There are so many field hockey sticks out there to choose from. Each stick has good qualities about them and different reasons as to why it is a good stick.
Your position and style of play should define what stick is the best stick for you. The best stick for a defender wouldn’t be the best stick for a forward.
My pick for the best field hockey stick overall is the TK 2.1 Control Bow because it has all the features any player would want.
But if you want to read my full breakdown as well as see some other options that might be a better fit for your specific needs, then keep reading…
Top Pick
1. TK 2.1 Control Bow
The perfect stick for a midfielder or an all around player. It offers high power output with ultra lightweight.
This stick made the top of the list because of the power, performance and design of the stick.
This stick is perfect for a midfielder or any all around player. It is not for a beginner though. The perfect balance between performance and design is for a more advanced player.
This stick is great for those who like power over feel, as it is a powerful stick. Power in the stick is referring to the Carbon in it as Carbon adds stiffness and power.
It offers high power output with ultra lightweight. It is made of 90% Carbon and 10% Kevlar. It has a low bow shape. It is great for lifting the ball, aerials, and dynamic ball movement.
To find out about my top pick for forwards keep reading…
Forward Stick
2. Gryphon Striker Samurai
Great for forwards as it is amazing for aerial tricks and drag flicking.
This was a little bit tougher to choose, but I went with the Gryphon Striker Samurai Field Hockey Stick. This soft yet powerful stick is a great choice for more advanced or elite players.
It is made up of Carbon, Kevlar, and Fiberglass. If you are a beginner or only have been playing for a short while, this stick may be tougher to learn on.
The striker samurai is extremely powerful and has an extreme late bow. The late bow and the groove of the stick make it great with drag flicking. The Gryphon is amazing for aerial tricks.
See my full breakdown of the Best Field Hockey Sticks For Forwards.
If you play midfield and aren’t looking for a forwards stick, keep reading to find out my pick for midfield…
Midfielder Stick
3. Grays GR6000
A stick with great power, feel and playability for an all around player.
The overall top pick above is actually a midfielder’s stick, but in case you don’t want the top pick, the Grays GR6000 is another great option. It has great power, feel and playability for an all around player.
It is made with additional Carbon and Aramid reinforcement sections, and Graphene has been added to GX composition for extra power and durability.
It has a medium bow and an energy reduction handle. It’s micro head is great for 3D skill execution and has a slim mid-section for stick handling.
See my full breakdown of the Best Field Hockey Sticks for Midfielders.
If you play defense keep reading to see my best defenders stick choice.
Defenders Stick
4. Adidas Kromaskin Fabela .1
Great for defenders, the Kromaskin Fabela .1 is one of the stiffest and most powerful sticks out there.
The Adidas Kromaskin series has various sticks, but the best one is under the Fabela line and is the Fabela Kromaskin .1.
These sticks are great for defenders and those who want to control the ball and the game. It is one of the stiffest and most powerful sticks out there.
It is important for a defender to have a powerful stick as you may need to hit the ball hard enough to pass it to a midfielder, or even to an offensive player.
The head shape allows for pure control, which is highly important for a player as you need to control the ball. The Fabela .1 is made of carbon and has a low to mid bow.
See my full breakdown of Best Field Hockey Sticks for Defenders.
If you are new to field hockey and looking for a great overall stick that is easy to learn on, keep reading.
Beginners Stick
5. STX HPR 101
Great for beginners and easy to learn on. This stick is great for anyone looking to learn to play the game.
My top pick is the STX HPR 101. This stick is great for beginners and easy to learn on.
STX is a great company that has been around for a long time. Their sticks are great as they know what players are looking for in their sticks and develop them for the player.
The HPR 101 allows beginners to get used to the feeling of the ball hitting on and off the stick, as it is an easier touch for new players.
Sometimes the stick vibrates when the ball ricochets off the stick. The HPR lightens the feel of the ball on the stick, which allows you to get used to it more easily.
This stick is 10% Carbon, 85 % Fiberglass, and 5% Aramid and has a maxi toe shape. The maxi toe shape is a little bigger which increases the receiving area and is good for trapping and stopping the ball.
Trapping and stopping the ball are essential to receiving a pass.
The HPR 101 is great for learning ball control. Controlling the ball is important because if you cannot control the ball then you will not be able to master other skills.
See my full breakdown of Best Field Hockey Sticks for Beginners.
If you are looking for the best indoor field hockey stick, keep reading.
Indoor Stick
6. Osaka Indoor Pro Tour 10 Low Bow
A durable stick designed for precision control and power while being easily maneuverable.
Osaka is a reliable brand that makes great sticks. The Indoor Pro Tour 10 Low Bow is one of the best indoor sticks.
Crafted to endure the most challenging competition, this Low Bow Field Hockey Stick Pro Tour 10 boasts a resilient low bow shape, guaranteeing resilience against forceful impacts. Its reinforced fiberglass construction provides an additional safeguarding layer.
Prepare to command the court with confidence. Ideal for indoor matches, this stick is meticulously engineered for precision control and formidable power, striking the perfect equilibrium between strength and accuracy essential for elite indoor gameplay.
It’s lightweight performance, it has 10% carbon for unparalleled power and maneuverability. This stick accelerates fast and is great for drag flicking, hard pushes, and super fast flicks.
If you are looking for the best stick that won’t break the bank, keep reading to see my pick.
Budget Stick
7. Grays GX2000 Dynabow
A well balanced stick that has great control and power. It is great for core skills and developing 3D skills.
Grays is a reputable brand that puts out great products. The GX2000 Dynabow is a great stick. This stick is not for a beginner, someone with experience would do well with this stick.
It has a high fiberglass content which is great for power and improved durability and 30 % Carbon which allows for better touch and ball control as well as some power. This stick is well balanced of control and power.
It has a Dynabow bow shape and a thin midsection. It is great for core skills and developing 3D skills. This is a great stick for the budget option and is a good overall stick for a midfielder.
Sticks To Avoid
Harrow Sonic Boom
The Harrow Sonic Boom is an older stick that isn’t as up to date as other sticks. It first came out in 2013 so this stick is not currently being made new.
This stick is made of 40% Carbon, 55% Fiberglass and 5% Aramid. It is not a stick for an advanced player.
Punk Multi Curve Hockey Stick
The Punk Multi Curve Hockey Stick by Malik is another stick that you should avoid. It is a stick from 2017 and there are more current sticks by Malik.
This stick is only 20% Carbon and 80% Fiberglass.
With such a low Carbon composite it doesn’t have as much power as other sticks. Being able to have more control and power in a stick is important as you need to control the
STX Stallion 50
The STX Stallion 50 is not a stick I would recommend as one of the best. It is a decent stick for a junior or beginner, but I still wouldn’t recommend it here.
It is made up of 100% Fiberglass, so it doesn’t have as much power as a stick with Carbon in it. You want a stick with Carbon as it allows for more control and power when hitting.
What Size Stick Do I Need?
The length of the stick is important for each player. The stick should come up to your hip bone. If a stick is too long or too short, it may not work for you. Here is a quick guide of what size stick you will need.
| Height | Stick Size |
|---|---|
| 3’5” and under | 24” |
| 3’6” to 3’8” | 26” |
| 3’8” to 4” | 28” |
| 4’1” to 4’3” | 30” |
| 4’4” to 4’6” | 32” |
| 4’7” to 5’0” | 34″ |
| 5’1” to 5’3” 35” | 35.5” |
| 5’4” to 5’8” | 36”-36.5” |
| 5’9” to 5’11” | 37”-37.5” |
| 6” and up | 38” |
How To Choose A Field Hockey Stick
There are several factors when choosing a field hockey stick. Weight, skill level, composition, head shape, bow, balance point and position or how you play can play a part when choosing a stick.
Weight
There are three different weight options, light, medium, and heavy. Lighter sticks are ideal for forwards, due to their ability to allow them to dribble faster and shoot quicker. Medium weight sticks are ideal for midfielders, as they need to be able to have power, shoot, and stop the opposing team’s offense. Heavy weight is ideal for defense, as they need to be able to stop the offense and be able to pass the ball to the midfielders or offense.
Skill Level
Skill level can impact what stick you buy. If you are a beginner to the sport than you don’t want a stick that is more equipped for an advanced player. An advanced player could play with a beginners stick, but upgrading to a stick for an advanced player might help your game.
Composition
Material is very important with a stick and position. There are a few different materials a stick could be made out of. Carbon, fiberglass, Kevlar and wood.
Carbon is a great option for cutting-edge players. It is both light and tough and can in any case have the hitting power that you have to make a shot. The drawback to carbon is that it isn’t instinctively simple to control. It requires a great deal of training to be utilized well.
Fiberglass is utilized as a fortifying material to include toughness and quality. Fiberglass can likewise include a component of intensity when utilized without anyone else, however, when utilized in mix with carbon it fills in as a support.
Aramid or Kevlar are heavier obligation materials. They are anything but difficult to utilize, similar to fiberglass, however are explicitly intended to retain vibrations. This implies it won’t container your arm and your stick will be more grounded.
Wood is minimal solid of the considerable number of materials, it includes a component of adaptability and pardoning in the stick, taking into account clean gatherings without requiring as a lot of specialized expertise. Wooden sticks are an incredible instrument to learn on.
Head Shape
Head shape can be an important part of a stick. There are two different sizes and there are four shapes. The most common head shapes are maxi and midi.
A smaller head size allows for better flexibility and movability, but it also reduces hitting surface, power when hitting the ball and reverse stick control. A larger head on the other hand has the opposite effect. The larger head allows for better reverse stick control, power when hitting and hitting surface. It does however have less flexibility and movability.
The shapes of the head are J shape, midi, maxi and hook. J Shape allows for easier dribbling, quicker passes and receives the ball with less effort. Midi is shorter than maxi and J Shape, and it goes over the ball quicker when dribbling.
Maxi is bigger and is good for trapping and stopping. Hook is not a commonly used shape by players. It is a stick that takes time to get used to, but once you are used to it you do not want to get rid of it. It creates a little “pocket” when the ball is being dribbled. It also helps with lifts.
Bow
In field hockey, the term bow refers to the curve or bend in the hockey stick. The bow can vary in its degree and placement along the length of the stick. It’s designed to enhance player skills and performance in different aspects of the game.
A low bow stick typically has a pronounced curve that starts closer to the head of the stick (near the toe) and is often favored by players who prioritize drag-flicking, aerials, and 3D skills. This shape allows for easier lifting of the ball and better control during dribbling and maneuvering.
On the other hand, a mid bow or standard bow stick has a more gradual curve, positioned slightly further down the stick. This design offers a balance between control and power, making it suitable for various playing styles and positions on the field.
The choice of bow depends on the player’s preferences, playing style, and position, as well as the specific demands of the game.
Balance Point
The balance point of a field hockey stick refers to the specific location along the stick where it is evenly balanced when resting on a pivot point. This point is crucial because it affects the feel, control, and handling of the stick during gameplay.
The balance point can vary depending on factors such as the stick’s weight, length, composition, and design features like the bow. Generally, a well-balanced stick will feel comfortable to hold and maneuver, allowing players to control the ball effectively while minimizing strain or fatigue.
Manufacturers often aim to optimize the balance point based on the stick’s intended use and target player preferences. Some players may prefer a balance point closer to the handle for better control, while others may prefer it closer to the head for more power in their shots.
Ultimately, finding the right balance point is a matter of personal preference and may require experimentation with different stick designs and configurations to determine what works best for an individual player’s playing style and comfort.
Position
Each position has different needs, so keeping in mind what position you play can help you get the best stick. Do not worry if you do not know what position you want to play.
You will learn them and figure out what you want to play. If you are unsure what position you are going to play, that is okay, there are sticks that can be used for any position.
A forward might want a stick which allows them to do 3d or aerial tricks whereas a defender isn’t interested in those types of tricks.
Your playing style might also affect which stick you would like. A midfielder who tends to play a little more offensively might want a stick that allows for control, speed and even the ability for aerial tricks. A forward that isn’t ready for aerial tricks might do better learning on a stick that isn’t all about the tricks and can focus on shooting and other aspects of the game.
