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