What is The Right Hockey Stick Length For You? Guide To Hockey Stick Measurements
Whether you play hockey for fun or professionally, inside or outside, having the right hockey stick is an important part of playing the game. Having the right length, flex, curve, and type of material will help you navigate the nuances of the game. Check out these tips to help you measure and choose the right stick.
Choosing the Proper Hockey Stick Length
The right length of the hockey stick is essential to playing the game. If the stick is too long, the player will have a hard time handling, passing, and shooting. If the stick is too short, the player will have to bend forward when skating to avoid swinging over the puck.
Hockey sticks generally come in four sizes: youth, junior, intermediate, and senior. In general, the smaller the stick, the smaller the shaft and the softer the flex. Stick size details are as follows:
- Youth sticks – 38 to 44 inches: ages 4 to 8.
- Junior sticks – 46 to 54 inches: ages 7 to 12.
- Intermediate sticks – about 55 inches: ages 10 to 15.
- Senior sticks – about 60 inches: age 14 and older.
How To Measure the Length of the Stick
Now that you know about the varying lengths of sticks, you’ll want to know how to measure and adjust the stick for your height and preference. There are two ways to measure the stick length. First, stand without your skates on and place the toe of the stick between your feet and hold the stick upright. Without skates on, the stick should come to about the middle of your nose. The other way to measure the stick length is to stand in your stakes holding the stick upright. With your skates on, the stick should come to your chin.
If you pick a stick you like but the length isn’t correct, it’s easy to fix. If it’s too long, measure where you want the top of the stick to hit, pull out the end cap, and cut it down. After the cut, replace the cap and wrap the top with tape. If the stick is too short, you can extend the length by putting in an end plug at the top of the hockey stick shaft and taping it in place.
Pick the Length Hockey Stick for How You Play
While many players pick the length that fits in their size or age bracket, different playing environments and positions require different sticks. For overall broad strokes, players like to use a short stick for handling. It’s easy to make quick maneuvers and the short size of the stick lets them hold the puck closer to the body for defensive plays.
Generally, all-around players like to use an average length stick. The size lets players flip out pucks in corners, make slap shots, and intercept and handle the puck in a variety of situations. Goalies like to carry a long hockey stick. The larger stick gives the players a wide, sweeping range to stop passes and slap shots from going into the net.
Pick the Right Hockey Stick Material
Hockey sticks come in a variety of materials. The most common materials are wood, fiberglass, carbon fiber, graphite, and Kevlar. The latter four sticks often have wood integrated with non-organic materials. How do you determine which type of material is best?
Beginner hockey players or those playing on non-ice surfaces will benefit from all-wood sticks. The heavier material helps the player shoot the puck and provides an overall satisfying experience. Composite sticks weigh less and make precision handling easier. While more expensive than wood hockey sticks, composite variations help the player with high-velocity shots. Not only do composite sticks help with power shots, but the material also adds reinforcement to help prevent the stick from breaking.
Determine the Right Hockey Stick Flex
The flex of the hockey stick is equally important as the length and type of material used for the stick. Players want a hockey stick that bends a little without too much effort. With flex in the stick, the player has more control over passing and shooting the puck. If there’s not enough flex in the hockey stick, the player doesn’t have the same amount of puck speed and accuracy as a stick with the right flex.
There’s a general rule of thumb in finding the right flex. The force it takes to bend the shaft of the stick should equal half your body weight. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, the flex rating should range around 80. Here are some general recommendations:
- Youth sticks: flex range of 20 to 40.
- Junior sticks: flex range of 35 to 50.
- Intermediate sticks: flex range of 55 to 70.
- Senior sticks: flex range of 65 to 105.
If you need to cut the hockey stick down, the flex range changes, often increasing stiffness by 10% for every inch cut off of the stick.
Choose the Right Kick Point
Composite hockey sticks are created with a woven pattern that gives the stick stiffness for strength and durability. However, you also need flex in the hockey stick to scoop up the puck and do those slap shots and passes. The kick point is the part of the shaft that has the flex and comes in low, mid, or variable/custom heights.
Forward players who need a quick release of their shot prefer a low kick point. As the name implies, a mid-kick point sits in the middle of the stick, and players who like to lean into their shots and use high-velocity slap shots will use a mid-kick point stick. Variable or custom kick point sticks have a low kick point as well as a mid-kick point, so the player can use the stick for a variety of shots and purposes. Whatever your playing style and preference, choose the kick point that feels most comfortable for you.
Measuring and choosing the right hockey stick will help to make your game fun, competitive, and successful. Our team at Gunzo’s Hockey Headquarters will help you find the perfect hockey stick and everything else you need to get out and have fun playing hockey.
Goalie Equipment Sizing Guides – Simmons Hockey
We are the World Leader in Goal Equipment Sales and Service. We can accurately fit any goaltender regardless of size, age, level or style of play no matter where you are on the planet. Just follow this guide and contact us at 1-800-598-9298 if you have any questions.
Before ordering there are specific measurements that are required to ensure a proper fit. All measurements should be done as accurately as possible and should not be exaggerated. We will take growth into consideration if requested. A proper fit is the key to being properly protected. This also allows the goalie to play at the best of his or her ability. Standard information required for any purchase are; HEIGHT, WEIGHT, AGE & LEVEL OF PLAY. When ordering a catcher, blocker, chest/arm or stick we also need to know the hand you catch with.
Having this information on hand before contacting us allows us to efficiently assist you in selecting the proper equipment.
SIZING A GOALIE MASK
A goalie mask has to fit snugly. This allows the shape and composition of the shell to equally distribute shot pressure while minimizing the risk of injury. A properly fitting mask will decrease the risk of injury and increase visibility.
MEASURING INSTRUCTIONS: Snugly wrap a measuring tape around your head approximately one inch above the eyebrows near the middle of your forehead.
ADJUSTMENT: Loosen the chin cup and push mask tight to your forehead. Start with the top snap of the harness located at the top-center at the back of the mask. Adjust until backplate comfortably fits the contour of your head while holding mask snug to your forehead. Adjust the rest of the harness snugly, working down to the bottom of the backplate. Finally, tighten the chin-cup. Whether your mouth is open or closed the chin-cup should maintain constant contact with your chin.
Please Provide all of the following
HEIGHT, WEIGHT, AGE, and MEASUREMENTS The top two straps on a goal pad should be worn loose. The first reason is most knee locks, knee cradles, and thigh guards, hold you in the pad and allow the pad to move properly with your leg. The second reason is your goal pant should break across the top of your knee cap, riding behind the top of the pad, this double coverage increases protection and allows for better mobility.
MEASURING INSTRUCTIONS: In bare feet (no shoes,) measure from the floor, straight up the outside of the leg to the middle of the kneecap, as pictured on the left. Now slide the tape up and measure from the center of the ankle bone to the middle of the knee cap. Please write down all of these measurements as well as the height, weight, age and level of play. With all these measurements we can ensure a proper fit when you call or make sure they are entered on the pre-order request form.
HOW TO TIE A TOE BRIDGE LACE: Lay pad face down in front of you. Crisscross strings through front of skate. Cross again through middle of skate. Pull lace tight keeping toe of pad just on top of skate blade. Tie bow on top of skate. If string is still loose rotate pad until any slack is gone.
Chest protectors are not a one size fits most situation. If you are not sure what size protector and arms you fit in, please fill out our custom sizing form so that we can help.
GOAL SKATE SIZING
The most common question we have been asked by parents of beginner goalies is; what are the advantages of a goal skate over a player skate? Protection of the shell is first and foremost. The blade is not as tall giving a lower center of gravity. The blade is flat, not arced, leaving more blade in contact with the ice which gives better balance. The boot is not as high allowing for more flexibility in the ankles, alleviating strain on the knees.
MEASURING INSTRUCTIONS: Use one sheet of paper per foot. Wearing a sock you would play in, place foot in center of paper and trace as accurately as possible. Do not trace between toes, keep toes together. Draw a straight line through the foot as pictured on left. The placement of the line is not important. Measure the length of the line from where it touches the heel, to where it touches the toe. Write the measurement, name and phone number on each foot and fax it to us at (905) 871-8088. The tracing gives us information on the length, width and arches of the foot to allow us to correctly fit a goal skate. The length of the line is not used to determine foot length, it is used to ensure the fax has transmitted correctly. Please do not add to the length. It will ultimately add to the width of the foot as well.
CORRECT FIT: Loosen the laces so the foot can be slid forward and the toe can touch the front of the skate. With knee slightly bent one finger should fit snugly between the heel and the back of the skate.
SIZING A GOALIE STICK
How to choose hockey goalie pads and knee pads according to the size chart
Contents
- Design features of pads
- Shield shape
- Features of the choice of goalkeeper pads
- Selection guide
Goalie Pad Size Chart
Reliable and high-quality shields are a guarantee of the safety of a hockey player in the event of a fall. Pads protect an athlete’s knees and shins from injury and damage that can result from being hit by a puck or stick falling onto the ice, colliding with teammates or opponents.
In this article, we will talk about how to choose the right hockey pads.
Design features of guards
The shield consists of two parts:
- Outer high-strength plastic protection that wraps around the shin and kneecap. Some models of shin guards have stiffeners that further strengthen these protective products and redistribute the impact energy. Quite often, manufacturers supply hockey pads with special Velcro fastening systems. Located in the upper and lower parts of the front side of this element of protection, they firmly and securely fix it on the leg.
- Cushioning liner equipped with Velcro adjustment straps. The foam contained in this lining absorbs and distributes impact energy. The most advanced models are designed in such a way that, in addition to the lower leg itself, they also cover the calves.
Some shields are equipped with another additional cushioning lining – removable. It is attached with Velcro to the main part of these protective products.
Shield shape
The choice of shield is an individual matter. Some prefer products that are light in weight, others prefer the maximum degree of protection. Trying on hockey uniforms, put on shorts, pads, skates and sit down a few times. If the upper cup of the shield is under the thigh protector of the shorts, and the shields themselves do not hinder movement, then you have made the right choice.
- Tapered V-shaped shields widen upwards (this design feature is noticeable even with a cursory review of the product). Such narrow lightweight models allow the hockey player to move quickly and swiftly.
- Classically shaped shin guards fit snugly around the foot and transmit force clearly.
Size chart for goalie pads
Each manufacturer has its own sizing chart. And even different models of the same brand have their own size range.
The table of sizes of children’s, junior, adult hockey pads / knee pads offered by us is universal.
CHILDREN (YOUTH) | JUNIOR (JUNIOR) | ADULTS (SENIOR) | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shield size, US | Small (S) 7” | Medium (M) 8” | Large (L) 9” | Small (L) 10” | Medium (M) 11” | Large (L) 12” | Small (S) 13” | Medium (M) 14” | Large (L) 15” | Extra Large (XL) 16” | XXL 17” | XXXL 18” |
Calf length cm | 15-18 | 18-20 | 20-23 | 23-28 | 25-28 | 25-30 | 30-33 | 33-36 | 36-38 | 38-41 | 41-43 | 43-46 |
Approximate player height, cm | 98-115 | 109-120 | 120-130 | 120-135 | 133-150 | 143-151 | 150-167 | 168-180 | 175-185 | 180-190 | 185-198 | 192+ |
Approximate age of the player, years | 4-7 | 5-8 | 6-9 | 8-11 | 9-12 | 11-14 | 14+ | 14+ | 15+ | 15+ | 15+ | 15+ |
Approximate player weight, kg | 18-27 | 20-29 | 23-32 | 27-41 | 32-45 | 36-50 | 54-73 | 64-82 | 73-91 | 82-100 | 91+ | 100+ |
The indicated indicators of height, weight and age are not the main criterion for selection. When choosing pads, consider the individual characteristics of the athlete. And be sure to try on before buying!
Features of the selection of goalkeeper pads
When choosing goalkeeper pads, adhere to the following rules:
- The required length of the channel of the skate is determined by the size of the goalkeeper’s skate.
- The knee must be comfortably positioned inside the shield. When trying on the product, bend your leg a little: the length of the shield from the channel of the skate to the kneecap will be the main criterion when buying goalkeeper shields.
- The length of the pad from the knee and above must be determined by the goalkeeper. If you stop at the option in which the overlap between the shorts and the pads is 18-20 cm, you will not be mistaken.
- A well-chosen shin guard will sit comfortably on the foot, allow the patella to rest and protect it with a large roll that is located in the front of the product.
At the same time, the lower part of the shield will be securely fixed at the skate and well fixed around the leg.
Selection guide
When choosing protection elements, start, first of all, from your own preferences. Only you have to decide what products to purchase for the game: pads that are light in weight, or heavier, but capable of reliably protecting against impacts.
In order not to make a mistake with the choice of model, during the fitting process, put on not only shields, but also shorts with skates. Then sit down 2-4 times.
If you have chosen the right elements of protection:
- they are securely fixed on the leg and will not hinder movement;
- The top of the pads will be under the thigh protector of the shorts.
Where in this case the tongue of the skate will be – above or below the shield – it does not matter. Let it be as it is convenient for you personally.
If you made a mistake with the selection of shields, they:
- rest against the ankle;
- will interfere with bending and unbending legs;
- will cause inconvenience when driving;
- will start to roll over and move out.
An incorrectly fitted shield can cause injury to the ankle and patella. If the shield tightens the leg due to the tightened Velcro, blood circulation in the leg will be disturbed.
Remember: before you buy hockey pads, you must try them on. In no case do not purchase equipment “by eye”!
Enjoy the shopping!
Hockey equipment size chart
We would like to introduce you to the hockey equipment size chart. With this data, you can easily choose the right size for your protection.
Skate sizes Adult/Senior (Sr)
US | 38.5 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 |
BAUER | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.![]() | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | ||
CCM | – | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | ||
EASTON | – | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | |||
GRAF | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 |
Junior (Jr) skate sizes
ENG | 32.5 | 33 | 33.5 | 34 | 34.![]() | 35 | 35.5 | 36 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 |
BAUER | 1 | 1.5 | 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | – | ||
CCM | – | 1 | 1.5 | 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | ||
EASTON | – | 1 | 1.5 | 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | ||
GRAF | 1 | 1.5 | 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | – |
Skate sizes Child/Youth (Yth)
RU | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28.![]() Related Stories |