Composition
50% wood and 50% fiberglass
Curvature and weight
midbow bend; weight: 453g +/- 20g in 36.5" size
Design
Laminated mulberry wood (5 plies) and 1080 tex fiberglass. Standard head for learning. 1.8mm thick polyurethane (PU) grip.
What's a stick made of?
Historically made from wood (ash, mulberry), most sticks (especially the more technical ones) are now made from composite materials (fiberglass, carbon fiber and aramid fiber; NB Kevlar is the brand name for a type of aramid). You'll find sticks made of 100% wood, wood with fiberglass reinforcements, 100% fiberglass, fiberglass with an increasingly high % of carbon (often with 5-10% aramid when the % of carbon is very high).
For what qualities of use?
Fiberglass is harder, stiffer, lighter and more abrasion-resistant than wood. You'll get more power, but less control, a feeling of greater hardness. Carbon is even lighter and stiffer, providing even more power and even less control if the level of technical mastery is not sufficient. Aramid is used in addition to carbon, in the shaft to dampen vibrations and/or in the heel for its high resistance to abrasion.
How is a composite stick made?
A composite stick is composed of several sheets of fiber wrapped around an empty core, itself organized into one or more longitudinal cavities. The mix of components, the number of fiber layers and the structure of the hollow core vary from stick to stick and from part to part. In the end, therefore, the mere indication of % carbon gives very little information about the stick's qualities in use.
Which composition to choose?
Beginners will prefer wood. As they learn, children will move on to fiberglass and then to a reasonable % of carbon. Adult beginners can start directly with fiberglass. Confirmed and expert adults will choose the carbon content best suited to their playing style (balance between control and power).
What is stick curvature?
A field hockey stick is not straight, but curved. Curvature is characterized by its maximum height (the maximum vertical space between a stick resting on a flat surface and that surface) and by the point at which this height is maximum, measured from the end of the head of the stick (called the point of maximum curvature). Traditionally, a stick had a maximum curvature height of around 15mm and a point of maximum curvature located halfway up the stick.
Types of curvature
A standard bow is defined as having a maximum bend height of 17 to 20mm and a maximum bend point of 300mm. A "mid bow" stick generally has a maximum bend height of 23 to 24mm and a maximum bend point at 300mm. For a "low bow" stick, it's usually 24 to 25mm and 250mm. For an "extra low bow" stick, 24 to 25mm and 200mm.
Did you know?
According to FIH standards, the maximum bending point of a field field hockey stick must be at least 200mm from the highest point of the stick head, and the maximum bending height is 25mm.
Which curvature to choose?
Beginners will opt for a standard bow stick. An advanced or expert player looking primarily to control the ball, pass or shoot, will choose a "mid bow" stick. An expert player who likes to dribble and have perfect control of the ball during fast movements will choose a "low bow" stick. For "drag-flicks", choose an "extra low bow" stick.
How much does a stick weigh?
According to FIH standards, the maximum weight of a field hockey stick is 737g. Most adult sticks (sizes 36.5"-37.5") weigh between 520 and 580g. A children's stick will weigh from 400g upwards. Note that there may be differences of 20 to 30g between sticks of the same model, due to the manufacturing process.
Why is balance important?
For the same weight, it's the distribution of mass in the stick that's decisive. The balance point is the stick's point of gravity measured from the tip of the head. A balance point located more towards the neck will give an impression of lightness. This makes the stick easier to handle. A balance point located more towards the head (the weight is then said to be at the head) will give the impression of having more material in the hand. This increases the stick's power.
What weight/balance should I choose?
If you're looking for maneuverability, choose a light stick with a high balance point. If you're looking for power, choose a heavy stick with a low balance point.
Which size to choose?
Stick size is measured in inches ("). 1"=2.54cm. For a child, position the stick vertically, with the head on the ground, in front of the child, who is standing upright. Choose a stick with the top of the handle level with the child's navel. For adults, the standard size is 36.5".
Did you know?
According to FIH standards, the maximum length of a field hockey stick is 41" (105cm).
General Council
The right stick for you is the one with the right combination of size, composition (and internal structure), curvature, weight and balance point.
Designer
This stick was co-designed by our product development team of field hockey enthusiasts (product managers, designers, engineers, model makers, stylists, prototyping and laboratory technicians) and specialists in composite materials and processes, our technical partner Jill Boon (player with the Belgian Red Panthers) and one of the world's leading stick manufacturers.
Information
The information given here is that supplied by the manufacturer or verified by us on samples received from the manufacturer.
Product segmentation
adult/beginner/wood, fiberglass/midbow
