Good hockey stick for me?

Question

hi, i im a beginner ice hockey player and am thinking about playing defense. i am around 5 foot 7 and am not yet that strong on my shots. i was just wondering if you had any suggestion for a good, reliable stick for me - and what kind of flex you would suggest.

Answer 1

Sticks are such a personal item, it is hard to tell someone what kind of stick to use.... I rather like to give suggestions, and let you decide what you like the best.

There are three types of sizes of sticks out there, really. Junior sized, Intermediate sized, and senior sized.

The junior stick, has a smaller shaft, designed for smaller hands. It is shorter, as well. The intermediate stick is a bit taller, and has a bigger shaft that is usually the same size as a senior shaft, but i have seen them slightly smaller than a senior. Then there's the senior shaft. It is the longest stick, and is designed for bigger hands, and taller people.

You need to see if you can try out some of these types of sticks to see what size fits your hand, and body type. If I had to pick one for you, I'd start looking at an intermediate stick, and maybe a junior stick. It all depends on your hands. If the junior is too short, you can add a wooden plug in the end to make it longer.

In addition to those choices, you also have wooden vs. composite. One piece vs. two piece. $30 vs. $300. Then you get to delve into what style of curve you like. Heel vs. toe curve. Banna vs. a slight curve, etc. Then there's the flex issue. The lower the flex number, the more the stick will bend, or "load" up. Learning how to properly bend or "load" the stick will greatly increase the speed of your shot. All of this will take practice, so be patient. Try some of your friend's sticks to help you pick the best one for you.

Since you are a beginner, I suggest you start with an inexpensive wooden one, if you can find one the right size, to see if you even like the sport. ( I sure hope you do, though) then, you can progress up in quality as your game improves. If you have a pretty good bank account, I'd go with at least a composite stick. Start off with a mild curve, maybe one that has a toe curve without much of an open on the face. As you learn about sticks, you will see what I am talking about. Right now don't worry about all of that. Just pick a stick that feels good in your GLOVED hand. Not a bare one, as it feels much different with gloves on.

Good luck, and I hope this helps...

Steve.

Answer 2

get a flex around 100 or so. its no too stiff or too flexible.  i used a CCM vector and loved it.  the puck came off the stick faster and it lead to a faster slap shot speed. plus it was very very light

Answer 3

easton synergy.its cheap and good.

Answer 4

get a rbk 4k accuflex at http://www.hockeygiant.com/rbk084kstksr.... with a mid flex.

that should work pretty good, or if you dont like rbk try this http://www.hockeygiant.com/nbhvapv2stksr... with a 77flex

you dont want a very high flex yet since you said that your shots arent that strong yet. if you take a lower flex you can practice the movement of the shot with a better speed on the puck and then you can start to move up on flexes. that is if you ever decide that you want to use a higher flex.