Hockey sticks for beginners

For a first stick, go softer and simpler than you think: a flex around or a little below half your body weight, a mid curve like the P92 (CCM P29, Warrior W03, True T92), and a length between your chin and nose on skates. You don't need a pro-level stick to learn; a forgiving, lower-priced one is easier to shoot with.

What matters for a first stick

Match the stick to your size and experience, not the price: beginners do best with a lower flex, a mid or mid-toe curve and a forgiving, lower-cost stick.¹
Flex is how much the shaft bends; a lower number is softer. If you can't bend (load) the stick, you lose power, so too stiff makes learning harder.^2,3,1
Starting flex: Warrior and others say about half your body weight in pounds. Ice Warehouse says beginners usually do better about 10 points lower, and Bauer's own calculator lands below half for most adults and never above 87.^2,4,3,1,5,6
Curve: start with a mid or mid-toe curve and avoid extreme curves until your shot develops. The P92 (CCM P29, Warrior W03, True T92) is the most common beginner pick.^1,7
Lie comes with the curve: Bauer's P92 is a lie 6 and its P28 a lie 5. In your relaxed stance, as much of the blade as possible should sit flat on the ice.^8,7
Length: on skates the stick should reach between your chin and nose. Shorter helps stickhandling, longer adds reach. It's fine to buy it a bit long and cut it, but cutting makes it stiffer.^2,3,9
Your dominant hand usually goes on top: a right-handed person usually shoots left, and the other way around.^10,1
You don't need a pro-level stick: its benefits show once your skills are developed, and a more forgiving stick is easier to learn with.¹
For kids who break sticks, a tougher, cheaper stick makes sense while they learn. Wood or a low-end composite is a durable, inexpensive option.^2,9
Tape helps you grip the puck and protects the blade; replace it from time to time.^11,10
Replace a stick when it cracks, loses its pop or stops feeling right.^2,9

Adult sticks by budget

Kids' sticks by budget

How we picked: new, in-stock models from the major brands that at least three of the US stores we track carry, grouped by their typical (median) price and ranked by how many stores have them. Lowest is the cheapest size or color in stock right now. A widely stocked model is easy to find in your size and to compare. This is not a quality ranking; the advice above is what matters for fit and feel. Checked Oct 13, 2026.

Flex calculator · Curve chart · Length and lie

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Hockey sticks for beginners

What matters for a first stick

Adult sticks by budget

Kids' sticks by budget

Sources