Finding the best club for you isn't about how nice the graphics are on the club, but rather it's about learning the club's specifications and how the club works best - for you.
A perfect club means different things to different players. Your size, level, position and playing style are all important factors in choosing the right club for you - All of this matters when choosing a club based on the models on the market again.
They apply to choosing the right length , kick point , curve , scythe, flex and grip .
Here we go!
LENGTH OF THE CLUB
One of the most important factors when choosing a hockey stick is the length of the stick. I've tried playing with so many different lengths and you know pretty quickly if it feels right or not.
In today's hockey, many people cut their sticks somewhat to make them shorter. A big factor, I think, is that it's faster to shoot with a shorter stick because hockey moves so much faster today than it did 10, 20, 30 years ago. You don't have as much time to think today.
Most often, it is the backs who play with slightly longer clubs to facilitate the defensive game and also to load up proper shots from the blue line.
A reasonable length to consider is the length of the club to the chin, with skates on.
If you are completely new or just a little unsure where to start, you can take a look at Jeremy Rupke from HowToHockey who shows it quite simply.
KICK POINT
Choosing the right kick point can be very important when you have figured out how to use the flex of the club to shoot better. The kick point is where the shaft flexes (bends) the most.
LOW KICK POINT
Low kick point is often preferred by playmakers/play distributors as you have a faster release with a low kick. Also suitable for those who stand a lot in front of goal or score a lot of goals from the slot. Perfect for wrist shots.
Examples of low kick clubs:
Bauer Vapor - Patrick Kane, Patrik Laine, Claude Giroux
CCM Ribcor Trigger - Sidney Crosby, Vladimir Tarasenko, Nathan MacKinnon
Warrior Covert - Brendan Gallagher, Sebastian Aho, Max Pacioretty
True AX - Mitch Marner, Ryan Johansen
MID KICK POINT
The mid kick is for you who want a little more possibilities in your club. For those who want good pressure but still a certain agility in their shots.
Examples of mid kick clubs:
Bauer Nexus - Auston Matthews , David Pastrnak, Anze Kopitar
CCM Jetspeed - Artemi Panarin, Jonathan Huberdeau, Mark Scheifele
Warrior Alpha - Leon Draisaitl, Brad Marchand, Jake Guentzel
True Catalyst -
HIGH KICK POINT
High kick is suitable for those who like to pour up shots from the blue line or who are great at direct shots!
Examples of high kick clubs:
Bauer Supreme - Mikko Rantanen, Jack Eichel, Steven Stamkos
CCM Super Tacks - Connor McDavid, Filip Forsberg, Seth Jones
BLADE CURVE
There are three kinds of curve, and they are toe, mid and mid-heel. Its meaning has to do with where the "bend" begins. See examples below.
The more lofted, or bent the blade is, the easier it is to lob and shoot high - However, you lose a little power in the shots.
More curve on the blade benefits you who dribble a lot and like to make moves as it is easier to get the puck.
Less curved or "straighter" blades are for those who play a lot or like to pull on powerful backhands!
SCYTHE
Lie is the angle of the shaft measured when the blade is flat on the ice. The higher the scythe, the straighter upwards the shaft.
Generally speaking, with a higher scythe you can have the club more towards the body and with a lower scythe you have the club more out from the body.
The standard blade on most clubs in stores is 5. Get one and check how the blade lies on the ice when you are in a hockey stance.
Does the blade lie flat on the ice? Cruelly!
Is the toe pointing up? Look for a higher scythe!
Is the heel up? Look for a lower scythe!
FLEX
Flex is measured in the force in pounds required to bend the club 1 inch. It therefore takes more force to bend a 100 flex than it does to bend a 50 flex. The higher the flex, the stiffer and harder the club.
Not sure which flex you should have?
Start with a flex that is the same as your weight in kg and start from there.
A club that is right for you and that you can handle in a brutal way is worth more than a club that looks nice. How you perform on the ice is what everyone sees.
