Hockey Stick Bow Guide: Which Bow Is Right For You?

Bows, bows and more bows! Where do you start? Pro bows, mid bows, low bows, late bows, concave low bows, standard bows… All joking aside, the world of field hockey bows is a genuine minefield. Even different brands call their bows different names.

Below we've listed the main bow types, explained who they suit, and given current 2026/27 examples to help you find the right bow for your game.

Standard Bow

Who it suits: Juniors, absolute beginners, players who want to keep the ball on the ground.

Who it doesn't suit: Players who want to drag flick, do aerials, or use 3D skills.

A lot of junior hockey sticks and entry-level adult sticks sit in this category. They are quite straight and very forgiving — when you hit the ball you're unlikely to mistakenly lift it. The downside: more advanced skills like drag flicking, aerials and 3D can be difficult.

Mid Bow

Who it suits: Entry-level and mid-range adult players who want a consistent, reliable bow for hitting and general play.

Who it doesn't suit: Those who want to specialise in drag flicking or aerials at a high level.

Mid bows are where you'll find a lot of entry-level and mid-range adult hockey sticks. They have more bow than standard sticks but won't flip the ball over your head. A great option if you want to keep the ball on the pitch and hit it well.

Current 2026/27 examples: The Y1 ADB (Advanced Dribble Bow) is the safest all-round option in the Y1 Cosmic range — designed for control and suitable for a wide range of players. Grays and adidas entry-to-mid lines also cover this bow profile well.

Gradual Low Bow (Pro Bow)

Who it suits: Players transitioning from entry-level adult sticks to a higher level, or juniors moving into adult sizes.

Who it doesn't suit: Complete beginners who are still working on keeping the ball on the ground.

The gradual low bow (sometimes called pro bow) sits somewhere between mid and low bow. It's a more pronounced bow than mid, but the curve starts further up the stick so it can feel less aggressive than a full low bow.

Current 2026/27 examples: The Y1 GLB/GGLB — designed for backhand power, controlled receiving and a balanced all-round game. A great option for players moving up a level. Grays and adidas mid-range lines include comparable gradual low bow options.

Low Bow

Who it suits: Competent adult players who want to develop or use 3D skills, aerials and drag flicking.

Who it doesn't suit: Beginners — the pronounced bow can cause the ball to lift unpredictably until you have strong stick skills.

The low bow is the most popular and common bow for adult hockey sticks. The curve is pronounced and sits closer to the hook, which (in the right hands) is fantastic for 3D skills and aerials.

Current 2026/27 examples: The Y1 LB is a specialist low bow purpose-built for drag flicking and aerials — a strong option for penalty corner specialists. The Y1 MR (Modern Rocker) is also in this zone, designed for the modern midfielder who wants speed, drag-flick capability and reverse-stick power — see the Y1 MR range. Grays Dynabow and Probow ranges are strong equivalents. Browse all low bow hockey sticks.

Ultra Low Bow / Extra Low Bow

Who it suits: Advanced players with strong stick skills who want to maximise drag flicking, aerials and 3D techniques.

Who it doesn't suit: Anyone who hasn't yet mastered keeping the ball on the ground consistently, or lower-level players.

These bows start very close to the hook. Fantastic for advanced players with the ability to control their hitting to keep a ball flat. This type of bow really comes into its own for drag flicking, aerials and 3D skills.

Current 2026/27 examples: The Y1 YLB is a specialist drag-flicking, aerials and 3D skills stick — one of the strongest options in this category in the current market. Grays Jumbow equivalents and adidas Ruzo/Ina top-end lines also sit in this territory. Browse all ultra low bow sticks.

Concave Bow / Drag-Flicking Bow (Extreme Bow)

Who it suits: Elite drag flickers, penalty corner specialists, players who play 3D skills, Indian dribbling and aerials at the highest level.

Who it doesn't suit: Most club and recreational players. The extreme bow can make general play and first touch much harder.

Usually very similar to the ultra-late bow sticks, but with a concave face to help the ball stay on the stick longer and generate power. This is a specialised stick for drag-flicking.

Current 2026/27 examples: The Y1 BB/BBX is the most extreme bow in the Y1 Cosmic range — designed for elite drag flicking, aerials, Indian dribbling and close control. Browse all concave drag-flicking sticks.

Summary: which bow is right for me?

A big bow is not a good or a bad thing — it's about finding the right balance for your game. Here's a quick cheat sheet:

• Beginner / junior: Standard or mid bow. Keep the ball on the ground.
• Improving club player: Mid bow to gradual low bow (Y1 ADB or GLB/GGLB).
• Experienced player developing 3D / flicking: Low bow (Y1 LB, Y1 MR).
• Advanced player, drag flicking specialist: Ultra low bow (Y1 YLB).
• Elite / penalty corner specialist, 3D player: Extreme / concave bow (Y1 BB/BBX).

If you're not sure message us via live chat or come in store. Bigger is not always better — you need to be able to handle it.

If you're ready to buy, shop now. If you still need more help, read our complete stick-buying guide.