Which Field Hockey Stick Should I Buy?

With so many hockey sticks available and the number of things you are asked to consider, deciding which hockey stick to buy can be overwhelming. We break it down for you.

Looking for our most comprehensive stick-buying guide? Read our full How To Choose The Right Hockey Stick guide, which covers size, bow, carbon content, price and current 2026/27 ranges in full detail.

A good starting point is to choose from a few easy options below.

1. Buy the same stick you've always bought. It's what you're used to — but does that mean it's the most suited stick to you? Perhaps your game or the hockey stick world has changed.
2. Come in store to our dedicated demo area where you can try over 100 demo sticks and get advice from our staff with over 50 years' experience.
3. Still need help? Keep reading. We cover the main questions we get from people deciding on which stick is right for them:

• What size of hockey stick is right for me?
• Hockey stick bows explained
• What are hockey sticks made of?
• How much does a hockey stick cost?
• What is the right hockey stick for my position?

What size of hockey stick is right for me?

For junior players we usually work off the floor-to-belly button measurement in inches. If you're in between sizes, go a size up. You can read more in our stick size guide.

For adults the above is a great guide, but personal preference matters too. The extra inch between 36.5" and 37.5" makes very little difference in practice.

Hockey stick bows explained

The world of hockey bows is a minefield — brands all call their bows different names. You can read our full hockey stick bow guide here.

Standard Bow: Straight and forgiving. Great for juniors and entry-level adults. Harder to drag flick, do aerials or 3D skills.

Mid Bow: More bow than standard. Good for hitting, popular for entry-level adult sticks. Browse mid bow sticks.

Pro Bow / Gradual Low Bow: Between mid and low. Great for players moving up a level. The Y1 GLB/GGLB is a strong current option here.

Low Bow: The most popular adult bow. Strong for 3D skills and aerials. The Y1 LB is one of the best options for drag flicking. Browse all low bow sticks.

Ultra Low Bow: Very close to the hook. Great for drag flicking, aerials and 3D. The Y1 YLB is a specialist option here. Browse all ultra low bow sticks.

Concave / Drag-Flicking Bow: Ultra-late with concave face for maximum drag-flick power. The Y1 BB/BBX is the most extreme bow in the Y1 Cosmic range, suiting elite drag flicking, aerials, Indian dribbling and close control. Browse all concave drag-flicking sticks.

A big bow is not a good or a bad thing — it's about finding the right balance for your game. Bigger is not always better.

What are hockey sticks made of?

Materials vary depending on the level and price. Basic junior sticks will be wood; mid-range will be composite; and advanced sticks are heavily carbon.

Brands like adidas and Grays no longer advertise carbon % — because the quality and layup matters far more than a raw number.

How much does a hockey stick cost?

Junior hockey sticks:

£10 – £30: Great starting point — usually wood.

£20 – £50: Fibreglass — our recommendation for most juniors.

£50 – £120: Higher carbon for advanced juniors not in adult sizes yet.

Senior hockey sticks:

£30 or less: We wouldn't recommend it.

£30 – £75: Entry-level carbon. Good for those just starting out or playing at a lower level.

£75 – £150: Good mid-range — carbon % increases significantly here.

£150 – £250: For more advanced players.

£250 – £400+: Flagship sticks from Y1, Grays and adidas.

What stick is best for my position?

Choosing a stick purely on position is largely a marketing ploy. Instead, focus on: what length do you need? What level do you play at? What skills do you use most? For more targeted advice, read our guides on best sticks for attackers and best sticks for midfielders.

Are you ready to buy a hockey stick?

1. Come and try our 100+ demo sticks in-store
2. Chat with us via live chat
3. Try a friend's stick
4. Call us on 0191 447 4744

Browse the full range of hockey sticks now! You can also read about the best hockey sticks for beginners.