Hockey Stick Size Chart
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The Ultimate Guide to Hockey Stick Size Chart – How to Choose the Right Stick for Your Game
When it comes to hockey, one of the most essential pieces of equipment is the hockey stick. Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned player, or a professional, choosing the right hockey stick can have a significant impact on your performance on the ice. A well-fitted stick can improve your shot accuracy, puck handling, and overall comfort while playing, while the wrong one might result in frustration, poor performance, or even injury.
One of the most critical factors in selecting a hockey stick is size. Sticks come in various lengths, flexibilities, curves, and materials, and finding the right one for your body and playing style is key to optimizing your performance. We will walk you through the hockey stick size chart, help you understand how to pick the right stick based on your needs, and address common questions about stick sizing.
Why Is Choosing the Right Hockey Stick Size Important?
Selecting the correct hockey stick size affects several aspects of your game:
- Shot Power and Accuracy: The right stick length and flex allow for optimal power transfer during shots and better control of the puck.
- Comfort and Control: A properly sized stick helps you feel more in control of the puck, improving your overall handling, passing, and shooting skills.
- Injury Prevention: A stick that’s too long or too short can lead to poor posture and awkward movements, which may cause strain on your muscles and joints, leading to potential injuries.
Understanding how to choose the right size, flex, and curve of a hockey stick will significantly enhance your game. Whether you’re playing recreationally or at a competitive level, knowing how to fit the stick to your style of play is crucial.
Hockey Stick Size Chart: Finding the Right Fit
The primary factors in choosing the right hockey stick size are stick length, flex, and curve pattern. We’ll dive into each one in detail to give you a comprehensive understanding of what you should look for in your hockey stick.
1. Stick Length
The length of your hockey stick plays a crucial role in your overall performance. The right length provides better leverage, handling, and shooting capabilities. It affects how comfortable you are on the ice and how easily you can control the puck.
How to Measure Stick Length:
A general rule of thumb when determining the appropriate stick length is that the top of the stick should reach somewhere between your chin and nose when you are standing in your skates. This length allows for maximum versatility in both offense and defense. You can also consider these guidelines:
| Height (Without Skates) | Recommended Stick Length (Without Skates) | Recommended Stick Length (With Skates) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5’0″ (152 cm) | 45″ – 50″ | 50″ – 55″ |
| 5’0″ – 5’5″ (152 cm – 165 cm) | 50″ – 55″ | 55″ – 57″ |
| 5’6″ – 5’9″ (167 cm – 175 cm) | 55″ – 57″ | 57″ – 60″ |
| 5’10” – 6’1″ (178 cm – 185 cm) | 57″ – 60″ | 60″ – 63″ |
| 6’2″ and above (188 cm and up) | 60″ – 63″ | 63″ and above |
Why Stick Length Matters:
- Shorter Sticks (Under Chin Height): Shorter sticks provide increased control and maneuverability, which is especially useful for quick wrist shots and stick handling. However, they may limit your reach and power on longer passes and shots.
- Longer Sticks (Above Nose Height): Longer sticks offer better reach and more power on slap shots and long passes. However, they may decrease your ability to handle the puck effectively and make quick, tight turns.
Adjusting Stick Length:
- Cutting the Stick: You can always trim a stick to adjust its length, but once it’s cut, it’s permanent. If you find that your stick is too long, cutting it down slightly can improve your control and comfort.
- Using Extensions: Some players prefer longer sticks but don’t want to buy a new one. Stick extensions can be added to increase the length of a stick for players who prefer extra reach.
2. Stick Flex
Stick flex refers to the stiffness of the stick shaft. It plays a crucial role in determining how much power and accuracy you can generate when shooting the puck. Flex also affects your wrist shots and slap shots.
How to Choose Stick Flex:
The general rule of thumb for choosing stick flex is to pick a flex rating that is approximately half of your body weight in pounds. For example, if you weigh 180 lbs, you would typically go for a 90 flex stick.
| Player Weight (lbs) | Recommended Stick Flex |
|---|---|
| Under 70 lbs | 40 – 50 flex |
| 70 – 100 lbs | 50 – 60 flex |
| 100 – 140 lbs | 60 – 70 flex |
| 140 – 180 lbs | 70 – 85 flex |
| 180 – 220 lbs | 85 – 100 flex |
| Over 220 lbs | 100+ flex |
Why Stick Flex Matters:
- Lower Flex (e.g., 40 – 65 flex): A lower flex stick is more bendy, offering increased puck feel and better wrist shots. It’s easier to load the stick with energy, making it ideal for smaller players or those who rely on quick releases and wrist shots.
- Higher Flex (e.g., 85+ flex): A higher flex stick is stiffer and provides more power on slap shots and heavy shots. It’s generally preferred by larger players or those who generate more power through their shots.
Flex can be personalized by how much pressure you apply when shooting. A proper flex allows the stick to bend when shooting and “snap” back into place, transferring more energy into the puck. If your stick is too stiff or too flexible, you’ll struggle to make accurate or powerful shots.
3. Stick Curve and Blade Pattern
The curve and blade pattern of a hockey stick affect how well you can shoot, pass, and handle the puck. There are a variety of curve types, with different curves designed for specific player preferences.
Curve Types:
- Mid Curve: A traditional curve that provides a good balance between puck handling and shooting. Great for all-around players.
- Heel Curve: The curve starts closer to the heel of the blade, giving players better control over puck handling and precision, especially in stickhandling situations.
- Toe Curve: This curve starts closer to the toe of the blade, making it ideal for players who rely on quick releases and wrist shots.
- Open Face Curve: An open face (angled upwards) blade provides more loft on the puck, which helps get the puck off the ice more quickly, especially for players who focus on wrist shots and high accuracy.
How to Choose the Right Curve for You:
- For Power Shooters: A mid curve or heel curve provides the most control and allows for harder slap shots.
- For Quick Shooters: A toe curve or open face curve helps with quick releases and makes wrist shots more effective.
- For Stick Handlers: If you’re a player who enjoys intricate stickhandling and quick dekes, go for a heel curve that offers precision.
4. Other Key Considerations
Weight of the Stick
A stick’s weight can also impact your game. Lighter sticks are easier to handle, making quick moves and dekes easier. They can also reduce fatigue during long shifts. However, heavier sticks provide more stability and power, especially on slap shots. Finding the right weight depends on your preference, with many players opting for lightweight sticks for better agility.
Material of the Stick
- Wooden Sticks: Historically, wooden sticks were the standard, but they’re rarely used at higher levels of play today. They offer durability but are heavier than composite sticks.
- Composite Sticks: These sticks are made from carbon fiber and other synthetic materials. They are lighter, stronger, and provide better performance in terms of flex and power transfer.
- Aluminum Sticks: These are lighter than wood but still heavier than composite. They are less common than they used to be but are still found in some recreational sticks.
Flexibility and Stick Feel
Some players prefer stiff sticks for heavy shots and more control, while others opt for more flexible sticks that feel “whip-like” for quicker shots. Your choice should be based on your shooting style and overall preference.
5. Conclusion
Choosing the right hockey stick size is crucial for improving your game. The correct stick length, flex, and curve can significantly impact your shooting accuracy, stick handling, and overall performance on the ice. Always remember that selecting the right stick involves finding the right balance between power and control, comfort, and maneuverability.
Use the hockey stick size chart above to help you determine the ideal stick based on your height, weight, and playing style. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a large role in the decision, so feel free to experiment with different options to see what works best for you.
By following the guidelines in this guide and understanding the various aspects of hockey stick sizing, you can maximize your performance on the ice, reduce the risk of injury, and enjoy the game to its fullest. Good luck, and happy playing!