Buying guide to find your perfect field hockey stick.

The first crucial question is whether you are looking for a field hockey stick for field or indoor field hockey.  A field stick and an indoor stick are very different from each other. A field stick is only suitable for grass, sand and (semi) water courts, while indoor sticks are only suitable for indoor use. An indoor stick is lighter and narrower and is therefore only suitable for pushing and flicking, while a field stick is furthermore suitable for hitting techniques.

When it comes to choosing a field hockey stick, customers often ask us if the composition of their stick will affect their game. The answer is yes! While field hockey sticks may look similar at first glance, the materials used and the shape of the sticks can vary greatly.

As a field hockey specialist, PECO is dedicated to selecting the best materials to offer customers the widest and most carefully composed range of sticks. Our team works closely with suppliers and has a deep understanding of different materials to help players find the right stick for their playing style.

At PECO, we understand the importance of stick length, especially for children. A stick that is too long can make it difficult to master technique, while a stick that is too short will reduce hitting power and can lead to incorrect posture. In the table below, we have provided stick lengths in relation to a child's height in inches. For youth players, it is important to ensure the stick never extends above the navel or goes below the hip bone.

Keep in mind that this information applies to junior sticks only, for senior sticks, this is not an issue. Our PECO team is happy to assist you in finding the perfect field hockey stick from a wide range of major brands, including different series within each brand.

When it comes to the length of a field hockey stick for seniors, the most common measurement is 36.5 inches or 92 centimeters. However, if you experience discomfort in your back despite maintaining proper posture, a longer stick may provide a solution.

An increasing number of top players, especially defenders, are choosing sticks that are 37.5 or 38.5 inches for added reach.

HOCKEY STICK LENGTH PLAYER SIZE
18 inch < 100 cm
24 inch apprx. 104 cm
26 inch apprx. 110 cm
28 inch apprx. 115 cm
30 inch apprx. 120 cm
32 inch apprx. 125 cm
34 inch apprx. 140 cm
35 inch apprx. 150 cm
36.5 inch > 150 cm

 

If you have any questions about the stick length offered in our range, don't hesitate to reach out to our customer service team

at hockey@peco.com or via phone (+49) 40 6887 688 - 0.

 

When it comes to the bow of a field hockey stick, it's measured in millimeters (mm) and typically falls between 16 and 25 mm. According to official regulations, the maximum curvature is 25 mm. Choosing the right stick is a personal decision and depends on what you want the stick to do on the field. The curvature of the stick plays an important role in this decision.

For beginners, it's best to choose a stick with a minimum curvature or a high Curve Location (more on this later). These types of sticks provide better control over the ball, making it easier to develop proper technique. Sticks with a larger curvature or a low Curve Location are generally for advanced players who have already developed a good technique.

When considering the curvature of a stick, the Curve Location is also important. This is the point, measured from the curl, where the curvature of the stick begins. We indicate this clearly in centimeters. Simply put, the Curve Location is the point, when you place the stick on the ground, where the stick has its peak.

By choosing the right curvature, players can improve their game. For example, a Mid-Bow is great for those who focus on passing, while an Extreme Low-Bow is better for those who want to focus on 3D dribbling or penalty corner dragging.

Mid-Bow (250-300mm):
This is the most common bow and is perfect for beginning field hockey players or those who focus more on passing. The high curve location allows for focused, tight passes and the easiest ball control. This bow provides a more natural form of field hockey playing.

Low-Bow (220-250mm):
The Low-Bow is ideal for all-around players who have both technique and good passing skills. It curves slightly lower than the Mid-Bow, providing more playing comfort during Indian dribbles or changes of direction, while still retaining many of the advantages of the Mid-Bow in terms of passing.

Extreme Low-Bow (200-222mm):
Sticks with Extreme Low-Bow are designed for players who want to focus on 3D playing techniques. The curvature starts at the bottom of the stick (Curve Location), making it easier to get under the ball and elevate it during actions or passes. Additionally, because the hook is more inward, the ball is easier to control when dribbling. It's important to note that hitting technique may need to be adjusted slightly when using a Low-Bow stick as the hook comes more under the ball, allowing for faster hits. The blade will also be more open, requiring the ball to be hit a little more behind.

The carbon percentage of a field hockey stick is an important factor to consider when choosing a stick. The carbon percentage determines the stick's stiffness. As the percentage increases, the stick's stiffness also increases.

An increase in carbon percentage makes the stick more rigid, which allows for more speed when passing or hitting the ball. However, this also means that in case of an incorrect approach, the ball will jump further away from the stick and control may be lost. This is why a good stop/strike technique is required with a high percentage of carbon (80% or higher). In short, as the percentage of carbon increases, more is expected of the player's technique.

10% - 30% Carbon
In this group, we have sticks that range from 10 to 30% carbon. These sticks are very accessible for field hockey players who are just starting or are ready for their first adult stick. Due to the relatively low percentage of carbon, the player has a lot of control and has to work harder to get the ball moving, which is beneficial for developing technique.

30% - 70% Carbon
The second group is the largest group among field hockey players, with sticks suitable for almost any field hockey player. Young technical players often choose a stick from this category as it matches their playing style. In addition, the average senior field hockey player will also be fine with a stick from this group.

70% - 100% Carbon
In the third and last group, we find sticks that are often used by elite players in both senior and final youth teams. These sticks are very stiff and provide a lot of power, allowing for more speed when passing and shooting the ball. The higher carbon percentage also creates a high ball feel, enabling the player to feel exactly what the ball is doing.

In addition to carbon percentage and curvature, field hockey sticks also vary in weight. This can be important for different positions on the field, such as dribblers up front or powerhouses in the back. Additionally, it's important to consider the difference between senior and junior sticks.

We divide the weight into the following groups:

Extra-Light (500 - 540 grams):
Extra-light sticks are often used by younger field hockey players. They are a good solution for young players who want to maintain high stick handling due to their lower weight and not yet fully developed strength. Additionally, many technical players also tend to choose an Extra-Light stick as it increases handling speed.

Light (540 - 570 grams):
Light class is the most commonly used weight class in field hockey sticks. This is because the weight of the stick is enough for a powerful stroke or pass without lowering the handling speed. As a result, most players choose a light class stick.

Medium (570 - 600 grams):
Although these sticks are becoming less common, there are still a number of brands that carry this weight class. Due to its relatively high weight, it has a very high hitting power, but you do lose some speed. This weight is often used by defensive players, as they often send longer passes and a little extra weight makes this easier.