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How do you chose the stick that is right for you?

Because choosing a field hockey stick should not require a degree in Stick Science.  Somehow buying a field hockey stick has become incredibly complicated.

 

You start out thinking, “we just need a stick.”  And suddenly you’re reading about:

  • carbon percentages

  • vibration dampening

  • toe shapes

  • bow profiles

  • aerospace technology probably

Relax. We’ve got you.  

 

At Atlas, we believe the best stick is the one that:

✔ fits your level

✔ helps you play confidently

✔ matches your style

✔ and doesn’t make receiving a pass feel like wrestling a raccoon

​

Step 1:  Pick the Right Length

 

First things first:
 

A taller player generally needs a longer stick. We know, groundbreaking stuff, right?  ​

​Here’s the general sizing chart:

​

Height               Stick Length

Under 3'                  24"

3'–3'5"                     26"

3'5"–3'10"               28"

3'10"–4'2"               30"

4'2"–4'6"                 32"

4'6"–5'0"                 34"

5'0"–5'4"                 35"/35.5"

5'4"–6'0"                 36.5"

5'10"–6'4"               37.5"

6'4"+                       38.5"

So here’s the simple version.​​​Atlas Tip:If you’re between sizes, don’t panic.  You do not need to hold a family meeting about it.  A slightly shorter stick can actually help younger players develop better control and fundamentals.  And by fundamentals we mean:trapping the ballpassing to teammatesnot wildly poking at the ball like it insulted your family

Stick "Levels"

Beginner Sticks - “I’m learning and doing my best.”

Best for:

  • newer players

  • younger athletes

  • players building confidence

Usually made with:

  • fiberglass

  • wood

  • very low carbon

These sticks are softer and easier to control.  Which is important because when you’re learning field hockey, the goal is usually:

“Can I receive this pass without the ball launching into another zip code?”

Power is not the priority yet.  Control is your friend.

Advanced Sticks - “This player definitely practices skills in the driveway.”

Best for:

  • experienced players

  • club athletes

  • players working on advanced skills

Usually:

  • more carbon

  • stiffer feel

  • increased power

At this level, players start saying things like:

“I like the touch on this stick.”

Competitive Sticks - “Okayyyyy now we’re getting somewhere.”

 

Best for:

  • improving players

  • school teams

  • athletes who know what’s happening most of the time

 

Usually:

  • under 20% carbon

  • balanced feel

  • more power while still being forgiving

These sticks help players hit harder without making every reception feel like catching a brick. Very exciting.

Elite Sticks - “This stick costs more than my first car.”

Best for:

  • high-level players

  • experienced athletes

  • advanced technical play

Usually:

  • 70–100% carbon

  • very stiff

  • maximum power

These sticks are awesome for elite players.

But if you’re still working on consistently trapping the ball, an elite stick may humble you very quickly.  And for most of us, field hockey already does that enough on its own.

Stick Language Explained

​​Carbon Content: What Does It Mean?

Carbon affects:

  • power

  • stiffness

  • feel

More Carbon =

     ✔ more power
     ✔ harder hits
     ✔ faster ball speed

BUT ALSO, more carbon =
     ❌ less forgiveness
     ❌ tougher receptions
     ❌ more vibration

So no… the highest carbon stick is not automatically “the best.”

Sometimes the best stick is simply:

“the one where the ball stays on your stick.”

Huge win.

Bow Shapes (Stay With Me Here)

The “bow” is the curve in the stick.

Different bows help with different skills.​​

Regular Bow

The "dependable teammate."

Great for:

  • beginners

  • all-around players

  • learning fundamentals

Helps with:
✔ passing
✔ receiving
✔ consistency

This is the “I just want to play hockey without drama” bow.

Medium Bow

The "do-everything" stick.

Great for:

  • versatile players

  • midfielders

  • players who like balance

Helps with:
✔ control
✔ passing
✔ lifts
✔ modern skills

This stick says:

“I’m responsible but still fun.”

​​​Low Bow

The “watch this” stick.

Great for:

  • attacking players

  • advanced skills

  • players attempting aerials at every possible opportunity

Helps with:
✔ lifts
✔ aerials
✔ 3D skills
✔ quick ball movement

This is for the player who absolutely tries something unnecessary during warmups.

Extreme Low Bow

The "maximum chaos" stick.

Great for:

  • elite technical players

  • advanced skill work

Helps with:
✔ drag flicks
✔ aerial control
✔ advanced elimination skills

This player probably has:

  • opinions about grip tape

  • multiple stick bags

  • a favorite pregame snack routine

  • and at least one pair of neon socks

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What Kind of Player Are You?

“I want control.”

Look for:

  • lower carbon

  • softer feel

  • regular or medium bow

“I want POWER.”

Look for:

  • higher carbon

  • stiffer stick

  • medium or low bow

“I love skills and creativity.”

Look for:

  • low bow

  • thinner toe

  • medium-to-high carbon

“I’m still learning.”

Look for:

  • comfort

  • control

  • confidence

Not a stick designed for launching drag flicks into outer space.

 Final Thoughts

Choose a stick based on:
✔ your level
✔ your confidence
✔ your style of play

Not:
❌ what your friend has
❌ what looks coolest
❌ what TikTok says is “elite”
❌ what makes you feel emotionally attached after holding it for 12 seconds in the store

The best players are not the ones with the fanciest sticks.

They’re the ones who can trap, pass, move, communicate, and play confidently.

(And maybe remember where they left their water bottle.)

 

 Still Not Sure?

That’s normal.

Even experienced players can be picky about sticks. If you need help narrowing things down, Atlas is always happy to help players find something that actually fits their game — and not just something with fancy marketing words printed on it.

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