Field Hockey Sticks 2026

How to Choose a Field Hockey Stick

Choosing the right field hockey stick comes down to five things: length, composition (how much carbon, fiberglass or aramid is in it), bow shape, weight and balance, and the surface you play on. Get these right and the stick works with you. A stick that is too long, too stiff or the wrong shape makes trapping, dribbling and passing harder than they need to be.

1. Start with length. Use the size chart below. The top of the stick should reach your hip bone. Most adults use a 36" to 37.5" stick, and juniors use 28" to 35".
2. Match carbon to your level. Beginners learn faster with a wooden or fiberglass stick, or one with under 30% carbon. Competitive high-school and club players usually use 40–65% carbon, and elite players use 85–95%.
3. Pick a bow for your position. A standard or mid bow gives the most control for defenders and midfielders. A low or extreme low bow helps attackers lift the ball and drag-flick.
4. Feel the weight and balance. Light sticks (about 520–550 g) are quick in the hands. Heavier sticks (580 g+) add momentum to hits. A head-heavy balance adds hitting power, and a handle-heavy balance helps stick skills.
5. Choose indoor or outdoor. Indoor hockey needs a lighter, thinner indoor stick. Don't use an outdoor stick for indoor competitions.

Field Hockey Stick Size Chart 2026

Choose stick length by height. Standing upright, the top of the stick should reach about your hip bone.

Between sizes? Go shorter for close control and dribbling, longer for reach and hitting. FIH rules cap stick length at 105 cm (41.3").

Carbon, Fiberglass and Aramid Explained

Modern composite field hockey sticks are made by layering carbon fiber, fiberglass and aramid (Kevlar-type fibers) around a foam core. Each material does a different job:

• Carbon fiber adds stiffness. More carbon sends more energy into the ball for harder hits, long passes and drag flicks.
• Fiberglass adds flexibility and touch. It is more forgiving when you trap the ball, and it is durable and affordable.
• Aramid absorbs vibration and makes the stick more durable, so it is less likely to crack under heavy impact.

Some brands state an exact carbon percentage. Others use series numbers instead, for example TK 1 / 2 / 3, STX RX, XT and HPR, or Grays GX, AC and GR. The carbon chart in our carbon level guides shows which range suits which player.

Bow Types: Standard, Mid, Low and Extreme Low

The bow is the curve along the face of the stick. Where the curve peaks changes how the stick plays. A standard bow peaks in the middle and is best for flat passing and control. A mid bow or control bow is the most versatile choice. A low bow or late bow peaks closer to the head, which makes lifts, aerials and drag flicks easier. Extreme low bows, such as Grays Jumbow and Ultrabow, are built for advanced 3D skills.

FIH rules cap bow depth at 25 mm, so every stick from a major brand is legal for competition.

Field Hockey Stick Rules Every Buyer Should Know

• Right-handed only. There are no left-handed field hockey sticks. Left-handed players use the same sticks.
• Weight limit: 737 g maximum.
• Thickness: the stick must pass through a 51 mm ring.
• Length: 105 cm (about 41.3") maximum.
• Bow: 25 mm maximum depth.

Every stick on this page comes from an established brand that designs within these rules. If your stick cracks or splinters, replace it: damaged sticks are unsafe and not allowed in matches.

Best Field Hockey Sticks by Player Type

• First-time and youth players: see beginner field hockey sticks and junior field hockey sticks. Wooden sticks like the STX X-Ray, or fiberglass entry sticks like the Grays GX1000 and STX RX 50, are forgiving and affordable.
• Developing players: growth sticks with 10–35% carbon add power without losing feel.
• High-school and club players: competitive sticks with 40–65% carbon.
• Varsity, college and elite players: premium (70–85%) and elite (90%+) carbon sticks.
• Goalkeepers: purpose-built goalie sticks.
• Gifts and senior night: 18-inch mini baby sticks.

How to Look After Your Stick

Replace the grip when it gets slippery (see field hockey grips), keep the stick out of hot cars, and check the toe and edges for chips. A thin layer of stick tape on the head reduces damage. Carry sticks in a padded stick bag when you travel.

Top sticks brands

We compare sticks from 26 brands. Kookaburra (21), Grays (20), TK (20), STX (17), Gryphon (13), Mazon (12), Brabo (12), Osaka (11), OBO (10) & Princess (9). Use the brand filter at the top of the page to compare them side by side, or open a brand page to see everything it makes.

Related field hockey gear

Most players buy sticks together with other essentials. Compare field hockey balls, field hockey shin guards, field hockey goggles & face masks, field hockey gloves, field hockey goalie equipment, field hockey shoes & cleats & field hockey bags, or start from the FieldHockeyWorld homepage.