What material are sticks made of and which one is best for me?

A stick turns out to be for a hockey player the same as for a magician his wand represents. And not only because of the magic that this game has for all “hockey players”, but mainly because it is “an extension of the body”, the vehicle needed to be able to play. but above all to create and live the game.

The moment of taking the stick before starting the game is what makes you change the chip, the definitive signal that the game is about to start and you are ready to enjoy it with intensity. All your energy, motivation and talent will be channeled through your stick, and will translate into those passes, dribbles and defences that make you enjoy. Your hockey stick is more than part of your equipment, it will influence the way you play, and knowing how to choose the stick that is most suitable for you is important.

Not all sticks are the same, they can vary from the material they are made from, to their length, weight and shape. The composition of hockey sticks today is mostly composite, some are also made from wood. The composite is based on fibreglass and incorporates carbon as we want to gain performance, and in the end it is what makes the difference. Carbon can be used in various ways and processes, one example is the Ritual Revolution which is manufactured in Germany using a carbon braiding system as if it were pure carbon wire..

Ritual Hockey Revolution from Ritual Hockey on Vimeo.

Sticks with a high percentage of carbon are indicated if what you are looking for is stiffness all that implies. Is that they are also less flexible when hitting the ball, so it provides speed with the hit. Another fact to keep in mind is that carbon provides less sensation, something that can be a bit difficult if you are not yet an experienced player and the percentage of carbon is high, like 70-100%.

An example of these carbon models can be found in some Adidas Carbon sticks, which in addition to their strength, stand out for their durability. But as we have already said, there are other sticks with different percentages of carbon, from 10% to 100% that we mentioned. The truth is that the evolution of the composite sticks have improved in the “feeling” with the ball, the first ones were authentic pipes, that had no control and now the hardness / sensation balance has improved a lot with research and development of the manufacture of sticks.

If you still do not have much experience in this game but you prefer a carbon stick, you could look for a model with a percentage of this material that is not very high. And when you become an advanced pro hockey player over time, you can always evolve with technology and choose a stick with more carbon.

This is how we recommend it on Flick, we want the player’s game to evolve with the stick, for this help, but as the wand does not make the magician, the stick does not make the Olympian.

Between wood and composite

Although they are not as common as composite ones, wooden models are also popular and not only because they are cheaper than the rest.

And in fact, for beginners, the wooden stick is usually the most recommended: there will be time to move on to the carbon or composite stick later, if you want. But for those who practice very punctually, for moms or dads who want to play with their children, wooden sticks are fantastic for their price.

In grass, they have stopped manufacturing wooden sticks with better performance, due to the improvement of the composite, the water fields and the revolution in manufacturing.

In indoor hockey, it is another story. if what you are looking for is “sensation”, the wooden stick will provide it like no other. It can also be said that they are the most “retro” sticks, if not ancient, since in the origins of hockey all sticks were made of wood.

Any example of a wooden model to highlight?

The Osaka Pro Tour Limited Wood sticks or the Precision Pro Ritual, some of which are used by many of the world’s best indoor players. Other simpler and more affordable models would be found among the Adidas or Brabo sticks, which have a fairly wide Indoor range.

And if you are a beginner and you are looking for a stick let’s say “balanced”, in the sense that it gives you more feeling than carbon, makes it easier for you to control the ball and also has an affordable price, try a composite stick without carbon. It will not give you as much power as carbon, it is a light stick, but if you are still learning it will make it easier for you to learn techniques, which is what will interest you most at the beginning, it will last longer and you will be able to hit harder than wood.

You see that there are no sticks the same as neither are the players, but there is a stick for each player, and what should be found is ours. Although there are those considered hockey sticks for children such as those classified as hockey sticks for adults, apart from age there are other factors such as your personality, your preferences. The best stick for you does not have to be for another player and vice versa. There are no better or worse sticks: what makes a stick “good” is that you feel comfortable and the game flows with ease.

Your stick is not going to transform you as a player, but it is a tool that will help you to get the best out of yourself during the game. Keep in mind that your hockey stick has to adapt to you as much as you to it, but not in a forced way, but natural, spontaneous, just as it happens when you find the most suitable stick for you. And when that happens, get ready to enjoy … a lot.