactly to your needs)

➡️ Hockey Stick Guide