The Best Low Bow Hockey Sticks 2026/27
Low bow sticks are everywhere at the moment, and for good reason. Moving the bow closer to the head makes it much easier to get under the ball for lifts, aerials, drag flicks and 3D skills. In fact, Y1's LB, a low bow, has been our best-selling stick shape over the last year by a distance.
But is a low bow right for you? And which one? Here are our picks for 2026/27, from a first low bow to the stiffest sticks on the rack.
Who should use a low bow?
A low bow suits confident players who want to lift the ball, play aerials or use 3D skills. The trade-off is that it's also easier to lift the ball when you don't mean to, so if you're new to hockey or you mainly defend and distribute, a mid bow is usually the better choice. Our hockey stick bow guide explains the difference.
Best low bow sticks under £100
The Kookaburra LB20 puts Kookaburra's new L Bow 250 shape on a 20% carbon stick, which makes it a great first low bow for developing club players. The 10% carbon LB10 uses the same shape and is an easy step up from a wooden stick.
The Grays JB 5 uses Grays' Jumbow profile with a Maxi head, and Grays pitch it at developing drag-flicking and aerial skills with moderate power. And just under £100, the Y1 LB 30 gives you the same low bow as Y1's top sticks (24.5mm at 200mm) at 30% carbon.
Best low bow sticks for club players
The Y1 LB 50 and LB 70 are the heart of the most popular stick family we sell. Y1's Dynamic Bow peaks at 200mm, with a shaved head and Recurved Toe for drag flicking, aerials and 3D skills. Go 50 if you want more feel, 70 if you hit and slap a lot.
Grays have two families with a 24.75mm bow at 200mm and a Vertex head (Grays class the Probow as an ultra-low bow, but the numbers are the same). The JB 7+ (Jumbow Plus) is built for drag-flickers, aerial specialists and technical attackers, and the PB 7+ (Probow Plus) is for technical players focused on 3D skills and close control. Both give you intermediate power with lots of control.
The Kookaburra LB50 is also worth a look, with 50% carbon in a 12K biaxial weave on Kookaburra's L Bow 215R shape.
Best low bow sticks for advanced players
At the top of Y1's range, the LB X.2 is 80% carbon and the LB X is 95%, both with Y1's Swedish X Carbon Jacket. We've also got our own OSW Limited Edition LB X.2 (last season's limited edition was one of our best sellers).
From Grays, the JB 12+ and PB 11+ are the flagship sticks in their families. The Kookaburra Pro Elite 98 is 98% forged carbon on the LB215R shape, and Osaka's Low Bow Advanced 85 (previously called the Show Bow) combines their Pro Bow profile with a low bow at Osaka's 85 level.
adidas players should look at the adidas Ruzo, which pairs a low bow with adidas' 3D head.
Low bow FAQs
Is a low bow good for beginners?
Usually not. Beginners are better off with a mid bow, which keeps the ball on the ground. Read our guide to the best hockey sticks for beginners.
What's the difference between a low bow and an ultra-low bow?
An ultra-low bow peaks even closer to the head. Lifting the ball gets easier still, but general passing and receiving can be harder to control.
How much carbon should my low bow have?
The same rules apply as any stick: more carbon means more power but less forgiveness. Our guide to hockey stick carbon percentages explains how much you really need.
Still not sure?
Give us a call on 0191 447 4744, drop us a message on live chat or pop into the shop and have a feel of a few. Ready to buy? Browse all our low bow hockey sticks.
