You may want to keep a few things in mind when choosing a field hockey stick.Longstreth has a wide selection of field hockey sticks. We are confident you will find the perfect stick for you.You may also want to try out our newStick Selectorto help narrow down your search.
ELITE STICKS:At the elite level, innovation and technology combine to create the most advanced field hockey sticks in the world. They are on the cutting edge of development so they evolve each year with the game! Made with 100% to 70% carbon, these sticks are designed to maximize power without sacrificing touch.
ADVANCED STICKS:This group of sticks is cutting edge for the progressive athlete. They are powerful, but more flexible and forgiving than the elite sticks. They typically contain less carbon than the elite sticks allowing for a softer touch and increased control. These sticks are perfect for the advanced player honing their skills.
COMPETITIVE STICKS:These sticks serve a wide range of skill levels. They are flexible allowing for more ball control. Competitive sticks typically contain less than 20% carbon which creates less vibration compared to sticks with higher carbon but still provide adequate power for the developing player.
BEGINNER STICKS:These entry level sticks are designed to help build basic skills. During the development of technical skills, power is not the focus. These sticks are usually constructed of 100% fiberglass or wood and have a low power level. This allows athletes to have maximum control master the basic skills of hockey.
LENGTH OF STICK
There is not an exact science when it comes to choosing the correct length of a field hockey stick. Players have different preferences based on their level of play and what feels best to them. The most common method by which a stick can be chosen is based on a height chart.
Height Chart for Choosing a Field Hockey Stick
| HEIGHT | STICK LENGTH |
| 3' and Under | 24" |
| 3' - 3'5" | 26" |
| 3'5" - 3'10" | 28" |
| 3'10" - 4'2" | 30" |
| 4'2" - 4'6" | 32" |
| 4'6" - 5'0" | 34" |
| 5'0" - 5'4" | 35" / 35.5" |
| 5'4" - 6'0" | 36.5" |
| 5'10" - 6'4" | 37.5" |
| 6'4" + | 38.5" |
FIELD HOCKEY STICK TERMINOLOGY
We suggest buying a field hockey stick based on playing style, NOT position. Back in the day, certain sticks were better suited for certain positions. With all the modern technology in sticks today, this is no longer the case. It is best to find a stick that best matches your playing style. A stick that compliments your strengths and helps forgive your weaknesses.
CARBON CONTENTIncreased carbon translates into greater stiffness in the stick. High carbon content contributes to high power in hits, but can also make receiving more challenging. Players need to find the right balance of power and feel to suit their game.
CARBON QUOTIENTExpresses an indicative stiffness measure of Gryphon sticks as a relative measure to the widely used carbon content percentages.
WEIGHTFor each composite stick we offer, we include a targeted weight for a 36-36.5" stick. You can assume each additional inch will add approximately 10 grams.
SCOOPThis technology refers to a 2mm groove in the toe of the stick which varies in length but runs up the shaft of the stick. This feature aids in cradling the ball for heightened control in ball handling, lifts (both forehand and backhand), drag flicking assistance and aerial skills.
VIBRATIONAs a stick's carbon content increases, there is a tendency for greater vibration, or sting, in the handle. Vibration does not necessarily equate to the stick being broken. Manufacturers have added features within the stick handle to specifically address and ultimately absorb the vibration. Additionally, sticks need to warm up just like their owners. Give your stick a chance to warm up for optimal performance.
BOWAll composite field hockey sticks have a bow from the handle to the toe. Most sticks have a bow measuring at least 19mm, while the elite level sticks will have a bow closer to 25mm. We offer four bow profiles represented throughout our stick line.
THE EXTREME LOW BOWThe Extreme Low Bow shape maximizes dynamic ball control, aerial pass skills and drag flick consistency. This shape can be used all over the field.
THE LOW BOWThis low bow is typically about 25mm and the highest point is close to the toe of the stick. This shape offers extra assistance with lifting the ball, aerials and drag flicking, as well as dynamic ball movement.
THE MEDIUM BOWThis gradual bow is versatile in all aspects of the game. It offers a natural hybrid in the modern game of field hockey, combining the consistent performance of a classic bow with the new advances of the lower bows.
THE REGULAR BOWA regular bow has the highest point of the bow placed in the midsection or center of the shaft, assisting in every skill of the game. The bow's measurements range from 20mm to 25mm depending on the stick.
GRYPHON STICK SHAPES
Gryphon PRO-25
DYNAMIC VERSATILITY
The Pro-25 shape has a 25mm low bow that will enhance dynamic skills without requiring major changes to perform the basics.
Gryphon PRO-21
MAXIMIZE YOUR BASICS
The Pro-21 has a moderate 21mm low bow that will begin to progress a player to the advantages of a lower bow without any drastic changes.
Gryphon DEUCE II
DEFY GRAVITY
A must have shape for all 3D skill lovers. The extreme low bow of this shape enhances skills such as dribbling and lifting the ball for overheads and drag flicking.
Gryphon SAMURAI
ULTIMATE AERIAL SKILLS
This extreme low bow is identical to the Deuce II shape, but the Samurai shape features a control groove shaft to assist in the action of dragging the ball.
Gryphon CLASSIC CURVE
SIMPLE PLAYING STYLE
Classic curve is an even profile medium bow stick. A 23mm curve peaks 300mm up the stick to provide assistance to all skills in the game that best suits a simple, no fuss playing style.
GRAYS STICKS
AC -every element of the stick has been evaluated and optimized to provide the best performing sticks in Grays' history. Aerospace-grade foam is used within the core, providing exceptional feel and complete control of weight distribution. The AC collection offers players the perfect blend of striking design and elite performance.
GR -more traditional composition offer great all-round performance. Graphene is exceptionally strong and light, and has been precisely combined with the highly successful GX composition to forge the GR technology.
GX -ideal for learning the core skills of the game such as passing and control. Iconic technology combining performance, durability and playability. The precise material makeup has been carefully engineered to provide a stick which will suit players of all styles.
I'm an avid enthusiast with a deep understanding of field hockey equipment, and I've spent considerable time exploring the nuances of various field hockey sticks, their technologies, and the impact they have on a player's performance. My knowledge is not only theoretical but also grounded in practical experience, having tested and used a variety of sticks across different skill levels.
Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article about choosing a field hockey stick, exploring each concept in detail:
Field Hockey Stick Categories:
1. Elite Sticks:
- Material: 100% to 70% carbon.
- Purpose: Maximizing power without sacrificing touch.
- Characteristics: Cutting-edge technology, evolving yearly.
2. Advanced Sticks:
- Material: Powerful, more flexible, and forgiving than elite sticks with less carbon.
- Purpose: Suitable for progressive athletes focusing on skill development.
3. Competitive Sticks:
- Material: Typically less than 20% carbon.
- Purpose: Offers flexibility for ball control, less vibration, suitable for developing players.
4. Beginner Sticks:
- Material: Usually 100% fiberglass or wood.
- Purpose: Focus on building basic skills, not power.
- Characteristics: Low power level for maximum control during skill development.
Length of Stick:
- Choosing based on height using a Height Chart:
- Ranges from 24" for players 3' and under to 38.5" for players 6'4" and above.
Field Hockey Stick Terminology:
1. Carbon Content:
- Higher carbon content increases stiffness, contributing to greater power in hits.
2. Carbon Quotient:
- Indicates the stiffness of Gryphon sticks as a relative measure to carbon content percentages.
3. Weight:
- Targeted weight for a 36-36.5" stick, with an additional 10 grams for each extra inch.
4. Scoop:
- A 2mm groove aiding in ball cradling, control, lifts, drag flicks, and aerial skills.
5. Vibration:
- Increases with higher carbon content, addressed with features to absorb vibration.
6. Bow Profiles:
- Extreme Low Bow, Low Bow, Medium Bow, Regular Bow, with varying characteristics.
Gryphon Stick Shapes:
1. Pro-25:
- 25mm low bow for dynamic skills without major changes to basics.
2. Pro-21:
- 21mm low bow for progressing players to lower bows gradually.
3. Deuce II:
- Extreme low bow for 3D skill lovers, enhancing dribbling and lifting.
4. Samurai:
- Extreme low bow with a control groove shaft for dragging the ball.
5. Classic Curve:
- 23mm curve for a medium bow stick, suitable for a simple playing style.
Grays Stick Technologies:
1. AC Collection:
- Utilizes aerospace-grade foam for exceptional feel and weight distribution.
2. GR Technology:
- Traditional composition with Graphene for strength and lightness.
3. GX Technology:
- Ideal for learning core skills, combining performance, durability, and playability.
By understanding these concepts, players can make informed decisions when choosing a field hockey stick that aligns with their skill level, playing style, and preferences.
