In hockey is a composite stick or wooden stick better to use for a beginner learning the basics of the game?

Question

I am just embarking on learning how to play the great sport of hockey as an adult. I see that there are several variations of hockey sticks and can be categorized mainly as either composite or wood. It seems that the wood sticks are cheaper but the composite sticks feel lighter. Is there a difference with respect to the type of shot you take (slapshot vs. wrist) or position you play in regards to the type of stick you should use? Anyone with hockey experience have any advice on the choice of stick?

Answer 1

Beginners should start with wood sticks, until you have mastered basic skills like pushing the puck up ice, carrying, stickhandling, passing and shooting. Good wood sticks are durable and should last you quite a while. Most important is finding the blade style that suits you best--both curve and lie are important factors in finding the right stick. Good wood sticks are relatively inexpensive, if it breaks it is not costly to replace. Composite sticks, though much lighter and more flexible, are extremely costly and are prone to snapping if used improperly. Composites enable a faster swing, release, and follow-thru that should generate more speed on the shot/pass. If you don't master the basics it doesnt matter what stick you choose. One of my first hockey coaches once played us in a scrimmage with a broom handle--just to show how truly unimportant a $200 composite stick is.

My advice is to master the basics with a woody,

Answer 2

As a beginner it shouldn't make too much difference but if you plan on sticking with it and getting better then go composite. For the price difference, a week-end warrior only needs wood. A slapshot with a composite has a whip, almost slingshot action to it, so it will be a harder shot-once again, as a beginner, not hard enough to notice but for the average NHLer, probably (guessing) 5-10 MPH faster. Composites break easier too leading to even more money. Plus, when playing pick-up hockey, you will need atleast 2 sticks in case you break one so I would go wood. Worked for Al MacInnis.

Answer 3

Personally, I think wooden sticks are better for beginners OR professionals. You can feel the puck MUCH better, they don't break any easier, and the idea that composite sticks make you shoot harder is a myth. It is NOT a coincidence that the hardest shot competition in the All-Star game is producing LOWER results than it did 15 years ago or more. Iafrate, MacInnis, and Bobby Hull did not use composite sticks. It is also not a coincidence that you see a lot more passes bouncing off of blades in the NHL. Wonder why you don't see as many one timers anymore? It is because the composite sticks don't do what they are advertised to do. A lot of guys would find themselves to be better players without the dumb composite sticks.

That's my two-cents worth.

Answer 4

As a beginner..i would have chosen a wooden stick. But i personally..even if im not a beginner (which im not) i only use wooden sticks. I dont get composites for specifically what u said..theyre lighter. Sometimes i feel like im holding nothing..and it makes me feel uncomfortable while trying to handle the puck. I feel like i can shoot with it better because i can feel the weight of it and all.

Answer 5

for a beginer I reccomend a cheap two peice stick with a wooden blade so that you can controll the puck and catch passes easier but it also helps your shot. a problem with one peice composites is many people dont know how to use them correctly to get the full benifit of the stick. a cheap two piece is the way to go

Answer 6

I'd get a couple of wood sticks. I've used both kinds, and it's a lot less expensive if you break a wood stick. It all comes down to player preference. I happen to like good, old-fashioned wood.

Answer 7

composite sticks are flex sticks where u use slap shots, as a wooden stick is more a begginers style stick.

Answer 8

Get a cheap one for now. Later, get a good wooden one.