The REAL Field Hockey Stick Sizing Guide [UPDATED]
The REAL Field Hockey Stick Sizing Guide [UPDATED]
November 11, 2020RAGE Custom
By RAGE Custom
In Info
Is your field hockey stick the correct length?
Are you sure? Like really sure?
There is a lot of conflicting advice, varying arguments and misinformation around this topic, just a quick search on Google or YouTube about how to choose the length of a field hockey stick will tell you exactly what we are talking about.
So in this blog post we will be putting the “correct length” debate finally to rest.
We’ll do so in classic Sherlock fashion 😉 by presenting you with facts and logic!
What we agree on…
Choosing the right length is VERY important!
Others agree and here are some excerpts from different brand/retail websites:
It is important to have the correct size stick to execute both basic and advanced skills. The length can be the deciding factor in completing a pass, making a tackle…or making a mistake. – Link
Field hockey stick length can affect your game and your control of the ball as well as hitting capability. – Link
… having the proper stick length can drastically affect your game. If your stick is too long, you may end up undercutting the ball or making hard contact with the ground, causing the stick head to fracture. If your stick is too short, you may be bending down too much which can cause serious long term back problems. – Link
Everyone in agreement, say aye… AYE!
The Method of Determining the Correct Length
You may have seen a variation of the following graphic on different websites or packaging…
For the US method some people suggest that the top of the stick ought to be right along your hip joint, which might be easier and can give you a more accurate result.
In this YouTube video, the field hockey legend Jamie Dwyer shares some very good advice about how to select a field hockey stick.
At 2:59 he talks about the appropriate length and again as you can see in the screenshot, his stick which is a 37.5″ seems to be in line with the graphic above.
OK so we all agree, that’s the Method…
SO THEN, WHAT IS GOING ON HERE!
Did you do the Google search like we asked? Did you see all the size charts that are pasted on the different brand or brand affiliated websites?
Jamie Dwyer is round about 5′ 8″ (172 cm)… he is using the wrong length stick according to 1 & 3! (Screenshots 1 & 3 happen to be from retail sites)
You could say 2 has it about right but I am 6′ tall. According to 2 & 3, I just need to be using a half an inch longer stick, when in fact I am 4 inches taller than Jamie, so The Method we all just agreed on goes out the window because there is no way a 38″ stick is going to come up to my hip joint.
Here is a really funny excerpt from the Screenshot 1 guys…
Once a player reaches 36.5” we highly suggest that they remain at that height.
Like stop getting taller you mean? Or like I always buy longer sleeved shirts and cut them myself at home because hey I am not the popular average height…
Well, I DON’T! In case you were wondering…
And that we think is wrong
Not the fact that they don’t stock more lengths but the fact that they are twisting words and giving bad, dishonest advice because of their own personal limitations.
But come on they say… “its whatever feels comfortable to you”
REALLY?? Ask them that you would like to try their 34.5″ Senior Stick, you know just to see if you are comfortable with it!
Wait… you can’t, can you… they are just not available.
So all that talk about the “majority of senior players playing with 36.5 or 37.5 & so should you“, is actually rubbish BECAUSE there is no real option!
One more thing that you should know… the pro-athletes actually take stick lengths very seriously because of the potential of chronic back pain or injury. In the Jamie Dwyer video at 3:26 he does mention this fact and most international players we know or have worked with explicitly mention the length they would need their sticks to be cut at.
The most comprehensive Field Hockey Stick Size Chart
So now that we have established that traditional brands & their affiliates have a vested interest in nudging everyone to just a couple of lengths, we’d like to present the most complete Field Hockey Size Chart EVER based on a logical progression of heights! In the interest of completeness, we have added all the possible lengths even the ones that may not be readily available, even through us…
The reference chart is based on our 50+ years of manufacturing experience for international players, 1000s of custom sticks and The Method we discussed above:
Field Hockey Stick Sizes Based on Player Height
Player’s Height (Feet & Inches) | Stick Length (Inches) |
---|---|
2′ 5″ | 24 |
2′ 6″ | 24 or 24.5 |
2′ 7″ | 24.5 |
2′ 8″ | 25 |
2′ 9″ | 25 or 25.5 |
2′ 10″ | 25.5 |
2′ 11″ | 26 |
3′ | 26 or 26.5 |
3′ 1″ | 26.5 |
3′ 2″ | 27 |
3′ 3″ | 27 or 27.5 |
3′ 4″ | 27.5 |
3′ 5″ | 28 |
3′ 6″ | 28 or 28.5 |
3′ 7″ | 28.5 |
3′ 8″ | 29 |
3′ 9″ | 29 or 29.5 |
3′ 10 | 29.5 |
3′ 11 | 30 |
4′ | 30 or 30.5 |
4′ 1″ | 30.5 |
4′ 2″ | 31 |
4′ 3″ | 31 or 31.5 |
4′ 4″ | 31.5 |
4′ 5″ | 32 |
4′ 6″ | 32 or 32.5 |
4′ 7″ | 32.5 |
4′ 8″ | 33 |
4′ 9″ | 33 or 33.5 |
4′ 10″ | 33.5 |
4′ 11″ | 34 |
5′ | 34 or 34.5 |
5′ 1″ | 34.5 |
5′ 2″ | 35 |
5′ 3″ | 35 or 35.5 |
5′ 4″ | 35.5 |
5′ 5″ | 36 |
5′ 6″ | 36 or 36.5 |
5′ 7″ | 36.5 |
5′ 8″ | 37 |
5′ 9″ | 37 or 37.5 |
5′ 10″ | 37.5 |
5′ 11″ | 38 |
6′ | 38 or 38.5 |
6′ 1″ | 38.5 |
6′ 2″ | 39 |
6′ 3″ | 39 or 39.5 |
6′ 4″ | 39.5 |
6′ 5″ | 40 |
6′ 6″ | 40 or 40.5 |
6′ 7″ | 40.5 |
6′ 8″ | 41 |
6′ 9″ | 41.5 |
In conclusion
We have worked very hard to build the capacity & infrastructure needed to provide our customers all these options, so while we end this post with a plug for RAGE Custom, we feel that there is a need for in the field hockey industry at large.
So in case you are still wondering, where you might buy sticks in the correct length? Well through us of course 🙂
You can combine ANY Length with ANY Weight as well… Available Weights are, Super Light (520-535 grams), Light (535-560 grams), Medium (565-590 grams), Heavy (595-620 grams) & Super Heavy (625-660 grams). For more information about Field Hockey Stick Weights, click here.
LASTLY, a note to field hockey retailers with brick & mortar stores…
Offer your customers all of our products & services without having to stock anything! Contact us today at [emailprotected]to receive details about how you can be all set up to sell in 3 weeks or less with virtually the same profit margins that you currently have 🙂
Want to add to this discussion, use the comments section below!
Last Updated: November 11, 2020
RAGE Custom
More by RAGE Custom
As a field hockey enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the sport, it's evident that the article titled "The REAL Field Hockey Stick Sizing Guide" delves into a crucial aspect of the game – selecting the correct stick length. The author, RAGE Custom, demonstrates a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding this topic and aims to provide clarity by debunking common myths and presenting a comprehensive field hockey stick size chart.
The article begins by addressing the prevalent issue of conflicting advice and misinformation regarding the ideal field hockey stick length. It emphasizes the consensus among experts and players that choosing the right length is crucial for executing both basic and advanced skills, affecting the game's dynamics and ball control.
To substantiate the importance of stick length, the author quotes excerpts from various brand and retail websites, underlining how an incorrectly sized stick can lead to mistakes, impact gameplay, and even cause injuries. Notably, the article references field hockey legend Jamie Dwyer's insights on stick length in a YouTube video, showcasing the author's commitment to drawing from reputable sources.
The article critiques the traditional method of determining stick length, where the top of the stick aligns with the hip joint, by highlighting real-world examples. It challenges the one-size-fits-all approach presented by some brands and retailers, using Jamie Dwyer's stick length as an example. The author effectively argues that personal factors, such as height, should be considered for a more accurate sizing guide.
A humorous yet insightful critique is presented regarding the suggestion that players should remain at a certain stick height once they reach a specific length. The article questions the logic behind this recommendation, emphasizing the need for a more personalized approach to accommodate players of varying heights.
The author introduces their own field hockey stick size chart based on over 50 years of manufacturing experience for international players. This chart provides a logical progression of stick lengths according to player height, offering a more nuanced and individualized approach than the mainstream recommendations.
In conclusion, the article not only highlights the discrepancies in existing sizing guides but also promotes the author's brand, RAGE Custom, as a solution to this problem. By offering a wide range of stick lengths and weights, the author positions their products as a comprehensive and customizable option for players seeking the perfect field hockey stick. The article encourages retailers to provide a diverse range of options to cater to individual preferences and needs, underlining the commitment to enhancing the overall experience of field hockey players.