Choosing the Perfect Aratac Hockey Stick

Choosing the perfect Aratac Stick

When it's time to pick a new hockey stick, several crucial considerations come into play. The primary elements to evaluate include; length, your skill level, the shape/bow, the balance, and the weight. All these factors combine and can make a massive impact to your performance on the field. A stick that is perfect for you will compliment your own abilities and bring your game to a new level. With an Aratac stick, you won't just see the difference—you'll feel it.

Length:

Size plays a huge part in stick selection. There is a general rule of thumb that a hockey stick should come up to the top of your hip bone. However, some players may choose a shorter or longer stick depending on where and how they play on the field. An offensive player may choose a shorter stick to improve their control when whipping around defenders near goal whereas a defensive player may choose a longer stick to generate more power when hitting up the field.

Our adult sticks typically range from 36.5” up to 38.5” with our junior range starting at 32” and going up to 36.5”. Within these ranges you should be able to find the stick that perfectly complements your style.

Skill Level:

Our sticks have been designed with 3 different skill levels in mind:

  • Beginner: The best stick for learning and honing skills. These sticks have a lower carbon content so are more forgiving and will aid the player in learning fundamental skills around ball control, passing, and shooting. We recommend you look at the Nitro and Sigma stick ranges for this.
  • Intermediate: Taking your game to the next level. These sticks maintain elements of control but with added carbon content you will be able to generate more power to elevate your game. These stick with their mid/high-level of carbon content will get your game to the next level. We recommend the Terra Pro range for improving and advanced play.
  • Advanced: The best of the best. These sticks have been designed with one thing in mind: performance. Our top end sticks feature a high carbon content which gives them the ability to generate huge power for shooting and passing. Plus gives the player the ability to use any 3-dimentional skills they have picked up. The ultimate stick for the ultimate player, check out the Nano Pro and Nano Pro SF ranges.

Shape:

The bow of a hockey stick is the curvature from the handle to the toe. This causes the stick to present its head at different angles to the ball. From this we can create sticks that will excel in different positions. 

  • Low Bow: This style of bow accentuates the head position when playing the ball, this creates a stick that excels at 3D skills, dribbling, aerial passing and drag flicking. Some sticks, like our 3D range, take this to the extreme with a bow position at 200mm. While sticks like the Nano Pro SF-2 and Terra Pro 2 sit a more traditional low bow position at 220mm. This will come down to personal preference and playing style.
  • Mid Bow: The mid bow position is a more versatile option which provides a balance between power and control. These sticks like the Nano Pro 2 or Terra Pro 1 have balance points at 270mm or 240mm. This style of curve lends itself more to power passing or shooting.

Each bows exact position along the stick will vary from model to model to ensure we can find the perfect match for each player.

Balance Point:

The balance point is pivotal to the overall feel and pick up of the stick. This is the midpoint of the sticks weight and moving it up and down within the stick can drastically affect its performance. For example, a balance point nearer to the handle will give the impression of a lighter stick. This means that for quick agile movements this sort of balance point will be beneficial. While on the other hand a balance point closer to the head will provide extra power to the shot.

Weight:

This plays a crucial role in stick selection. Lighter sticks are usually preferred by attacking players for quick stick work and agility. While heavier sticks offer extra stopping power and ability to make long passes or shots. This weight in conjunction with the balance point contributes to the overall feel of a stick.

In Conclusion:

Our stick designs are created to cover each individual players own style. Each model has been crafted to fulfil a role on the pitch and provide someone with a stick that suits them. From a fast, nimble forward beating defenders with quick stick movements; to defenders smacking the ball up the length of the field through lines of attackers and midfielders. With Aratac, you will see and feel the difference in how you play the game.

Back to Blog