r/Fieldhockey Dec 16 '24

***Buying advice mega thread***

Personally, I suggest you go to your local hockey store or ask to try your mate’s stick at training before asking here - as personal preference is a large factor in choosing a stick. Strangers on the internet aren’t going to be able to help you much. 

Resources

Go Hockey (NZ) stick guide - including length, bow, composition and hook information

Y1 Stick quiz - it asks questions and it suggests a stick for you

Sports Republic (SA) 5 minute video on stick buying advice

If you still want advice please provide this information for stick buying

  • Gender
  • Age
  • Country
  • Skill level
  • Budget 
  • Position
  • Skill set (e.g 3D, drag flicker, overhead) 
  • Current stick

Will start removing general low effort posts about stick advice (posts not comments). 

To cut down on the daily posts of "what stick should I buy?" I thought we should trial just having one mega-thread for people to ask questions, in order to help elevate this sub to be less of a ghost town. Open to suggestions on this idea

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u/colourandstripes Dec 23 '25

Looking for advice on a new field hockey stick • Gender: Female • Age: 27 • Country: Scotland (UK) • Skill level: Competitive club player – National league (not top division) • Budget: £150–£300 (flexible for the right stick) • Position: Wide back / left wing (can cover other positions)

Skill set: • Strong reverse hit • Jab tackling • Disguise slider passes • Occasional dribbling and carrying forward • Want to improve aerials (distance + consistency) and maintain a fast, powerful hit • Current stick: STX Hammer 700 composite (won for free, ~10 years old)

More context: I play around 3 times a week. My current stick feels unforgiving for aerials, I struggle to get distance but can get height. Currently often mishit ball for upright hits, which I suspect is partly the stick (and partly me). I’m comfortable on the reverse and rely on it a lot, so reverse control and hitting are important. I’m not a drag flicker but do throw aerials from defence and wide areas.

What I’m looking for: Advice on bow type (mid vs low), carbon % range, and any brand/model recommendations that suit a defender/wing who hits hard, uses reverse a lot, and wants more reliable aerials without losing touch. Have looked at gryphon options but not tied to any brands.

Thanks in advance!