Stick Guide

The right hockey stick makes a big difference, whether you're a beginner, hobby player, or professional. Our Stick Guide helps you find the perfect stick – from weight and flex to blade and grip options. With informative videos and detailed explanations, you'll be guided step by step through the decision-making process.

1. Stick Weight – What’s Ideal for You?

1.1 How to Choose the Right Weight?

1.2 Our Video Comparison: Weight and Brands

1.3 The Impact of Colors on Weight

1.4 Key Considerations for Weight

1.5 Video: Stick Weight Comparison – CCM, Bauer, and Our Custom Sticks

2. Flex – How to Choose the Right Flex?

2.1 What Does Flex Value Mean?

2.2 Which Flex Matches Your Weight?

2.3 Considering Playstyle and Position

2.4 The Impact of Stick Length and Cuts on Flex

2.5 What You Should Know About Flex and Performance

2.6 Video: Flex Value Explained in Simple Terms

3. Blade – The Right Curve for Your Game

3.1 What Is a Blade and How Does It Affect Your Game?

3.2 The Key Features of a Blade

3.3 How to Choose the Right Blade?

3.4 The Most Common Blade Profiles and Their Benefits

3.5 Why You Should Experiment with Different Blades

4. Kick Points – Optimizing Your Shot Energy

4.1 What Is a Kick Point?

4.2 A Detailed Look at Different Kick Points

4.3 How Kick Points Affect Your Playstyle

4.4 Why Kick Points Are So Important

4.5 Conclusion – The Perfect Kick Point for Your Playstyle

4.6 Video: Kick Points in Hockey Sticks Explained

5. Grip Options – For a Secure Feel on the Stick

5.1 What Is the Grip of a Hockey Stick?

5.2 Detailed Overview of Grip Options

5.3 How to Choose the Right Grip for Your Playstyle

5.4 Why Grip Is So Important

5.5 Conclusion – The Perfect Grip for Your Playstyle

5.6 Video: Our Grip Options in Detail

6. Material and Durability – What’s Inside the Stick?

1. Stick Weight – What’s Ideal for You?

The weight of a hockey stick plays a crucial role as it directly influences your performance and style on the ice. A lighter stick can enhance your speed and agility, while a heavier stick provides stability and a solid feel for shots and checks.

1.1 How to Choose the Right Weight?

  • Light Sticks (under 350 g): Ideal for players focusing on stickhandling and quick movements. These sticks offer excellent puck control and precise passes or shots but may lack durability and stability for hard checks or powerful shots.
  • Medium-Weight Sticks (350 g - 400 g): Provide a balance between mobility and stability, making them popular among most players. They are versatile across various play styles.
  • Heavy Sticks (over 400 g): Suited for players involved in physical gameplay who require greater durability and stability. These sticks are perfect for delivering powerful shots and passes.

1.2 Our Video Comparison: Weight and Brands

In our video, we compare the weights of different stick models:

  • CCM Ribcore Trigger 9 Pro (370 g): Falls in the mid-weight range.
  • Bauer Proto R White Edition (345 g): Categorized as a lighter model.
  • ABSHockey Custom Sticks: We offer sticks ranging from 325 g to 400 g, so you can find the perfect weight for your game.

Conclusion:
Top-tier sticks from brands like CCM, Bauer, Sherwood, and True consistently fall within the 340 g to 400 g range—a trend that has remained steady for years. While new models often come with creative names, their weights typically stay within this range. To make an informed decision, focus on facts and specifications rather than brand names. Stick weights are published online, so research your current stick or the one you plan to buy.

1.3 The Impact of Colors on Weight

Did you know the color of your stick can influence its weight? A colored coating adds approximately 10 g to the stick's overall weight. While this might seem minimal, it can make a difference in scenarios where every gram matters.

1.4 Key Considerations for Weight

Ultimately, the ideal stick weight depends on your playstyle, position, and personal preferences. Remember:

  • A light stick enhances agility.
  • A heavier stick offers more control and stability.
    Experiment with different weights to determine what feels best for you!

📹 Video: Stick Weight Comparison – CCM, Bauer, and Our Custom Sticks.

 

2. Flex – How to Choose the Right Flex?

The flex of your hockey stick directly affects how the stick performs during shots and passes. It measures the shaft’s bendability and is indicated by a number representing the pounds of force needed to bend the stick 2.5 cm (1 inch). Choosing the optimal flex can significantly improve your shooting power, accuracy, and control.

2.1 What Does the Flex Value Mean?

A stick with a flex of 77 requires 77 pounds (approximately 35 kg) of force to bend 2.5 cm.

  • Higher flex values (e.g., 85 or 100): Indicate a stiffer stick that requires more power to bend.
  • Lower flex values (e.g., 55 or 65): Indicate a more flexible shaft, suitable for players with less body weight or strength.

2.2 What Flex Matches Your Weight?

A simple guideline for choosing the right flex is to use your body weight as a reference:

  • Flex in kilograms: Your weight in kilograms roughly equals your ideal flex.
  • Flex in pounds: Half your weight in pounds provides a good estimate.

Examples:

  • A player weighing 75 kg might choose a stick with a 75 flex.
  • A player weighing 150 pounds could use a stick with a 75 flex.

2.3 Consider Your Play Style and Position

Your play style also influences the best flex for you:

  • Stickhandlers and passers: A lower flex (e.g., 65–75) offers better control and makes handling easier—ideal for players who frequently carry the puck or make quick moves.
  • Shooters and players with powerful shots: Those who often shoot from the blue line or take slap shots benefit from a higher flex (e.g., 85–100) as it transfers more energy to the puck.

2.4 The Impact of Stick Length and Cutting on Flex

Keep in mind that shortening your stick increases its flex value. Every centimeter removed from the shaft makes the stick stiffer. For example, cutting a stick with an 85 flex could make it feel closer to a 90 flex. When purchasing, consider how much you’ll trim off the shaft.

2.5 What You Should Know About Flex and Performance

Choosing the right flex is essential to maximize your stick’s performance:

  • A stick that’s too stiff: Requires more force and reduces accuracy.
  • A stick that’s too soft: Delivers less shooting power.

Experiment with different flex options to find the perfect balance for your style and strength.

📹 Video: Flex Value Explained Simply.

3. Blade – Choosing the Right Curve for Your Game

The right blade (also called "curve") is crucial for your success on the ice. It directly influences how you control the puck, make passes, and shoot. Players have different preferences, and selecting the right blade should align with your individual playing style.

3.1 What is a blade, and how does it impact your game?

The blade of a hockey stick is the lower part of the shaft that makes contact with the puck. Its shape, length, curve, and angle determine how you handle the puck, make passes, and execute shots. Each blade comes with specific characteristics that provide various advantages, whether you’re aiming for precise passes, powerful shots, or optimal puck control.

3.2 Key Features of a Blade

1. Curve:

  • Deep Curve: Ideal for high shots with a strong trajectory and improved puck control.
  • Shallow Curve: Provides more precision for passes and shots.

2. Lie:

  • The lie is the angle between the blade and the ice, affecting how the stick interacts with the puck.
  • Upright players typically prefer a higher lie, while players with a lower stance often choose a flatter lie.

3. Length:

  • Short Blades: Perfect for puck control and close stickhandling.
  • Long Blades: Offer extended reach, ideal for defensive players.

4. Toe Shape:

  • Round Toe: Great for precise stickhandling.
  • Square Toe: Better suited for powerful shots.

3.3 How to Choose the Right Blade

The ideal blade depends on your playing style and goals on the ice:

  • Playmakers: Choose a blade with a mid curve for precise passes and excellent puck control.
  • Snipers: Opt for a blade with a deep curve to deliver powerful, high shots.
  • All-Around Players: A hybrid curve offers flexibility for both accurate passes and powerful shots.

3.4 Common Blade Profiles and Their Benefits

Blade Profile Characteristics Best For
Mid Curve Balanced control and precision Playmakers, all-around players
Toe Curve Excellent puck control and powerful shots Snipers near the goal
Heel Curve Powerful shots from the blue line Defensemen, long-range shooters

3.5 Why Should You Experiment with Different Blades?

Choosing a blade is highly individual. Even minor variations in curve or shape can significantly impact your feel and performance. Test different blade options to find the one that best complements your style.

Our Recommendation:
At ABSHockey, we offer a wide range of blades and curves tailored to every player’s needs. Whether you prefer mid, toe, or heel curves, we’ll help you find the perfect blade for your game.

Learn more: Which Curve is Right for You?

 

4. Kick Points – Optimizing Shot Power

The kick point of a hockey stick is one of its most critical features for shot performance. It refers to the part of the shaft that flexes the most when shooting. The kick point affects how the stick absorbs and releases energy during a shot, influencing both power and accuracy.

4.1 What is a Kick Point?

The kick point is the area on the shaft of a hockey stick that bends the most during a shot. The stick is engineered with a specific kick point location, while surrounding materials are reinforced to ensure it flexes precisely at that point. This design enables efficient energy transfer, resulting in powerful, accurate shots.

4.2 Different Types of Kick Points

Low Kick Point:

  • Location: Closer to the blade.
  • Benefits: Flexes quickly with minimal effort, making it perfect for players who favor quick-release shots, like wrist or snapshot shooters.
  • Style Fit: Ideal for fast, precise shots that require less power input.

Mid Kick Point:

  • Location: Center of the shaft.
  • Benefits: Provides a balanced combination of precision and power. Great for players who alternate between slap shots and wrist shots.
  • Style Fit: Suitable for versatile players with varied shooting techniques.

High Kick Point:

  • Location: Toward the top of the shaft.
  • Benefits: Stores and releases maximum energy, making it ideal for powerful slap shots.
  • Style Fit: Best for players who take long-range shots, like defensemen shooting from the blue line.

Hybrid Kick Point:

  • Location: Combines elements of low and high kick points.
  • Benefits: Offers a flexible shooting experience, allowing players to excel at both quick-release wrist shots and powerful slap shots.
  • Style Fit: Perfect for players who need versatility in their shot arsenal.

4.3 How Does the Kick Point Impact Your Playing Style?

Selecting the right kick point depends on your playing style and shooting preferences:

  • Quick wrist shooters: A low kick point provides rapid flex and energy release for precise, fast shots.
  • All-around shooters: A mid kick point offers balanced performance for various shot types.
  • Power shooters: A high kick point delivers maximum power for slap shots and long-range plays.
  • Flexible shooters: A hybrid kick point is ideal for players who need adaptability for both quick and powerful shots.

4.4 Why is the Kick Point Important?

The kick point plays a vital role in shot performance by determining how efficiently the stick flexes during a shot. It stores the energy generated by your shot and releases it through the kick point, resulting in enhanced speed and accuracy. An optimized kick point ensures that your stick works as a natural extension of your shot technique.

4.5 Conclusion – Finding the Perfect Kick Point for Your Style

Choosing the right kick point is a key factor when selecting a hockey stick. Your playing style, shooting technique, and preferences should guide you to the best match. Whether you focus on quick wrist shots, powerful slap shots, or a mix of both, the right kick point can elevate your performance on the ice.

📹 Video: Kick Points Explained – Find the Right One for Your Game.

5. Grip Options – For a Secure Feel on Your Stick

The grip of a hockey stick is more than just a design choice—it directly impacts control and feel during gameplay. Choosing the right grip can mean the difference between a secure, precise pass and a missed shot. Various grip options help players enhance performance by improving stick control and offering added comfort.

5.1 What is the Grip of a Hockey Stick?

The grip refers to the area of the stick where the player holds it. It can be made from rubber, plastic, or other materials with a textured surface. The grip ensures that the stick stays securely in hand, preventing slipping during rapid movements or contact. A well-suited grip not only aids shooting techniques but also promotes player health by reducing hand strain from excessive sliding.

5.2 Detailed Overview of Grip Options

Tactile Grip:

  • Description: Features a textured surface for enhanced slip resistance and precise stick control.
  • Best For: Players who rely heavily on puck control and need a direct feel.
  • Advantages: Maximizes grip and responsiveness, especially during intense stickhandling.

Spiral Grip:

  • Description: Offers a spiral-shaped structure for ergonomic handling and additional grip.
  • Best For: Players who need to rotate or adjust their stick quickly without losing control.
  • Advantages: Combines comfort and superior stick control.

Candy Cane Grip:

  • Description: Characterized by a unique winding structure, providing a soft yet firm hold.
  • Best For: Players looking for maximum comfort and stability during fast-paced gameplay.
  • Advantages: Excellent grip for high-intensity situations.

Ribbed Grip:

  • Description: Features vertical ridges or knobs along the stick for added grip and tactile feedback.
  • Best For: Stickhandlers and players needing precise puck control.
  • Advantages: Enhances grip and feel for improved shot accuracy and puck handling.

Standard Grip:

  • Description: A simple grip with no additional patterns or textures.
  • Best For: Players seeking a clean, effective grip without extra features.
  • Advantages: Versatile and suitable for players of all styles.

No Grip:

  • Description: No textured coating, offering a pure, natural stick feel.
  • Best For: Players who prefer minimalistic handling.
  • Disadvantages: May reduce control in damp or sweaty conditions.

5.3 How to Choose the Right Grip for Your Play Style

Selecting the ideal grip depends on your playing style and stick requirements:

  • For frequent stickhandlers and quick movements: Opt for a tactile grip or spiral grip for superior control.
  • For players prioritizing comfort and durability: Choose a candy cane grip or ribbed grip for added stability.
  • For traditionalists or minimalist players: The standard grip or no grip offers classic, straightforward handling.

5.4 Why is the Grip Important?

The grip not only enhances comfort but also improves gameplay. A secure hold allows for more precise shots and controlled passes. During fast-paced games, where precision and speed are critical, the right grip ensures that the stick performs as an extension of your hands.

5.5 Conclusion – Finding the Perfect Grip for Your Style

The grip on your hockey stick plays a crucial role in your performance on the ice. Choose a grip that suits your playing style and preferences to maximize control and comfort. Whether you aim to improve your wrist shots, stickhandling, or overall grip feel, selecting the right grip can make a significant difference in your game.

📹 Video: Our Grip Options Explained in Detail.

6. Material and Durability – What's Inside the Stick?

From carbon to alternative materials: Learn how the material of your stick impacts its performance and durability. A video on this topic is in production and will be available here soon.

With our Stick Guide, you'll become an expert on hockey sticks and be able to choose your ideal stick with confidence. Use our videos, tips, and tools to take your game to the next level!

Learn more about our hockey sticks and customization options:

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  • Why is hockey equipment so expensive?
  • Price-performance comparison: ABSHockey vs. Bauer, CCM, Warrior – a direct comparison.