Remember wooden hockey sticks? Why choosing a stick is harder today

If you played hockey long enough ago, you'll probably remember the old wooden sticks.

They were solid. Heavy. Usually wrapped in tape somewhere along the handle. However, back then choosing a stick was pretty simple - you picked the right length, maybe a brand you liked, and that was about it. Whilst they were durable and dependable - they weren't exactly designed for the speed of the modern game.

Fast forward to today and things look very different.

Walk into a hockey shop today and you'll see something very different. Carbon percentages. Bow shapes. Power ratings. Low bows, mid bows, extreme low bows... There's more choice than ever before. 

But there is a catch. 

Proper hockey shops are getting harder to find.

Many players end up scrolling through pages online trying to figure out the difference between a 70% carbon stick and 90% one. Without someone there to explain it, choosing a stick can feel a bit like a minefield. 

Grays, Mercian, Y1...plenty of choice - but the right stick depends on how you play.

This is where a proper local hockey shop still makes a difference. Being able to pick up a stick, feel the balance and talk it through with someone who actually plays the game still matters. And yes - we know we're just a shed. But sometimes that's all you need.

One of the biggest differences in sticks today is the carbon content. Higher carbon sticks generally generate more power, but they can feel stiffer when hitting the ball.  Lower carbon sticks usually offer more control and a softer touch - especially on colder days. 

A simple guide is:

• 30-50% carbon - softer feel, more control
• 50-70% carbon - balance of power and control
• 70-100% carbon - maximum power and stiffness

The right stick isn't always the one with the highest carbon percentage - it's the one that suits how you play.

The modern stick also comes with different bow shapes, which affects how the stick handles the ball.

• Mid bow - a balanced option for all round play
• Low bow - helps drag flicking and lifting of the ball
• Extreme low bow - designed for 3D skills

For many club players, a mid or low bow is a great starting point.

Hockey sticks have come a long way since the wooden days. They're lighter, faster and are more specialised than ever before. But choosing one doesn't have to be a minefield. If you ever get the chance to visit a proper hockey shop (or even the shed), picking up some sticks and seeing what feels right will make all the difference. 

Because the best stick isn't always the most expensive one - t's the one that suits your game.

And if you want to talk it through, you'll usually find us in the shed.