The answer to the above question is fairly straightforward: The flex of a hockey stick is the measurement of the amount of pressure required to bend the stick one inch, expressed in pounds.

Which begs another question: Why do I care?

Simply put, if you’re using a stick that’s too stiff for you to bend, your shots will lack power. If you’re using a stick that’s too whippy, your shots will lack control.

Finding the Right Flex

For the average player — a mythical creature like a unicorn or a happy No. 2 goalie — the flex of your stick should be roughly half your body weight.

That, however, is a very rough estimate. Variables influencing that number include:

• Your height and body mass
• The type of player you are (offense? defense? playmaker? sniper?)
• The shot type you most often take (slap? wrist? snap?)
• The length of your stick

Many players adjust the length of their sticks by sawing away a bit of the end of the handle. The trick is to do so without raising the flex too much, making your stick unacceptably stiff.

A sample chart produced by Bauer suggests you will increase your flex by six to 10 pounds for every two inches by which a stick is cut down.

And, yes, the terminology can be a little confusing. “Increasing the flex” actually means making the stick less flexible, as a higher flex number indicates greater force required to make the stick bend.

Speaking of confusing, there’s also the kick point to consider. A stick’s kick point is basically where it bends the most while being flexed.

Wood sticks flex like a bow — which is to say, the kick point is in the middle. Composite sticks can manipulate the location of the kick point, and the trend in stick manufacturing is to get that kick point as close to the blade as possible for quicker-releasing shots.

Picking Your Poison

No matter what, you will be making a tradeoff of one sort or another when settling on a flex. Will you choose power over control, or vice versa?

Using that half-your-weight figure as a starting point — say you’re a 180-pounder — you might want to move above or below a 90 Flex stick.

A stiffer stick’s attributes will include winning puck battles along the boards and face-offs, and producing more powerful shots. A lighter stick-flex will give you more touch in sending and receiving passes, controlling the puck and getting shots off quickly and with precision.

The guess here is that, if you’re a winger, you’re going to drift toward the low end of your flex spectrum — all the better for those snap shots you tend to take. If you’re a center, you’ll want the best of both worlds — a balance of stiffness for face-offs and flexibility for touch. Defensemen? The stiffest they can handle, generally, for maximum annoyance to the opposition and maximum force on slap shots.

Of the alleged inventor of the curved-blade hockey stick, only this much is certain: There was no Stan Mikita’s Donuts in Aurora, Illinois.

But getting at the truth behind the preferred mythological munchies of Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar in the 1992 classic “Wayne’s World” is far simpler than unpacking the tales of hockey’s greatest innovation. Still, if Mikita — the Blackhawks’ all-time leading scorer and the only player ever to win the Hart, Art Ross and Lady Byng trophies in the same year (he did it twice) — wasn’t the first player to bend a blade, he was instrumental in the practice spreading.

Flat Came First

When hockey began, sticks were one-piece affairs, carved by hand. In the 1800s, among the first-known commercial hockey sticks were shaped from the wood of the hornbeam tree by native Canadians, Mi’kmaqs, in Nova Scotia.

By the 1920s, two-piece sticks appeared. In the ’50s, fiberglass-wrapped wood blades debuted. All the blades were flat. The backhand was a very popular shot. Wrist flicks were big. Slap shots were used, but nobody was sniping the top shelf.

Then, as the tale goes, in the 1960s Mikita’s blade lost a battle with the boards — or, more accurately, wedged his blade in the crack of a door in the boards and broke it, though not all the way through.

Stan and Bobby Get the Bends

According to a Feb. 21, 1969, Time Magazine article, Mikita accidentally split his blade into a V-shape at a practice seven years earlier. “Without pausing to change sticks, Mikita … found that he could rip off a shot faster and harder with his crooked cudgel,” Time wrote. “Soon he and teammate Bobby Hull were warping the wooden blades of their sticks into scoop-like curves by soaking them in hot water and wedging them under door jambs overnight.”

Mikita had never been in the top 10 in league scoring prior to the 1961-62 season. From that season on, he and Hull were both in the top 10 for eight straight seasons, finishing 1-2 three times.

Soon, curved blades became wildly popular. Too popular. Big curves increased velocity, but they also made it tough to control the powerful shots they produced. So, in 1969-70 the NHL legislated limits on the curve, first to one inch, then to a half-inch.

The rule is still on the books — violations are supposed to earn a two-minute minor penalty — but it doesn’t seem to be enforced much. And players continue to massage their sticks. Some like wedge curves, where the bottom edge of the blade is forward of the top edge, making pucks easier to lift.

Was Stan the Man?

New York Rangers star Andy Bathgate claimed he was curving sticks as youngster in the 1940s, and Mikita knew it. Mikita denied the story. Hall of Famer Bert Olmstead said he was bending blades in the 1930s.

Then there was Cy Denneny of the Ottawa Senators, who according to some accounts was bending sticks in 1927. But, his unpredictable, occasionally knuckling shots put other players off the idea, which was forgotten for years.

Until Mikita broke his blade on the boards.

We’ve all seen it:

NHL Player X winds up for a slap shot. His megabucks, custom, space-age tech composite stick hits the ice and …

Instead of the crack of a slap shot comes the crack of a shaft, a dribbling puck, and a team suddenly on its heels defensively, scrambling to get back to equal strength with either a fresh weapon or a fresh player.

Given how often we see it — two times a game? Three? Four? — one has to wonder just how many hockey sticks NHL players go through.

Serious Issue

In the negotiations surrounding the 2012 collective bargaining agreement, there were rumblings that sticks — reportedly running some teams as much as $500,000 per year — were on at least one owner’s list of things for which the players should be paying.

As far back as 2009, then-Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli told the Boston Globe, “It’s a big point of contention among GMs throughout the league, I’ll tell you that. The stick budget for every team keeps going up.”

At that time, Chiarelli said, the Bruins’ annual stick budget was roughly $400,000.

Blackhawks equipment manager Troy Parchman said in 2015 that his team typically breaks at least two to three sticks per game. Regardless, some players, such as Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, use a new stick each game.

The sudden burst in composite popularity wasn’t all sunshine and lollipops for the stick manufacturers, either. On the retail market, companies were forced to begin offering 30-day warranties for expensive composite sticks. Bauer, after doubling stick sales from 2006 to 2010, cited warranty costs as a contributor to consecutive quarterly declines in its gross profits in 2011 and ’12.

Would Wood Be Better?

Some argue that composite sticks break more frequently than the old wooden models. Others argue they just break more noticeably.

Wood sticks, with cracking, would give an indication they were about to go. Players would then simply replace them on the bench before the shafts exploded into splinters. Composites give no such hints, so their failures are featured.

In the wooden stick era, NHL teams reportedly went through an average of 2,500 to 4,000 sticks per season. It has been said that Hall of Fame defenseman Bobby Orr’s personal total was usually somewhere between 120 and 180.

It didn’t matter much, as wooden models that retailed for around $30 were perhaps a sixth of the price of the composites that would rapidly redefine the market in the early 2000s.

Fun With Numbers

So how many sticks are we talking about, really?

Let’s use that $500,000 figure. Pro-grade sticks frequently retail for more than $200, but we know the league is getting a deal, right? For the sake of easy math let’s say NHL teams are paying $100 per stick. That’s 5,000 sticks per team per season.

Divided by an 82-game schedule, that’s 61 sticks per game. Divided by the 23-player active roster, that’s 2.65 sticks per player per game.

Making Pearls From Lemons

At least there’s a happy ending for many of those broken carbon-fiber sticks — which aren’t recyclable, and don’t deteriorate in landfills.

In 2016, Florida Gulf Coast University came up with the Hockey Sticks to Oyster Reef Restoration program using broken sticks to create oyster habitats. The university partnered that year with the NHL to bring the program to other coastal communities.

The hockey equipment market is dominated by Bauer Hockey.

The venerable brand, founded in 1927 in Kitchener, Canada, has owned a market share upward of 50 percent for years. It has continued to do so despite multiple ownerships and the financial struggles of its recently departed parent company.

So, by the measure of units moved, Bauer is certainly the top hockey stick manufacturer.

But there is another way to ask — and many ways to answer — the question.

Who Makes the Best Hockey Sticks?

Bauer, Easton, Warrior, CCM and Sher-Wood would all argue for their own sticks — as would many other, smaller brands.

They might all be equally right, as “best” is a subjective measure dependent on the preference, play and pocketbook of the purchaser.

They might all be equally crazy, as hockey stick manufacturing is not a business for the faint of heart. In 2017 alone, Bauer and Easton were bought out of the bankruptcy of their parent company, and CCM — which was founded in 1899 — was sold by adidas for $110 million, 13 years after current adidas subsidiary Reebok bought the Canadian company for nearly $400 million.

But you probably aren’t as interested in performance on the bottom line as performance at the blue line. So …

What to Spend?

Unless you’re shopping for a wood stick to play in your turn-back-the-clock league, figure on spending least $50. There are a few acceptable, entry-level composite sticks in the $50-$60 range. Younger players who will outgrow their sticks quickly will probably want to shop at this price point.

If you’re going with retail, mid-range sticks are in the $120 to $180 bracket. Competitive junior players, concerned with both outgrowing sticks and their parents’ largesse, would do well here.

Pro-level sticks, at retail, can be found above $200 and the latest models can even be north of $300!

Speaking of Pro-Level Sticks

At prostockhockey.com, we pay careful attention to who’s using what in the National Hockey League.

Far and away the most popular stick for NHL players is the Bauer Nexus 1N. Used by 90 players in the 2016-17 season, it is a stick that favors neither brute force nor slickness. It has a mid kick point, responsive blade and large sweet spot.

Bauer also popped up at Nos. 3 and 8 on our most popular list with the Supreme 1S (used by 59 players) and the Vapor 1X (35 players). The former is Bauer’s power stick, with a high kick point and a focus on improving shot speed for players who like to load up for “heavy” shots. The latter has the opposite attributes — a low kick point and stiff blade both designed to aid a quick release.

CCM checks in at Nos. 2 and 4. The Ribcor Trigger (60 players) is designed for quick-release shots, while the Super Tacks 2.0 (50 players), with two flex zones, is considered more of an all-around stick.

Warrior occupies spots 5, 7 and 9. The Dynasty HD1 (49 players) is an all-around mid-kicker. The low-kick point Covert QRL (45 players) debuted in 2016 and quickly became popular. The Alpha QX (29 players) earned a spot on the list prior to being released on the retail market, and is, Warrior says, its strongest and lightest stick to date.

Easton isn’t the beast it was in the days Wayne Gretzky was using the company’s revolutionary aluminum stick, but they placed two twigs in our top 10. At No. 6, the Stealth CX (47 players) is noted for its extremely low kick point. At No. 10, the Synergy GX (16 players) is a mid-kick stick with the added feature of having each stick’s blade tailored to the shaft flex.

There are hockey stick lies to which one should pay no mind: “I used this baby to pick Patrick Kane’s pocket with a poke-check back in juniors.”

And there are hockey stick lies every player should consider very carefully: The lie of your hockey stick is the angle of the shaft in relation to the blade when the blade’s bottom edge is flat against the playing surface. Having the right lie will help you control the puck, maximize the power of your shots and play in the proper posture. With the wrong lie, you’ll lose more puck battles, whiff on more shots and play with your head down more often.

The Broad Strokes

The lie of a hockey stick is indicated by a number on the shaft, usually ranging from 4 to 7. The higher the number, the more upright the lie — think puckhandlers, weaving through traffic to snap off wrist shots. The lower the number, the farther the puck is from your body — think slap shot-happy defensemen.

The Minutiae

The most common lie, Lie 5, has a lie angle of 135 degrees from blade to shaft (45 degrees from the ice to the shaft). A Lie 4 flattens out a bit to 137/43, a Lie 6 gets more upright at 133/47, and so on.

Finding the Proper Lie

Your height, skating style and style of play will factor heavily into your lie choice. Remember, too, to account for skates when trying out sticks.

Picking out a stick for the first time? Start in the middle, which is to say a Lie 5. Grab a 5 off the rack. Assume your natural skating position, and hold your stick comfortably — where your arms hang just right for controlling or shooting a puck. Now look at the blade. If it’s flat on the floor, you’re good. If the toe is off the floor, you need a lower lie (a lower number). If the heel is in the air, you need a more upright lie (a higher number).

If you already have a stick and are wondering if you’re using the right lie, go to the tape. Whatever part of the stick tape wears the quickest is getting the most ice time. Holes in your heel? You need a lower lie. Toe poking through? Go to a higher lie.

Final Thoughts

Typically, the lie of the blade corresponds with stick length. Short sticks, favored by most forwards, bring the blade closer to your body, so the lie will be more upright. Long sticks, more favored by defenseman, put the blade further from the body, thus a lower lie is needed to keep the blade flat.

The length of your stick, though based largely on personal preference, will impact your ability to handle, shoot and receive the puck. It’s an important, yet often overlooked, aspect of the game that you can use to cater to your strengths.

Yes, certain positions and playing styles tend to gravitate toward certain stick lengths. But before we get to that, let’s talk about the basics.

Sticks 101

Mass-produced sticks typically fall into three categories: Adult, Intermediate and Junior. Adult (or Senior) sticks are generally in the 60-inch range, Intermediates around five inches shorter, Juniors in the 46- to 54-inch range. Adult women usually end up with Intermediate sticks, or more flexible Senior sticks.

When purchasing sticks online, remember that some companies measure length straight down the shaft to the bottom of the blade’s heel. Others measure from the top of the shaft to the floor when the blade is standing on its toe with the shaft against a wall.

Don’t buy a longer stick for a younger player to grow into. Doing so will hinder the young player’s skill development, and cutting down an overly long stick will make it stiffer, an attribute generally preferred by physically stronger players. You can always add an extension to the shaft of the stick as a child grows.

Put on Your Skates

The most common rule of thumb for sizing your stick is this: When standing in your skates, the end of a stick held with the toe of the blade on the floor should fall between your chin and nose. Players fond of short sticks will have the end of stick at throat height, while long sticks might hit you at the eyebrows.

In stocking feet, the nose or slightly higher is the target for an average stick.

However, some advise beginners to err on the side of too short. This school of thought says that if a player is standing on skates with his arms hanging straight at his sides and the blade of the stick is flat against the ice, any portion of the stick that extends behind his top hand should be cut off.

Beyond the Basics

Some players — famously, Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby, among others — like short sticks. Others like long sticks — Boston’s Zdeno Chara, because he’s 6-foot-9, was granted an exception to the National Hockey League’s 63-inch maximum, and uses a 65-inch stick).

In the broad strokes, stick handlers like short sticks. The stick is lighter, thus making quick, fine movements easier, and the puck is more easily carried close to the body to protect it from defenders.

An average-length stick can usually be found in the hands of an all-around player — someone who wants to be able to dig for pucks in the corner, make poke checks, rip a slap shot or intercept a neutral zone pass as well as handle the puck.

Defensemen tend to carry the longest sticks. The reasons are obvious — the larger wing span better clogs passing and shooting lanes, poke-checking range increases and those slap shots from the point have that much more juice.

But which gloves are “the best”? Which are preferred by NHL players, and why? And for those of us that aren’t in the NHL, when it does it make more sense to spend on top-tier options, and when is it better to choose more affordable hockey gloves?

ProStockHockey.com is here to give you a hand.

What Makes a Hockey Glove the Best?

Three brands dominate the professional gloves market: Bauer, CCM, and Warrior. Some players opt for TRUE and Sherwood brands; while these have a more limited presence in the NHL, they maintain a foothold among players who prefer their fit and feel.

San Jose Sharks’ rising star Macklin Celebrant and Oilers’ captain Connor McDavid wear CCM Jetspeed FT1 gloves. This is the most popular CCM type in the NHL, used by 110 players. And then there are the TRUE Pro 4-Roll gloves used by just three players – Marco Rossi of the Vancouver Canucks, Vladislav Namestnikov of the Winnipeg Jets, and Dennis Gilbert of the Ottawa Senators.

While variation in the brand and type of hockey gloves used is tied to personal preference, four components separate average gloves from their good – and great – counterparts:

1. Protection in the fingers and backhand
2. Palm durability and feel
3. Weight and mobility
4. Fit and cuff design

Best Hockey Gloves by Level of Play

The best hockey gloves depend on your level of play. Players at higher levels shoot harder and faster and are on the receiving end of shots that are just as hard and fast as their own. In addition, higher-level players may be using their gloves every day or every other day, while beginners may only need to suit up once per week.

There are three broad categories of hockey gloves:

Entry-level gloves

Entry-level gloves are for beginners and amateurs. These may be young players just starting out or older players who are playing in rec leagues once a week. Entry-level and youth hockey gloves typically prioritize comfort and affordability, with less emphasis on feel and protection. Used hockey gloves are also a great option for new players who don’t need brand-new, top-of-the-line gear.

Competitive gloves

Competitive gloves emphasize reinforced padding to improve protection. They’re more expensive but last longer than their entry-level counterparts. This level of hockey protective gear is popular for teenage and young adult hockey players who play in competitive leagues and do additional training outside of their games and practices.

Pro-Style gloves

Pro-style gloves focus on durability and shot absorption. When pucks are flying in at 90+ miles per hour and scrums of players are slashing at the puck, absorption is critical to keep your hands safe.

Hockey Glove Materials Explained

The materials used in ice hockey gloves vary by category and brand. There’s no right set of materials; instead, it’s about what feels and works best for each player. When purchasing a pair of gloves, it’s worth knowing which materials are used for the exterior shell, the interior liner, and the palms.

Exterior shells are typically made of nylon or synthetic leather. Interiors contain multi-density foams such as EPP and D3O along with polyethylene (PE) inserts, which improve rigidity. Some include moisture-wicking liners for comfort and antimicrobial treatments for odor.

Hockey glove palms may be synthetic or reinforced. For example, Nash and Micronash are highly durable synthetic leather materials, while AX Suede is microfiber suede, and Digital is derived from natural leather.

Choosing the Right Glove Fit and Size

Even the best materials won’t matter if your hockey gloves don’t fit. The right fit provides enough protection that your hands are safe, while offering enough control to make small and controlled movements.

Here are three tips to help find the right fit and size.

1. Measure your hand
   

   Measure your hand from the tip of your middle finger to the base of your palm, then multiply this number by 2 to get your average glove size. For example, if your hand measures 5” from tip to base, look for a glove size 10-11.

   Check out our hockey glove sizing guide for a deeper dive.

2. Check fingers, joints, and elbows
   

   When your gloves are on, your fingers should not quite reach the end of your finger stalls, and joints should line up with the glove’s knuckle breaks. In addition, well-fit gloves should not bump or overlap your elbow pads.

3. Think snug, not tight
   

   Snug gloves provide control, while loose gloves reduce protection. Make sure you aim for snug and not tight. If your movement is restricted when wearing the gloves or if you notice pinch points, they may be too tight.

It’s worth noting that how hockey gloves feel when you first put them on differs from what they’ll feel like once you break them in. While gloves start stiff, they will loosen up the more you wear and play with them on.

You can help the break-in process along by wearing gloves during warmups or light practice, flexing your hands before each skate and gently compressing the gloves in your hands to help shape the padding. Be gentler when breaking in youth hockey gloves. They tend to be less durable than their adult counterparts, making them easier to damage.

ProStockHockey.com tip: Don’t soak, steam, or apply direct heat to your gloves. This could damage the padding, palm, and liner materials.

Lightweight vs. Durable Hockey Gloves

Do you need lightweight or durable hockey gloves? The answer depends on what you prefer and how often you play. Lightweight gloves improve mobility but sacrifice protection. More durable gloves will last longer under heavy use but are more expensive and require more effort to break in.

If you are playing once a week in a fun or casual league, lightweight hockey gloves will get the job done without breaking the bank. If you play in competitive leagues, you’re better served by durable hockey gloves.

Custom Hockey Gloves and Personalization Options

Many competitive players opt for custom hockey gloves. One reason for custom builds is individual preference; some professionals want longer or shorter cuffs, while others prefer more (or less) palm padding. Another reason for personalization is that pro-level players often rotate through multiple pairs in a single game to ensure they’re always wearing dry gloves. Personalization makes it easy to know which gloves belong to which player.

The most common personalizations found on pro-level gloves are team names and player numbers. Some players also choose to add nicknames or custom embroidery.

How to Maintain Your Hockey Gloves

Hockey gloves don’t last forever, but regular maintenance can help extend their lifespan.

First, make sure you air dry your gloves after every practice or game. Next, take steps to reduce moisture buildup. These two practices go hand-in-hand; instead of leaving your gloves in your hockey bag after practice, take them out and put them on a drying rack. Your gloves will dry faster, and you will reduce the risk of moisture that can damage materials.

It’s also worth checking your palm wear regularly. This is often the first part of a glove to fail, so better to catch it before wear and tear impacts your play.

Beginner gloves tend to last longer than their professional counterparts, despite the use of better materials in pro-level gloves. This is because pro-level players use their gloves far more often and under higher-stress conditions.

Hockey Gloves FAQs

What are the best hockey gloves for beginners?

The best hockey gloves for beginners are comfortable and affordable.

What materials are used in hockey gloves?

Common materials include nylon, synthetic leather, real leather, polyester, multi-density foam, and polyethylene.

How do I choose the right size for hockey gloves?

Start by measuring your hand in inches from the tip of your middle finger to the bottom of your palm. Then, multiply by 2 to find your glove size.

How do I maintain my hockey gloves?

Maintain your gloves by always taking them out of your bag to air dry and regularly checking palm wear and tear.

Are custom hockey gloves worth it?

For competitive and pro-level players, absolutely, especially if you’re rotating through multiple pairs each game.

Shop the Best Hockey Gloves at ProStockHockey.com

The best hockey gloves are at ProStockHockey.com. With a wide selection across levels, competitive pricing, cost-effective personalization, and pro-level build options, we can help you get a grip on your game.

Explore what’s in stock and find the gloves that match your game.

Every new top-end release seems to come with the same message: lighter, faster, quicker release, reduced swing weight, more advanced carbon layering.

And to be fair, lightweight composite sticks absolutely changed hockey. Modern sticks allow players to shoot faster, handle the puck quicker, and release shots in ways that simply weren’t possible with older wood or aluminum shaft setups.

But somewhere along the way, the hockey world started assuming that lighter automatically means better.

I don’t think that’s true anymore.

The better question is:

What is the right weight for a hockey stick?

Because there’s a major difference between a stick being “light” and a stick actually performing at the highest level over time.

Personally, I believe the sweet spot is around 400 grams.

Not because it’s the lightest possible number, but because it’s where performance, balance, feel, durability, and real-world playability all start coming together.

Other sports have already gone through this exact same debate.

Hockey Isn’t the First Sport to Learn This Lesson

Baseball went through this years ago.

When aluminum and composite bats became mainstream, manufacturers started making bats lighter and lighter. The thinking made sense on paper: lighter bat equals faster swing speed.

But eventually hitters started realizing something. Some bats became too light.

Players lost feel for the barrel. The swing path didn’t feel as connected. There wasn’t enough weight moving through the zone to create natural momentum and timing. A lot of hitters — especially stronger and more advanced hitters — actually preferred slightly heavier bats because they could feel the bat working through the swing.

That extra weight created rhythm and controlled momentum.

Hockey sticks are no different.

A stick isn’t just something you hold. It’s part of a player’s timing, balance, shooting mechanics, puck feel, and confidence. Players need to feel the stick load during a shot. They need to feel the blade receive the puck. They need to feel resistance during battles and one-timers.

At some point, if a stick becomes too light, some players lose that connection.

That doesn’t mean ultra-light sticks are bad. It just means there’s a point where lighter stops automatically meaning better.

What NHL Players Actually Use

One of the biggest misconceptions in hockey equipment is that NHL players all use the newest retail sticks hanging on store walls. That’s not reality.

At ProStockHockey.com we sell authentic NHL pro stock sticks every day, and one thing becomes obvious very quickly:

A lot of NHL players are using sticks that are heavier than today’s latest retail releases. In fact, many NHL sticks fall in the 425-460 gram range.

That surprises people because retail marketing has conditioned consumers to think 360 grams is automatically superior.

But NHL players aren’t chasing marketing numbers. They’re chasing performance and manufacturers will literally build whatever those players want.

If a player wants a reinforced blade, they get it. If they want extra material in the lower shaft, they get it. If they want an older construction from five years ago, manufacturers will keep making it. If they want a different balance point, dampened puck feel, or stronger hosel construction, it gets customized.

These are highly tuned tools built specifically for how that player shoots and plays. And many elite players still want enough weight in the stick to actually feel it during the game.

That matters.

Because if the lightest possible stick automatically created the best performance, NHL players would all be using the absolute lightest sticks available.

A lot of them aren’t.

Feel Matters More Than People Think

One thing the hockey industry doesn’t talk about enough is feel.

Weight is easy to market because it’s measurable. You can put “360 grams” on a graphic and instantly position the stick as elite.

But players don’t play hockey with a stick sitting still on a scale. They play with it moving through space. That’s where balance, stability, and feel become incredibly important.

A well-balanced 405-gram stick can honestly feel lighter in play than a poorly balanced 370-gram stick.

Players care about:

• how stable the blade feels
• how connected the puck feels
• how the stick loads during a shot
• how predictable the release feels
• how the stick reacts under pressure

Those things matter far more than simply shaving another 15 grams off the total weight.

Player Size Matters Too

Another thing that gets overlooked is player size.

Height and body weight matter a lot when it comes to stick preference. A 5’8”, 155-pound forward loads a stick very differently than a 6’4”, 220-pound NHL defenseman.

Bigger, stronger players naturally put more force into the shaft and blade. They lean harder into shots. They generate more torque. They put more stress on the lower portion of the stick during battles and puck protection.

For many of those players, ultra-light sticks can actually start feeling unstable or overly fragile. That’s one reason a lot of pro players still prefer heavier builds with more reinforcement and a stronger overall feel. The stronger the player, the more important structural stability becomes.

That’s also why you can’t talk about the “perfect” stick weight universally. Different players need different things.

But for a broad range of serious hockey players, 400 grams sits in a really interesting middle ground.

Durability Is Part of Performance

With the cost of hockey sticks continuing to rise, durability matters as well as performance.

Actually, durability is performance.

A stick that feels amazing for three games before the blade softens or the shaft cracks isn’t truly elite performance over time.

To get sticks down into the ultra-lightweight category, manufacturers usually have to make compromises somewhere including:

• thinner walls
• less reinforcement
• lighter blade cores
• more aggressive carbon layering
• reduced material in key stress points

That can absolutely create amazing initial feel and responsiveness. But there’s often a tradeoff. And here’s the thing: the difference between a 360-gram stick and a 400-gram stick is only about 40 grams. Roughly 1.4 ounces. That’s not much.

But structurally, that extra material can make a huge difference in:

• blade stability
• durability
• long-term consistency
• torsional stiffness
• impact resistance
• overall balance

Those extra grams aren’t wasted if they improve how the stick performs over time.

The Hockey Industry Has Become Obsessed With Weight

The hockey stick market has almost become a weight competition. Every company wants to claim they have the lightest stick ever made. But there’s a point where companies start chasing numbers more than actual game performance. The jump from a 500-gram stick to a 400-gram stick was massive and obvious to everybody. The jump from 400 grams to 360 grams? Much smaller than marketing makes it sound.

At that point, other factors become far more important:

• balance point
• shaft geometry
• blade construction
• kick point
• puck feel
• player preference
• shooting style

A properly built 400-gram stick can absolutely outperform a lighter stick if it gives the player better feel, balance, and confidence.

Why 400 Grams Feels Like the Sweet Spot

This is why 400 grams makes so much sense. At 400 grams, a stick is still extremely light by historical standards. It still feels quick, modern, responsive, and high-end.

But it also allows manufacturers enough material to build:

• stronger blades
• better balance
• more stability
• better durability
• more consistent feel over time

It’s not heavy. It’s balanced.

And honestly, when you look at what many NHL players are actually using behind the scenes — often well above retail ultra-light weights — it becomes pretty clear that elite performance is about much more than simply making a stick as light as possible.

The future of hockey sticks probably won’t be about who builds the lightest stick. It’ll be about who builds the best-performing stick overall. And for a lot of players, that sweet spot may end up being right around 400 grams.

New models. New graphics. New technology.

But this offseason, some of the buzz isn’t coming from the traditional giants. Instead, whispers are starting to build around the up-and-coming company out of Winnipeg that has quietly earned serious credibility behind the scenes.

The name generating attention? ONYX.

Very little information has surfaced so far, but industry chatter suggests Pro Reserve could be preparing to launch a completely new stick line this summer. The people inside hockey are most certainly paying attention.

For years, Pro Reserve has operated differently than most stick companies. While the mainstream market has focused heavily on flashy marketing campaigns and annual retail refreshes, Pro Reserve built its reputation more quietly. They have focused on elite-level stick construction, pro-level customization, and solid relationships with players.

What makes the rumors around ONYX especially intriguing is Pro Reserve has already been involved in producing sticks for some of hockey’s biggest names.

During the 2025-26 season players like Alex Ovechkin, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Jakob Chychrun were regulars with the brand. There have also been numerous sample sightings from guys like Auston Matthews, Nathan MacKinnon, Tage Thompson, and David Pastrnak in recent years.

Whether every rumor is accurate or not, one thing is clear: Pro Reserve has quickly become a name people inside the game are watching closely.

Up until now, Pro Reserve sticks have been known for a much more understated design philosophy. Most models have featured a primarily all-black look with only subtle branding near the lower shaft.

Clean. Minimal. Graphic-free.

But ONYX suggests a completely different direction for this stick, in particular, and is expected to feature a far more aggressive, elite-level graphic. It is something designed to compete visually with the premium sticks like Bauer’s Tracer and FLYLITE, as well as CCM’s Tacks XF Ghost and JetSpeed FT8 Pro. If true, that could represent a major shift for the brand.

And honestly, it makes sense.

The hockey stick market is always searching for the next breakout product. Players want performance first, but graphics and “cool” still matter a lot. Especially at the elite retail level.

Consumers want a stick that not only performs like a top-end model but also one that may win the beauty contest.

That just might be where ONYX has an opportunity.

If Pro Reserve can combine the pro-level construction and reputation they’ve quietly built with a truly premium visual identity, they could end up attracting a much wider audience than ever before.

Sometimes what it takes is enough players asking one question: “What stick is that?”

That’s where next season could get interesting.

When ONYX starts appearing in locker rooms the attention could build quickly. Hockey players notice equipment. They especially notice gear they haven’t seen before. And if the stick performs at the level some insiders believe it can, curiosity alone could create serious momentum.

Of course, right now, most of this remains speculation. No major launch details have been formally released.

But sometimes the most exciting product launches are the ones that arrive with a little mystery.

Right now, ONYX has plenty of it. But one thing is becoming increasingly clear: People are watching Pro Reserve very closely heading into this summer.

And if the rumors are true, ONYX may end up being one of the most talked-about stick launches of the year.

My name is Zack Sharp, and I am from the suburbs outside of Chicago, Illinois. I am currently a sophomore at Western Michigan University, where I study sport management and play Division I hockey.

My hockey journey started at a young age, when my mom first got me on skates as soon as I could walk. From there, the game quickly became a huge part of my life. What started as just learning to skate has become a passion that has pushed me to compete at higher levels and to continue developing both on and off the ice.

Youth Hockey: Where It All Started

Youth hockey is really where it all began for me. I played for the Naperville Sabres until I was 12 years old, when I was faced with the opportunity to make the jump to the AAA level. Instead of moving up right away like many of my teammates and friends, I made the decision to stay back for an extra year. Looking back, that decision played a major role in my development, as it allowed me to grow my confidence and skill set, making my transition to AAA much smoother the following year.

My AAA career began with the Chicago Young Americans at the 12U level, where I spent two years developing my game and adjusting to the higher level of competition. After that, I made the move to Team Illinois, where I continued to improve and compete against some of the top players in the country. Those two years were extremely important for my growth, both on and off the ice, as I began to understand what it takes to play at an elite level.

As the USHL Draft approached, I had another big decision to make. I believed that putting myself in the best position to be drafted meant seeking out the highest level of exposure and competition possible. That led me to join the Chicago Mission at the U15 level. This was one of the most important decisions in my youth career, as it pushed me to another level and gave me the opportunity to showcase my abilities. Playing for the Mission not only helped me earn USHL draft interest, but it also led to invitations to national team development camps, which was a big milestone for me.

Early on Adversity

During my U15 youth hockey career, I was very fortunate to be selected for the National Team Development Program invite camp. This was one of the first times I had ever been invited to an event of that level, and it was a huge honor for me to be chosen among the top 40 players in my age group. I felt very confident going into that camp and believed I had a real chance to make the team. I prepared hard, played well, and gave myself what I thought was the best opportunity to earn a spot.

Although I felt I performed well, things ultimately did not go my way, and I did not make the final team. I remember feeling extremely disappointed and let down, especially because of how much the opportunity meant to me. It was one of the first major moments in my hockey career where I experienced that level of disappointment after investing so much into something.

Even though it was tough in the moment, it taught me a lot about resilience and handling adversity at a young age. It showed me that not everything is going to go my way, even when I feel prepared and confident. Instead of letting it discourage me long-term, I used it as motivation to keep working, improve my game, and come back stronger for future opportunities.

Using Adversity as Motivation

Following the cut from the National Team Development Program, which was a giant letdown, I had to take a step back and really look at myself in the mirror. I realized it wasn’t the end of the world, and that I needed to move on, use it as motivation, and trust that better opportunities were coming.

After that, I began to gain real interest from USHL teams ahead of the draft. I ultimately ended up being selected in the second round the following year, which was a another milestone in my hockey career. I was extremely proud of that moment, as it felt like a major step forward and validation of the work I had put in.

That selection gave me the opportunity to attend my first-ever USHL main camp with the Sioux Falls Stampede. That experience was something I will never forget — it was fast, competitive, and a tremendous learning moment for me. It was also around this time that I first started to receive college interest, which was a big shock and something I wasn’t fully expecting at that stage in my career. I still remember those first phone calls and conversations, and how exciting but surreal that moment was for me.

After that, I had the opportunity to return to the Chicago Mission for one more season, even though some players my age were making the jump to junior hockey. While I didn’t make that jump at the same time, going back to the Mission ended up being a great opportunity for my development. It gave me a chance to take on a bigger role, play with confidence, and really grow as a player and a person. I finished that year feeling confident in my game and in my path moving forward, knowing I had taken important steps in my development and was continuing to move in the right direction.

Junior Hockey Career

Junior hockey can be very tough at times, and I definitely faced a lot of adversity during my junior hockey career. But at the end of the day, it turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. My junior hockey career started with the Sioux Falls Stampede in 2022. I was 17 years old, it was my first time moving away from home, going to a new city, a new school, and living on my own for the first time. Everything in my life was completely new.

There were definitely days when I struggled with the adjustment. I would call home and say I didn’t like this or I didn’t like that, and it took me a while to get comfortable with the new environment, the pace of junior hockey, and everything that came with being on my own. It was a big learning curve both on and off the ice, and not everything felt easy right away.

Midway through that same season, I ended up getting traded to the Cedar Rapids Roughriders in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. That was another major change and honestly, a whirlwind for me. It was another new team, new system, new living situation, and I had to adjust all over again in a short period of time. Even though it was overwhelming in the moment, it ended up being a blessing in disguise.

Cedar Rapids turned out to be one of the most important stops in my hockey career. It not only helped shape me into a better hockey player, but it also helped develop me into the young man I am today. There were definitely ups and downs — no question about that — but the experience forced me to grow up, become more independent, and learn how to handle adversity in a real way.

Looking back now, I have a true appreciation for everything I went through during that time, because it played a key part in preparing me for where I am today, both on and off the ice.

NHL Draft: Patience and Perseverance

Through my first season in the USHL, I began to gain interest from NHL teams through calls, emails, questionnaires, and interviews. That was a big shock for me and an unbelievable feeling, knowing something I had dreamed about my whole life was starting to feel real. As the year went on, I gained confidence and heard more about my chances for the upcoming NHL Draft. I remember my first year of eligibility clearly. The night before the draft, I couldn’t sleep, just thinking about the possibility of hearing my name called. On draft day, I went to work out and tried to stay busy instead of watching it all day, but I never got the call. I was extremely disappointed, but in hindsight, it became one of my biggest motivators.

I carried that frustration into my final year of junior hockey with one goal in mind: to get drafted. I went through the same process again — emails, calls, and interviews — but once again, I went undrafted. With one eligibility year left, I decided to go to Western Michigan University, where I stepped into a great situation with a strong team and a big opportunity ahead of me. During that year, my confidence grew as I continued to receive interest and go through interviews. On draft day, I stayed calm, went golfing, and tried not to think about it too much. That day became the best day of my life when I got a call from the San Jose Sharks saying I had been selected in the fourth round of the NHL Draft.

That moment taught me patience and resilience. No matter how long the process takes or how many setbacks you face, if you keep pushing forward, it can all pay off in the end.

National Championship

My first year at Western Michigan as a freshman was honestly a fever dream. It was everything you could ask for: the team was great, the coaches were great, the fans were great, and the overall support around the program was unbelievable. On top of that, the on-ice success was through the roof.

We won the regular season NCHC title, followed by the NCHC playoff championship, and ultimately went on to win the 2025 National Championship in St. Louis against Boston University. Winning that game was one of the best days of my life.

In that moment, it really felt like all the hard work, setbacks, and adversity I had faced throughout my career finally paid off. It’s something I will never forget and will always be incredibly proud of.

What Young Players Worry About Too Much — and What They Should Focus on Instead

I think a lot of young players worry way too much about things that don’t really matter in the long run. Stuff like points, rankings, who’s getting more attention, or who’s moving up faster. It’s easy to get caught comparing yourself to everyone else or stressing about getting noticed, but honestly, that just takes your focus away from what actually helps you improve.

Another big thing is overthinking mistakes. One bad shift or one bad game can feel like the end of the world when you’re younger, but in reality, it’s not that big of a deal. Everyone messes up — it’s part of the game.

What players should really be focused on is just getting better every day. Taking care of the little things, working hard in practice, being consistent, and controlling what you can control. Things like your effort, your attitude, how you train, and how you respond when things don’t go your way.

At the end of the day, development isn’t a straight line. Everyone’s path is different. The guys who make it are usually the ones who stay patient, keep working, and don’t get too caught up in everything else going on around them.