How to Choose the Right Hockey Stick
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If you strip everything down, choosing a hockey stick comes down to a few key things:
- flex
- length
- curve
- lie
- kick point
You don’t need to master all of them.
You just need to understand what each one does.
Build Your Stick Setup the Right Way
Each part of your stick works together — understanding the basics makes choosing much easier.
Step 1: Start with stick flex
Flex is how much your stick bends when you shoot.
👉 Lower flex = more bend
👉 Higher flex = stiffer stick
Simple starting point:
👉 Use about half your body weight
- 160 lbs → ~80 flex
- 180 lbs → ~85–90 flex
- 200 lbs → ~95–100 flex
If it feels too stiff, go lower.
If it feels too soft, go higher.
If you want a deeper breakdown of how flex actually works and how to fine-tune it, read our full guide on hockey stick flex.
If you want a deeper breakdown of how flex actually works and how to fine-tune it, read our full guide on hockey stick flex.
Step 2: Get the right stick length
Length affects everything:
- puck control
- shooting
- reach
Starting point:
- In skates → chin to nose height
- In shoes → nose or slightly above
Then adjust:
- shorter → better control
- longer → more reach
Stick length also affects how your stick feels and performs overall.
Step 3: Choose your curve
The curve changes how you handle and shoot the puck.
Keep it simple:
👉 P92 (mid curve)
- balanced
- easy to use
- good starting point
👉 P28 (toe curve)
- quicker release
- easier to lift puck
- more aggressive feel
If you’re not sure which curve fits your game, this breakdown of common patterns like P28 and P92 makes it much easier to understand.
Match Your Stick to Your Game
The right combination of curve, flex, and kick point helps your shot feel natural and consistent.
Step 4: Don’t overthink lie
Lie affects how your blade sits on the ice.
Most players:
👉 fall between lie 5–6
👉 fall between lie 5–6
If your blade sits flat without thinking about it:
👉 you’re fine
Lie is one of those details most players don’t think about, but it can make a difference once everything else is dialed in.
Step 5: Pick a kick point that fits your shot
Kick point = where your stick bends most.
👉 Low kick
- quick release
- great for fast shots
👉 Mid kick
- more power
- better for bigger shots
If you want to understand how kick point changes your release and shot feel, it’s worth breaking down a little further.
How all of this works together
This is where people get overwhelmed—but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Think of it like this:
- Flex = how it loads
- Length = how it feels
- Curve = how the puck reacts
- Lie = how it sits
- Kick point = how it releases
You’re not chasing perfection.
You’re just trying to find something that feels natural.
A simple setup most players can start with
If you just want a clean answer:
👉 Flex = half your body weight
👉 Length = chin to nose (in skates)
👉 Curve = P92
👉 Lie = 5–6
👉 Kick point = whatever feels best
That setup works for a lot of players.
Start With a Setup That Works
You don’t need a perfect stick — just one that feels right and helps you improve.
Common mistakes
Buying based on looks or hype
Stick graphics don’t matter.
Going too stiff
This is the most common mistake.
Ignoring how it feels
Numbers help—but feel matters more.
Changing too many things at once
Adjust one thing at a time.
Final takeaway
You don’t need the perfect stick.
You just need a stick that:
- feels comfortable
- responds the way you expect
- helps you play your game
Start simple. Adjust as you go.
And once something feels right:
Stick with it.
Built for players searching for the right twig. Barn Garb Hockey Threads makes hockey-inspired streetwear built for life at the barn.
Built for players searching for the right twig. Barn Garb Hockey Threads makes hockey-inspired streetwear built for life at the barn.