To play your “A” game, using one of the best hockey sticks can be you play better. Sticks are essential and can determine how well you will play on the rink. So also, using the wrong hockey stick can result in you losing the game due to poor performance.
But, here is the million-dollar question – how do I pin down the best hockey stick? Well, it’s not that simple and depends on players and their positions. Players, including professionals, prefer to play with a specific type of stick, which makes your choice of hockey equipment based on personal preference, and they feel in your hand.
Unfortunately, hundreds of sticks are on the market, which makes choosing the right equipment a bit tricky, especially if you are shopping online. Here’s where we come in with our expertly hand-picked list of the best hockey sticks on the market.
Table of Contents
Reviews of Best hockey Sticks – Top 7 Picks of the Year
Cramer Cosom Junior Hockey Sticks for Street Hockey for Kids and Floor Hockey
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Next on our list is Cosom By Cramer 42 Inch Senior Hockey Stick. This equipment is a multi-use hockey stick ideal for high school coaches looking to teach and train hockey beginners. This stick is an excellent choice for those who want to play competitive games but have to learn the elementary.
This unit will come in handy for basic training for students and recreational athletes. Custom By Cramer 42 Inch Senior Hockey Stick includes 16 hockey accessories, two hockey balls, two pucks, and 12 colored sticks. With all these in the set, outdoor and indoor playtime should be a fun pack.
Pros:
- Versatile options including floor, roller, and street hockey
- High-quality sticks for both outdoor and indoor use
- Ideal for elementary school training
- Set of six yellow-shaft and six blue-shaft sticks
Cons:
- Not an ideal choice for individual player
Best youth hockey stick: Youth Street Hockey Set by Franklin Sports
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Our top choice is an ideal pick for starters. Franklin Sports Youth Street Hockey Set is perfect for kids over six. This hockey set includes a 1-65mm low-density street hockey ball and vibrant, detailed 2-34 inch junior hockey sticks.
The most striking thing about this stick is its straight blade design, which makes it ideal for both left-handed and right-handed players. Also, it’s perfect for players looking to practice their basic skills or get introduced to street hockey.
With a stylish design, Franklin Sports Youth Street Hockey Stick has a vinyl graphic wrap, bringing a load of bright colors to excite your street hockey game. That’s not all: this model features the official NHL logos on both balls and sticks to make your charming little ones feel like a pro.
In addition, the blade and the shaft are made of flexible ABS Plastic to ensure decent performance.
Pros:
- Straight blade design
- Includes a low-density street hockey ball
- Ideal for kids
- Work with both left- or right-handed
Cons
- Not ideal for competitive league
Franklin Sports NHL Team Hockey 2 Piece Stick Set Mini
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Another hockey stick set from Franklin Sports was made with kids in mind. This two-piece hockey stick is designed to make your charming little ones feel like pros. This two-stick set includes two mini hockey sticks – one left-handed stick and one right-handed stick.
This model is designed for players above three years. Also, it allows you and your kids to have fun simultaneously. Also, it includes two soft EVA foam hockey balls, which are ideal for younger players to have an exciting and safe indoor game.
Besides, it’s an excellent way for your kids to show love for their favorite hockey teams since this stick set is available in several NHL teams. The mini hockey sticks are built with durable high-impact plastic, and pre-curved Shot Zone textured blades.
Pros:
- Soft foam balls for safe play
- Two mini sticks to engage your kids
- Ideal for younger plays
- Available in a wide range of NHL team style
Cons:
- Misleading description
Champion Sports Ultra Shaft Hockey Set
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The Champion Sports Ultra Shaft Hockey Set includes:
- Two extra blades.
- Two no-bounce balls.
- Two pucks.
- 12 sticks are featuring six orange and six black.
Further, these sticks are available in different sizes – 42 inches, 47 inches, and 52 inches.
This set of hockey sticks is ideal for coaches looking to train aspiring players. These high-density blades come with fiberglass reinforcement to maintain stability and strength. For extra strength, these sticks feature a center fiberglass dowel.
Even better, it has a superior polyethylene shaft to make it tough and durable, and dual I-beams run its entire length.
Pros:
- An ideal choice for a team
- Tough and thick sticks
- Durable design
- Two-piece hockey sticks
Cons:
- Ideal for youth below 16 years
Hockey Goal and 2 Stick Set – NHL
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Another hockey stick set to teach your nephews, nieces, and kids the basics of hockey. The Franklin Sports Hockey Goal and 2 Stick Set are ideal for outdoor and indoor games.
This set includes a hockey ball, one player stick, and one goalie stick so you can have a perfect shootout competition with your family and friends in your basement. Also, the goal is designed not only to be durable but also capable of remaining upright regardless of the surface, from gravel to carpet.
Pros:
- Includes a goalie stick, hockey ball, and player stick
- Ideal for both outdoor and indoor games
- Durable construction
- Affordable option
- No assembly required
Cons:
- Poor customer support
Franklin Sports NHL Hockey Stick SX Comp 1010 Street Tech
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The Franklin Sports NHL Hockey Stick SX Comp 1010 Street Tech comes with a multi-ply shaft construction, a unique combination of poplar and birch wood. Plus, it offers a slick style, thanks to its metallic graphics.
Even better, there’s a replaceable high-impact polymer blade, which allows players to customize their product. Besides, it’s available in a wide range of size options – 40-inch and 52-inch.
Pros:
- Replaceable blade
- Vented blade design
- Several size options
- Multi-ply birch/poplar shaft
Cons:
- The size chart is misleading
Things to Consider When Shopping For a Hockey Stick
When it comes to hockey sticks, they are created differently. Some models are designed for experienced players to help enhance their games, while others are built for intermediate or first-time hockey players looking to get better at the game.
To ensure you pick the right stick, you need to understand the construction and part of the stick. Remember that expensive or highly rated equipment does not mean it’s a perfect choice for you.
Wood sticks versus composite sticks
The composite sticks are the go-to when it comes to the standard option for experienced players and professionals alike. Most NHL players or highly skilled experts play with composite sticks on the ice.
On the other hand, Street hockey players play with wooden sticks on the Pond. However, if you are more concerned about your performance, you should purchase a composite stick.
One-piece sticks versus two-piece sticks
These are the two construction types of hockey sticks.
The one-piece hockey stick is built using a single mold, which makes this type just one part. However, as the name implies, the two-piece stick features the blade and the shaft. These two parts are molded separately and fitted together. Some experienced players prefer to change the faces of that blade to the suits.
Choosing Your Shaft Flex
The shaft flex determines how well your stick will bend while shooting.
The greater your stick flex, the better the spring offers when taking a shot. For instance, high-rated flex hockey sticks often deliver quick wrist shots but weak slapshots. Keep in mind that increasing your shaft flex will lower the power output.
On the other hand, a low-rated flex will offer harder shots but reduced effectiveness due to the stick’s stiffness. Also, it would help if you chose your flex rating based on your playing style.
Hockey Stick Length
The length of a hockey stick is another critical factor to consider to ensure effectiveness during gameplay. Therefore, before purchasing a stick, you want to ensure the length works well for you.
Blade Patterns
The pattern of your hockey blade affects passing, shot angles, and stickhandling skills. As such, you should tailor these patterns to your abilities.
Curve Direction
This comes in two directions – left- or right-handed stick. If you are a right-handed player, you should opt for a left-curved blade. The same goes for a left-handed player.
Cure Type
This has to do with where the blade curve begins – at the blade’s toe, middle, or heel.
Curve Depth
The depth of the curve talks about how much the blade curves. It would help to consider a blade with a deeper curve for a great lift when you shoot. However, to get better stickhandling, you should opt for a shallow curve.
Face Angle
There are two types of face angle patterns – the closed and open face. The former cups over the puck, and the latter offers a better lift.
Blade Length
The length of a blade can range from short to long.
Price
Just like any hockey equipment, sticks come with various price tags. A cheaper model often tradeoff performance for affordability. However, pricey composite sticks can be a worthy investment for an experienced player.
Also, you should consider the stick’s components and style before splurging on a model.
Conclusion
We’ve carefully reviewed the best hockey sticks on the market. However, it’s up to make a choice based on your and your kids’ preferences.