Consider Blade Curve to Match Playing Style
When selecting a new senior hockey stick, one of the most important factors to consider is the blade curve. The curve refers to the angle and shape of the bottom part of the stick blade that makes contact with the ice. Choosing the right curve can have a significant impact on your performance, as it directly affects how you handle the puck, take shots, and receive passes.
As an experienced player, you likely already have a preferred curve style that matches your position, skills, and on-ice role. For example, a more open face or scoop-like curve allows for quicker wrist shots and snapshots, while a closed toe curve with more of a hook facilitates better puck handling. Defensemen might opt for a flatter blade to keep passes low and on target.
Within curve families, you’ll find slight variations between brands and models. Subtle changes to the openness of the face, angle of the toe, and roundness of the heel can make a curve feel quite different. Testing out several sticks with small curve variations is the best way to dial in your ideal shape.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with something new – you might find an unfamiliar curve actually improves aspects of your game. For instance, trying a heal curve as opposed to your usual mid may add more accuracy on touch passes.
It’s also worth considering if your old stand-by curve is really still the best match. As players age, their skills and preferences evolve. A curve that worked great 10 years ago may no longer optimize your current play style.
The key is choosing a blade curve that feels comfortable and balanced, while allowing you to perform the types of shots, passes, and moves you utilize most often. Taking the time to analyze and test different senior stick curves will ensure you select the right model to boost your performance.
Determine Ideal Flex to Match Strength and Shot Power
When shopping for a new senior hockey stick, determining the right flex is one of the most important considerations. Flex refers to how much the stick shaft bends when force is applied, and directly impacts the power and control of your shots.
For senior players, a stick with too little flex can feel rigid, restricting the velocity of slap shots and making it hard to load up power on the flex. Meanwhile, too much flex may cause accuracy issues and energy loss. The sweet spot is a flex that bends enough to maximize shot power, while still offering control.
As a rule of thumb, bigger and stronger players need a stiffer flex to get full energy transfer when leaning into big booming shots. For seniors, a stick flex rating anywhere from 77 to 100 is ideal. Players 5’10” and under or those with less upper body strength may prefer a more mid-range flex between 70 to 85.
It’s important to test out sticks with different flex ratings to find your optimal zone. When testing potential senior hockey sticks, simulate your shooting motion and watch how far the shaft flexes. Ideally, you want some bend but without touching the ice. The flex point should also align with where you naturally grip the stick.
Keep in mind that wear and tear can soften your stick over time, so you may need to increase flex 5 to 10 points on a new replacement stick. It’s better to start slightly stiffer than you may like, as the flex will loosen up as the stick gets broken in.
Don’t neglect considering cut-down sticks either. Trimming a senior stick from 60”-62” down to 55”-58” will increase the stiffness slightly. This can allow bigger players to use intermediate stick models to achieve their ideal flex.
Taking the time to properly assess your strength levels and experiment with different flex ratings will pay dividends in boosting both the power and accuracy of your shot as a senior player.
Select Proper Length for Optimal Reach and Control
When selecting a senior hockey stick, determining the right length is a key factor for optimal performance. Using a stick that is sized appropriately for your height and playing style allows for better puck handling, shooting, and skating manuevers.
For senior players, the standard length is typically in the range of 60”-62”. This provides enough reach for powerful shots, while still allowing stickhandling control. Defensemen may prefer a longer 63” stick for wider poke checks and gap control.
The way to properly size a stick is to stand in skates on a flat surface and extend your dominant arm straight out. The end of the stick blade should align with the tip of your fingers. There should be a 90-110 degree angle formed at the elbow. This ensures the stick length matches your natural reach.
It’s important not to go too long, as this can reduce control and quickness of shots. Extra length also shifts the flex point further from your hands, changing the kick point and feel.
However, going too short reduces your reach and power. It can also encourage hunching over, which is hard on the back. If cutting down a stick for length, try not to take off more than 2 inches.
Many senior players choose to swap between two different length sticks depending on the situation. Using a longer stick for defense and penalty kills allows for better poke checks. But dropping down to a shorter model for wing or center provides more maneuverability in traffic.
Taking time to properly fit the length of your senior hockey stick is the first step towards improving performance. The right size stick will immediately give you an edge in terms of handling, shooting, and skating. Don’t neglect this important factor when selecting a new stick.
Consider Blade Curve to Match Playing Style
When selecting a new senior hockey stick, one of the most important factors to consider is the blade curve. The curve refers to the angle and shape of the bottom part of the stick blade that makes contact with the ice. Choosing the right curve can have a significant impact on your performance, as it directly affects how you handle the puck, take shots, and receive passes.
As an experienced player, you likely already have a preferred curve style that matches your position, skills, and on-ice role. For example, a more open face or scoop-like curve allows for quicker wrist shots and snapshots, while a closed toe curve with more of a hook facilitates better puck handling. Defensemen might opt for a flatter blade to keep passes low and on target.
Within curve families, you’ll find slight variations between brands and models. Subtle changes to the openness of the face, angle of the toe, and roundness of the heel can make a curve feel quite different. Testing out several sticks with small curve variations is the best way to dial in your ideal shape.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with something new – you might find an unfamiliar curve actually improves aspects of your game. For instance, trying a heal curve as opposed to your usual mid may add more accuracy on touch passes.
It’s also worth considering if your old stand-by curve is really still the best match. As players age, their skills and preferences evolve. A curve that worked great 10 years ago may no longer optimize your current play style.
The key is choosing a blade curve that feels comfortable and balanced, while allowing you to perform the types of shots, passes, and moves you utilize most often. Taking the time to analyze and test different senior stick curves will ensure you select the right model to boost your performance.
Check Grip Tape vs Coating for Comfort
When selecting a senior hockey stick, evaluating the grip and handle is an important consideration for overall comfort and control. Most sticks come with a clear grip coating, but adding tape allows for more customization.
Many players still prefer the traditional feel of stick tape rather than grip coating. Tape provides thickness to better fill the hand, as well as cushioning. It also absorbs sweat and allows for quick re-taping when worn. Brands like Renfrew, Howies, and Grip make hockey-specific tape with extra grip and softness.
Applying tape on a senior stick takes some technique. Start with a knob at the end using several overlapping layers. Then spiral the tape up towards the middle, with each wrap overlapping about 1/3 of the previous turn. Keep tension firm but not too tight.
The downside to tape is it requires maintenance to keep tacky and needs frequent replacing. It can also develop grooves or ridges over time. Rotating where you grip can help offset this.
Clear grip coatings have improved significantly and provide good control right out of the box. Many now use tactile textures like a honeycomb pattern to enhance traction. Top grip brands include Bauer’s Griptac and Warrior’s True Touch.
Coatings won’t absorb water or deteriorate like tape. However, they provide less cushioning for the hands. Grip tends to weaken over time as coatings smooth out.
Trying out different tape brands and patterns, as well as test gripping various coated sticks allows you to determine your ideal preference. Mix and match tape and coating zones for maximum tactile feedback.
Finding the right grip setup will enhance the feel and response of your senior hockey stick. Dialing in the right handle texture improves performance and reduces fatigue.
Assess Weight for Easier Handling
When selecting a senior hockey stick, the overall weight is an important factor to evaluate for optimal performance and easier handling. As players age, a lighter stick often becomes preferable to reduce fatigue.
Composite sticks usually range from 450-550 grams depending on materials used. Top-end composites utilize more carbon fiber and exotic woven materials to shed weight. Budget and intermediate models use more fiberglass and heavier resins resulting in extra mass.
For senior players, looking for a stick weight on the lower end of the spectrum helps prevent wearing down arms and hands over the course of a game. This is especially true for forward positions where constant stickhandling and shooting are required.
However, an overly light stick can feel flimsy and compromise power on hard shots. Finding the right balance for your strength and skill level is key. A good target weight for most senior players falls between 475-500 grams.
Keep in mind that wood shaft sticks tend to be heavier, usually 500-650 grams depending on the model. Hybrid wood-composite sticks offer a middle ground around 400-550 grams. While wood adds weight, some players prefer the feel and balance.
Also consider the weight distribution or balance point. Blade-heavy sticks provide more swing weight for shooting, while balanced or handle-heavy models are quicker for stickhandling. Try out different weight configurations to determine your preference.
Don’t neglect weight when testing potential senior hockey sticks. A lighter stick paired with the ideal balance point can noticeably improve control and reduce fatigue over the course of a game. Finding the lightest usable weight for your needs helps optimize performance.
Review Construction for Durability
When selecting a new senior hockey stick, reviewing the overall construction and materials is important for ensuring durability. As an experienced player, you want a stick built to last through seasons of competitive play.
High-end composites utilize more carbon fiber layers and directional or woven placements that improve impact resistance. Multi-axial fiber arrangements also enhance torsional stiffness for accuracy. Aerospace-grade resins provide protection against chips and cracks.
Mid-tier composites still feature carbon but increase the use of fiberglass for cost savings. This adds weight but boosts durability. Resins may be more prone to fracturing over time.
Budget models use more heavy fiberglass in the construction and generic resins. While affordable, these sacrificing longevity compared to premium composites. They dent and chip easier under game loads.
Hybrid wood-composite sticks offer an interesting middle ground. The composite blade delivers pop but the wood shaft provides classic touch. Wood shafts lack the brittle nature of composites, making them extremely durable.
For senior players, spending more on construction quality pays dividends in the long run. Don’t compromise too much just to save money. A $300 stick that lasts years is a better value than a $150 model you need to replace annually.
Inspect sticks closely for clues on construction. Look for multiple carbon fiber layers, woven placements, and high resin content. Durability testing from reviewers also provides useful insight. Don’t settle for a stick that won’t hold up to your level of play.
Compare Kick Points for Shot Power
When researching new senior hockey sticks, comparing the kick point is important for understanding how it influences shot power and release. The kick point refers to where the stick shaft bends the most during a shot.
Low kick point sticks flex near the bottom of the shaft, close to the blade. This generates more whip on wrist shots for quicker releases. It also helps load energy on snapshots taking advantage of the kick.
Mid kick sticks bend in the middle portion of the shaft. This provides a combination of power and release speed. Mid kick is popular among senior players as it offers a balanced feel.
High kick sticks bend near the top of the shaft above the hands. While less common today, this flex zone maximizes loading power for slap shots and one-timers. It allows big windups for maximum force transfer.
Within kick point zones, stick technology allows for precise engineering of where the primary flex area occurs. Terms like “Power Hinge Point” and “QuickRelease Technology” refer to flex tuning.
Testing different kick points allows you to experience the subtle differences in shooting feel and puck release. Consider your primary shooting style and typical shot selection when choosing a senior stick flex point. But don’t be afraid to experiment outside your comfort zone.
Paying attention to kick point placement during product research can reveal ideal senior hockey sticks specific to your game. Matching the flex behavior to your skills amplifies shot power and accuracy.
Choose Price Range for Performance
When shopping for a new senior hockey stick, the price range you target will have a direct impact on overall performance and quality. With sticks, you truly get what you pay for.
High-end sticks from $250-$300 feature the most advanced materials and construction. More carbon fiber, exotic woven fabrics, aerospace resins, and intricate custom kick points deliver exceptional responsiveness, power transfer, and durability.
Mid-range sticks from $150-$200 offer great balance at a more palatable price. You still get proven composites and technologies. Where they cut costs is using a bit more fiberglass instead of pure carbon weave and cheaper resins.
Budget sticks under $150 maximize affordability but sacrifice performance. Heavy reliance on fiberglass over carbon fiber makes the sticks noticeably heavier. Basic resins and less refined construction reduce snap and longevity.
For senior players who play frequently, investing in at least a mid-range stick pays dividends. The improvements in feel, consistency, and longevity are noticeable over bargain options. Buy last year’s top model at discount to get high-end tech on the cheap.
However, recreational players or thrifty buyers can get by with budget sticks if swapped out more often. Extra handling improves skills to offset lower performance.
Set realistic expectations based on how much you invest. For vital gear like sticks, premium models provide an edge while bargain picks work for practice. Find the right price-to-performance balance for your budget and needs.
Check Warranty Coverage Against Defects
When buying a new senior hockey stick, be sure to understand the warranty coverage and protections in case of defects or damage. A good warranty demonstrates the manufacturer’s faith in their quality.
Many top hockey brands offer at least a 30-day warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This allows you to swap out sticks that break unexpectedly early on through no fault of your own.
Some brands extend defect coverage to 60 or even 90 days. Others offer pro-rated warranties, so they cover a certain percentage based on how long you’ve owned the stick. Read the warranty details carefully so no surprises.
For sticks damaged through play, most companies provide generous replacement policies. Within 30 days, you can usually get a one-time free replacement of the same model. Multiple years of replacements plans are also available.
When buying used senior sticks, be aware any original warranty likely won’t transfer. Carefully inspect secondhand sticks for any flaws or damage before purchasing.
Before buying, research the stick maker and retailers policies online or through customer service. Favor brands that stand behind their gear the longest. Pay a little more for the peace of mind of a solid warranty and replacement plan.
While hockey sticks are meant to take a beating, it’s frustrating for seniors to break a pricey new stick after just a few games due to unseen defects. Don’t get stuck losing your investment, and ensure you’re protected.
Read Reviews to Learn from Other Players
When researching new senior hockey sticks, taking the time to read online reviews can provide valuable insights directly from other players’ experiences. This helps you become a more informed buyer.
Look for sticks with an overall high average rating, which indicates reliable quality and performance most customers appreciate. Pay attention to any recurring praise or complaints, as common themes suggest specific strengths or weaknesses.
Sort reviews by most recent to see feedback on the current model year. However, also read older reviews for a bigger picture view of a stick’s long-term durability and lifespan.
Pay extra attention to detail-oriented reviews that provide thoughtful pros and cons instead of just star ratings. These offer better insights on factors like shot feel, puck handling, balance, and power transfer.
Seek out reviews from players with similar skill levels, position, age, and size as you. Their perspective will be most relevant to determining if a stick matches your needs and preferences.
Watching or reading hockey stick reviews on YouTube and websites like HockeyMonkey can provide visual and usage impressions beyond just specs. This helps you get a better sense of real-world performance.
While trying sticks yourself is ideal, reading reviews helps narrow down your selections so you don’t waste time and money on models unsuited for senior players. Let fellow players guide you towards your next great stick.
Compare Brands for Quality Gear
When selecting a new senior hockey stick, comparing the major brands is helpful for understanding key differences in their products, technologies, and reputations for quality gear.
Bauer is the long-time market leader, offering industry-leading performance through cutting-edge composites like carbon fiber TeXtreme fabric. Models like the Vapor deliver explosive power and quick releases.
CCM is another stalwart, combining heritage with innovation in sticks like the Super Tacks and JetSpeed lines. Known for balance and accuracy optimized for elite players.
Warrior emphasizes shot power and rugged durability in sticks like the Covert line. Utilizes materials like Minimus carbon fiber to achieve ideal weight and flex.
Upstart True is gaining popularity through high-end sticks focusing on lightweight construction, customized flex profiles and advanced kick points for maximizing energy transfer.
While pricing and technologies differ across brands, any of the major manufacturers produce quality senior hockey sticks. It’s about finding the features and performance that best match your personal preferences.
Consulting buying guides on websites helps compare brand strengths and weaknesses. Also, reading user reviews reveals how real customers rate each in terms of quality, value and longevity.
Testing a few top contenders from different brands allows you to feel the performance differences first-hand. Let your hands decide which brand offers the right fit.
Consider Customization for Personal Specs
When purchasing a new senior hockey stick, exploring customization options allows you to personalize the specs and settings to match your ideal dimensions and preferences.
Many top stick makers like Bauer, CCM and True now offer online stick customizers on their websites. These allow you to pick the exact model, flex, curve, grip, length, colors and other options.
You input your height, weight and measurements for size guidance. Recommended sticks are provided, but you can customize every variable. Custom graphics and engraving can also be added.
The custom spec sheets are sent to the factory, and your bespoke stick is built and shipped out. The process takes just a few weeks, and prices are similar to off-the-shelf sticks.
Even entry-level sticks can be ordered with custom dimensions and curves through some retailers. This allows fine-tuning budget gear.
Pro shops at hockey facilities may also provide basic customization like unique curves, flex tuning, and length adjustments. Their expertise can recommend ideal specs.
Taking advantage of customization allows senior players to maximize performance by optimizing every aspect of their stick. Personalized sticks instill confidence knowing the gear is tailored specifically for you.
Shop Pro Shops to Test Before Buying
When investing in a new senior hockey stick, taking advantage of pro shops at local hockey facilities allows you to test out potential sticks before buying. This ensures you select the right model for your game.
Pro shops have an extensive selection of sticks that you can hold and swing before purchasing. Testing the grip, balance, weight and swing feel in-person is invaluable.
Ask the staff for guidance and recommendations based on your position, skill level, strengths and needs. They can point you towards ideal models and specs.
Pro shops usually have shooting areas or synthetic ice lanes to take some practice shots with demonstration sticks. Shooting reveals a lot about shot feel, power and release speed.
Take note of sticks that feel best in your hands when stickhandling and passing. Control and hand fatigue are important considerations.
Many pro shops also offer stick customization and baking services to get a perfect fit. You may be able to demo tweaked versions of a stick.
Before making a big investment, get hands-on time with any senior stick you are seriously considering. Pro shop testing minimizes the risks of choosing the wrong stick model or specs.
Let your own hands-on testing guide you toward the ideal senior hockey stick, not just marketing claims and specs on paper. Test before you invest in your next stick.
