The most popular sticks featured in this post consist of the following models. The majority of NHL players use one of these in game.
They are the best hockey sticks available in the market today. For convenience, here's a quick view of the top 3 twigs.
The production of hockey sticks has come a long way.
Since I was a kid, I’ve seen everything from wood sticks and aluminum two-pieces all the way to today’s one-piece composites.
The one-piece composite sticks were introduced in the early 2000s and continue to dominate the industry until today.
When competitors started catching up to the technology, the manufacturers found innovative ways to set themselves apart from the competition.
Features of Composite Hockey Sticks
The main qualities of composites are its robustness and being lightweight. But they’ve also added an outer grip coating, various shaft flexes, kick point for shot release and lie for stick angle.
The one feature that has recently caught the attention of most amateur players and pros alike is the kick point.
In a game that is dominated mostly by wrist shots and snapshots (67% of all NHL goals scored), the kick point determines how quickly a shot can be released.
We’re looking at players such as Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews and Nathan MacKinnon who deceive goalies with a quick snipe.
And just before we cover the list of most popular sticks, keep in mind to check out some of my other popular titles covering hockey sticks.
What Stick does Connor Bedard Use? (Legend has it…)
What Stick does Connor Bedard Use? (Legend has it…)
Best Hockey Stick for Snapshots (Top Brands of 2024)
Best Hockey Stick for Snapshots (Top Brands of 2024)
What Stick does Connor McDavid use? (CCM Brand)
What Stick does Connor McDavid use? (CCM Brand)
What Stick Does Auston Matthews Use? (CCM Model…)
What Stick Does Auston Matthews Use? (CCM Model…)
Best Hockey Skates in 2024 (Our Top 6 Picks)
Best Hockey Skates in 2024 (Our Top 6 Picks)
Most Popular Hockey Sticks
Below is a list of the best hockey sticks used by NHL players today.
Most sticks have been updated to the lastest available models on the market for 2023 such as the FT6 Pro, Hyperlite 2 and the Alpha LX2.
For example, the Jetspeed FT6 Pro was used by Auston Matthews during the latter half of the season, which I reviewed here.
Successor to the most used stick in the NHL 2022-23 Season
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.
Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):
For a less expensive model from the same series, try the:
Used also by Auston Matthews & Mika Zibanejad
CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro
Released in 2023
93%
Stick Score
Weight
365g
Flex (Available In)
70, 75, 80, 85, 95
Blade Curve (Suggested)
P29 or P28
Kick Point
Mid
List Price
$349.99 USD
$399.99 CAD
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:
Used by 105 NHL Players in 2022-23
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.
Monthly
Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):
For a less expensive model from the same series, try the:
Previous Model used by 69 NHL Players in 2022-23
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.
Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):
For a less expensive model from the same series, try the:
The Ribcor series is used by 70+ NHL players.
Key Features:
- Nanolite Shield makes for lighter and more durable shaft than prior models
- Seamless energy transfer for puck release
- Dampening Foam insert in blade for improved feel when passing and stickhandling
What I Like/Dislike About the CCM Ribcor Trigger 8 Pro:
Like:
- Excellent feel and control
- Low kick point for that extra pop on wrist shots
- Less vibration on blade when handling the puck
Dislike:
- Blade is the sensitive point
Stick Rating Breakdown:
80%
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:
Used by Darnell Nurse & Matt duch*ene
Key Features:
- Low-Weight Fibers & Thermoplastic epoxy resin makes an extremely lightweight and strong shaft
- V-Shaped Bevel Taper
- Blacked out stick with holographic logos
What I Like/Dislike About the Warrior Super Novium:
Like:
- Lighest stick on the market today
- Bevel taper allows for the stick to load higher on the shaft
- Mid kick allows for more power in your shots
Dislike:
- Weightless sticks may affect shot control
Stick Rating Breakdown:
100%
Lightness
80%
Durability
85%
Feel
70%
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:
Why are these sticks popular?
As mentioned earlier, the most common shot types in the NHL are wrist shots (52%) and snap shots (15%).
The sticks featured in this blog are either Low or Hybrid Kickpoints. They are also amongst the lightest sticks made by each brand.
Furthermore, they come in a variety of stick flexes, so players can choose their preferred stick flexibility (i.e 75, 85, 95 etc).
Essentially, most forwards will opt for a stick that delivers the most powerful shot and quickest release.
And with the amount of force players unleash off a shot, they’ll need the stick to be equally robust.
Just check how much arc can be produced prior to the release.
Not only must the stick withstand the immense stress along the arc, but the shaft must return to its original form after each shot.
Let’s give credit to all the brand manufacturers for contributing to the evolution of the stick.
The bottom line is that these are the best ice hockey sticks available due to their light weight, durability and power generated off the shot.
Best Hockey Sticks for Forwards
If you’re on offense, you should look at sticks with lower flex, low or hybrid kickpoint and a toe- or mid-blade curve.
For instance, as a Centerman, I use theCCM Ribcor Trigger Pro Series(Canada Here) with 75 Flex and P29 Blade Curve.
So, let’s break down each characteristic below.
Stick Flex
The stick flex is easy to figure out.
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 the ideal choice lower value option (75). That’s because it would create a better arc prior to unleashing a wrist shot or snapshot.
The arc helps generate greater power on the shot, more so than a stiffer stick options.
Kickpoint
The kickpoint is the softest point along the shaft closest to the blade of the stick.
Similar to the stick flex, it generates power for a quick and harder shot release.
The lower the kickpoint, the quicker the blade experiences a sling shot effect.
Blade Curve
As for the blade curve, you’ll be looking at either thetoe or mid curve options.
That’s because the farther away the blade curve is from the shaft, the easier it is to lift the puck on the follow-through.
Furthermore, it allows for better stick handling and seamless passing.
While the CCM Ribcor is my choice, any model detailed above would be just as good a choice.
Once you determine the features that best suit your game type, you can always test out a similar brand or model for comparison.
Best Hockey Sticks for Defensem*n
As a defenseman, your stick options are much broader depending on your style of play and size.
If you’re a tall, bulky, stay-at-home defenseman, you’ll be looking at a stick with a higher stick flex rating, high kick point and amid or heel curve.
The high stick flex and high kickpoint is ideal for shooting from the point – such as a slapshot or one-timer.
If you don’t want to compromise on shot power, the stiffer shaft is the best way to go.
Shorter (under 6 feet), more mobile defensem*n may want to opt with a high stick flex, hybrid or low kickpoint and a mid or toe curve.
I even wrote ablog postdedicated to stick recommendations for defensem*n. As a note, the top performing stick in this category is theBauer Vapor Hyperlite 2(Canada Here).
Stick Flex
When I say high stick flex, I mean for you to opt for the upper option based on your weight.
To calculate which stick flex is best, take your weight in pounds (lbs) and divide by 2 for your score.
For example, if you weigh 160 lbs, your flex score is 160/2 or 80.
If a stick brand has an option of 75 or 85 flex, you’ll might want to try the 85 flex.
Keep in mind that the actually flex value increases if you need to cut the stick and decreases if you need to add an extension (plug).
The advertised flex value is typically measured for a stick cut at 60 inches or five feet high.
Lastly, don’t feel automatically compelled to buy a stiffer stick just because you are a defenseman.
Most NHL defensem*n nowadays are cutting down on slapshots and focusing on wrist and snapshots too.
For example, players likeCale Makar(Colorado Avalanche) and Josh Morrissey (Winnipeg Jets) use theBauer Nexus Sync(Canada Here).
Meanwhile,Roman Josi(Nashville Predators) has opted for theCCM Jetspeed Pro(Canada Here) this year.
All three of these sticks are listed as low or hybrid kickpoint models.
Final Thoughts
The stick models listed above are all high-end editions of each brand.
For a more comprehensive list that includes more budgetary and heavier sticks, make sure to check out the following table for both low and mide kick points.
You can always drop a comment below letting me know which is your favorite stick.
Include your position and height so that others can mirror your choices.