Best Field Hockey Sticks for Perfect Manuverability
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GRYPHON Taboo Striker Field Hockey Stick -
Mazon Black Magic Slingshot Field Hockey Stick -
GRAYS Surf 500 Junior Field Hockey Stick -
VOODOO Unlimited Gold Field Hockey Stick -
OBO Cloud Fatboy Field Hockey Stick -
Buyer's Guide
To be the best field hockey player you can be, it is important to choose the correct field hockey stick. There are several factors that should be considered when selecting a best field hockey stick in 2022. It is essential that you get the right size stick based on your height, size, strength, and ability. Some players prefer longer sticks while others feel that they have more maneuverability with a shorter one. You can determine the proper stick length by placing your right hand index finger on your right hip bone. Then place your middle and ringer fingers next to your index finger; the top of the stick should reach the side of your ring finger. This is merely a guide to selecting the right length stick; make sure you get the stick that you feel most comfortable using.
Stick weight is another important factor when purchasing a field hockey stick. The weight of the stick is often determined by the position you play. Backs usually use a heavier stick so they can hit with distance. Midfielders use an average weight stick that works for both defense and offense. Forwards tend to prefer a lightweight stick that works best for faster movement and quick shots. There are also different toe designs: shorti, midi, maxi, and hook. Toe designs differ depending on the way a player needs to strike the ball.
Now, it’s time to get out on the field and play some field hockey! Here are the five best selections for field hockey sticks.
What is the best field hockey stick of 2022?
GRYPHON Taboo Striker Field Hockey Stick - Best Field Hockey Stick Overall
The Gryphon Tour Composite Field Hockey stick is made from premium materials and incorporates 24.5mm of curve into its bow. The bow has been moved down the shaft nearer to the toe; this allows for better control, easier lifts, and better drag flicking. This stick comes with a silicone-sleeved handle for softer touch and better feel. Gryphon has also increased the handle diameter on the Tour to allow for better control. While increasing the handle diameter, they decreased the overall head thickness which makes it easier to life the ball on both backhanded and forehanded shots. It comes in 36.5 and 37.5 lengths. The stick is in the higher price range, but for those serious players, its power and handling can be beat!
Mazon Black Magic Slingshot Field Hockey Stick - Runner Up
The Mazon Fusion Black Magic 360 is the flagship stick of the Fusion line. It offers the best in response and hitting power due to its graphite/glass shaft that includes twin Kevlar core inserts. The Black Magic has a semi-hook head shape with a 360-degree Spin Zone and a traction control face finish. It comes in 36.5 and 37.5 sizes and is considered a light to medium weight stick. It also includes RVS+ (Reduction Vibration System Plus) for a better feel on hits and the latest Kevlar anti-shock zone technology. The Black Magic has a torsion stability rating of 9.
GRAYS Surf 500 Junior Field Hockey Stick - Honorable Mention
The Grays O Tech 8000 Megabow field hockey stick offers outstanding new technology for the serious player. It features a unique three-dimensional O-port design that increases aerodynamic qualities of the stick. This O-port design includes actual holes, or O-ports, that allow air to flow freely through the stick making it more aerodynamic. This improves energy efficiency, reduces drag, and increases the swing speed when you hit the ball. The greater the swing speed, the harder the shot. The O-Tech 8000 includes a maxi head shape, and extra-stiff power rating and comes in 36.5 and 37.5 sizes.
VOODOO Unlimited Gold Field Hockey Stick - Consider
Whether you are smacking balls out of the defensive end or shooting hard shots on goal, this stick has the perfect balance of weight and power. It’s a regular head 24.5mm bow. It comes in 36.5 and 37.5 sizes. Its international ratings are: 10+/10 for power and 10+/10 for feel. Double Kevlar in the head of this stick gives it incredible durability. The Voodoo Unlimited has the highest real carbon content of any stick available today; this is what gives your shots amazing speed and power. It has a curved maxi head shape and an extremely light feel. It is an all-around powerful stick with a great feel.
OBO Cloud Fatboy Field Hockey Stick - Best Field Hockey Stick
This stick is for goalies only. The CranBarry OBO Fatboy Goalie stick gives the goalie as much of an advantage as possible. It is thicker to provide more mass and perfectly balanced to help the goalie maneuver the stick when blocking shots. The hook toe length is 36.5 inches. Goalie sticks generally have a different shape than field sticks because they need the increased surface area to make stopping shots easier. They also tend to be lighter and easier to move around. Many of them are designed so that a ball shot on goal deflects off the stick surface, rather than stopping dead. The Fatboy gives you all that and more.
Buyer's Guide
Improve Your Game with the Best Field Hockey Stick
A field hockey stick is a crucial piece of kit for any aspiring hockey player. If you want to improve playing and training, a decent and compatible stick is required.
But with so many field hockey sticks on the market, how do you choose the best? Fear not! We have come up with some features you should consider to find your perfect match.
Check out our handy buying guide below for more information.
What is a field hockey stick
A field hockey stick is a piece of apparatus used during a hockey game to hit the ball. These sticks are made from numerous materials, and each has its own special features designed to take your performance to the next level.
Things to consider when buying a field hockey stick
There are various factors to consider when purchasing a stick, including weight, length, skill level, the bow (bend), and composition.
Weight
Light Weight (535g-545g): A light stick makes it easier to have a fast backswing because it allows quick wrist movement. This will make your stick skills faster in general. It also assists with creating a flawless reception of the putt.
Heavy Weight (550g-560g): A heavier stick means you will move slower than a lightweight hockey stick. However, it will help to create more power in your hits. Heavier hockey sticks are also usually more durable.
Length
To perform at your best, it is important to have a hockey stick at the right length. The ideal length hockey stick will allow you to execute both advanced and basic skills. The length can be the difference between making a tackle, completing a pass, …or making a big mistake.
If you are a midfielder or defensive player, you may prefer a longer stick so you can propel the ball further. On the other hand, if you are an offensive player, you may find a shorter stick is more suited to your needs as it offers better control and handling. As a rule, a hockey stick should measure to the top of your hip bone. Sticks start at 28” and can go up to 37.5” or more.
Skill level
It is a good starting point when you choose a hockey stick that matches your level of play. Some manufacturers will state whether their sticks are for beginners, intermediates, advanced, or elite players.
Beginner sticks should not be too expensive. If it’s likely the player will not continue with the sport on a long-term basis, you do not want to spend a fortune on a stick. Beginner sticks should be used by players who are 10 years old or younger if they have played for up to one year. These sticks focus more on control and less on power - the fundamentals of a good player.
Intermediate hockey sticks also offer substantial control but introduce an element of power to up your game. An intermediate hockey stick is suggested for players with 1-2 years of playing experience and aged 10-13 years old.
Advanced hockey sticks offer an equal amount of power and control for those who have surpassed the basics. This transition is needed if you want to continue to help your hockey playing skills grow. It is recommended that players with 2 plus years of experience who are 13 plus years old use an advanced hockey stick.
Elite hockey sticks are made for highly skilled players that desire precision matched by power. Elite sticks typically contain a larger carbon content, creating the most powerful and durable hockey stick. The Elite hockey stick is recommended for players with 3 plus years of experience and 15 plus years old.
Bow
The bow describes the curve of the stick and can be measured in millimeters. The larger the number, the lower the peak of the hockey stick.
An extreme low bow measures 24.75mm and is perfect for the area, drag flicking, and sweeping skills. Extreme low bow hockey sticks are usually used by seasoned players who utilize the stick shape to increase accuracy and speed for specialized skills.
Low bow hockey sticks measure around 24mm and are a popular option for use in every position on the field. Without affecting the player’s hitting technique, the shape makes aerial skills easier and increases ball control.
Opt for a classic bow with a curve of about 22mm if you want a dependable stick for power and control.
Composition
Fiberglass, carbon, aramid, and wood are the most common materials used in a hockey stick. However, each material has its own benefits of use.
Fiberglass is often used in conjunction with carbon to act as a good reinforcer. It creates a strong and durable stick.
Carbon adds power and rigidity to a field hockey stick. The higher the amount of carbon in a stick, the greater the power output. Look for a hockey stick with a substantial amount of carbon in the composition mix if you want to increase your power.
Wood adds an element of forgiveness and flexibility to the stick. This allows clean receptions without relying on technical skills. Most beginner hockey sticks are made from wood as it is quite forgiving when you make mistakes.
Field hockey stick price range
Beginner hockey sticks start from $14 and go up to $45. Elite hockey sticks start at $250 and go up to $415. You can spend more than this on a field hockey stick. However, this is only recommended if you are a professional.
FAQs
What is the hardest position to play in field hockey?The most difficult position to play in field hockey is widely considered to be midfield. Midfielders need to tackle, shoot, dribble, mark and pass. They also need to read the play accurately.
What country invented field hockey?
Field hockey was invented by the English in the 1800s. However, a slightly different version of the game can be traced back to over 4000 years ago. The first field hockey club was formed in England in 1861 - called the Blackheath football and hockey club.
Where did the name hockey come from?
The name hockey comes from the French word hoquet, which means shepherd’s stick. Perhaps the first games were played with shepherd’s sticks.
