The Ultimate Ice Hockey Stick Guide: Flex, Weight, Blade & Kick Point Explained
Which Ice Hockey Stick Really Fits You?
Flex, weight, blade curve or kick point – choosing the right ice hockey stick has a direct impact on shot power, control and overall feel on the ice. In this comprehensive hockey stick guide, we show you step by step how to find the perfect stick for your skill level, playing style and body weight – including charts, practical tips and videos.
The Right Hockey Stick – Explained Simply
The right hockey stick mainly depends on your body weight, playing style and position. As a rule of thumb: body weight in kilograms ≈ flex. Hybrid kick points are ideal for all-round players, low-kick for quick releases, and mid-kick for maximum shot power.
The weight of a hockey stick plays a crucial role because it directly affects your skating speed, puck handling and shot execution. Lighter sticks improve agility and quick hands, while heavier sticks provide stability and durability.
1.1 How to Choose the Right Stick Weight
Very light sticks around 350g are ideal for players who focus on quick stickhandling and fast releases. However, ultra-light sticks tend to be more expensive and slightly less durable.
Mid-weight sticks (350–430g) offer the best balance between control and durability and are the most popular choice among competitive players.
Heavier sticks (430g+) are often chosen by physical players who want maximum durability and shot stability. They are also more affordable.
The kick point defines where the stick flexes most during a shot.
Low Kick: Quick release (wrist shots)
Mid Kick: Balanced power
High Kick: Maximum slap shot power
Hybrid: Versatile
Understanding Kickpoints Video:
5. Grip – Control & Feel
Grip affects stick control and comfort.
Tactile grip – maximum control
Spiral grip – ergonomic handling
Candy cane grip – comfort
Ribbed grip – feedback
No grip – free hand movement
📹 Video: Grip options explained
6. Material & Durability
Modern hockey sticks are built with layered carbon fiber for performance and durability. A dedicated video on materials is coming soon.
7. Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Hockey Sticks
Which flex is right for children?
For children, the flex should be significantly lower than for adults. It usually ranges between 20 and 40, depending on body weight.
Is a more expensive ice hockey stick automatically better?
Not necessarily. What really matters is that the flex, length, and curve fit the player—not the price. Generally speaking, the lighter the stick, the more expensive it tends to be.
Which kick point is suitable for beginners?
A mid-kick is ideal for beginners because it is forgiving and versatile.
Which ice hockey stick is best for recreational players?
For recreational players, a balanced stick with a mid-kick, the right flex, and medium weight is ideal. The most important factor is that the flex matches the player’s body weight.
How long does an ice hockey stick last?
Durability depends heavily on playing style, ice time, and level of use. At the professional level, a stick may last one month or less (with 1–2 sessions per day). For example, Nathan MacKinnon uses around 400 sticks per year. Yes, you read that correctly—400 is not a typo. He revealed this in an interview. For players who use their stick less frequently, an ice hockey stick can easily last 1–2 years.
Die paar extra Millimeter in der Höhe helfen gegnerische Flippässe noch effektiver zu unterbindenund Scheiben in der Luft abzulenken. Das Schiessen, Passen und die allgemeine Scheibenkontrolle unterscheiden sich nicht spürbar zum Standard Pattern. Daher sehr cool gibt es zur sonst schon grossen Auswahl an Bögen noch dieses gewisse Extra obendrauf