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.

1. Weight – What’s Ideal for You?

➡️ Go to the detailed hockey stick weight guide

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.

1.2 Weight Comparison Video

📹 Video: Hockey stick weight comparison – CCM, Bauer & ABSHockey

1.3 Does Color Affect Stick Weight?

Yes. Colored paint adds up to 10–15 grams to the overall stick weight. That’s why most high-end sticks use raw carbon designs.

2. How to Choose the Right Stick Flex

Short answer: Your body weight in kilograms roughly equals your ideal flex value.

The flex determines how much your stick bends during shots and passes. A properly matched flex increases shot speed, accuracy and control.

2.1 What Does Flex Mean?

A 75 flex stick requires 75 pounds of force to bend 2.5 cm (1 inch). Higher numbers = stiffer shaft.

2.2 Flex Chart

2.3 Play Style & Position

Playmakers & stickhandlers: Lower flex (65–75)

Example: Connor Bedard uses ~70 flex

Shooters & defensemen: Higher flex (85–100)

Example: Cale Makar uses ~95 flex

2.4 Stick Length Affects Flex

Cutting your stick makes it stiffer. Removing 5 cm increases flex by roughly 5 points.

📹 Video: Flex explained simply

3. Choosing the Right Blade Curve

➡️ Detailed blade curve guide

The blade (curve) determines puck control, shot trajectory and backhand performance.

3.1 Blade Characteristics

• Toe curve: High shots, quick release
• Mid curve: Balanced control
• Heel curve: Powerful slap shots

Heel Curve

Curve begins close to the shaft.
Ideal for precise passes and powerful slap shots – especially popular among defensemen.

ℹ️ Modern curves like P92M or P29 + 1/4 feature extra blade height.

➡️ Extra blade height – advantage or marketing?

4. Kick Points – Optimizing Shot Power

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.

Our frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Explore more:

• Build your custom hockey stick
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This guide was created by ABSHockey – a Swiss specialist for custom ice hockey sticks.