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field hockey stick guidefield hockey stick guide

How to choose a field hockey stick:

 

Making sure you pick the right field hockey stick for your skill level & style of play is important to get the most out of your game.  STX makes sticks for all ranges of players from beginners to elite so we are sure to have the right sitck for you.   

How do you know which stick to get?

Skill Level:

Skill level is the best starting point for choosing a stick.   We break our sticks down into 3 main skill levels.

Beginner - these sticks are designed for learning the game & developing skills.  Best for children under 10 years old.  Made using fiberglass for a more forgiving stick.

Competitive- these sticks are designed for improving & learning more advanced skills.  Best for players 10-15 years old.  Made using some carbon fiber to increase power.

Elite - these sticks are made with advanced materials for players at the top of their game.  Intended for players age 15+.  Made almost entirely from carbon fiber for maximum power and stiffness.

Stick Length:

Stick length is a function of height and personal preference.  In general, the top of the stick should hit about 2” below the hip bone of the player when he/she is standing up straight. 

Forwards tend to like shorter sticks to keep the ball close and move quickly.  Defenders tend to like longer sticks for reach.

field hockey stick size chartfield hockey stick size chart

Composition:

Field hockey sticks are made of 3 different types of composite materials. Blends and weaves of these materials change the properties and feel of the stick.  Generally Elite sticks will have more carbon while beginner sticks will have mostly fiberglass.


Carbon – stiff for power, strength and stability
Aramid – vibration dampening and strength
Fiberglass – flexible and lightweight

Bow:

Curvature of the stick from handle to toe.  Different curve shapes and depths will perform differently.  A lower bow allows for better ball handling and ability to get under the ball easier for improved 3D skills (lifting the ball into the air). 

A lower bow means that the curve starts closer to the toe of the stick, resulting in a more abrupt curve.  A higher bow starts closer to the handle and results in a more gradual curve.   

The STX Ai 1001 and XT lines have the lowest bow, with the RX line of sticks has a slightly higher bow.

Balance Point:

The weight perception of the stick changes depending on where the balance point is located.  The higher the balance point, the lighter the feel.  The lower the balance point, the heavier the feel.   STX sticks all have a balance point from 39cm - 39.5cm from the toe.

Indoor Sticks:

The rules of indoor don’t allow for a backswing therefore traditional outdoor sticks are too heavy.  Indoor sticks are designed to have a thin, lightweight, quick toe required for indoor play.