Wood hockey sticks have been the tool of choice for many generations of ice hockey players, but that is changing. Composite hockey sticks have been penetrating every level of hockey from the NHL all the way to first year hockey players just starting out. At the NHL level composite hockey sticks are use by almost 100% of all players. Does that mean that you should be using a composite hockey stick too? As you will see, there are good reasons to go with either choice.
Composite sticks have become a very popular choice in the last few years because there is a lot to like about composite hockey sticks. The two primary advantages are that 1) they can provide they player with a more accurate and faster shot, and 2) they weigh significantly less that wood sticks. The weight advantage allows the player to be more active with their stick when stick checking an opponent. The more accurate and faster shots come from the way that the composite sticks are engineered to bend at a lower point on the shaft than wood sticks. This lower bending point allows the stick to load up and recoil faster than a wood stick. With les deflection of the stick the shots are easier to control and put on target.
If you have played hockey before chances are good that you started with a wood hockey stick and that is still a good choice for today's beginning hockey players. Wood hockey sticks are significantly less expensive than composite hockey sticks and this certainly helps the budget when you are just getting started and have to gear up with all of the equipment required to play hockey. Another advantage of wood sticks is that they impart a better feel for the puck for beginning players. After you have been playing hockey for a while you will be better able to judge the qualities of hockey sticks and how they match your style of play. That is a good point to investigate whether or not a composite hockey stick makes sense for you.
Wood sticks usually run on third to one quarter of the cost of most composite hockey sticks. If you break multiple sticks in a season, this could make a big difference in your buying decision. Beginning players are well advised to purchase a wood stick for their very first hockey stick. Once they start to acquire the basics of stick handling they can evaluate an upgrade purchase that is tailored to their style of play. Going this route has the advantage of a well matched stick to the play plus the wood stick becomes a backup stick to take to games in case the main stick breaks.
After making your selection you still need to choose the blade pattern to match your preferences and whether you shoot right or left handed. Your stick will need to be long enough to come up to your chin area when you are standing in skates and hold the stick vertically with one end on the ice in front of you. Hockey sticks also have a flex to their shafts just like golf clubs do. You will need a flex that woks for your skill, style on overall body weight and strength.
Like every piece of ice hockey equipment it comes down to your personal preference. Try as many of your teammate's sticks as possible until you find the ones the feel and work the best for you. - 15438
Composite sticks have become a very popular choice in the last few years because there is a lot to like about composite hockey sticks. The two primary advantages are that 1) they can provide they player with a more accurate and faster shot, and 2) they weigh significantly less that wood sticks. The weight advantage allows the player to be more active with their stick when stick checking an opponent. The more accurate and faster shots come from the way that the composite sticks are engineered to bend at a lower point on the shaft than wood sticks. This lower bending point allows the stick to load up and recoil faster than a wood stick. With les deflection of the stick the shots are easier to control and put on target.
If you have played hockey before chances are good that you started with a wood hockey stick and that is still a good choice for today's beginning hockey players. Wood hockey sticks are significantly less expensive than composite hockey sticks and this certainly helps the budget when you are just getting started and have to gear up with all of the equipment required to play hockey. Another advantage of wood sticks is that they impart a better feel for the puck for beginning players. After you have been playing hockey for a while you will be better able to judge the qualities of hockey sticks and how they match your style of play. That is a good point to investigate whether or not a composite hockey stick makes sense for you.
Wood sticks usually run on third to one quarter of the cost of most composite hockey sticks. If you break multiple sticks in a season, this could make a big difference in your buying decision. Beginning players are well advised to purchase a wood stick for their very first hockey stick. Once they start to acquire the basics of stick handling they can evaluate an upgrade purchase that is tailored to their style of play. Going this route has the advantage of a well matched stick to the play plus the wood stick becomes a backup stick to take to games in case the main stick breaks.
After making your selection you still need to choose the blade pattern to match your preferences and whether you shoot right or left handed. Your stick will need to be long enough to come up to your chin area when you are standing in skates and hold the stick vertically with one end on the ice in front of you. Hockey sticks also have a flex to their shafts just like golf clubs do. You will need a flex that woks for your skill, style on overall body weight and strength.
Like every piece of ice hockey equipment it comes down to your personal preference. Try as many of your teammate's sticks as possible until you find the ones the feel and work the best for you. - 15438
About the Author:
Paul is an avid ice hockey player and he enjoys writing about Hockey Sticks. You can learn more about keyword at Hockey Stick Expert.
