Choosing the right hockey stick mainly comes down to three factors: length, shape/bow, and composition.

The best stick for you depends on your age, height, playing level, and position. For example, a beginner will usually benefit from a more forgiving standard sticks that prioritises control, while advanced players may prefer sticks designed with specialist shapes and advanced compositions.

Defenders often favour power and hitting strength, midfielders tend to want all-round balance, and forwards may prefer lighter sticks with more agility.

If you’re unsure, read below about length, shape, and composition. And, read through the product description of our various sticks to see if one sounds like a good fit.

Getting the right stick length is important for comfort, control, and technique.

For junior players, a simple guide is to stand the stick upright beside you - the top of the stick should generally reach somewhere between your hip bone and belly button. This works well for most junior players, especially those under around 10 years old or under 145 cm (4’9”).

For older juniors and adults, 36.5” is the standard stick length and suits most players up to roughly 6 feet (183 cm). 37.5” sticks are designed for taller players, typically over 6 feet. Anything longer than 37.5” is rarely needed unless you’re exceptionally tall.

When in doubt, most players are best starting with 36.5”.

The bow refers to how much the stick curves along its shaft, and it has a big impact on how the stick feels and performs.

• Low bow / Extreme low bow: Best for advanced skills such as drag flicking, aerials, and 3D dribbling
• Mid bow: Great all-round option for passing, receiving, hitting, and general play
• Straight or subtle bow: Easier to control and often better for beginners

More bow usually helps with specialist attacking skills, but it can make the stick slightly harder to control and may require an adjustment to your technique. Less bow offers a more predictable feel, making it ideal for developing core skills.

The right bow depends on how you play and what skills you want to improve.

A stick’s composition refers to the materials used to make it, most commonly wood, fibreglass, and carbon.

• Wood: Soft feel, excellent control, ideal for beginners and young players
• Fibreglass: Adds durability and stiffness while maintaining good control
• Carbon: Increases power and responsiveness, but also creates more bounce and requires better technique to control

Higher carbon content usually means more power, but not always a better stick. A powerful stick can feel unforgiving if your technique is still developing.

A good way to think about it: you don’t learn to drive in a Formula 1 car - and the same applies to hockey sticks, the most 'best' stick is not always the most suitable.

Most players should progress gradually as their skill level improves (though age can influence the right starting point).