Which length stick is right for me?
Most hockey sticks are available in standard lengths of 36.5 and 37.5 with a few available in longer lengths. 36.5 has traditionally been the ‘standard’ senior length of a hockey stick and the majority of players still use this size. Recently there has been a trend towards more players using 37.5 sticks, with the advantages including a longer reach, and a more comfortable playing position for taller players. There are no rules governing which length of stick will be right for individual players, it really is down to personal preference. Which weight stick should I buy?
Most hockey sticks are available in light and medium weight with a few available in a heavy version. The last few years have seen movement away from the heavier sticks due to the technical advancements in the manufacture of hockey sticks (particularly the composites). Traditionally with wooden sticks, the heavier the stick, the more power could be generated when
striking the ball, however with today’s composite sticks the power is generated
from the composition of the stick rather than the weight. Recent trends have been towards lighter sticks with advantages for dribbling and stick skills. However, many players still favour the balance offered by a slightly heavier stick. It is impossible to advise which weight will be ‘better’ for an individual player. What is the difference between composite and wooden sticks?
Composite sticks are made of a combination of Carbon, Fibreglass, Aramid and Kevlar, whereas wooden sticks are essentially made from a wooden core (usually mulberry) reinforced with combinations of Carbon, Fibreglass, Aramid and Kevlar. The advantages of composite sticks over wooden sticks are: - Greater power when striking the ball
- Uniform balance, weight and shape making it easier to buy a second stick the same
- Sticks can be lighter without losing any power
The advantages of wooden sticks over composite sticks are:- More ‘give’ in the shaft allowing increased feel and touch on the ball
- Greater first touch and control skills
- Each stick is slightly different allowing a choice of weights and balance points
Wooden and composite sticks each require maintenance to prolong their lifespan; both wear down particularly when used regularly on sand-based surfaces.
The difference between composite sticks within a range is essentially their composition. As you go up the range the amount of carbon in
the stick increases, which in turn makes the sticks stiffer and allows a greater hitting power. This is balanced by the decrease in control that is the consequence of having a stiffer stick. The same is essentially true of wooden sticks, the more money you pay, the greater the reinforcement on the shaft allowing greater power.What is the advantage of having a bowed stick?
Bowed hockey sticks have been increasing in popularity in the UK after a huge increase in their use in Europe (particularly Holland and
Germany). The advantages include:
- Increased flicking ability (particularly drag flicking)
- Better for sweep and pushed passes
- Some players have found that the bow helps with dribbling as the stick head is at a different angle to that on a straight stick
Straight sticks also have their advantages:- Much better for flat hitting – less likely to inadvertently raise the ball
- More traditional profile, no need to adapt or change your play
The past couple of years have seen increases in the bows of sticks from the traditional 16mm up to 48mm in the most extreme case! This is all set to change again as the FIH have set a limit on the bend allowed to 25mm. This is due to start in International hockey in January 2006, however England Hockey have announced that this will not come into force in the EHL until the
start of the 2006/07 season. Although a year early, most stick manufacturers in the UK have altered their ranges for the 2005/06 season to comply with the new regulations.What is the difference between the head shapes?
Head shapes have altered over the years, but most sticks on the market today are only available in a limited number of head shapes. The two major types are hook or maxi heads, with many manufacturers settling on a
compromise between the two (J heads, sigma head etc.). Hook heads bend round further than the maxi heads and are generally considered advantageous for dribbling and flicking, particularly reverse stick skills. Maxi heads have a bigger sweet spot for hitting, and allow the ball to be trapped or dragged in
the headbend. Why are some sticks more expensive than others?
The cost of wooden sticks is determined by the level of reinforcement on the shaft. Cheaper sticks may only be reinforced with fibreglass, whereas the more expensive sticks will have strips of carbon coating the shaft giving increased stiffness and power. In addition Kevlar or aramid may be added to dampen vibrations. The cost of composite sticks is directly proportional to the percentage of carbon making up the stick. The more you pay, the more carbon is in the stick, making it stiffer, resulting in increased striking power. Is there any warranty on hockey sticks?
Due to the nature of the game of hockey, it is not possible to fully guarantee any stick against breakage – all sticks will break eventually. As a rough guideline, any inherent fault in composition of a stick will manifest itself within the first month of use. Any breakage after that time is likely to be the result of direct contact, e.g. a stick tackle… which is not covered by any guarantee.
Damage caused by edge hitting (or the Argentinean backhand shot) is not covered by any manufacturers warranty.
If you are concerned that your stick may be faulty we will be pleased to examine it and if necessary send it back to the manufacturers for
their assessment. Often damage is repairable which may be done at the manufacturers discretion.
Players must take responsibility for the maintenance and care
of their sticks, particularly when playing on sand based surfaces. Wear and tear will occur to the shaft and head of the stick, but damage can be limited by the use of stick tape and stick repair kits. Most manufacturers estimate that players should expect to use more than one stick per season if training and playing regularly. Can I get a different (or an additional) grip put onto a stick purchased by mail order?
Unfortunately we cannot put different grips onto sticks before they are sent out by mail order. Once a stick has been altered it is not fit for resale and you would therefore be unable to return it if for any reason it did not meet your expectations. If I purchase an entire goalkeeping kit could I get any discount?
Unfortunately we are unable to offer any further discounts for bulk purchases as our prices are already heavily discounted from the RRP’s. We have a policy of discounting all goods and making these discounts available to all. | 
