He shoots! He scores!
A phrase every hockey player loves to hear.
But how do you get that puck in the net?
Power, rapid release, and stickhandling are all key components in shooting the puck past the goal line. All of which are optimized by your choice of hockey stick! (And some pro-level online training doesn’t hurt).
Gear up and get to the top of your game with this list of the best hockey sticks on the market in 2023!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Bauer Vapor Hyperlite
Best Hockey Stick On A Budget
STX Ice Hockey Surgeon RX3.1
Best Composite Hockey Stick
CCM Jetspeed FT475
Best Overall
Bauer Vapor Hyperlite
The Bauer Vapor Hyperlite is an elite, lightweight hockey stick that helps players snap off quick-release shots. It’s built for the serious players out there looking to ramp up their game to the next level.
The Bauer Vapor Hyperlite has been engineered with a low kick point to help you achieve the fastest puck release possible. The hockey stick is available in various customizable stiffnesses and blade patterns to fit your preferences.
The Vapor Hyperlite was built lighter than its predecessors and uses advanced carbon layering in both the shaft and blade to add strength to the stick without adding weight. The shaft also is built with DuraFlex resin, further increasing its strength. Down at the bottom of the stick, the blade is made with a carbon fiber core, improving overall speed and durability by 20%.
Ultimately, the Bauer Vapor Hyperlight is the precipice of Bauer’s hockey stick technology melded into one quick-firing stick ready for you to use!
If you’re looking for a hockey stick favored by professionals across the world, look no further!
Pros
- Lightweight for fast-release shots
- Stiff blade that improves stickhandling
- Stronger shaft than previous Bauer sticks
Cons
- Less powerful than hockey sticks with a higher kick point
- High price point
Best Hockey Stick On A Budget
STX Ice Hockey Surgeon RX3.1
The STX Ice Hockey Surgeon RX3.1 is one of the best budget hockey sticks on the market.
This STX hockey stick has an ultra-high balance point to improve the overall feel of the stick while you’re on the ice. Loved by hockey players for its excellent build quality and precise shooting capabilities, the STX is a stick that you won’t want to miss out on, whether you’re just a beginner starting out or a more advanced player!
Pros
- Hybrid kick points that improve puck release and extend load capacity
- High balance point
- Affordable price
Cons
- Shape of the shaft is slightly different and may take some getting used to
Best Composite Hockey Stick
CCM Jetspeed FT475
The CCM Jetspeed FT475 is an elite-level composite hockey stick at a more reasonable price than its other high-end counterparts.
The CCM Jetspeed is built with a hybrid kick point—the place where the shaft flexes the most. Depending on where you position your hands when you’re loading to shoot, because of the hybrid kick point, you’ll be able to prioritize either rapid release or power. This dual threat is a great addition to your arsenal, as sticks with singular kick points aren’t able to provide this either-or option.
The blade of the stick is engineered with a dampened core and tactile surface to ensure that you get the best feel of the puck when stickhandling.
If you’ve even been wanting to try out a hybrid kick point hockey stick, the CCM Jetspeed is for you!
Pros
- Well-balanced and lightweight
- Hybrid kick point that can be used to improve puck release speed, or for heavy loading and power
- Improved blade core for a better feel of the puck and improved stickhandling
Cons
- Durability could be improved
CCM Ultimate ABS Wood Stick
While composite sticks are definitely more popular nowadays, there is no denying that playing with a wooden stick can be a nostalgic blast!
The CCM Ultimate ABS Wood Stick has been built for use on any surface! Even outdoor surfaces that normally absolutely wreck wooden sticks are no match for this powerhouse.
The CCM Ultimate ABS Wood Stick is a great option for beginners, if you’re looking for a practice or outdoor hockey stick, or simply if you’re not trying to break the bank on new gear!
Pros
- Very affordable compared to composite sticks
- Can be used on any surface and is great for street hockey
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Heavier than other sticks
- Blade will shave down over time when continuously used on rougher surfaces
CCM Tacks AS-V Grip Composite Hockey Stick
Anyone who uses this stick can tell you, the CCM Tacks AS-V Grip Composite Hockey Stick is built for power!
Starting with the shaft of the stick, the CCM Tacks has a new V-shaped geometry to improve feel. The hockey stick is also built with CCM’s Nanolite Carbon Layering technology to reduce weight without sacrificing too much durability. In the Tacks hockey Stick, CCM has also redefined the traditional mid kick point by integrating their Max Loading technology into this heavy-hitting stick.
Combine that new mid kick point technology with the improved shaft design and you’ve got a recipe for maximum shot power and accuracy!
Pros
- Mid kick point that stores maximum energy
- Noticeable difference in power
- Light, durable, and balanced
Cons
- Shaft shape can take time to get used to
Bauer Nexus Geo
The Bauer Nexus Geo is an ultralightweight hockey stick perfect for competitive hockey players looking for a stick with an effortless release.
The shaft of the Nexus Geo is a five-sided shape that creates additional surface area contact with the player’s hand, which in turn maximizes speed and control. Combining this control with Bauer’s Omni-Core blade technology—which optimizes puck release—and you have a hockey stick that is ready to whip out some fast shots.
The Nexus Geo has a mid kick point for added shot-taking power.
Pros
- Ultralightweight at under 400 grams
- Five-sided shaft for increased control
- Fast release blade
Cons
- High price tag
- Five-sided shaft can be difficult to get used to
Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic
The Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic is a hockey stick that allows you to shoot from anywhere, without delay. In a game as fast-paced as hockey, being able to blast off a shot without worrying too much about hand positioning is a real asset.
So how does Bauer accomplish this with the Supreme Ultrasonic? The hockey stick is designed with a kick point higher up on the shaft, which in turn allows players to load up their shots even if their hands are much closer together. Essentially, the higher kick point gives you more leeway in your hand positioning so you can keep knocking off precise power shots no matter where your hands are!
The Supreme Ultrasonic loads easily and provides a powerful release. This stick showcases an unmatched shooting performance and has earned its spot on our list of best hockey sticks in 2023!
Pros
- Ultralightweight at under 400 grams
- Seven-sided geometric shape that increases blade stability
- Kick point is higher up on the shaft to optimize shooting from any hand positioning
Cons
- High price tag
- Shaft design can take time to get used to
HZRDUS PX Stick from TRUE
We’ve already had ultralightweight sticks on this list of the best hockey sticks for 2023, sure. But none as light as the TRUE’s HZRDUS PX!
The HZRDUS PX weighs less than 350 grams and is the absolute lightest commercially available hockey stick.
The stick is built with a low kick point for the fastest release possible. The blade of the stick has been constructed with strategic rib placements throughout, which provides increased stability upon impact with the puck, leading to more powerful and accurate shooting.
Between the blade and the shaft, the taper is stiff to optimize puck control. The shaft itself is made up of 25 layers of carbon fiber to keep the stick feather-light.
HZRDUS hockey stick lovers adore this product for its lighter-than-air feel! If you decide to go with this hockey stick, know you are getting some of the best hockey technology in the world. And that’s exactly why it’s wrapping up our list of the best hockey sticks for 2023!
Pros
- Lightest stick on the market
- Optimized for puck control and very responsive
- Maximum blade stability for better stickhandling
Cons
- High price point
- Durability could be improved
Hockey Sticks Buyer’s Guide
There are so many hockey sticks out there and choosing one can be hard!
The great thing is, you can try out all different kinds of hockey sticks over your years on the ice. So don’t feel bad if you cycle through a few—or many—before settling on your preferred stick of choice.
That being said, hockey sticks cost money, so you can’t really go out and buy every single top-of-the-line stick on the market at once.
So, you’ll have to choose one or two to start! And, to be honest, you really can’t go wrong with any of the hockey sticks on this list. But some may fit your unique needs better than others.
To help you on your quest to find the best stick for your particular hockey-related needs, we’ve put together a handy buyer’s guide just for you!
How Often Will You Be Using Your Hockey Sticks?
Occasional players, regular players, and competitive players all have different sticks that would be best suited for them.
The occasional player may want to explore the option of purchasing a wooden or low-budget composite stick. These sticks will give you what you need to play the game, without breaking the bank! The STX Ice Hockey Surgeon and the wooden CCM Ultimate ABS Stick would be perfect for the infrequent players out there just looking to have a stick in their back pocket in case a game of shinny comes up unexpectedly.
If you hit the ice regularly you should be looking into mid- to high-performance sticks that you can use in your organized games. Great performance doesn’t need to come with a high price tag though. The CCM Tacks AS-V, and the CCM JetSpeed FT475 are all high-performing affordable options!
If you’re a competitive player, you’ll probably be wanting to get an elite-level stick. These elite hockey sticks will give you that fraction-of-a-hair advantage that you’re looking for! Sticks like the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite, the Bauer Nexus Geo, the Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic, and the TRUE HZRDUS PX are what you might want to consider trying out!
Where Will You Be Using Your Hockey Sticks?
The location where you’re using your hockey stick will make a huge difference in which stick is best for you.
If you’re pounding the pavement playing street hockey, the best hockey stick for you is probably an inexpensive wooden stick! Rough surfaces like the street or a poorly maintained outdoor rink will wear down the blade of your stick fairly quickly, and you definitely don’t want that to be happening to an expensive piece of equipment!
If you’re playing on well-groomed rinks though, you’ll have no problem maintaining higher-end gear! You’ll also be good to use your high-performance sticks on synthetic ice! And yes, synthetic ice really is a thing—check out PolyGlide Ice if you’re interested in practicing your slapshot year-round (use our discount code “lifeinminnesota” for a 15% discount)!
So, before you pick the best hockey stick for you, consider where you’ll be using that stick!
The Difference Between Composite and Wooden Hockey Sticks
When you’re out choosing the best hockey stick for your needs, consider the material your potential stick is made of! Hockey sticks are either composite—carbon fiber sheets typically layered with resin—or wooden builds, so picking the best build for you is key!
In general, composite sticks weigh less than their wooden stick counterparts. They are built with new technologies to optimize stickhandling and shooting, and have custom kick points. New composite hockey sticks are constantly advancing the sport’s technology and are considered to be the higher-performing gear.
Wood sticks, on the other hand, are generally heavier and stiffer. Because wood is a natural product, inconsistencies in the build quality may occur. Wood sticks, therefore, are generally less uniform and consistent than their composite counterparts. However, they are way more affordable and are great for those playing less frequently or those just starting out!
For Composite Sticks, What Kick Point Are You Looking For?
On a composite hockey stick, the kick point is where the stick has been designed to flex the most. When you’re looking for a hockey stick, one of the best things to know beforehand is which kick point you’re looking for.
If this is your first time learning about kick points, don’t you worry! We’ve broken down the advantages of each kick point for you:
- A low kick point is when the stick is most flexible at the lower end of the shaft. Low kick points help you get your shots off fast and will improve your ability to quickly release the puck from your stick.
- A mid kick point occurs when the stick is engineered to be more flexible near its middle. Mid kick point sticks are designed to maximize velocity and power with each shot.
- A hybrid kick point is typically when the stick is designed to be the most flexible wherever the bottom hand gripping the stick is during loading and shooting. A hybrid kick point offers power and speed, depending on how it is used. The CCM Jetspeed is a great example of a hybrid kick point hockey stick.
Ultimately, the kick point you choose will be based on your preferences and what you’re hoping to get out of your new hockey stick!
Take The Shot With These Best Hockey Sticks for 2023
The best hockey sticks for 2023 provide you with everything you need to excel on the ice. Power, rapid release, and stickhandling are all major considerations for equipment manufacturers when they are engineering the latest and greatest in hockey stick technology.
Rest assured, no matter the hockey stick you choose from this list, it’ll be a great one!
Time to wind up that slap shot and watch that puck fly!
Are you gearing up for your first time on the ice? Or maybe you’re in the market for new equipment? If you enjoyed this article on the best hockey sticks for 2023, definitely go check out our recommendations for 2023’s best hockey skates!
Still want more hockey content? Then check out our hockey page for training guides, equipment rankings, and fun facts about our favorite sport!