Choosing a hockey stick as a defenseman should not be complicated when you base the decision on your style of play.
In this post, I rank the top sticks for defensem*n, economical alternatives and inform you how to choose a model that'll suit you best.
Here's a preview of the top 3 on my list.
Over the years, hockey has evolved away from recruiting the biggest, most rigid defensem*n to those that are more versatile.
Think of NHL elites such as Cale Makar, Erik Karlsson and Quinn Hughes.
Don’t get me wrong though - big body defensem*n still have their place in the league (i.e. Zdeno Chara – who was 6’9).
They cover more ground, compared to their shorter counterparts.
But they just can’t be stiff like in the old days. That’s just too easy for the shifty forwards of today.
The idea is to play your strengths to the best of your ability.
Your choice in stick should reflect these strengths.
Not only does the stick selection depend on your size, but also on your approach to the game.
Are you an offensive-defenseman, stay-at-home defenseman or somewhere in between?
Do you take hard one-timers from the point or prefer a quick wrist shot?
Before we continue, you have the option to skip ahead to the list of recommended sticks for defensem*n or figure out which one is best for you.
List of Best Hockey Stick for Defenseman
Which Hockey Stick should you Buy?
As a defenseman, you probably want to know which shot type has the greatest success rate in the offensive zone.
More importantly, the focus should be in the area between the blue line and the top of the circle.
That’s because the defensem*n cover the points during offensive zone play.
Based on my own study of NHL goals scored, 11.4% of all goals are scored from 40ft or more from of net.
That represents just under 900 goals on the season for the entire NHL.
The 40ft mark overlaps with the top of the circle as can be seen in the image below.
Of the ~900 goals, most come primarily from a wrist shot, followed by the slap shot and then by snapshot.
Based on these numbers, defensem*n should consider the wrist shot just as viable an option as a slap shot.
Although weaker in velocity, the wrist shot allows the defenseman to release the puck quicker compared to a slapper.
In today’ game, defensem*n have very little time to handle the puck.
Therefore, they likely shoot or pass off the puck the moment it hits their blade in the offensive zone.
I think that slap shots more often come from a one-timer rather than a wind up in the NHL.
So, defensem*n need a stick that cater to both shot selections along with the occasional snapshot too.
Aside from the stiffness of the shaft, the key feature that players look for in their stick is the kick point.
You have three options: low, hybrid or high kick point.
The high kick point is ideal for slap shots, while the low is best for wrist shots and snapshots.
Since defensem*n must consider shots from the full spectrum, it seems like common sense to go with a hybrid model.
And when you look up the top 30 defensem*n in terms of points, 19 of them use the hybrid kick point, while 10 went with the low kick point.
But just before we go into the full list, keep in mind to check out some of my other popular titles covering hockey sticks.
List ofBest Hockey Stick for Defenseman
Successor to the top choice amongst all NHL Defensem*n
Key Features:
- 25 grams weight reduction
- Lightweight durable shaft
- Stiff blade technology for quicker, rocket-like release
What I Like/Dislike About the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2:
Like:
- Quick release and excellent shot speed
- More durable than predecessor
- Available in 65 Flex Senior
- Customizable and Quick Turn options for personal touches on your stick
Dislike:
- Slight hollowness in shaft
Stick Rating Breakdown:
90%
Lightness
85%
Durability
95%
Feel
85%
Top Scorer's Choice
Junior & Intermediate Options:
If you're searching for the same model stick but for kids or teenagers, check out the selection below.
Monthly
Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2
INTERMEDIATE
Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):
For a less expensive model from the same series, try the:
Used by Cale Makar & Josh Morrissey
Key Features:
- Fast, dynamic release
- Better shaft contour to the natural shape of your hand
- Added 2 inches to the length of stick
What I Like/Dislike About the Bauer Nexus Sync:
Like:
- Enhanced feel on shot release
- Lightest model of the top used NHL sticks
- Great for stickhandling
- Longer stick design for taller players
Dislike:
- Shaft and hosel are the main sensitive points
Stick Rating Breakdown:
85%
Lightness
80%
Durability
95%
Feel
90%
Top Scorer's Choice
Junior & Intermediate Options:
If you're searching for the same model stick but for kids or teenagers, check out the selection below.
Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):
For a less expensive model from the same series, try the:
Successor to the Most Popular stick amongst Top 30 Defensem*n
CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro
Released in 2023
93%
Stick Score
Weight
365g
Material
Sigma STP Spread Tow
Flex (Available In)
70, 75, 80, 85, 95
Blade Curve (Suggested)
P29 or P28
Kick Point
Mid
List Price
$349.99 USD
Promotion
None Currently
Key Features:
- Better strength and durability than prior models
- Seamless energy transfer for puck release
- Variable stiffness in the blade
What I Like/Dislike About the CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro:
Like:
- Excellent feel and control
- Low kick point for that extra pop on wrist shots
- CCM is the gold standard for sticks
Dislike:
- Blade is the sensitive point
Stick Rating Breakdown:
85%
Lightness
95%
Durability
100%
Feel
90%
Top Scorer's Choice
Junior & Intermediate Options:
If you're searching for the same model stick but for kids or teenagers, check out the selection below.
Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):
For a less expensive model from the same series, try the:
Preferred model for Erik Karlsson & Rasmus Dahlin
Key Features:
- Combines low kick response with a stable powerful release
- Quick release and pinpoint control
- Enhanced touch and feel for better deking, dragging, and shooting
What I Like/Dislike About the Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro:
Like:
- Responsive blade pop on shot release
- Smooth stickhandling
- Durable and high-performing stick
Dislike:
- Shaft is the sensitive point
Stick Rating Breakdown:
80%
Lightness
85%
Durability
90%
Feel
90%
Top Scorer's Choice
Junior & Intermediate Options:
If you're searching for the same model stick but for kids or teenagers, check out the selection below.
Used by Charlie McAvoy, Alex Pietrangelo & Thomas Chabot
Key Features:
- Lightweight
- Twice the compression strength and stiffness compared to the best carbon fiber sticks
- Extra Stiff Blade Core
What I Like/Dislike About the Bauer Proto R:
Like:
- Shares the #1 spot for the lightest available stick on the market
- Better blade recoil and pop with every touch of the puck
- Easy load and quick release on shots
Dislike:
- The Proto R uses the same Boron Fiber technology as the AG5NT, which had durability concerns. Here's hoping Bauer made the necessary improvements to make it more robust
Stick Rating Breakdown:
95%
Lightness
80%
Durability
90%
Feel
80%
Top Scorer's Choice
Junior & Intermediate Options:
If you're searching for the same model stick but for kids or teenagers, check out the selection below.
Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):
The Bauer Proto R is a limited edition model with a mid kick point. The stick with the best matching specs comes from the Bauer Nexus collection.
Which Hockey Stick should you Buy?
Choosing a hockey stick should not only be about shot preference, but also based on your experience.
If you play regularly and want the competitive advantage, then you couldn’t go wrong with any of the top 5 suggested above.
As a beginner, you need to figure out which model you’re most comfortable with.
While the kick point helps match your shot type, you still need to determine the ideal stiffness (stick flex) and blade curve.
Stick Flex
Stick flex is relatively easy to select.
Simply, take your current weight in pounds (lbs) and divide it by 2.
For example, I’m 160 lbs and I fall right in between two flex options with a score of 80 (160/2).
My choices are either 75 or 85 flex, but I’ve now settled comfortably with the 75-flex option.
The lower the flex score, the less tense the stick is along the shaft. That said, the stick is more flexible and helps with loading up on wrist and snapshots particularly.
Blade Curve
Blade curves can also impact your gameplay, especially for stickhandling and shooting.
I prefer a toe or mid-toe curve, as opposed to heel curves.
The blade curves I’m most comfortable with are the P29 (Crosby) for CCM, W03 for Warrior and P92 for Bauer.
You can use the followingcurve chart to find comparable options for all stick brands.
Beginner's Choice
If I was just starting out on defense, I'd go with the CCMJetspeed FT660 Grip(Canada Here).
Not only does it solid rating on 5-stars, but it comes with a low sticker price.
Furthermore, it is similar to the CCM Jetspeed model that comes in at #3 on our list. The main difference is the weight and material used to construct.
But the kick point remains the same.
It's a great option to test your comfort level without breaking the bank.
My Personal Stick Preference
If you were to ask me, I’m in favor of theCCM Ribcor Trigger 8 Pro(Canada Here). The CCM Ribcor Trigger Series has been my go-to option for many years now.
Keep in mind that I’m 5’7 and I play Center.
I know defensem*n typically play with a more rigid stick.
Based on this information, I’d go with theCCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro(Canada Here) just because I’m a fan of CCM sticks in general.
It also was the most popular model for the top 30 NHL Defensem*n.
Final Thoughts
The development of hockey sticks has come a long way.
When I was growing up, the only choice was between wooden sticks and the two-piece aluminum with the blade insert.
That two-piece model was popular for many years until the one-piece composite came to the market.
But at the very start, there weren’t as many options for composites as there are today.
And I’m not just talking about brands.
The emergence of stick flex, kick point and the vast selection of blade curves is more recent.
The right combination of each can definitely bring your game to the next level.