Walk into a hockey shop for the first time and it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
Rows of sticks line the wall, each with different flex ratings, blade curves, kick points, lengths, and price tags. It's no surprise one of the most common questions we hear at Mustangs Hockey ProShop is:
"Which stick should I buy?"
The answer isn't always what people expect.
The best hockey stick isn't necessarily the lightest or the most expensive. It's the one that fits your size, strength, skill level, and the way you play.
Here's what you should know before buying your next stick.
Start with Flex
If there's one specification you shouldn't overlook, it's flex.
Flex measures how much force it takes to bend a stick. When you shoot, the shaft stores energy as it bends, then releases that energy into the puck. That's where much of your shot power comes from.
If your stick is too stiff, you'll struggle to load it properly, and your shots may lose power. If it's too soft, it can feel unstable and affect your accuracy.
A simple starting point is to choose a flex that's roughly half your body weight (in pounds).
For example:
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100 lbs → 50 Flex
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140 lbs → 70 Flex
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170 lbs → 85 Flex
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200 lbs → 100 Flex
This isn't a strict rule, but it's a reliable guideline for most players.
Stick Length Matters More Than You Think
The length of your stick affects almost everything you do on the ice—from puck handling and passing to shooting and skating posture.
A stick that's too long can make the puck feel farther away and harder to control. One that's too short can reduce your reach and force you into poor skating mechanics.
As a general guideline:
Standing in shoes
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The top of the stick should reach somewhere between your chin and your nose.
Standing on skates
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The top of the stick should sit around chin height.
Many experienced players cut their sticks shorter to suit their personal preference, but that comes with experience.
Choosing the Right Blade Curve
Your blade curve has a big impact on how you shoot, pass, and handle the puck. There's no one-size-fits-all option—the best curve is the one that complements your style of play.
P92 / W03
The P92 is the most popular all-around curve. If you're looking at Warrior sticks, the W03 is its equivalent.
It's an excellent choice for:
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Wrist shots
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Snap shots
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Quick releases
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Stickhandling
If you're unsure which curve to choose, this is the safest place to start.
P28 / W28
The P28 is designed for players who love to shoot.
It's ideal for:
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Quick snapshots
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Toe drags
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Getting the puck up quickly
It rewards good technique but can take a little more practice to consistently keep shots low.
P90TM / W90TM
The P90TM blends characteristics of the P92 and P28, making it one of the most versatile curves available.
It's great for:
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Quick releases
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Accurate wrist shots
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Strong puck control
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Shooting from different positions
With its slightly longer blade and balanced toe curve, it's become a popular choice for players looking for a little bit of everything.
Understanding Kick Point
Kick point simply refers to where the stick bends the most when you shoot.
Low Kick
Designed for the quickest possible release.
Best for:
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Snap shots
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Shooting in tight
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Fast offensive players
Mid Kick
Designed to generate maximum power.
Ideal for:
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Slap shots
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Powerful wrist shots
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Defensemen
Hybrid Kick
A combination of low and mid kick technologies.
Perfect for players who like to take a variety of shots and want a stick that's versatile in every situation.
Does a More Expensive Stick Make You Better?
Not necessarily.
Top-end sticks are lighter, more responsive, and built using premium materials. They're designed to maximize performance for players with refined shooting mechanics.
But they also:
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Cost significantly more.
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Can be less durable.
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Don't automatically improve your shot.
For many recreational and intermediate players, a mid-range stick often offers the best balance of performance, durability, and value.
The right stick is always better than the most expensive stick.
Choosing a Stick for Your Position
While every player has personal preferences, your position can help narrow down your options.
Forwards
Many forwards prefer:
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Lower kick points
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Lightweight sticks
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Quick releases
Defensemen
Defensemen often prefer:
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Mid or hybrid kick points
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Slightly stiffer flex
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More durable sticks for heavy shots and board battles
Youth Players
For younger players, learning proper shooting mechanics should always come first.
A stick that's too stiff makes it difficult to load properly and can actually slow skill development. Choosing the correct flex allows young players to shoot with better technique and build confidence.
Common Mistakes We See
Some of the most common mistakes include:
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Buying the exact stick your favorite NHL player uses.
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Choosing a flex that's too stiff because you'll "grow into it."
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Ignoring stick length.
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Assuming the most expensive stick is automatically the best.
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Focusing only on how light the stick feels instead of how well it fits your game.
A Tip from the ProShop
One question we hear almost every day is:
"What's your best stick?"
Our answer is always the same:
"It depends."
The right stick for a 10-year-old learning the game is completely different from the right stick for an adult recreational player or a national team athlete.
At Mustangs Hockey ProShop, we don't simply recommend the most expensive model. We look at your height, weight, strength, skill level, position, playing style, and budget before making a recommendation.
Sometimes, the stick that suits you best isn't the one with the biggest price tag.
Final Thoughts
Your hockey stick is one of the most personal pieces of equipment you'll own. When the flex, length, blade curve, and kick point all match your game, everything feels easier—from passing and stickhandling to shooting.
There's no magic stick that instantly makes you a better player. But choosing one that's properly suited to you can help you build better habits, gain confidence, and enjoy the game even more.
If you're not sure which stick is right for you, stop by Mustangs Hockey ProShop. We'll help you compare your options, explain the differences, and recommend a stick that's built for your game—not someone else's.
