Which Intermediate Hockey Stick Is Best for You?
Intermediate sticks are for players about 11 to 14, usually 4'11" to 5'8" and 95 to 140 pounds. They're shorter than senior sticks, with a lower flex and a thinner shaft for smaller hands. Three things decide the right one: the flex, the curve and which hand you shoot.
Quick Picks
Best
Composite 2 Pro Intermediate
Our lightest intermediate stick, with a second bend point for more power.
Value
Composite Pro Intermediate
Raw carbon fiber finish and a mid-low kick point, at a lower price.
Both come in left or right, flex 55 or 65, three curves and a grip finish.
55 or 65 Flex?
Flex is how many pounds it takes to bend the shaft one inch. A common starting point is about half your body weight.
| Your weight | Common flex | Our flex |
|---|---|---|
| About 95–125 lb | 55–60 | 55 |
| About 100–140 lb | 65–70 | 65 |
Go with 55 for a younger or lighter player, or for a quicker release. Go with 65 for a bigger, stronger player.
Flex, Length and Weight
Each flex comes at its own length. Weight is for the whole stick.
| Flex | Length | Composite 2 Pro | Composite Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | 58 in | 335 g | 345 g |
| 65 | 59 in | 350 g | 365 g |
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.
What Length Do I Need?
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.
Growing players can leave a little extra length, up to eye level, and cut it down later. A longer stick plays a little softer.
Which Curve?
| 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.
When to Move Up to Senior
Move up when the player is about 14 or older, taller than about 5'5", or over about 125 to 140 pounds, or when a 65 flex feels too soft. Our senior sticks start at 75 flex and 60 inches. See our senior stick guide.
Composite 2 Pro or Composite Pro?
Composite 2 Pro
Our newest intermediate stick. It's about 10% lighter than the Composite Pro at the same strength. Its variable flex adds a higher bend point to the mid-low kick point, for a quick release with more power on bigger shots.
Composite Pro
Our value intermediate stick. It has a raw carbon fiber finish, with no paint to add weight, and a mid-low kick point for a quick release with good power.
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.
Questions
Is an intermediate stick right for a 12-year-old?
For most, yes. A smaller or newer 12-year-old may still fit a junior stick, which we don't make.
Can an adult use an intermediate stick?
Yes, if the player is lighter or wants a lower flex and thinner shaft.
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 intermediate sticks · Senior stick guide · Hockey stick guide
Updated October 2026