Ice Hockey Sticks - Pros And Cons Of Composite Versus Wooden Hockey Sticks
by: Paul Jordan on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 at: 10:44 AM Go to: Previous Article Next Article
Wood hockey sticks have been the tool of choice for many generations of ice hockey players, but that is changing. Composite hockey sticks have been penetrating every level of hockey from the NHL all the way to first year hockey players just starting out. At the NHL level composite hockey sticks are use by almost 100% of all players. Does that mean that you should be using a composite hockey stick too? As you will see, there are good reasons to go with either choice.
Composite sticks have a couple of key performance advantages over wood sticks and as stated earlier they have become very popular at all levels of play. I think the most significant improvement that composite sticks have made is the ability to change the flex dynamics of the hockey stick. These changes include moving the flex points so lower so that the loading up and releasing happens quicker. Composite stick are often weight significantly less than wood sticks and this translates into a more active stick for a player.
If you have played hockey before chances are good that you started with a wood hockey stick and that is still a good choice for today's beginning hockey players. Wood hockey sticks are significantly less expensive than composite hockey sticks and this certainly helps the budget if you are just getting started and have to gear up with all of the equipment required to play hockey. Another advantage of wood sticks is that they impart a better feel for the puck for beginning players. After you have been playing hockey for a while you will be better able to judge the qualities of hockey sticks and how they match your style of play. That is a good point to investigate whether or not a composite hockey stick makes sense for you.
Wood sticks usually run on third to one quarter of the cost of most composite hockey sticks. If you break multiple sticks in a season, this could make a big difference in your buying decision. Beginning players are well advised to purchase a wood stick for their very first hockey stick. Once they start to acquire the basics of stick handling they can evaluate an upgrade purchase that is tailored to their style of play. Going this route has the advantage of a well matched stick to the play plus the wood stick becomes a backup stick to take to games in case the main stick breaks.
After making your selection you still need to choose the blade pattern to match your preferences and whether you shoot right or left handed. Your stick will need to be long enough to come up to your chin area if you are standing in skates and hold the stick vertically with one end on the ice in front of you. Hockey sticks likewise have a flex to their shafts just like golf clubs do. You will need a flex that woks for your skill, style on overall body weight and strength.
In the end it all comes to personal choice. You need to try out a large variety of sticks to find the one that is best suited to your skills and your budget. As your skills and experience improve over time you "perfect" hockey stick will evolve too.
About the Author
Choosing a good Hockey Stick can be a challenge. Come join Paul at Hockey Sticks Expert to learn more about Ice Hockey Sticks.
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