What are composite hockey sticks made of?
What curve should I buy?
Determining the proper shaft stiffness
How do I determine what length I need?
composite hockey sticks vs. wood hockey sticks:
Both sticks have their pros and cons of course. Wood sticks may be cheaper but they are also heavier. Composite sticks are lighter and more flexible, and have a reputation of breaking more. It’s important to note however, that the NHL stars you see using composite sticks are using sticks specifically made for them. The composite sticks that are sold to the public are much stronger and will not break as easily as NHL sticks. The NHL player’s composite sticks are made for flexibility and quickness, not strength.
How many NHL players use wood sticks and how many use composite hockey sticks?
Today about 85-90% of NHL hockey players use composite hockey sticks.
Can you shoot harder with a composite hockey sticks?
Players using a composite hockey stick can add up to around 10 miles per hour on their shots.
What are composite hockey sticks made of?
Today's sticks can be made of graphite, carbon, Kevlar and titanium. They can also be made of a combination of any of these materials, which is the definition of composite.
How To Buy A Hockey Stick
The hockey stick is an extension of the hockey player's arm. This means the stick has to fit properly, and the length, curve and lie angle need to match both your size and body type as well as the type of game you play. The shaft you choose is largely a matter of personal choice. Shafts come in many different materials for sticks with different weights and durabilities.
Wood Sticks vs. Composite Hockey Sticks
Wood sticks
These are traditional sticks and are usually less expensive than modern composite hockey sticks
You are able to fine tune your stick by cutting or sanding it to make it more comfortable
Wood sticks break more easily
Wood sticks are heavier and tend to be stiffer than other materials
Composites
Modern stick shafts come in all sorts of materials, including fiberglass, aluminum, carbon-graphite, kevlar and titanium. The blades are usually still made of wood and are attached to the composite stick with glue. These materials make for a lighter stick, but are generally more expensive than wood. WickedShot.com offers wood blades wrapped in Kevlar and Fiberglass, email us at info@wickedshot.com for details.
Kevlar Kevlar is often mixed with graphite to form the shaft of a stick, but it can also be used on its own
Kevlar sticks are one of the most expensive
One of the strongest and most lightweight
They use replaceable blades
What curve should I buy?
You should buy a stick that has the blade angled so that the puck is on the forehand during shooting
A curved blade allows you to lift the puck and put spin on it but makes it more difficult to shoot or pass backhand
A blade with a smaller curve gives you lower shots and better control
Players just starting to learn the game should choose a blade with a lesser curve. A curved blade may inhibit backhand passing or shooting.
Determining the proper shaft stiffness
The stiffness, or flex, of a stick's shaft is important in determining control and performance. Most stick shafts come in flexes of medium (85 stiffness), stiff measurement, or extra stiff (up to 110 stiff)
Beginning players should look for a light stick with a medium stiffness rating
Bigger, stronger players should choose a stick with a stiffer flex
Defensemen should choose a stiffer, heavier stick, while forwards should choose a lighter, more flexible shaft
Determining the stick length
Since it is very difficult to control an oversized or undersized stick, the length of your hockey stick must be correct for your size
Hockey sticks come in two basic sizes: junior and senior
Junior sticks are generally between 46 - 54 inches long
Senior sticks are generally between 56 - 62 inches long
Offensive players usually have a slightly shorter stick for better puck control
Defensive players generally have a longer stick which is good for poking the puck away from an oncoming forward
You will probably not be able to find a stick that is the exact right size. It’s a good idea to purchase a stick a bit long and then cut it down to your size.
To determine the proper stick length:
Stand in your skates
Put the toe of the stick on the ground
The top of the stick should reach somewhere between your chin and the tip of your nose
Be sure to consult the rules of your league to determine what dimensions your stick is allowed to be.
