If you're looking for the best ice hockey stick, then there are a few factors to consider before coming to a decision upon which stick is best to accompany your top hockey skates.
Fortunately, we're here to help with a list of our top picks, based on features, price, and reviews, highlighting some of the key differences that make each one of these items stand out.
From lightweight sticks, like this Arsenal Covet Performance, to equipment built for longevity, like this CCM Ribcor Trigger 4 Pro, we've got everything you need right here.
Best Ice Hockey Stick
- CCM Jetspeed FT3 Pro
- Franklin Sports Ambush
- CCM Ribcor Trigger 4 Pro
- STX Stallion HPR2
- Arsenal Covet Performance
Best All-Round Ice Hockey Stick - CCM Jetspeed FT3 Pro
Brand: CCM | Weight: 380g | Material: Carbon
When searching for the best ice hockey equipment around, you'll struggle to find many who do it better than CCM.
In terms of CCM's hockey sticks, the Jetspeed FT3 Pro takes the crown as one of its best thanks to its high-performance, lightweight design featuring a JF-90 Blade that has a dampening core to help improve your overall control of the puck on the ice.
The hockey sticks shaft is made out of a nanolite carbon layering system which has been engineered to be as light as possible, and it also comes with a Sigmatax Spread Tow to help keep the stick both lightweight and durable.
All in all, this is a great option for both elite-level performers and beginners due to the range of Flex available, from 70 Flex all the way to 95.
Best Ice Hockey Stick On A Budget - Franklin Sports Ambush
Brand: Franklin Sports | Weight: 410g* estimate | Material: Wood
If you're new to the sport or looking for something inexpensive in general, then the Franklin Sports Ambush might be for you.
In terms of the materials, it comes with a multi-ply wooden shaft which is designed to be highly dense and therefore stiff to avoid breaking or splintering during powerful wrist shots.
Although advertised for street hockey, the Ambush should suit the ice rink thanks to its durable blade made from high-impact ABS plastic that can be easily curved to your preference.
On the whole, this relatively inexpensive hockey stick will likely suit all types of players looking for a durable stick on a budget to last them the season.
Best Ice Hockey Stick For Longevity - CCM Ribcor Trigger 4 Pro
Brand: CCM | Weight: 395g | Material: Sigmatex
If durability is what you're after and you're looking for something slightly more premium to replicate what you see in the NHL on your top TV for sports games, then the CCM Ribcor Trigger 4 Pro might be your answer.
The main reason why this stick is described as durable is that it is made with a Sigmatex material which is essentially a spread fabric that has been innovatively weaved and designed to give you high-end structural strength.
In terms of features, the Ribcor Trigger 4 Pro uses CCM's X-Flow technology which is an advanced molding process designed to eliminate excess resin and therefore should result in improved shaft quality.
Moreover, with an optimised low-kick point, this hockey stick should suit players looking for the fastest possible release and those looking for a highly durable bit of kit.
Best Ice Hockey Stick For Beginners - STX Stallion HPR2
Brand: STX | Weight: 431g* estimate | Material: Carbon
STX has been in the ice hockey game since 1970 and has been honing its craft ever since to design sticks like Stallion HPR2.
A key reason why the Stallion HPR2 is so great for beginners is that it has been designed to give you the ultimate puck feel as well as control thanks to 3k, woven carbon fibres on the front of the blade, and 18k on the back to reduce weight.
Additionally, the Stallion HPR2 has a proprietary resin injected along the full length of the blade which should increase its longevity and protect it against premature wear and tear.
On the whole, with a variety of styles and shaft types available, this stick will likely suit any newcomers to the sport, but could also satisfy more experienced players as well.
Best Lightweight Ice Hockey Stick - Arsenal Covet Performance
Brand: The Hockey Arsenal | Weight: Unspecified | Material: Carbon
The Arsenal Covet Performance is marketed as the stick of choice for playmakers thanks to its lightweight, woven, carbon fibre blade which helps make it more responsive and therefore ideal in match situations.
With an A92 Curve and an 85 Flex, this stick has been designed to equal the most common curve pattern and offer an optimised kick point for a fast puck release.
As an added bonus, The Hockey Arsenal offers a 45-day warranty to ensure you receive what will likely be a high-performance and quality-tested item.
All in all, the Covet Performance should be the perfect stick to take your hockey game anywhere, from competitive adult leagues to more relaxed, friendly games.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Hockey Sticks
With an abundance of variations out there, you probably have a few questions surrounding ice hockey sticks, but don't worry because we're here to clear up some of the more common queries.
What Is The Difference Between A Field Hockey And An Ice Hockey Stick?
Although the objective of the game remains the same, there's a vast number of differences between field hockey and ice hockey which, in turn, leads to the sticks being distinct from one another.
Ice hockey sticks are typically longer and shaped like the letter 'L'. They can be made of wood, composites, or graphite and the blade lies flat on the ice as opposed to being slightly curved upwards.
Field hockey sticks on the other hand are normally 'J'-shaped to suit playing with a hardball instead of a puck, but they can be made from the same type of materials as ice hockey sticks.
What Does Flex Mean?
The sticks flex measures how flexible or, in some cases, stiff it remains when force is applied as proper stick flex can increase the overall shot velocity.
In terms of the rating, this refers to how many lbs of force it takes to flex the stick one inch.
There is no right or wrong amount of flex needed as it all depends on playstyle and preference but, in general, younger players tend to go with lower flex ratings.
How Long Does A Ice Hockey Stick Last?
This will vary depending on how often you use it and your style of play.
If you've watched the NHL and feel like their sticks break fairly regularly then you've got to remember, pro sticks are made primarily for performance, whereas a shop-bought one should last you much longer.
Typically, a carbon fibre composite blend will improve the longevity of your hockey stick, but the blades, on the other hand, might not last as long as the stick itself due to the extreme punishment they go through during a game.
How Much Should You Spend On An Ice Hockey Stick?
This mostly depends on your budget and how competitively you play ice hockey.
A top-level stick may cost up to $300 but you should be getting the absolute best possible quality and technology from the likes of CCM or Bauer who invest millions into their research and development.
However, there are some good quality, less expensive sticks available, like the Franklin Sports Ambush, that can still do a perfectly good job when it comes to game day.
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