Best Youth Hockey Stick: An Ultimate Buying Guide

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Introduction

Youth hockey sticks are great products that can help your child learn how to play ice and street hockey. There are a lot of products out there, and it can be difficult to find the one that will fit your needs perfectly.

In this article, we will be going over the best youth hockey sticks reviews. Additionally, we are also offering a comprehensive buying guide and FAQs with common questions that potential youth hockey stick owners may have.

Top 15 Best Youth Hockey Sticks

1. STX Field Hockey IX 401 Indoor Stick

With a high customer satisfaction rating, this hockey stick from STX is a great value for the cost. It is available in a wide range of sizes from 34″ to 37.5″, giving you some options for purchase. It is perfect for both ice and street hockey, and well-balanced for a great starter product.

Made with 40% carbon, there is a good amount of flex available with this product, and it is highly durable. This is designed for both indoor and outdoor hockey, and it is a great product that will help your youth hockey player learn the ropes and get started playing hockey.

Overall, this is a sound product that is worth the moderate price. It has a rounded shaft that is easy to hold and is well balanced overall, with a good customer satisfaction rating.

2. STX HPR 50 Field Hockey Stick

If you are looking for a good beginner’s hockey stick at a great price, this is worth looking into. It is available in sizes ranging from 33″ to 36″ and offers a lot of flexibility and versatility. It is easy to see on the field as it is designed with silver and bright yellow colors, and is rounded for easy training.

This product is made from 100% fiberglass, meaning that it is both flexible and durable in its design. Additionally, fiberglass is relatively cheap to work with while having a good amount of quality. This means that you can save more without sacrificing quality or design.

3. STX Field Hockey Stallion HPR 101

This hockey stick from STX is another quality product that features a balanced shape of the box for versatility on the field. It is moderately priced, and can easily fit into most budgets. For beginners, this is a great hockey stick that is easy to learn on with a high durability rating, and hits well on the field.

This is highly rated among customers and is quickly becoming a favorite for youth players all around. The shaved toe of this product makes it easy to use regardless of your position, and it is made from a composite material with 10% carbon that offers versatility and function.

This is a heavy-weight option that is great for beginner and intermediate hockey players and is easy to use in both field and ice hockey.

4. Franklin Sports NHL Phantom Street Hockey Stick

If you are looking for a great basic budget-friendly youth hockey stick, this is a great product from Franklin. It is available in a wide range of sizes and comes either in left or right-handed. The shaft is square, which is great for allowing you to keep your hold on it without worrying about it going anywhere.

There is made from high-quality construction and has a vinyl wrap that keeps it looking nice through continuous use. The blade has a good amount of curve that is well suited for any position, and there is also a good amount of flex. Overall, this is a great hockey stick to test out the waters and see if your child is going to enjoy playing.

5. STX Ice Hockey Surgeon Hockey Stick

Another quality product from STX, this ice hockey stick is available in various styles and sizes. It can be used for either right-hand or left-hand users and is made from high-quality and durable materials. STX ice hockey stick is designed with ergonomics in mind, making it easy to handle and giving you more control while in use.

This hockey stick has an enhanced amount of flex that allows for a wider range of motion and has a high balance point making it a great option for beginner hockey players. It is a good size, standing at around 4.5 feet, and has been very well received from customers overall. This is a great price for the quality of the product that you receive and a great place to start learning to play hockey.

6. Mylec MK1 Youth ABS Hockey Stick

Simple yet efficient in design, this hockey stick from Mylec comes in at a good price and is made from wood, making it highly durable. With an ABS blade, there is a good amount of curvature with this product and it can be used on any type of surface for a high versatility rating.

Integrations on the design work to minimize the damage incurred while playing, and this is a heavy stick due to its wood construction and can stand up to a lot of constant use. There is a decent amount of flex with this product, which given its wood construction is all the more impressive.

7. Franklin Sports Street Hockey Set

If you are looking for a good street hockey set for beginners, this product from Franklin Sports is worth looking into. It comes with two youth hockey sticks, as well as a street hockey ball. It has a high rating from customers overall and is extremely affordable considering everything that comes included in the purchase.

These hockey sticks measure 37″, which is a great size for youth players to learn on. Although this is not as well suited for ice hockey, it is a great way to learn the basics outside. This is compatible with both left-handed and right-handed players and features a nice-looking graphic on both sticks.

Overall, this is a good basic starting set that is made from wood and will last for your children to learn the basics of hockey.

8. Franklin Sports NHL SX Comp Street Tech Hockey Stick

Another quality and budget-friendly option from Franklin Sports, this youth hockey stick is a great value. It comes in a variety of sizes and can be used for both right-handed and left-handed players. Made from a combination of composite materials, this hockey stick is made to last and has a replaceable blade should the need come up.

There is a short learning curve for this youth hockey stick, making it a great option for those who are just learning how to play. This is a highly durable product that can withstand a lot of use and abuse over its lifetime. The stick itself is square, which is ideal for beginners and is easy to maintain a grip on as you are playing.

9. Mylec Eclipse Jet Flo Stick

A great product for the price point, this hockey stick from Mylec is simple yet durable and effective. It can be used for right and left-handed players, with multiple sizes to choose from. The shaft is made from composite wood and is solid enough to stand up to constant use and abuse. Because it is made from wood, it is considerably heavier than other materials.

This is a perfect hockey stick to start learning street hockey, and the blade is replaceable if you need to. While it is not as flexible as others, it is still a great option that will teach a beginner hockey player the basics of street hockey. Overall, this is a fantastic hockey stick that is well suited for beginners and comes in at a great price.

10. Cosom Elementary Plastic Hockey Stick

Although not as well-suited for tournaments or leagues, this is a great product from Cosom that will teach your youth player the basics of hockey. It is available in a wide range of colors, all of which will be great to have on hand and provide some variety. Additionally, there is an option to buy these in bulk (packs of 15), which will save even more.

This comes in a standard size for grades 4-6 and is well suited for learning the sport without spending a lot of upfront money.

It can be used for either left or right-handed users and is lightweight enough to hold easily. The grip is decent on this product, and although not as good as others on the market it is a great starting point to learn the basics easily.

11. Franklin Sports NHL Team Mini Hockey 2 Piece Set

This two-piece set from Franklin Sports is available at a great price that is sure to please anyone. It is easy to use, and a great option for learning the basics of hockey. This is available in many different styles of sports teams and comes with one right-handed hockey stick and one left-handed, one for more versatility and functionality.

In addition to coming with two youth hockey sticks, this also comes with two foam balls for easy practice and learning how to use the hockey sticks. Designed with kids in mind, this would make a great gift for any occasion or just to purchase for your kids to learn the basics of hockey. The blades that come with this are pre-curved, making it so there is no need for assembly, and can be used right out of the package.

12. Frontier 1500 Youth Hockey Stick

For a good basic youth hockey stick, this is a great option from Frontier that is designed with kids beginning learning to play hockey in mind. It stands 43″ high, and features a clean design that is streamlined and ergonomically sound. The blade is a high-quality ABS, with a fiberglass overlay it will hold up well with consistent use.

The shaft itself is durable and a good weight that will allow your child to learn with it easily and efficiently. Perfect for beginners and with a great price point, this is a great product that you will be happy with. The square shaft is also great for getting a grip and keeping it while learning the correct form needed.

13. Mylec Air Flo Goalie Stick (Unisex)

Made from synthetic materials, this goalie stick is a great option if you know that your child will be playing in this position. There is a wide-angled blade that is great for deflecting objects, and it is a durable design that you can expect to last a long time. The shaft is wrapped for additional comfort when using, and it comes from a reputable seller.

This is a pretty hefty and durable stick that is heavy enough to repel objects as needed while being flexible in design. The wooden shaft is constructed soundly, and although it doesn’t have as much flex as others, it works very well for what it was designed for.

14. Bauer Vapor 1X LITE Composite Hockey Stick

Highly rated among customers, this hockey stick is a great value and a sound product. Although not suited well for ice hockey, this is a great product that can be used for street hockey and is a fantastic learning tool. This will be a great upgrade for anyone who has been using plastic sticks for training and is made from durable materials.

This has a good weight to it, as it is not too heavy or too light. The curve is good for all-purpose training and can be used down the road if your child wants to specialize in a particular position. The price for this product is also very decent, and you will find that it can fit into your budget without breaking the bank.

15. Franklin Sports NHL Team Licensed 2 Piece Hockey Stick

Last, on the list, this youth hockey stick from Franklin Sports is available in either left or right-handed models, with different team styles to choose from. The square shaft is constructed from a combination of poplar and birch wood and is very durable. It may lack some flex compared to other composite models, but the price point is very budget-friendly.

This is well received by customers and features a high-quality vinyl wrap of your favorite hockey team. The polymer blade has a slightly rounded edge, and can easily be replaced as needed. There is no assembly required with this product and can be used right out of the box.

If you are looking for a good quality product that is good for beginners, this is a great buy that won’t set you back by much to purchase. It is made from high-quality wood that is made to last.

What to Consider When Buying a Youth Hockey Stick

There are a lot of options that are on the market when it comes to hockey sticks in general, and even more for youth hockey sticks. It can seem overwhelming at first to decide which is the best product to purchase that will fit in with your needs. Read on to see how you can buy the best youth hockey sticks for teaching your children how to play hockey.

In this section, we will be going over some aspects of purchasing the perfect hockey stick that you want to keep in mind. Depending on your situation, needs, and budget, some of these may be more important than others. Just remember to find the right balance and to keep an open mind.

Price

Like anything that we buy, the price of a youth hockey stick is an important aspect to consider when you are looking to purchase one. What I would recommend doing is making a list of the features that you want, and what you aren’t willing to sacrifice. Additionally, have a reasonable set price in mind that you are looking to stick to.

With your budget, it is also recommended that you have a low-end and a high-end price in mind so that you can find a product that fits in with your budget without sacrificing the things that you know you will need. In the sections listed below, we have added products that vary in budget and style, so there is bound to be one that will fit in with your specific needs.

Length

The length of the hockey stick is one of the most important things that you will want to keep in mind. After all, you won’t want to buy one that is too short or too long for your child to use. Making sure that the youth hockey stick you buy is the right length will ensure that they are getting the most out of the product, as well as allowing them to perform their best using it.

To find the right length of the youth hockey stick, you simply need to have your child stand upright and measure from the floor alongside their back and stop around halfway up the back of their head. What you measure is the ideal height for the hockey stick to be.

Keep in mind that if they are wearing shoes or skates, the hockey stick should be parallel to the top of their neck, right at where the spine and head meet.

Durability

When playing ice or street hockey, the youth hockey stick you decide on will be going through a lot of use and some abuse. To make sure that it lasts for a while, you will want to find one that is made from high-quality materials and is highly durable. We will go over the best material to use if you continue reading down below, and this is one area that you will want to make sure of and not skimp on.

Material Used

Back in the day, hockey sticks were made from wood and were easier to snap or break with use. By today’s standards, they will be made from a composite material that will bend easier without breaking and can stand up to more use overall. However, there are still some manufacturers that will use wood for the shaft of the hockey stick.

In addition to the materials that are used, the shape of the shaft will also differ. Generally, a hockey stick will either have a square or round shaft. While the round shafts are easier to handle, it has also been found that they are easier to lose your grip with. Before making a purchase, it would be a good idea to try out both and determine which is favored by your child.

Amount of Flex

When we talk about flex (which we will do a lot of), we are referring to the amount of pressure that the hockey stick can handle without snapping or breaking. Because of the way that hockey is played, it is recommended to have a good amount of flex when you are choosing a product to purchase.

This is measured given a number for the amount of flex. For instance, a hockey stick with a 90 flex will not be able to bend nearly as much as one with a flex of 65. And for your reference, these numbers are given to the hockey stick by the number of pounds that can be applied to the center of the shaft before it will give out or break.

Youth Hockey Sticks VS Junior Hockey Sticks

There are generally going to be two main differences as relates to youth VS junior hockey sticks, and that will be the size. As a rule of thumb, there are four sizes of hockey sticks classified: senior, intermediate, junior, and youth.

Junior hockey sticks will be better suited for children aged 7-12, while youth hockey sticks will be for children that are between the ages of 4-8. In addition to the length of the shaft, the blade will also be shorter. Also, shorter hockey sticks will not need as much flex as others, as they won’t be bending as much.

Keep in mind as well that although your child may fit into a specific age range, they may be taller or shorter than others their age, and it would be best to go by the size of the hockey stick. Read on for more information on how to choose the best youth hockey sticks depending on height.

What is the Best Stick Curve for Youth and Junior Hockey Players

One of the most important aspects of finding the right youth hockey stick, we decided that the curve needed its own section devoted to it. There are a lot of different curve options floating around, and it can be a bit of a challenge to find the right one. When you are trying to determine the right hockey stick curve for your youth hockey player, it is a good idea to take into consideration the position that they play on the field.

• Heel Curves – these have more of a curve around the base of the hockey stick, and are favored by defensemen
• Toe Curves – the curve on these will be towards the toe of the blade, and are great for forwards
• Mid curves – think of this as a hybrid of both toe and heel curves. The curve will be towards the middle of the blade, and this type is the most versatile; being well suited for stick handlers, and passers, and has a good accuracy rating.

While the curve is important, if you are unsure what position your hockey player will be settling in, it is a good idea to go with the mid curve, as this is a good middle ground. Later on, you can always specialize in a type of curve and go from there.

How to Choose Hockey Stick Length for Your Child

As we mentioned above, choosing the right length of the youth hockey stick for your child is one of the most important aspects. This will make sure that they can easily use it, and while they are learning to play they are learning the right way. Choosing the best hockey stick length for your child can be easily done, and only takes a few minutes and some way to measure.

1. Before we begin, it should be noted that you can use any type of measuring tape to determine the length needed, although fabric measuring tapes are best suited for this type of measurement. To begin, start by having your child standing upright without any shoes or skates on. This is easiest done by having them standing up against the wall, as it will make sure that their back is straight.

2. Begin measuring from the floor directly under your child and measure from the floor to the tip of their nose. This is how long the hockey stick should be. Depending on their size, you may find that you need to account for growth as they are using the hockey stick in the next several months.

If you are measuring them with their shoes or skates on, you will want to measure from the floor to their chin to account for the height differences as well.

What Flex Does My Child Need?

Remember, as we mentioned above, the amount of flex means how much weight can be applied to the stick without it cracking or breaking. When it comes to youth hockey sticks, there won’t be much weight or pressure applied and as such, there does not need to be as much flex as with other categories of hockey sticks.

A good amount of flex to have and what you want to look for is anywhere around 40-52 flex. This will allow your youth to apply 40-52 pounds of weight to the shaft before it breaks or snaps. That said, it would be a good idea to keep in mind that your child might apply more pressure than this, and you may need to find a hockey stick that will allow for more flex.

Also, keep in mind that with flex you need have a good amount of durability from the materials used to support the amount of pressure being applied to the hockey stick. A good rule of thumb is to start with a higher flex (around 50) and see how it holds up. If you notice that there are issues when your child is using it, you can always upgrade.

Stick Materials

Starting out way back in the 1800s, hockey sticks were made entirely of wood and were not the same products that we see and use today. We have seen tremendous improvements to the shaft part of hockey sticks, especially in the last 20 years, give or take a few. Now while there are some hockey sticks that are still made of wood, they are primarily made from composite materials, such as carbon.

Generally, they will be a blend of synthetic and natural materials that give the hockey sticks more flex and increases their overall durability. Unlike the wooden ones that were made back in the day, today’s hockey sticks are considered to be pretty sturdy and durable. Even the wooden varieties hold up well while in use and are sound investments.

Best Youth Hockey Stick: FAQs

Q: How Long Should the Best Youth Hockey Stick Be?

A: A youth hockey stick should be almost as high as your child. When standing upright, the stick should be planted firmly in the ground in front of them and come up to the tip of their nose. If they are wearing shoes or skates, then it should come up to the middle of their chin.

Q: What Makes a Good Hockey Stick?

A: There is a lot that goes into determining the value of a hockey stick. The main components that you need to be aware of are the materials used and the durability of the shaft, the curve of the blade (your needs will depend on the position your youth is assigned to), and the amount of flex. Another thing to consider is if the shaft is rounded or square, but most often that comes down to personal preference.

Q: What is a Good Price for a Youth Hockey Stick?

A: A good price is what you can afford; although you can generally find a good youth hockey stick for around $30-50. If you shop around and look for sales, you can expect this price to be even lower, as well.

Q: How Heavy Should a Hockey Stick Be?

A: This depends on the comfort of the player. A general rule of thumb is that the hockey stick should be lightweight enough to handle easily, while heavy enough to be durable and able to hit the puck across the floor with relative ease. If it is too light, it will not be able to hit an object very far, while if it’s too heavy it will be hard for the player to use in the correct manner.

Q: Do Hockey Sticks Break Easily

A: That depends on several factors such as what they are made of and how often you will be using them. For instance, wooden hockey sticks will break easier and quicker than others if you are trying to get more flex from them than what is recommended.

Q: What is the Best Material for a Hockey Stick?

A: We have found that the best material overall for hockey sticks is composite made from flexible materials. (Carbon for example). Although wood hockey sticks are great as well, they won’t have as much flex as others, and so if that is what you are looking for then composite is recommended.

Q: What Grip Style is Best?

A: There are two main grip styles: rounded or square. Rounded grips and shafts will be easier to use and maintain maneuverability, although they are easier to lose your grip with. Square shafts will be easier to maintain a grip, but are not as comfortable and may decrease your overall maneuverability.

Q: Are Gloves Needed to go With Hockey Sticks?

A: Gloves are not absolutely required to be used with hockey sticks, although it is recommended. Especially if your child will be using a hock stick with a square shaft, as this can be uncomfortable without gloves. Additionally, if your gloves have a rubber backing on the palm, then the round shafts will be easier to hold onto.

Q: Can Any Hockey Stick Be Used for Street and Ice Hockey?

A: Not all hockey sticks are created equal, and there are some that are only designed for street hockey, and some only to be used with ice hockey. Generally, the type they are compatible with will be listed on the packaging or in the product description, if bought online.

Q: What Brand of Youth Hockey Sticks is Best?

A: There are a lot of good brands for youth hockey sticks. That said, we highly recommend STX and Franklin Sport. Both brands have a good reputation for making quality hockey sticks that are durable and will last a long time.

Q: What is the Best Youth Hockey Stick?

We believe the best youth hockey stick that is on the market right now is the first one on this list ( STX Field Hockey IX 401 Indoor Stick). Overall, it has a high customer satisfaction rating and is a great buy for the cost. It is highly durable and made from a carbon composite material that is made to last.

This particular youth hockey stick is a great buy and a good starting point. It is easy to use, and lightweight enough without being too much so; making it a great choice for anyone with an interest in the sport. There are many benefits to owning this product, and a few cons to speak of. There is a good amount of flex with this product, and the blade features a good curve that will provide great results.

Q: What is the Best Hockey Stick for a 12-Year-Old?

While the STX Field Hockey IX is a fantastic product for youth, a 12-year-old will probably outgrow it fairly easily. For this age group, a larger hockey stick would be a good option, and for that, we would recommend a junior hockey stick. The best that we have found currently on the market is this option: Franklin Sports NHL SX 1020 Power Force Hockey Stick.

It is a decent price for the product and is available in longer sizes to accommodate the size differences between youth and junior hockey players. It is made from durable materials that will last a long time, has a good amount of flex, and has a fairly small learning curve to make it easier to transition to the next bracket of hockey sticks.

If your 12-year-old does not seem to take to a junior hockey stick, you can go down to one of the best youth hockey sticks until they are ready to proceed to use a junior hockey stick.

Final Thoughts

I hope this article was helpful, and that you are able to take the information listed above to find the best youth hockey stick for your child. All of the products listed above are made from high-quality materials and will last a long time. Additionally, our buying guide and FAQ section should help to address any other concerns that you may have.

Hockey is a great sport that teaches teamwork and learning how to play is a fun way to get much-needed exercise. It is our hope that this article will help you to find the best youth hockey sticks that are available on the market, and allow you to find one that you and your children will be happy with for years to come.