Wood vs Composite – What’s the Deal?

There are two main types of hockey sticks: good ol' wooden sticks and their high-tech cousin — the composite stick.

Wooden Sticks: Great for juniors, beginners, and backyard legends. They’re soft, forgiving, and perfect for developing skills. Plus, they work on any surface — turf, concrete, or grass.

Composite Sticks: Designed for players taking the game more seriously. Made with materials like fiberglass and carbon, they deliver more power and control — but are only for AstroTurf.

Material Breakdown: What’s in Your Stick?

Wood: Classic and soft. The perfect stick to learn the ropes and play anywhere.

Fiberglass: The next step up — soft but with added power. Ideal for players developing their skills.

Carbon: The go-to for most modern players. It offers serious hitting power — but needs the right technique. Build your way up!

So... What Does Carbon Actually Do?

The more carbon in a stick, the stiffer it is. This means more power with less effort — great for big hitters!

On the flip side, less carbon (and more fiberglass) means more flex and feel. That gives you more control for close skill work and soft touches.

How Much Carbon Should You Use?

Think of carbon levels like skill levels — start low and level up:

• 0% – 20%: Super soft for control and learning.
• 21% – 40%: A gentle step into more power.
• 41% – 60%: Balanced blend for confident intermediates.
• 61% – 80%: High-performance — great for serious players.
• 81% – 100%: Maximum stiffness and power — best for experienced athletes.

Carbon Confusion: Common Myths

• "More carbon = lighter stick.” Not true! Stick weight is separate from materials used.
• "More carbon = better stick.” Only if you can handle it! Go too high too fast and it might feel wrong.
• "You need an expensive stick to play well.” Nope! The best stick is the one that suits you — not your wallet.