Which Hockey Stick Is Best for You?
Four things decide the right hockey stick: its size, its flex, its curve and which hand you shoot. Start with size. It sets the range of flex and length you'll choose from.
Senior or Intermediate?
| Intermediate | Senior | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical ages | 11 to 14 | 14 and up |
| Typical height | About 4'11" to 5'8" | About 5'5" and taller |
| Typical weight | About 95 to 140 lb | About 125 lb and up |
| Our flexes | 55, 65 | 75, 85, 95, 105 |
| Our lengths | 58 to 59 in | 60 to 63 in |
Intermediate sticks are shorter, with lower flex and a thinner shaft for smaller hands. These ranges are common starting points across brands, not rules. A player between sizes should go by weight and strength more than age.
We don't make junior or youth sticks.
Left or Right?
Hold a stick the way you'd shoot. If your left hand is lower on the stick, closer to the blade, you need a left-handed stick. If your right hand is lower, you need a right. Your writing hand doesn't tell you.
Flex
Flex is how many pounds it takes to bend the shaft one inch. A lower number is easier to bend. A common starting point is about half your body weight, so a 150-pound player starts near 75 flex. Go lower for a quicker release, or higher if you're strong and take a lot of slap shots.
Cutting a stick makes it stiffer, by about 3 to 5 flex for every inch you take off. Each of our flexes comes at a set length.
Length
In skates: stand the stick straight up in front of you. The end should come to between your chin and your nose.
In shoes: the end should come to about your nose.
Shorter gives more puck control. Longer gives more reach. Cut a little at a time, because you can't add length back.
Curve
Every StringKing stick comes in three curves.
| Curve | Shape | Lie | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SK92 | Mid curve, open face. A similar shape to the popular P92. | 6 | All-around play. The easiest curve to start with. |
| SK88 | Mid curve, slightly open face. A similar shape to the P88. | 6 | Stickhandling, passing and wrist shots |
| SK28 | Toe curve, very open face. A similar shape to the P28. | 5 | Toe drags and quick lift. The hardest to learn. |
New players should start with the SK92. Most leagues, including USA Hockey and the NHL, limit a curve to 3/4 inch deep.
Kick Point
Kick point is where the shaft bends when you shoot. A low kick point loads fast, for a quick release on wrist and snap shots. A mid kick point takes longer to load, for heavier slap shots. Our sticks have a mid-low kick point, a balance of both. The Composite 2 Pro adds a second, higher bend point for more power on bigger shots.
Questions
Can an adult use an intermediate stick?
Yes, if the player is lighter or wants a lower flex and thinner shaft. Most adults use a senior stick.
Can I see a stick in person before I buy?
Yes. Use our store locator to find a shop near you that carries StringKing.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Every StringKing hockey stick comes with a 6-month warranty.
Find Your Stick
Every StringKing hockey stick comes with a 6-month warranty.
Shop senior sticks · Shop intermediate sticks
Updated October 2026