Trusted Since 2016
Elite Gear Assistance
Elite Gear Assistance
Stick Buying Guide
Find Your Perfect Hockey Stick
Get matched to the right flex, kick point, curve, and stick family in under a minute — then jump straight into sticks that fit your game.
Stick Selector (fast match)
Answer a few quick prompts to get a starting-point spec — then shop the right kick family and curve style.
180 lb
No cut / extension
Rule of thumb: ~5 flex change per ~2" cut/extension (cut = stiffer, extension = whippier).
Suggested flex (starting): 70–80 • Effective flex: 70–80
Kick point: Low • Curve: P92
Sizing checkpoint: in shoes ≈ nose height; in skates ≈ between chin and bottom lip (adjust for preference).
Recommended families (highlighted below)
We’ll highlight families that match your kick point and feel preference so you can click in fast.
Start with a few questions
These answers help point you to the right family, flex, and curve.
How often do you play?
Skating frequency affects durability and weight targets. 1–2x/week often favors value + durability; 3–5x/week skews to lighter elite builds.
What’s your current stick?
Note weight, balance, release feel, and comfort. What feels great—and what doesn’t—guides your next choice.
What do you like / dislike?
Prefer quick snapshots? Look at low-kick. Want heavier one-timers? Consider mid-kick with a stable blade.
What do you want to accomplish?
More shot pop, faster release, better puck feel, or improved control? We’ll map each to features below.
Anatomy of a Stick
Every stick blends shaft geometry, layup, kick point and blade tech. Picking the right combo improves feel and results.
Shaft
Geometry & Layup
Shape changes grip and rotation; layup changes weight, balance, and how the shaft loads energy.
Kick Point
Release Location
Low kick flexes near the blade for quicker shots. Mid kick loads through the middle for heavier releases.
Blade
Core & Curve
Blade stiffness & curve pattern drive puck feel, lift, and accuracy for your shooting style.
Length & Balance: control, leverage, and shot mechanics
Stick length changes posture and how you load shots. Balance affects quickness and feel more than raw grams.
Shorter (below chin on skates)
Quicker hands and strong puck feel. Great for tight spaces and low-kick shooters who rely on quick snapshots.
Neutral (around chin–nose)
Most balanced for mixed play—good reach without giving up too much handling. Easy transition if you’re unsure.
Longer (nose/eyes on skates)
More leverage and reach; helps one-timers and mid-kick loads. Can reduce hands quickness if too long.
- Cutting the shaft increases effective flex; extensions can soften the feel.
- Balance matters: a blade-heavy stick can feel “heavier” than a slightly heavier but well-balanced stick.
Flex: finding the sweet spot
Flex is how easily the shaft bends. Higher number = stiffer; lower number = whippier. Use the selector above for a modern starting range, then adjust based on feel.
| Player weight (lb) | Starting flex | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100–120 | 40–50 | Lighter players & youth; easy load for snapshots |
| 120–150 | 50–60 | Modern “whippy” range for many players |
| 150–180 | 60–75 | Most common senior zone today |
| 180–210 | 70–85 | Stiffer only if you lean hard into one-timers |
| 210+ | 75–95 | Still depends on technique + preference |
Kick Point: where the stick loads
Low Kick
Quick release
Flexes closer to the blade for fast, deceptive releases — ideal for catch-and-release snapshots and wrist shots.
Hybrid
Low-kick release + mid-kick feel
A newer flex profile built to adapt to your game: it can load with the stability and control you’d expect from a mid-kick, while still snapping a quick release like a low-kick. Great for players who want a lively shot without giving up precision.
Mid Kick
Heavier load
Loads more through the middle for strong one-timers and heavier shots — great if you lean into shots.
Shaft Shape: how it feels in your hands
5-Sided
Matches the contour of your hand for confident control and edge awareness on the puck.
Rounded
Easy rotation and twist—great for stickhandling and quick toe drags.
Hybrid
Square walls with rounded corners—balanced grip + mobility for all-around play.
Blade Curves: aim, lift, and feel
Curve choice changes how you cradle, pass, and shoot. Tap a curve style to see what it’s best for.
P92
All-around mid curve
Stable, consistent mid curve that works for most players. Easy lift + reliable feel.
P88
Control-focused mid curve
Versatile pattern that can feel more controlled on passes and quick releases.
P28
Toe curve for dekes
Built for toe drags and fast releases from the toe pocket. Great for pulling pucks in tight.
Quick self-check
- If you want the safest “do-it-all” starting point, start with P92.
- If you value clean passes + control feel, try P88.
- If you live on toe drags and toe shots, try P28.
Prepare Your Stick
Two simple setup steps can change feel immediately: tape/knob and cutting/extending.
Tape & Knob
Grip + puck control
Blade tape adds friction for shooting, stickhandling, and catching passes. Most players also build a knob at the top for control.
Cut / Extend
Dial in length + flex
In shoes ≈ nose height; in skates ≈ between chin and bottom lip. Cutting makes the stick play stiffer; extensions soften it.
Stick Families
Jump into the lineup that fits your game. We’ll highlight families that match your selector result.
Low-Kick vs Mid-Kick: Which is right for you?
Quick release vs heavier load — see how each kick point plays and what to look for when you test.
Popular Picks
A few staff favorites to get you started. Tap into each product or collection for full specs, curves, and sizes.
Why shop R&M for sticks
Q
Free Hollow & Profile Quiz
Dial in your edge feel before you even shoot the puck.
⚙
Mail-In Sharpening
ProSharp-certified techs, fast turnaround & tracking.
★
Pro Advice
Real stick nerds who skate—get matched in minutes.
⚡
Fast Shipping
In-stock sticks move quick—track it every step.
FAQs
Quick answers to the most common stick questions.
Does cutting a stick change flex? +
Yes. Cutting makes the stick play stiffer; adding an extension softens the feel. Your “effective flex” can change even if the label on the shaft is the same.
Low kick, hybrid, or mid kick? +
Low kick = fastest release. Mid kick = heavier load. Hybrid profiles blend the two: a controlled load with a quick release.
Which curve should I start with? +
If you’re unsure, start with a do-it-all mid curve (P92 style). Choose a control-focused mid curve (P88 style) for a more controlled feel, or a toe curve (P28 style) for toe drags and toe shots.