Understanding Hockey Stick Bows
A hockey stick’s bow is the curve running down the shaft. It changes how the stick presents the face to the ball, how easily you can get under the ball and how natural different techniques feel. The key detail is not only how much the stick curves, but where the maximum curve sits.
In this guide
If you are unsure, start with a mid bow or moderate low bow. Move to an ultra-low or concave shape only when your game regularly uses the techniques that profile is designed to support. A more aggressive bow can make specialist skills easier, but it can also feel less natural for a player who is still building basic control.
At a glance
- FIH specifications allow a maximum bow depth of 25mm.
- The point of maximum bow cannot be closer than 200mm from the base of the head.
- “Mid”, “low”, “pro”, “late”, “ultra-low” and similar names are manufacturer categories, not one universal standard.
- Lower bows generally help aerial, 3D and drag-flick techniques; higher/mid bows usually feel more neutral for core passing, receiving and hitting.
Bow depth vs bow position
Two sticks can both have a 24–25mm bow and still play differently because the maximum curve is in a different place.
- A bow peaking around 300–400mm from the head feels more gradual through the shaft.
- A bow peaking around 250mm is lower and more helpful for getting the face under the ball.
- A bow around the legal lower limit of 200mm is an aggressive low/ultra-low shape often aimed at advanced 3D and flicking skills.
Current brand examples make the point. Grays lists profiles such as DB/Dynabow around 250mm and PB/Probow/JB+ around 200mm, while Kookaburra currently publishes L Bow profiles at 200, 210, 215 and 250mm and M Bow shapes much higher up the shaft. Mercian uses its own Pro, Xtreme, Ultimate and Mid geometry. The marketing names differ, so compare the actual millimetre specification when you can.
The main bow families
Standard / classic bow
This is the least aggressive option and is common in junior, school and entry-level sticks. It supports a straightforward stick angle for stopping, pushing and hitting. It is ideal when you want the stick to stay out of the way while learning technique.
Best for: new players, juniors learning core skills, players who prefer a traditional feel.
Mid bow
A mid bow spreads the curve more evenly through the middle of the shaft. It is one of the best all-round choices because it supports conventional skills without making lifted techniques inaccessible.
Best for: all-round players, distributors, defenders, midfielders, beginners who want a stick they can grow with.
Low bow
A low bow moves the maximum curve towards the head. This changes the angle at which the face meets the ball and makes it easier to execute controlled lifts, aerial passes and 3D elimination skills.
Best for: developing and experienced players who combine ground skills with aerial/3D play.
Ultra-low / extreme-low bow
This profile pushes the bow as close to the head as rules allow. It is designed to make it easier to get under the ball and to accelerate the ball through drag-flick mechanics.
Best for: confident players who deliberately use aerials, drag flicks and advanced elimination skills.
Watch for: a more specialised feel when receiving and hitting. If you do not use the skills it helps, the trade-off may not be worthwhile.
Concave / grooved profile
A concave face adds a channel or shaping to help keep the ball aligned through the drag-flick action. It is a specialist tool rather than the “highest” level of normal hockey stick.
Best for: established drag flickers and players who have tested that geometry.
Which bow suits your game?
| Your game | Good starting profile | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Learning hockey | Standard or mid | Predictable for basic control and passing |
| All-round club hockey | Mid or low | Mixes core skills with modern lifted play |
| Fast 3D elimination | Low | Easier face angle for getting under the ball |
| Aerial passing | Low to ultra-low | Helps lift when technique is already sound |
| Drag flicking | Ultra-low / concave | Designed around the flicking action |
| Mostly hitting and distribution | Mid / controlled low | Keeps conventional ball striking natural |
Do playing positions need different bows?
Position is a useful clue but not a rule. A defender who throws overheads may prefer a low bow. A forward who relies on receiving, deflections and quick passing may prefer a mid bow. A midfielder can use almost anything depending on technique.
Instead of asking “What bow does a defender use?”, ask:
- How often do I lift the ball intentionally?
- Do I use aerials in matches, or only in warm-ups?
- Do I drag flick at penalty corners?
- Does a low bow improve my skills without hurting first touch?
- Am I changing because I need a feature, or because the model looks more advanced?
HockeyDirect bow routes
HockeyDirect’s live stick collection currently contains large groups of mid bow, low bow and ultra-low bow sticks, plus smaller late, mid-low, standard and concave categories. That range makes it possible to compare profiles at several carbon and price levels.
Useful routes include:
When comparing two products, look for the actual bow depth and bow position in the specifications rather than relying on the family name alone.
Common mistakes
- Treating every “low bow” as the same shape.
- Moving to ultra-low before basic receiving and passing are reliable.
- Assuming a concave face adds power to every shot.
- Choosing by position rather than by the skills used in matches.
- Ignoring head shape and stiffness, which also change how a stick feels.
Frequently asked questions
What is the legal maximum hockey stick bow?
Under the current FIH equipment specification, the maximum bow depth is 25mm and the maximum bow point cannot be closer than 200mm from the base of the head.
Is a low bow good for beginners?
A moderate low bow can be manageable, but a standard or mid bow is usually the simpler learning platform. Avoid choosing a very aggressive low profile purely to “future-proof” the stick.
Is ultra-low the best bow for drag flicking?
Ultra-low and concave shapes are designed to support drag-flick mechanics, but technique is still the deciding factor. A specialist stick will not create the skill by itself.
Can you hit normally with a low bow?
Yes. Many low-bow sticks are designed as all-round performance sticks. The lower curve simply changes the feel and face angle, so some players need an adjustment period.
Why do brands use different bow names?
Each manufacturer develops its own moulds and naming system. Compare millimetre depth, bow position, head shape and face geometry to understand the real difference.
Does more bow mean more power?
No. Bow mainly changes ball manipulation and face angle. Power also depends on technique, stiffness, balance, construction and clean contact.
Choose by shape, not by label
Browse HockeyDirect’s hockey sticks and compare the bow position in millimetres wherever it is listed. That single number often tells you more than the name printed on the range.
