Which hockey stick is really right for you?

Flex, weight, blade or kick point – choosing the right hockey stick determines your shot power, control and feel. In this comprehensive hockey stick guide, we show you step by step how to find the perfect stick for your level, playing style and body weight – including tables, practical tips and videos.

The right hockey stick – briefly explained

The right hockey stick depends primarily on body weight, playing style and position. As a rule of thumb: body weight in kilograms ≈ Flex. Hybrid-Kick suits all-rounders, Low-Kick is for quick shots, Mid-Kick for maximum shot power.

1. Weight – What is ideal for you?

➡️ to the detailed weight guide for hockey sticks

The weight of a hockey stick plays a decisive role, as it directly affects your playing style and performance on the ice. A light stick can improve your speed and agility, while a heavier stick offers stability and a solid feel on shots and stick checks.

1.1 How do you choose the right hockey stick weight?

A very light stick weighing around 350g is ideal for players who do a lot of stickhandling and prefer quick movements. These sticks let you control the puck efficiently and make precise passes or shots. However, an extremely light stick can be less robust and offer less stability on stick checks or hard shots (e.g. one-timers). The lightest sticks on the market are also the ones that weigh most on your wallet. The lightest ones are usually also the most expensive sticks.

Medium-weight sticks, roughly between 350 g and 430 g, offer a balanced mix of agility and stability. This variant is especially popular with most players, as it ensures flexibility in various game situations.

Heavier sticks over 430 g are used more by players who have a lot of physical contact and want greater stability. These sticks often offer higher durability and are designed for powerful shots and passes. Heavy hockey sticks weighing more than 430g are, on the other hand, very affordable.

1.2 Our video comparison: weight and brands

In our video we compare the weights of various stick models:

• CCM Ribcore Trigger 9 Pro: Weighs 370 g and belongs to the middle weight classes.
• Bauer Proto R White Edition: At 345 g, it is among the lighter models.
• ABSHockey Custom-Sticks: The weight depends on the chosen model: for the SR models it ranges between 365g and 400g (measured at 169 cm) – from lighter models like ARCANE, AURORA or RAPID (365g) up to the STD PRO (400g).
• Conclusion: Currently, top models from various brands like CCM, Bauer, Sherwood, True, etc. are between 340 and 400g. It has been that way for several years. The bottom line is that even though creative new names keep being invented for the latest models, the weight often stays within this range. To inform yourself better, look at the facts and not at the brands or model names. Stick weights are published online. Do your own research and find out how heavy your current stick is or how heavy the stick you plan to buy is.

1.3 Influence of colours on weight

Did you know that the colour of your stick affects the weight? A coloured paint job adds about 10g to the total weight of the stick. That's not much, but it can make a difference in situations where every gram counts.

Fact: Colour adds up to 15 grams to the weight of a hockey stick. That's why most designs (regardless of brand) are mostly carbon patterns.

1.4 What to consider regarding stick weight

Ultimately, the choice of the ideal weight depends on your playing style, your position and your personal preferences. Remember: a light stick can improve your agility, while a heavier stick can give you more stability. Try different weights and find out which one you feel most comfortable with!

📹 Video: Comparison of stick weights – CCM, Bauer and our Custom-Sticks.

to our YouTube channel

2. How do you choose the right stick flex?

Short answer: As a rule of thumb: your body weight in kilograms roughly equals your ideal flex value. A player weighing 75 kg should start with a 70–75 flex.

The flex of your hockey stick directly affects how the stick behaves on shots and passes. It describes the flexibility of the shaft and is indicated by a number that refers to the force in pounds needed to bend the stick by 2.5 cm (1 inch). The higher the number, the stiffer the stick. An optimal flex can significantly improve your shot power, precision and control.

2.1 What does the flex value mean?

A stick with a flex of 77 needs 77 pounds (approx. 35 kg) to be bent by 2.5 cm. A higher flex value (e.g. 85 or 100) indicates that the stick is less flexible, which requires more force to bend it. A lower flex value (e.g. 55 or 65) means the shaft bends more easily and is suitable for players with less body weight or less strength.

2.2 Which flex suits you?

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

• Flex number in kg: Your weight in kilograms roughly equals the optimal flex.
• Flex number in pounds: Half of your weight in pounds gives you a good guideline.

Examples:

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

Hockey stick flex table

The following table shows which flex value is recommended depending on body weight
and height.

Body weight (kg)	Body weight (lbs)	Height	Recommended flex
20–30 kg	44–66 lbs	120–140 cm	20–30 Flex (Youth)
30–40 kg	66–88 lbs	130–150 cm	30–40 Flex (Junior)
40–50 kg	88–110 lbs	145–160 cm	40–50 Flex (Junior)
50–60 kg	110–132 lbs	155–170 cm	50–55 Flex (Intermediate)
60–70 kg	132–155 lbs	165–175 cm	55–65 Flex (Intermediate)
70–80 kg	155–176 lbs	170–180 cm	65–75 Flex (Intermediate/Senior)
80–90 kg	176–198 lbs	175–185 cm	75–85 Flex (Senior)
90–100+ kg	198–220+ lbs	180–195 cm	85–102 Flex (Senior/Pro)

2.3 Consider playing style and position

Your playing style also influences the choice of flex:

• Stickhandlers and passers: A lower flex (e.g. 65–75) offers more control and makes handling easier. Perfect for players who carry the puck often or prefer quick movements.

Example: Connor Bedard uses a stick with a 70 flex

• Shooters and players with powerful shots: Players who often shoot from the blue line or take one-timers benefit from a higher flex (e.g. 85–100), as it transfers more energy to the puck.

Example: Cale Makar uses a stick with a 95 flex

2.4 How does stick length affect the flex?

Note that cutting your stick increases the flex value. Every centimetre cut off makes the shaft stiffer, so an 85 flex can feel like a 90 flex after cutting. So plan at the time of purchase how much you want to cut off the shaft.

Example: If you cut 5 cm off a 67" (170cm) stick with a 75 flex, it will then have an 80 flex at a length of 65" (165cm).

2.5 What you should know about flex

Choosing the right flex is crucial to getting the most out of your stick. A stick that is too stiff requires more force and impairs precision, while a stick that is too soft delivers less shot power. Test different flex options to find the right balance for your style.

📹 Video: Flex value explained simply.

➡️ to our YouTube channel

3. The right curve for your game

➡️ to the detailed curve guide (images of all variants and brand comparison table)

Choosing the right blade (also called "curve") is decisive for your success on the ice. The blade directly affects how you control, pass and shoot the puck. Players have different preferences, and the choice of blade should match your individual playing style.

3.1 How does the blade affect your game?

The blade of a hockey stick is the lower part of the shaft that makes contact with the puck. The shape, length and angle of the blade determine how the puck is guided and how you execute shots and passes. Each blade has specific characteristics that offer different advantages, depending on whether you want to make precise passes, take powerful shots or control the puck.

3.2 The most important features of a blade

Curve:
The curve of a blade indicates how strongly it is bent.

• Deep curve: Perfect for toe-release/toe-drag shots with a high trajectory and better puck control (toe-drags)

Example: P28 curve

• Flat curve: Offers more precision for passes and shots.

Example: P88 curve

Angle (Lie):
The angle between the blade and the ice affects how the stick picks up the puck. Players with an upright posture often prefer a higher angle, while deeply crouched players choose a flatter angle.

➡️ to the hockey stick Lie guide

Length:

• Short blades: Ideal for puck control and tight dribbling.

Example of a short curve P14

• Long blades: Offer more reach and are suitable for defensive players.

Example of a long curve P02

Toe shape:

• Round toe (common nowadays): Good for precise stickhandling.

Example of a round curve toe P92

• Square toe (old school): Better suited for powerful shots.

Example of a square curve toe P02

3.3 How do I choose the right blade?

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

• Playmaker: Choose a blade with a medium curve for precise passes and good puck control.

Example: P88 – playmakers like Patrick Kane play this curve.

• Sniper: Go for a strongly curved blade to enable powerful shots with a high trajectory.

Example: P28 - the most popular sniper curve at the moment. David Pastrnak regularly scores 40+ goals in the NHL with it.

• All-rounder: A hybrid curve gives you the flexibility to make both precise passes and powerful shots.

Example: P90TM - becoming increasingly popular. A mix of P92 (playmaker) and P28 (sniper).

3.4 The most common blade profiles and their advantages

Best-selling blades: P92, P28, P90TM

Here are some examples of typical hockey stick blade profiles:

Curve profile	Characteristics	Curves	Suitable for
Mid Curve	Balance between puck control and precision	P92, P29, P88, P90TM	All-rounders, playmakers
Toe Curve	Good control and powerful shots	P28, P08	Snipers who operate close to the net
Heel Curve	Strong shots from the blue line	P02, P91A, P86	Defenders and long-range shooters

Heel Curve

The curve starts close to the shaft.
Ideal for precise passes and hard slapshots – especially popular with defenders.

3.5 Why should I try different blades?

The choice of blade is very individual. Even small differences in shape or curve can change your feel for the game. Try different blades to find out which one best suits your style.

Our recommendation:

At ABSHockey we offer a wide selection of blades and curves tailored to the needs of every player. Whether Mid, Toe or Heel Curve – we help you find the perfect blade for your game.

Learn more: https://abshockey.ch/blogs/news/eishockeyschlager-welcher-bogen-ist-der-richtige-fur-mich

4. Kick points – Optimising shot energy

The kick point of a hockey stick is one of the most decisive characteristics when it comes to shot performance. It describes the area of the stick where the shaft flexes most during the shot. The kick point affects how the stick absorbs and releases the energy of the shot, and thus also shot power and accuracy.

4.1 What is the kick point?

The kick point of a hockey stick is the area of the shaft where the stick bends most during a shot. The stick is designed so that the kick point is set at a specific spot on the shaft, while the material around this point is reinforced to ensure that the stick flexes exactly at this spot. This enables efficient energy transfer during the shot.

4.2 The different kick points in detail

Low kick point:
A low kick point is located closer to the blade of the stick and ensures that the stick flexes faster and with less effort on shots. Players who prefer quick shots or wrist shots benefit from a low kick point. The stick releases energy faster and ensures precise shots at higher speed, without the player having to use much force.

Mid kick point:
A mid kick point is located in the middle of the stick and offers a balanced combination of precision and shot power. Players who take both slapshots and wrist shots benefit from this kick point, as it is suitable for versatile shooting techniques. The mid kick point enables even energy transfer and ensures a good balance between control and power.

High kick point:
A high kick point is located higher up on the stick and is ideal for players who focus on slapshots. This kick point stores more energy and releases it with maximum force when the stick flexes fully during a powerful slapshot. Players who regularly shoot from the blue line or want to achieve high shot speeds often choose a high kick point.

Hybrid kick point:
A hybrid kick point combines elements of low and high kick points to enable a more flexible shooting technique. This is ideal for players who need both precise wrist shots and powerful slapshots. A hybrid kick point ensures more versatility and is well suited to different playing styles.

4.3 How does the kick point affect your playing style?

The choice of the right kick point depends on your playing style and your preferred shooting techniques. Here are some general guidelines:

• Players with quick wrist shots: A low kick point ensures fast bending of the stick and a precise release of energy.

NHL players who use a low-kick stick: Connor Bedard, Quinn Hughes, Mitch Marner

Low-kick hockey stick models: CCM Ribcor, Bauer Vapor, Warrior Covert, True Hzrdus

• Players who take both slapshots and wrist shots: A mid kick point is ideal for balanced performance.

NHL players who use a mid-kick stick: Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Lane Hutson

Mid-kick hockey stick models: CCM Tacks, Bauer Nexus, Warrior Novium, True Catalyst

• Players who prefer powerful slapshots: A high kick point offers maximum shot power and precision for shots from a distance.
• Players who need a combination of quick and powerful shots: A hybrid kick point offers the flexibility to master both types of shots.

NHL players who use a hybrid-kick stick: Macklin Celebrini, Connor McDavid

Hybrid-kick hockey stick models: CCM Jetspeed, Bauer Pulse, Warrior Alpha, True Project

4.4 Why is the kick point so important?

The kick point is decisive for shot performance because it directly affects the way the stick flexes when shooting. The stick stores the energy of the shot and releases it through the kick point. An optimal kick point ensures that the stick works efficiently and powerfully, which increases shot speed and accuracy.

4.5 Conclusion – The perfect kick point for your playing style

Choosing the right kick point is an important factor when selecting a hockey stick. Depending on your playing style, shooting technique and preferences, you should choose the kick point that suits you best. Whether you prefer quick wrist shots, precise slapshots or a combination of both techniques, the right kick point helps you take your game to the next level.

📹 Video: Kick points on hockey sticks explained.

5. Grip – For a secure feel on the stick

The grip of a hockey stick is more than just a design decision – it directly affects control and feel during the game. Choosing the right grip can make the difference between a secure, precise pass and a failed shot. There are various grip options that help players improve their performance by controlling the stick better while offering more comfort.

Spiral Grip on the SR 350g Hybrid Kick

5.1 What is the grip of a hockey stick?

The grip is the area of the stick where the player holds the stick. It can be made of rubber, plastic or other materials that provide a grippy surface. The grip ensures that the player can hold the stick securely in hand, without the stick slipping out during fast movements or contact. A suitable grip contributes not only to shooting technique, but also to the player's health, as it prevents the palms from slipping too much on the stick and creating unnecessary strain.

5.2 The different grip options in detail

There are many different types of grips, and each option offers different advantages, depending on the needs and preferences of the player. Here are the most common grip types used in the hockey world:

Tactile Grip:
A tactile grip offers a textured surface that is especially non-slip and gives the player improved control over the stick. This type of grip is especially popular with players who want a very direct and precise feel for the stick. The tactile grip is excellent for players who rely on puck control.

Spiral Grip:
A spiral grip offers a spiral-shaped structure that ensures ergonomic handling while providing grip at the same time. This type of grip is especially popular with players who need to turn the stick quickly and precisely without losing control. The spiral grip offers a great combination of comfort and control.

Candy Cane Grip:
The Candy Cane Grip is characterised by a unique, twisted structure that makes the stick especially grippy. This type of grip is very pleasant in the hand and ensures a firm hold, even during fast movements and in intense game situations. The Candy Cane Grip is especially popular with players who want a very soft and pleasant feel in the hand.

Ribbed Grip:
A ribbed grip offers vertical ridges or bumps along the stick that increase grip and provide more hold. This structure gives players very good feedback when shooting and controlling the puck. The ribbed grip is especially useful for players who do a lot of stickhandling and need quick access to the stick.

Standard Grip:
A Standard Grip is the simple variant without additional structures or designs. This grip offers a solid, non-slip feel that is sufficient for many players. It is especially suitable for players who prefer a discreet but effective grip. The Standard Grip is very versatile and used by players of all styles.

No grip:
Some players choose a stick without grip to feel the natural feel of the stick. This variant offers pure, unaltered contact and is preferred above all by players who want minimalist handling of the stick. A stick without grip can, however, make control a bit more difficult, especially in wetter conditions.

5.3 How do you choose the right grip for your playing style?

The choice of the right grip depends heavily on your playing style and the specific demands you place on your stick:

• Players who do a lot of stickhandling or make fast movements: A tactile grip or spiral grip is ideal, as they ensure precise control.
• Players who value comfort and durability: The Candy Cane Grip or the ribbed grip offer maximum comfort and stable handling.
• Players who prefer a classic solution: The Standard Grip or the absence of a grip offer a simple and proven feel.

5.4 Why is the grip so important?

The grip of a hockey stick not only provides comfort, but also improves playing technique. A firm hold can help make shots more precise and passes faster and more controlled. Especially in hectic game situations, when speed and precision are decisive, the right grip helps to use the stick optimally.

5.5 Conclusion – The perfect grip for your style of play

The grip of your hockey stick is an essential factor for your performance on the ice. Choose the grip that best suits your playing style and preferences in order to maximise control and comfort. Whether you want to take quick wrist shots, improve puck control or simply enjoy the feel of a solid grip – the right choice of grip can make your difference in the game.

📹 Video: Our grip options in detail.

6. Material and stability – What's inside the stick?

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

With our Stick Guide you become an expert on hockey sticks and can select your ideal stick in a targeted way. Use our videos, tips and tools to take your game to the next level!

7. Frequently asked questions about hockey sticks

Which flex is right for children?

For children: the flex should be significantly lower than for adults. As a rule, it is between 20 and 40, depending on body weight.

Is an expensive hockey stick automatically better?

Not necessarily. What matters is that flex, length and curve suit the player – not the price. Generally, the lighter the stick, the more expensive it is.

Which kick point is suitable for beginners?

Mid-Kick is ideal for beginners, as it is forgiving and versatile.

Which hockey stick is best for amateur players?

For amateur players, a balanced stick with Mid-Kick, a suitable flex and medium weight is ideal. What matters is that the flex suits the body weight.

How long does a hockey stick last?

Durability depends heavily on playing style, ice time and area of use. Depending on the level, between 1 month or less for pros (1-2 sessions per day). Example: Nathan MacKinnon needs about 400 hockey sticks per year. Yes, that's right, 400 – it's not a typo. He revealed this in an interview. For players who use it little, a hockey stick can also last a good 1-2 years.

Learn more about our hockey sticks and their customisation options:

• Order your custom hockey stick here
• Follow us on Instagram
• Discover our TikTok page

More helpful stick guides:

• Hockeyrepairshop
• Spirit of Hockey
• ReXhockey

Our frequently asked questions (FAQ): https://abshockey.ch/pages/faqs

Related topics:

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

This guide was created by ABSHockey - a Swiss specialist for hockey sticks with years of experience and thousands of sticks sold.

Dive Deeper – More Guides

This guide gives you the overview. For each buying factor we have detailed guides: flex, length, kick points, weight and the right curve.

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