The best hockey sticks as rated by our expert reviewers, plus a buying guide at the bottom of the page to make sure you choose the right stick for your game!
It’s a great time to be a goal scorer in hockey – whether you like shooting in tight with a quick release low kick stick, or prefer loading up a big slapshot from the perimeter, there is a hockey stick out there tailored specifically to you!
Sticks continue to get lighter, deliver more powerful and accurate shots, and for the most part increase in durability. The only downside? There nearly 50 different sticks on the market at any time from Bauer, CCM, Warrior, True, and Sherwood.
Thankfully, you are in the right place as our team at Going Bar Down has tons of experience with sticks of all brands and types. From top of the line to budget picks, we were letting shots fly back when two piece sticks still existed! You can count on list of the best hockey sticks of 2023 to get the right hockey stick into your hands.
If you want even more information on hockey sticks, check out our hockey stick buyers guide we have built near the end of the article. Flex, Curves, Brands – we cover it all to help you make the right choice!
Best Hockey Sticks of 2023, In Order
- Best Overall Hockey Stick: Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2
- Best Mid Kick Hockey Stick: CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro
- Best Budget Friendly Hockey Stick: Sherwood CODE TMP Pro
- Lightest Hockey Stick (345 Grams!): Bauer AG5NT
- Best Hockey Stick For Slapshots: Warrior Novium Pro
Offering light weight, a low kick point, and increased durability, the Vapor Hyperlite 2 is a fantastic improvement on last years Hyperlite – making it the top choice for sniping goals!
Buying Options
Lightweight, Durable, and a hybrid flex profile – The JetSpeed FT6 Pro will have you scoring from anywhere in the offensive zone!
Buying Options
Sherwood is hot on the scene in 2023, signing Connor Bedard and releasing some awesome new sticks. The CODE TMP can be had at a discount to other top sticks yet has elite stick specs and performance
Buying Options
Super lightweight, wicked low kick point, and laser accuracy, the Hyperlite 2 is our go to stick to score goals this year
Stick Specs:
- Stick Weight – 360 grams
- Available Flexes: 87, 77, 70
- Kick Point – Low – Like all sticks in the Vapor lineup
- Shaft Materials: Asymmetrical TeXtreme with Advanced Carbon Layering 2.0
- Blade Materials: HyperCore 2 with Advanced Carbon Layering
- Predecessor – Bauer Vapor Hyperlite
The Bauer Vapor HyperLite 2 stick line is crafted to give players an ultra-fast release, ideal for those who take swift shots near the net, valuing quick release over raw power. The primary feature that grabs attention is its decreased weight, making it 25g lighter than its predecessor, the HyperLite, tipping the scales at a mere 360g. Impressively, Bauer managed this weight reduction without compromising durability.
This stick boasts a low-kick point, crucial for enhancing your shots and overall game performance. If you’re uncertain about which kick point is best for your style, a trip to your local Pure Hockey will offer clarity.
The XE taper, inherited from the HyperLite, employs a distinct elliptical design with slimmer construction and rounder edges. This design enhances the stick’s rocket release by an impressive 10%, meaning shots reach their target notably faster than with the HyperLite.
Further up the stick, you’ll find Bauer’s Asymmetrical TeXtreme shaft technology—a lightweight and highly responsive material. This design ensures a seamless energy transfer during shots, granting players a balanced and high-performance feel. The blade sees an upgrade with HyperCore 2, offering thicker carbon bridges for added snap and stability with every strike.
Both the shaft and blade benefit from Advanced Carbon Layering (ACL) technology. By incorporating this premium material throughout, Bauer ensures a harmoniously lightweight and balanced sensation for players. The ingenious use of stronger yet thinner internal carbon layers boosts the stick’s strength without any additional weight.
Melding trusted features with new, top-tier technologies, the Bauer Vapor HyperLite 2 is a gem for players, particularly those who adored the HyperLite but seek something with even more agility, strength, and tactile response. For a deeper dive into this range, refer to the 2023 Bauer Vapor Stick blog.
BOTTOM LINE:
This is one of the best and most well known sticks on the market, backed up by being one of the most popular sticks being used in the NHL. If you’re a skilled hockey player that needs responsive feel and a quick release shot, this stick will aid your game. They found a way to improve on last years model of the Bauer Vapor Fly Lite stick by increasing the durability while shaving a little weight off through a new carbon fiber technology. I am a true fan of the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite stick because you can catch a lot of goalies off guard with how quickly and effortlessly you can get your shot off. Overall, this is one of the best Bauer hockey sticks for those seeking elite performance, and the stick is well worth the money.
A Hybrid / Mid kick point to let you rip shots from anywhere in the O-zone, this stick allows for maximum shot flexibility
Stick Specs
- Stick Weight – 365 grams
- Available Flexes: 85, 75, 70
- Kick Point – Hybrid / Mid
- Shaft Materials: Sigma STP Spread Tow
- Blade Materials: RR-100 Nanolite
- Predecessor – CCM Jetspeed FT5 Pro
For those deeply invested in hockey, the CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro hockey stick represents the pinnacle of the JetSpeed series. CCM has innovatively revamped its features, ensuring that both pro and elite-level players will significantly benefit.
- The stick boasts a “hybrid kick-point,” which is engineered to facilitate rapid and dynamic shots.
- With the inclusion of nanolite technology, the RR-100 blade offers an impeccable balance and tactile feel.
- Employing the Nanolite Shield and Sigma STP Carbon, the stick ensures lightweight usability without sacrificing durability.
- The Skeleton+ technology in the design is a testament to the stick’s reliability during crucial in-game moments.
- When selecting a stick, understanding the “kick point” is paramount as it directly influences your shooting dynamics. For clarity on this, consider a consultation at a Pure Hockey outlet.
- The 2023 JetSpeed line is meticulously designed to cater to those who prioritize shot-making. Its attributes particularly resonate with aggressive forwards.
- Ergonomically, the stick promises a seamless grip, thanks to its streamlined R-geometry design. Additionally, the FT microfeel further enhances the handling experience by providing optimal grip.
- The blade is not only more durable but has been re-engineered to maximize shot speed and puck control, courtesy of the nanolite technology and Sigma STP carbon weave.
In summation, for frequent players or those aspiring for top-tier equipment, the CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro emerges as a compelling choice. For a comprehensive overview, delve into our 2023 CCM JetSpeed Sticks blog.
BOTTOM LINE:
True stays ‘true’ to its values. The HZRDUS PX focuses on creating ultimate feel for the player with hockey’s lightest stick on the market. Whether it is receiving passes or ripping shots, there is no bad spot on the blade thanks to the TRT+ tech, and the shaft loads very easily for fast releases thanks to a super low kick point. The HZRDUS also puts a big focus on blade durability, ensuring your hard earned money will last as long as possible while ripping shots bar down.
High performing and well priced, Sherwood just signed Connor Bedard – If the stick works for him it will for you!
Stick Specs:
- Stick Weight: 387 grams
- Available Flexes: 85
- Kick Point: Mid
- Shaft Materials: Blackline 25k Carbon Fiber
- Blade Materials: VR92 Blade
- Predecessor – N/A
For discerning elite players, the CODE TMP Pro stands as a groundbreaking innovation. This stick has been meticulously designed to elevate the prowess of playmakers. At its core, the Pyrofil Carbon Fiber by Mitsubishi delivers an unparalleled fusion of strength and precision. The remodeled R Shape shaft, working in synergy with the Energized Velocity Taper, sets a benchmark in power conveyance and shot velocity. The VR92 Blade boasts the innovative I-92 dampening inlay, which not only reinforces the blade but also refines the touch during passes and shots.
Key Features:
- Pyrofil: Mitsubishi’s groundbreaking lightweight carbon fibre that boosts durability and offers an unmatched stick feel.
- R Shape shaft & EVT: This combination promises enhanced power transfer, revolutionizing both shooting and passing dynamics.
- VR92 Blade with Toe Drag Technology: It integrates vibration-dampening foam and the I-92 inlay for durability and tactile puck feel.
- Blackline XXV Carbon fibre: A novel carbon fibre weave methodology makes this the lightest, yet most reactive carbon fibre, transforming your on-ice puck sensation.
- Featherlite XT: Handcrafted to perfection, it achieves an impeccable balance, maximizing power without compromising weight or feel.
- Refined Hybrid Kickpoint: Optimized for supreme power and precision in every shot.
In essence, the CODE TMP Pro is not just a stick; it’s a game-changer.
Bottom Line:
Why do NHL players love the Jetspeed model? Because it offers a complete balance between a powerful shot and a quick release. This stick is designed for all players, not necessarily favoring the shifty skilled guys or the big physical defenseman. It is lightweight and offers great puck control, without sacrificing durability. Expect to see the Jetspeed FT5 popping up often on your TV screen as this years NHL season gets underway!
All of Bauer’s top technologies in one package – but beware – high performance apparently comes at the cost of durability
Sticks Specs:
- Stick Weight – 335 grams
- Available Flexes: 87, 77
- Kick Point – Low – Similar to Vapor lineup
- Shaft Materials: Boron, Duraflex Resin and Carbon Fiber
- Blade Materials: Blade Core
- Predecessor – Bauer Sling
The Bauer AG5NT hockey stick introduces advanced tech to give players an edge on the ice. It’s history’s lightest stick at 335g and offers the fastest puck release Bauer has ever achieved. Key features include:
- Monocomp one-piece build for sturdiness.
- DuraFlex Resin in the shaft for more durability against impacts.
- Low-Kick design for rapid shot releases.
- Unique Boron Fiber Technology added to increase strength while cutting down weight.
- AG5NT Blade Core tech in the blade boosts durability and shooting “pop.”
- Carbon Fiber layout in the shaft has been optimized.
- XE Taper Technology ensures the stick is stable, especially during powerful shots.
Choosing a hockey stick involves thinking about the kick point, which affects your shooting style. The right kick point can enhance your gameplay. If you’re unsure about it, get advice at Pure Hockey stores.
The AG5NT stick builds on Bauer’s successful Vapor line but takes it up a notch. One major addition is Boron, a super-strong element, making this stick even tougher than those made with the best carbon fiber. Bauer expertly integrates Boron to maintain durability while making the stick lighter. This means shots are powerful and fast. The stick’s XE taper, borrowed from the Vapor line, has a special design that reduces weight and boosts shot speed.
In essence, the Bauer AG5NT merges tried-and-tested Bauer features with new tech, making it perfect for serious players, especially those who loved the Hyperlite but want something even better.
BOTTOM LINE:
Warrior continues to release winners and have done it again with the Covert QR5 hockey stick. Making its debut this year, players have been switching to Warrior in droves due to the top of the line performance the sticks put down game in and game out.
More and more NHL players are making Warrior their preferred hockey gear outfitter every year, and sticks like this are the reason why – Check out our links below for the best prices we have found from some of our favorite hockey retailers!
Warriors Novium lineup is new and for players with big shots. If you are a D-man quarterbacking the power play, this stick is for you!
Stick Details:
- Stick Weight – 360 grams
- Available Flexes: 100, 85, 75
- Kick Point – Mid
- Shaft Materials: Minimus Carbon 25 w/ Ergo Shaft
- Blade Materials: FuelCore Ultra
- Predecessor – N/A
The 2022 Warrior Novium Pro Hockey stick has made its debut as the latest in Warrior’s premium mid-kick range. Drawing inspiration from its predecessors, the stick offers notable advancements that distinguish it from earlier models. The concept of kick point, the specific spot where the stick flexes most during a shot, is critical when selecting a hockey stick. The right kick point can transform your gameplay, and for those uncertain about their ideal fit, a visit to a local Pure Hockey can yield valuable insights. The Novium line, including this latest release, provides a mid-kick point, which offers adaptability in shooting. This is enhanced by some of Warrior’s premier technologies.
A standout feature in the Novium Pro is the Bevel Taper, a new addition to Warrior’s design. Its mid-kick point, paired with the shaft’s stiffness through the taper, ensures users enjoy heightened control and a more forceful shot. This stick’s structure enhances its reactivity, stability, and overall power.
Building upon the foundation set by the Alpha LX Pro and QR5 Pro, the Novium Pro boasts the Minimus Carbon 25 construction. This 25K carbon fiber weave composition results in a lighter stick, amplifying the player’s feel and command over the puck.
A noteworthy addition to the 2022 Novium Pro is the RLC 188, representing Warrior’s pinnacle in lightweight construction. Employing cutting-edge carbon composites technology, it melds lighter fibers with thermoplastic toughened epoxy resin. This innovation culminates in a hockey stick that offers superior velocity, touch, and management.
Warrior has innovatively redesigned the blade with their FuelCore Ultra construction. This technique fortifies the blade’s longevity and tactile feel. Furthermore, the blade’s light polymer enhances puck handling and shot power. An added layer of the Minimus Carbon 25 weave envelops the core, ensuring the blade reacts swiftly to the player’s commands.
In essence, the Novium Pro signifies a significant stride in Warrior’s esteemed mid-kick stick lineage. By amalgamating state-of-the-art technologies, it guarantees unparalleled shot power and release, all the while offering players unmatched feel and durability.
BOTTOM LINE:
Priced to help save you some cash, the Alpha LX 20 strikes a perfect balance between performance and price. A nice low kickpoint means it’s designed to rifle off wicked fast snapshots top shelf all game long!
True makes sticks with the best of them, and this low kick point goal scoring machine is worthy of your consideration
Specifications and Features:
- Stick Weight – 345 grams
- Available Flexes: 95, 85, 75, 65
- Kick Point – HZRDUS Series features Low kick points
- Shaft Materials: Precision Laminate Design (PLD)
- Blade Materials: Tri Rib Tech (TRT+) Technology
- Predecessor – True X Series
- Not just for slapshots – If you are the type of player who prefers the old Supreme design for booming slapshot after slapshot, this might take some getting used to as Bauer has really lowered the kick point. This stick still has a high kick point compared to many other sticks, but is still lower than outgoing supreme models. We still think this is the best hockey stick for defensemen on our list!
BOTTOM LINE:
Bauer took the Supreme line back to the drawing board for this one and came out with a really great stick. The new supreme lineup will really compete with other low kick point sticks and it is VERY close to matching Warrior for the lightest stick out. Reviews so far have been shining – we can whole heartedly recommend this stick for players looking to up their game!
Sidney Crosby’s favorite lineup for years, the Trigger series delivers a wicked quick release and pinpoint accuracy
Specifications and Features:
- Stick Weight – 380 grams
- Available Flexes: 95, 85, 80, 75, 70
- Kick Point – Trigger series feature Low kickpoints
- Shaft Materials: Nanolite Shield Technology
- Blade Materials: Agility 3 Blade
- Predecessor – CCM Ribcor Trigger 7 Pro
Advantages:
- Durability – True’s BRT+ system has a braided rib cord run from the base of the blade to the toe, and back through the center of the braid. True claims this increases blade durability and pop!
- Even more Durability! – New this year to the A series lineup is True’s FiberSHIELD tech. They disperse low density particles (10 nano meters in diameter) throughout the blade and shaft to increase impact resistance. Any durability technology is a welcome addition in our opinion!
- Balance – The Axenic technology has everyone at True and all their customers and athletes very excited. Using a compression molded shaft there are no connection points on the stick between shaft and blade, creating a true one piece and giving the stick that amazing feel that True users love!
- Power – True has replaced the SmartFlex system with new SmartPly carbon fiber construction. SmartPly has 25 layers of carbon fiber laid in a unidirectional manner to help maximize energy transfer from your hands to the biscuit in order to help you get every shot off with as much speed and power as possible. SmartPly boosts shot power and overall stick durability!
Disadvantages:
- Ultimate balance, or not specialized enough? The AX9 is the closest thing to getting that soft feel of receiving a pass on a wooden stick. However some may think True focused too much on stick feel and not enough on shot improving technologies. In our opinion this stick still has awesome pop and can get great shots off!
BOTTOM LINE:
True prides themselves on sticks that feel better than any others. If you had any concern about the shot taking abilities and thought True may have neglected that aspect, consider the fact that Mitch Marner and Phil Kessel both use the AX9. Knowing that a few snipers such as those two use it, feel confident that the True AX9 delivers on all fronts and competes with any other top of the line stick!
The stick that started it all – Bauer has re-released the Synergy with updated materials. The stick performs well enough and is a budget friendly choice
Specifications and Features:
- Stick Weight – 425 grams
- Available Flexes: 95, 87, 77, 70
- Kick Point – Mid
- Shaft Materials: High performance carbon fiber
- Blade Materials: One piece carbon fiber blade
- Predecessor – Two Piece Sticks!
Advantages:
- Electric Shot Release – The new Asymmetric Taper combined with the low kick point of the stick create a lightning quick shot release. This is the best stick to cut some serious time off your shot release and eliminate the number of times you get poke checked.
- Receptive Feel – Everything has seemed to come together in this stick as the Ascent Blade 2 and improved taper give a really soft feel when handling the puck. This stick will have you handling the puck with ease in tight spaces.
- Solid Durability – CCM uses it’s proprietary Skeleton+ technology which features an innovative carbon weaving process – the result? A stronger and more durable stick for you!
- Light Weight – Coming in at 380g for the senior stick, this stick feels feather light in your hands while not skimping on the strengthening materials required to make it through a decent chunk of ice times
Disadvantages:
- Hard to find many disadvantages. The only one you could really say is that it is a very pricey stick, but so are all of its competitors.
BOTTOM LINE:
The old saying if it ain’t broke don’t fix it rings true here. The Trigger 7 Pro is an evolution of the wildly successful Trigger 6 and if you love a quick accurate shot, this is your weapon of choice!
Trues’ new Catalyst 9X3 stick is for players who shoot from anywhere, hence the mid kick point
Specifications and Features:
- Stick Weight – 350 grams
- Available Flexes: 95, 85, 75, 65
- Kick Point – Mid
- Shaft Materials: Carbon fiber laminate
- Blade Materials: Quad rib blade
- Predecessor – True A Series
The HZRDUS 9X stick is crafted for the top-tier player who seeks advanced features in a hockey stick but with a slightly heavier build and a more wallet-friendly price. A key element in choosing the right hockey stick is its kick point. This specific spot determines where the stick flexes the most when shooting, thus influencing shot performance. If you’re uncertain about the ideal kick point for you, your local Pure Hockey is the place to go for guidance.
This latest HZRDUS 9X model showcases a low-kick point, ensuring swift energy loading for powerful shots and a stiff taper region for optimal control. Significantly, it comes in as a successor to the AX9 model, yet is 18g lighter, weighing just 375g. A striking feature of the HZRDUS 9X is its Precision Laminiate Design (PLD) technology. This incorporates 25 layers of carbon fiber in the shaft and boasts a laminate design that decreases weight while maintaining durability. This construction refines fiber angles, achieving enhanced stiffness and resilience against impacts. Additionally, the stick’s shaft has been designed with square corners and double concave structures to offer a superior grip.
The blade of the HZRDUS 9X is embedded with TRUE’s Tri Rib Tech (TRT), which promises impressive durability in a light frame. This ribbed structure, placed strategically, aligns with puck impact points, ensuring a more robust and precise shooting experience.
Incorporating spread tow fabric and RESFLO technology, the stick envelops both the shaft and blade, providing exceptional strength yet remaining lightweight. This ensures consistency and might in every shot. The crowning feature is its Axenic technology, which merges the shaft and blade into a genuine one-piece structure.
In conclusion, the HZRDUS 9X, imbued with groundbreaking technologies, delivers unmatched precision and performance. It stands out as an excellent choice for players aiming for top-tier performance without the hefty price tag.
BOTTOM LINE:
You have to give Bauer credit for trying new things, and thinking out of the box. The Sling is certainly a new concept with a large slot in the middle. Some people found Slings slot really added pop to their shots, while some reviewers said they noticed no difference compared to standard hockey stick blade.
If you aren’t sold on the Sling’s boundary pushing technologies, we wouldn’t hesitate to push you towards CCM’s Jetspeed line or the Bauer Supreme line if you are looking for similar mid kick sticks that are a bit more tried and tested!
CCM’s mid flex stick, designed for bigger slapshots and heavier players. If you love tee-ing them up, this stick is for you
Specifications and Features:
- Stick Weight – 395 grams
- Available Flexes: 95, 85, 80, 75, 70
- Kick Point – Mid
- Shaft Materials: Nanolite Carbon Layering
- Blade Materials: ACUFEEL 2 with Peel Ply
- Predecessor – CCM Super Tacks AS4 Pro
Advantages:
- Saber Tapre – The Saber Taper III is enhanced with the Minimus Carbon 1400 technology to give you a lightening quick shot. The lightweight nature of the stick and high recoil rate makes quick snap shots that much easier.
- Improved Durability – Similar to the outgoing Alpha QX, Warrior has also stepped it up with the Alpha DX stick in the durability department. The technological advances that have been incorporated with the Minimus Carbon 1400 have taken this stick a long way to achieve prolonged performance.
- Shot Power – On the previous Alpha model, the quick release was there but the shot power felt a little low. On the new Warrior Alpha DX, the Minimus Carbon 1400 technology has increased the stiffness and you can really feel the energy of your shot come off the blade
Disadvantages:
- No real disadvantages here, this stick is a fantastic option and a good improvement over the Alpha QX, without making any drastic changes
BOTTOM LINE:
The Warrior Alpha DX is a top performer that comes in at a more accessible price point compared to the top of the line sticks like the Covert Fantom, Vapor Flylites, or Supertacks AS2’s. This is a perfect stick for skilled forwards and defensemen that are constantly in tight spots needing a quick and accurate release. The feel of the shaft and blade combine to give this stick superior feel and puck handling abilities.
Curious about the Best Youth Hockey Sticks? Check out our guide!
Hockey Stick Buyers Guide
- Choosing Hockey Stick Length
- How To Pick The Right Stick Flex
- Finding A Stick Curve For You
- Best Materials To Look For In A Hockey Sticks Construction
How To Choose Your Hockey Stick Length
Stick length seems simple at first glance but can have the greatest effect on your game. Are you a dangler who likes to get into tight places, or a guy who works the outside and likes sniping from further out? A forward or defenseman? All these can play into a stick length that best suits you.
Hockey Stick Man created a great article covering stick lengths if you want to take a deep dive into it!
Using a Short Hockey Stick
This would be defined as a stick that is under your chin while you are on skates. This type of length is preferable to guys who like to stick handle, get in and out of tight situations, and take shots from in close. Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby both use quite short sticks, and their style of play is quite different, so you should be able to make it suit whatever your needs are. Remember, as you cut your stick, you are increasing its stiffness, so buy a flex according to what you want your final flex to be once its cut. Most modern sticks will have notches showing what the flex ends up at as you cut the stick down.
Using A Regular Length Hockey Stick (Uncut)
This would be a stick kept at the standard length they come from manufacturers, or within an inch or so of it either way. This is a flexible length that you can use for all types of shots, stick handling, or even if you are a defensive defenceman focused on pokechecks. It doesn’t excel at anything in particular out of the box but with enough practice you can use this length to become adept at whatever you choose.
Using A Long Hockey Stick (Putting a Plug or Extension In)
This would either be a longer stick (some manufacturers make tall sticks you can buy) or by putting a plug in a regular length stick. This type of stick is great for defensemen as it really increases your poke check reach and can help you keep forwards within your reach easier. Zdeno Chara has a famously long stick, mostly due to his height, but players like Brad Marchand and Bobby Ryan also sport quite lengthy sticks (for their height) as well.
What Length Hockey Stick Do We Recommend?
We always recommend hockey players to purchase an uncut stock stick. From here you can cut or extend the stick to your desire! Forwards may want their sticks a bit shorter, Dmen typically a touch longer, but again it all depends on your style of play!
How To Choose A Hockey Stick Flex
One-Piece hockey stick flex must be tailored to your individual playing style as well. Senior flexes range from 75 all the way u to 120, meaning there is a huge range for you to choose from
Low Stick Flex, or more 'Whippy' (65-80)
This flex requires very little shaft loading in order to get a quick shot off. You can lean very slightly on the stick and get shots off like nothing. Conversely, this will not be the stick you buy in pursuit of the hardest shot title on your team. A word of caution – if you are a more advanced player and can really rip one timers then you are definitely at risk for reduced stick life. Its no coincidence you see sticks explode out of the hands of Ovechkin, Stamkos, or Laine more than anyone else but its the risk you take to get those kinds of scoring chances.
Medium Stick Flex (85-100)
This is your middle of the range flex, suitable for every shot on the board. Your snap shot might not be quite as quick as a low flex, and slapshot not as hard as a high flex, but you will have a much more complete selection of shots making you a threat in every situation.
Stiff or Heavy Flex (105 -120)
This is for the guys that are either ridiculously strong, big, or just like to lean into slap shots all game long. The stiffness in the shaft will allow you to put more energy into the stick than the lower flexes, leading to harder shots. Some examples of heavy shooters and their flexes – Shea Weber uses a 122 flex in game, and rumor has it the big man Zdeno Chara uses a 150 flex!
Our Flex Recommendation
An 85-90 flex is definitely the sweet spot for most hockey players and is what we would recommend. If you are very heavy or quite light, add or subtract 10 flex off that accordingly as a starting point.
The fellas at Hockey Supremacy have a great article breaking down stick flex to help completely educate you on it!
Choosing The Right Hockey Stick Curve
How do you choose from the seemingly infinite amount of curve choices? I can point you to a good curve for beginners but lets dive into the different types of curves first so you can choose based on your playing style.
Hockey Circles is a great hockey blog that has some fantastic pictures and explanations of all the popular curves used right now. Check out their post on hockey blade curves for some additional info!
Curve Type (Heel / Mid / Toe)
This refers to where the blade starts curving. A heel curve begins right away and will look like more of a hook. A toe curve will have a longer straight portion and curve at the end. Most popular curves these days are some from of a mid-range curve.
Hockey Stick Lie (4.5 - 6.5)
This can range from 4.5 to 6.5 and it is a reference to the angle the between the stick and the blade. A high lie will have the blade flat on the ice as the stick is held more upright or further from the ice (for players who skate with less leg bend), and a lower lie allows the stick to be held closer to the ice while keeping the blade flat (for skaters who skate in more of a squat position and are lower to the ice).
Hockey Stick Blade Face (Open / Closed)
This refers to the curve of the blade and if it is ‘opens’ (think of putting the puck towards the top of the net) or is ‘closed’ and allows for shots to easily be controlled and pointed towards the lower portion of the net. Generally forwards will use a slightly more open curve and defensemen will us a slightly more closed curve (If they aren’t… forwards standing in front look out!)
Blade Depth
If you placed a ruler on the toe of the stick straight to the heel, this would measure the deepest point between the ruler and blade. A larger depth will be quite apparent and the blade will look like more of a ‘hook’ from above.
Our Blade Curve Recommendation For New Hockey Players
The Crosby / Ovechkin blade curves (P29 for CCM and P92 for Bauer) are a decent starting point for anyone. They are big mid curves, with a slightly open toe, allowing this blade to be a jack of all trades. There is a reason these are the biggest sellers and have the big names on them – If you have no idea where to start, we suggest starting here.
Hockey Stick Construction Materials
The hockey stick has evolved in many ways over the years. We here at Going Bar Down have used it all. From wood to aluminum and now to composites, and from the era of two pieces to one pieces, we have probably played with and broken a stick of every material combination. If anyone has an original Silver Synergy, hit us up!
Composite vs Wood Hockey Sticks
The age of wooden hockey sticks is over. There, I said it. I grew up on one for a few years before aluminum took over in the early 90’s, and after using modern composite sticks for 20 years, I can’t say I miss them. Composite one-piece sticks allow for harder shots, longer stick life, and greater accuracy. Any hockey stick you consider (unless maybe a twig for the out door rink with your buddies) should be a composite one-piece stick.
One Piece vs Two Piece Hockey Sticks
The age of wooden hockey sticks is over. There, I said it. I grew up on one for a few years before aluminum took over in the early 90’s, and after using modern composite sticks for 20 years, I can’t say I miss them. Composite one-piece sticks allow for harder shots, longer stick life, and greater accuracy. Any hockey stick you consider (unless maybe a twig for the out door rink with your buddies) should be a composite one-piece stick.
How We Did Our Research
As far as lighting the lamp goes, the hockey stick is the most important piece of equipment a player uses. We have done months of research trying out hockey sticks and talking to fellow hockey players to get their thoughts and have compiled a list of the best hockey sticks of 2023. We really focused on examiningthat examine all the details such as manufacturers specs, proprietary technology, strengths, weaknesses, and the overall value the stick provides to you as a player.
We will be focused on reviewing top of the line senior one-piece hockey sticks from all the major brands including CCM, Bauer, Warrior, and True to help you go bar down all the time. We take into account shot release, feel, power, durability, and cost. You really can’t go wrong choosing any of the hockey sticks we are going to review as they are all high quality, but each one is tailored to a slightly different style of player and we want you to pick the best hockey stick for your game.
Conclusion - Wrapping It All Up
So what is the Best Hockey Stick of 2023? While there is no right or wrong answer in choosing any one of these one-piece hockey sticks, for our money the champ is the Bauer Vapor HyperLite. With its lightweight, wicked release, and low kickpoint, if you can afford it this stick will have you sniping more goals than ever before! We hope our review helped you pick a stick – Let us know in the comments below!
