| Hockey sticks come in different sizes, | | | | Lie |
| compositions, and materials. Choosing | | | | The lie is the angle between the shaft |
| the best combination is vital to staying | | | | and the blade. This is measured with the |
| comfortable throughout the game without | | | | numbers 4 to 8; the smaller the lie |
| sacrificing performance. Here are some | | | | number, the wider the angle. Use a lower |
| of important factors to consider when | | | | lie stick if you prefer to skate close |
| buying a hockey stick: | | | | to the ground with the puck in front. |
| Size | | | | Materials |
| Hockey sticks come in junior and senior | | | | Wood. Wooden hockey sticks are usually |
| sizes. Junior hockey sticks are about 46 | | | | stiff and heavy, so they are best for |
| to 54 inches long, while senior hockey | | | | strong players. They also tend to break |
| sticks measure 56 to 62 inches. The | | | | more easily. |
| slanted end usually extends 10 to 15 | | | | Fiberglass. These hockey sticks have a |
| centimeters from the shaft. Generally, | | | | wooden core with a fiberglass coating, |
| shorter sticks offer better control, but | | | | making them a lot heavier than other |
| longer ones make more powerful hits. | | | | composites. They are the cheapest but |
| Stiffness | | | | least durable, making them ideal for |
| The shaft also has different flex or | | | | practice but not for actual games. |
| stiffness levels, classified as medium, | | | | Aluminum. Aluminum sticks have an |
| stiff and extra stiff. Forward players | | | | aluminum shaft with replaceable blades. |
| usually prefer more flexible shafts, | | | | They are lighter than fiberglass and |
| while defensemen can play better with | | | | wood but heavier than Kevlar and |
| stiff shafts. If you're a beginner, | | | | titanium. They are ideal for those with |
| start with a medium shaft and move to | | | | various blade preferences. |
| stiffer ones as you get better. | | | | |