Hockey Stick Bow Shapes Explained

The bow of a hockey stick is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — specs to get right. Here's everything you need to know about bow shapes and how to choose the right one for your game.

What Is a Hockey Stick Bow?

The bow is the curve built into the shaft of a hockey stick. If you lay a stick flat on the ground, you'll notice it doesn't lie completely flat — there's a gentle arc running along the length of the shaft. That arc is the bow, and it has a significant impact on how the stick plays.

The bow affects two things above all else: how easy it is to lift the ball, and how naturally the stick sits in your hands during different skills. A stick with a more pronounced bow positioned high on the shaft makes it much easier to execute drag flicks, aerials, and 3D skills. A stick with a flatter, more central bow gives better control and consistency for everyday play. Getting the bow right for your level and playing style is just as important as getting the carbon content right.

How Is Bow Measured?

Bow is measured in two ways: the height of the bow (how much curve there is, measured in millimetres) and the position of the bow (where along the shaft the peak of the curve sits). The maximum bow height allowed under FIH rules is 25mm. Most sticks sit between 20mm and 25mm, with the position of the bow being the more significant variable in terms of how the stick plays.

A bow positioned closer to the middle of the shaft gives a more neutral feel — easier to control, more forgiving, and better for all-round play. A bow positioned higher up the shaft (closer to the head) creates a more pronounced ramp effect that makes lifting the ball significantly easier — but requires more technique to use effectively.

Low Bow — Control and Consistency

A low bow has its peak positioned in the middle of the shaft and a relatively modest curve. It's the most forgiving bow profile and the easiest to play with across all aspects of the game.

Low bow sticks are excellent for defenders, all-round midfielders, and players who prioritise clean ball control, strong hitting, and reliable passing over specialist aerial skills. They're also the best choice for beginners and juniors who are still developing their fundamental technique — a high bow in the hands of a player without established basics will make the game harder, not easier.

Examples from our range: The Y1 LB 30, Y1 LB 70, Kookaburra LB80, and Kookaburra LB70 are all excellent low bow options. From Grays, the AC400 Dynabow-S Senior offers a low-to-mid bow profile popular with all-round club players.

Mid Bow — The Versatile All-Rounder

A mid bow sits between a traditional low bow and a specialist high bow, offering a versatile profile that works well across all positions. The curve is more pronounced than a low bow, giving you more lift capability and making aerials more accessible — while still remaining comfortable and controlled for everyday play.

Mid bow sticks are the most popular choice for club players who want to develop their aerial game without committing to a full high-bow specialist stick. They're a natural step up from a low bow for players whose technique is developing.

Examples from our range: The Kookaburra MB50, MB30, and MB10 are Kookaburra's dedicated mid-bow range. From Y1, the YLB 30, YLB 50, and YLB X offer Y1's mid-bow profile at progressive carbon levels. The Kookaburra Bolt is one of the most popular mid-bow lifestyle sticks on the market.

Dynabow — Grays' Versatile Mid-High Profile

Grays use the term Dynabow (DB) for their mid-to-high bow range — a profile that sits between a traditional mid bow and the specialist Jumbow. It's one of the most popular bow profiles in club hockey, offering excellent versatility for all positions while still providing enough curve to execute aerials and drag flicks comfortably.

The Dynabow is a great choice for players who want more than a low bow but aren't ready to commit to the full Jumbow profile. It's particularly popular with midfielders who need to play well in both defensive and attacking phases.

Examples from our range: The Grays DB10+ Senior, DB9+ Senior, DB8 Senior, DB6 Senior, and DB4 Senior cover the full Dynabow range from entry to elite. The DB7Xi and DB2Xi bring Grays' latest Xi construction to the Dynabow profile.

High Bow (Jumbow / GLB / GGLB) — For Skills Players

A high bow has its peak positioned higher up the shaft, closer to the head of the stick. This creates a more pronounced ramp effect that makes lifting the ball, executing aerials, and drag flicking significantly more natural. The trade-off is that high bow sticks require more technique to use effectively.

Different brands use different names for their high bow profiles. Grays call theirs the Jumbow (JB); Y1 use GLB (Great Low Bow) and GGLB (Great Great Low Bow); Kookaburra's lifestyle sticks like the Bolt and Catalyst sit in this territory. All share the same principle: a bow positioned high on the shaft to maximise lift and aerial capability.

Examples from our range: From Grays, the JB10 Senior, JB8 Senior, JB7 Senior, and JB6 Senior cover the Jumbow range from entry to elite. From Y1, the GLB X, GLB 30, GGLB 70, and GGLB 30 offer progressive options across the high-bow spectrum. The Kookaburra Bolt and Catalyst are popular high-bow lifestyle options.

Probow / ADB — Elite Specialist Profiles

At the very top of the market, some brands offer specialist bow profiles designed specifically for elite drag flickers and penalty corner specialists. These sticks have the maximum permitted bow height (25mm) positioned as high as possible on the shaft, creating the most pronounced lift effect available.

Grays call their elite bow the Probow (PB) — used by international players and serious club athletes who drag flick regularly. Y1's equivalent is the ADB (Aero Dynabow). These are genuinely specialist sticks — they reward elite technique with explosive power and lift, but are not suitable for players who haven't yet mastered drag flicking fundamentals.

Examples from our range: From Grays, the PB11+ Senior, PB10 Senior, PB9+ Senior, and PB7+ Senior cover the full Probow range. The PB7+ Junior is available for talented young players. From Y1, the ADB 70 is the flagship elite bow option.

Goalkeeper Bows

Goalkeeper sticks have their own bow profiles designed for shot-stopping and distribution. The Ultrabow profile used in Grays' GK range gives keepers more control when distributing the ball out of defence. The Grays GK2K Ultrabow Senior and GK2K Ultrabow Junior are the key examples from our range.

Which Bow Is Right for You?

Complete beginner or junior: Low bow — forgiving and easy to control. Try the Grays GT3 Junior or Kookaburra LB10.

Developing club player: Mid bow or entry-level Dynabow — versatile with growing aerial capability. Try the Grays DB4, Kookaburra MB30, or Y1 YLB 30.

Regular club player wanting aerial skills: High bow (Jumbow, GLB) — great for midfielders and forwards. Try the Grays JB6 Senior or Y1 GLB 30.

Serious club player / drag flicker: Probow, GGLB, or ADB — specialist profiles for established technique. Try the Grays PB9+, Y1 GGLB 70, or Y1 ADB 70.

Defender or all-round midfielder: Low bow or Dynabow — control and consistency first. Try the Y1 LB 70, Kookaburra LB80, or Grays DB6 Senior.

Bow and Carbon — Two Different Things

Bow profile and carbon content are completely independent specifications. A stick can have a high bow and low carbon (forgiving, good for developing aerial skills), or a low bow and high carbon (powerful, great for defenders who hit hard). Think about both when choosing. If you want to understand carbon content, read our carbon content guide.

Still Not Sure?

Our team play hockey and are happy to help you find the right bow profile for your game. Get in touch and we'll point you in the right direction. You can also browse our full brand guides — Grays, Y1, Kookaburra, VOODOO, and Gryphon.