Junior Hockey Stick Buying Guide
A good junior stick should make hockey easier to learn. It needs to be the right length now, light enough for the child to move confidently and forgiving enough that receiving the ball does not feel harsh. The most expensive junior stick is not automatically the most useful one.
In this guide
Measure the child’s height and/or HockeyDirect’s hip-to-floor distance, use the brand’s size chart, then choose the lightest manageable stick in that size with a forgiving construction. For most young beginners, bow and carbon should stay simple. A technically strong junior playing regular club or performance hockey may benefit from a more responsive composite, but fit remains the first decision.
At a glance for parents
- Size the player, not the age label.
- Do not buy several inches too long “for growth”.
- Start with a standard/mid or manageable low bow unless the player already has advanced skills.
- Softer wood, fibreglass and lower-carbon composites are excellent learning tools.
- Upgrade stiffness only when the player is striking consistently and can still control first touch.
Get the size right before anything else
Current brand guides typically move junior sticks through small increments from the mid-20in sizes into 34–35in before senior lengths. HockeyDirect’s live junior collection currently includes 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35in among its available filters.
That range exists for a reason. A stick that is too long increases reach but also increases the lever the child has to control. It can make close touches slower, force the player upright and create bad habits.
Use the Hockey Stick Size Guide for a full chart and fit test.
Choose a construction the player can feel
Wood
Wood has a soft, traditional response and can be excellent for first experiences of hockey or school use. It is inexpensive and forgiving.
Fibreglass / low-carbon composite
This is often the sweet spot for a developing junior. The stick gains more consistency and response than basic wood while retaining a softer touch than elite high-carbon models.
Mid/high-carbon junior performance stick
Useful for a technically developed junior who trains frequently, strikes cleanly and wants a more direct response. It should be an earned progression, not a status purchase.
Current HockeyDirect stock reflects that full ladder: entry composite options sit alongside premium junior families such as adidas .30/.40 models, Grays JB/Dynabow junior sticks and TK performance junior options.
Keep the bow appropriate
A junior learning basic receiving, dribbling, pushing and hitting does not need an extreme low bow. Standard and mid bows make the face easier to manage. A moderate low bow can be a sensible next step for a developing player who is beginning to use lifted passes and 3D skills.
HockeyDirect’s junior collection currently includes mid, low and ultra-low options. The presence of an ultra-low junior model does not mean every child should use one.
Check the weight in the child’s hands
A junior stick should not make the shoulders lift or the lower hand clamp tightly just to move it. Ask the player to make fast left-right touches and a controlled swing. If they cannot stop or redirect the head easily, try a lighter or shorter option.
Do not assume a carbon stick is automatically easier to handle. Stiffness, head shape and balance can change the feel significantly.
Do not overspend on growth
Children can move through stick lengths quickly. A sensible approach is to spend enough for the player’s current level but keep some budget for the next correctly sized stick, shoes and protection.
HockeyDirect’s junior range currently extends from entry models around the lower price bands to performance junior sticks above £100. Sales can move individual products between tiers, so compare specifications and current fit rather than using price as the level indicator.
When should a junior move to a senior stick?
Move when the length, weight and stiffness of the senior model are all manageable. Some older/taller juniors may fit a 36.5in stick but still prefer a junior-specific construction or handle feel. Others are ready for a senior composite.
Signs the transition makes sense:
- the player fits the relevant length chart;
- they can move the adult stick quickly with relaxed hands;
- their stance remains natural;
- the stiffness does not make receiving noticeably worse;
- the coach agrees that the move supports technique.
What about elite junior sticks?
They can make sense for a strong junior playing a high volume of hockey. Premium construction can give a crisp response and familiar geometry in shorter lengths. But the same principle applies as with adults: performance features are valuable only when the player can use them.
Current HockeyDirect routes
HockeyDirect’s junior collection currently features brands including adidas, Grays, Gryphon, Kookaburra, Naked, Osaka, TK, Voodoo and others, covering traditional shapes through low and ultra-low profiles.
For a first purchase, shortlist by length, then choose the simplest suitable bow and construction. For an experienced junior, compare models within a familiar range before changing both stiffness and bow at the same time.
Common parent buying mistakes
- Buying too long to get two seasons from the stick.
- Choosing the stiffest junior stick because the child is “good for their age”.
- Moving to an adult model based only on height.
- Letting graphics determine the final choice.
- Changing length, bow and stiffness simultaneously when replacing a successful stick.
Frequently asked questions
What size stick should my child use?
Use current height or hip-to-floor measurement and the specific brand chart. Do not use age alone because children of the same age vary greatly in height and strength.
Should I buy one size bigger for growth?
Avoid a deliberately oversized stick if it compromises control. Correct technique now is more valuable than extending the purchase life.
Is carbon suitable for children?
Yes, but choose the stiffness level appropriately. Lower-carbon composites can be excellent for juniors, while high-carbon models suit players with developed technique.
When should a child move from wood to composite?
There is no fixed age. Move when the player is comfortable with basic skills and wants a more responsive stick, while keeping the new model forgiving enough to control.
Is a low bow okay for a junior?
Yes for a player who can control it and uses the relevant skills. A standard or mid bow remains the simpler choice for beginners.
How often will I need to replace the stick for size?
Growth varies. Re-check fit at the start of each season and whenever posture or control begins to look restricted. Do not wait for the stick to look obviously tiny if the player has had a growth spurt.
Start with the right size
Browse HockeyDirect’s junior hockey sticks and filter by length before looking at carbon, colour or premium technology. That one choice has the biggest effect on how easy the stick is to learn with.
