Y1 MR 50 vs Y1 MR 70 2026/27 — Which Is Right for Your Game?
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The Y1 MR 50 and Y1 MR 70 are the two most popular sticks in the MR range for club-level midfielders. Both share the same MR Midfield Low Bow profile, the same Touch Toe head, and the same weight. The difference is carbon percentage — and the £45 price gap that comes with it.
This guide explains exactly what that difference means in practice, so you can pick the right one for your level and budget.
Quick Verdict
| Y1 MR 50 | Y1 MR 70 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £125.95 | £170.98 |
| Carbon | 50% Japanese Carbon | 70% Japanese Carbon |
| Fibreglass/aramid | 50% | 30% |
| Bow | 24.5mm @ 200mm | 24.5mm @ 200mm |
| Weight | 525g (±10g) | 525g (±10g) |
| Balance point | 39cm (±1cm) | 39cm (±1cm) |
| Head | Touch Toe + Bristled EHCA | Touch Toe + Bristled EHCA |
| Powerbar | Yes | Yes |
| Durashock end cap | Yes | Yes |
| Sizes | 36.5", 37.5" | 36.5", 37.5" |
What's Actually Different?
Almost everything is the same. Same bow. Same head. Same weight. Same balance point. Same features. The single meaningful difference is carbon percentage:
- The MR 50 is 50% Japanese carbon and 50% fibreglass/aramid blend — more flexible, more forgiving, better for players still developing their technique
- The MR 70 is 70% Japanese carbon and 30% fibreglass/aramid blend — stiffer, more powerful, better for players who want more from every hit and pass
In practice, the MR 70 will feel noticeably more responsive on the ball — hits carry further, passes have more zip, and the stick transmits more feedback through your hands. The MR 50 has a softer, more forgiving feel that's easier to control, especially when receiving hard passes or playing on a heavy pitch.
Who Should Buy the Y1 MR 50?
- Club players at social, 4th XI, or 3rd XI level
- Players returning to hockey after a break who want a forgiving, manageable stick
- Developing midfielders who want the MR profile without committing to high carbon
- Budget-conscious buyers who want genuine Y1 quality at a lower price
- Players stepping up from the Y1 MR 30 who want more response without a big jump in stiffness
Who Should Buy the Y1 MR 70?
- Club players at 1st XI or 2nd XI level
- County-level midfielders who want a performance stick without spending over £200
- Players who've outgrown the feel of 50% carbon sticks and want more power
- Those who hit and pass a lot and want that extra zip on the ball
- Players considering the Y1 MR X.2 but not yet ready for 80% carbon
Is It Worth Paying £45 More for the MR 70?
For most club players performing at 1st or 2nd XI level, yes. The step up in carbon gives you meaningfully more from every hit and drag, and £170.98 is still excellent value for a genuine performance stick with Y1's premium Japanese Carbon Technology.
If you're playing 3rd XI and below, or you're new to hockey, the MR 50 at £125.95 is the smarter buy. It's a great stick — don't let the lower carbon percentage fool you into thinking it's a compromise.
The MR Range at a Glance
The full MR range for 2026/27 runs from entry to elite:
- Y1 MR 30 — 30% carbon, beginners and returning players
- Y1 MR 50 — 50% carbon, club level 3rd XI and below
- Y1 MR 70 — 70% carbon, club level 1st/2nd XI and county
- Y1 MR X.2 — 80% hybrid carbon, county and regional
- Y1 MR X — 100% carbon, elite
Shop Both Sticks
Buy the Y1 MR 50 2026/27 — £125.95
Buy the Y1 MR 70 2026/27 — £170.98
Not sure where you sit in the range? Use our Hockey Stick Finder or browse all Y1 MR sticks.