Pick your stick
Finding a stick that best suits your play style doesn't have to be difficult. Despite what some may tell you, certain brands aren't "better" than others, and what works for someone else, may not work for you. There are a few key factors you must consider when purchasing a new twig. First, the size of the stick. Sticks come in youth, junior, intermediate, and senior sizes. Youth is for small children, whereas senior is for adults. Last, and certainly not least, is the flex and curve.
Flex
Flex is the amount your stick bends, or flexes, when taking a shot. Flex is important, because if you have too high of a flex, your stick will be too stiff, preventing you from properly flexing the stick while shooting. If you have too low of a flex, your stick will feel "whippy" and lack the resistance necessary to give your shot that extra power. To calculate flex, you take your body weight and divide it in half. To see where the flex is located on your stick, see the picture below. The guide next to it will help you determine which flex is right for you.
Curve
The curve of a stick comes down to personal preference and play style. Some curves are slight, offering more accurate shooting and control. Deep curves will allow a player to cradle the puck with ease and pick corners in tight places, but backhands will be more difficult. Finding the right curve can have a significant impact on your game. The curves listed below are some of the most common in hockey, and what we offer in our store.
- P88: Mid-Heel / Wrist Shots / Handling
- PM9: Mid / Handling / Backhand
- P92: Mid-Toe / Toe Drags / Control / Lift
- P28: Mid-Toe/ Toe Drags / Control/ Lift
