Buying a stick is all about feel and personal preference. Unfortunately this makes purchasing a stick online very hard to select the correct one. The best way to decide is to try out a friends or a trial stick. Most of the larger tournaments have vendors and reps from the top stick companies.
With that being said, here are some tips and guidelines.
The most basic thing you must remember when buying a stick is that IT'S NOT ABOUT THE COLOR. There have been some great graphic designs that have come out over the last few years, but please do not let that take hold of your decision.
Traditionally forwards like light sticks with a lot of ball control and not too much power, defense obviously the opposite. Stick weights range from ultra light (UL), light (L), medium (M), and heavy. Based upon you preference and playing style, you can choose which one you prefer.
Choosing a Stick Length (excerpted from fieldhockey.net)
Hold your stick upside down, with the head in the air. Insert the head in your armpit, as if the stick was a crutch. A real crutch would reach the floor, while your stick ends somewhere near your knee. Where the end of the handle is in relation to your knee is the key to proper fit. The end of the handle should fall between the middle of your kneecap to no more than one inch below the kneecap.
Select a stick of that length, from your armpit to middle of the kneecap, and you may be amazed at how much your ball control will improve. Also, you are a lot less likely to cause unwanted lifted balls and broken stick heads.
Or – if you're around 5'4", you should use a 36.5 stick.
Stick Regulations
The FIH, NCAA, and NFHS all have individual rules for sticks. Before purchasing a stick, make sure that the bow or curve of the stick does not exceed 25 mm. It also must weigh less than 23 ounces. Once you have your beloved stick, please also make sure not to excessively tape it. A traditional tape job consists of the lower 4" inches of the shaft that starts just above the toe and covers the brand name of the stick. This helps with soft receptions and protects your stick from wear and tear.
Price
As you shop for a more advanced stick, the more the price will increase. Right now, you can get a decent stick for around $150. Stay away from the $40-$60 range. They tend to break and are not sturdy.
Brands
Stick brands are a personal preference. If you would like specific information and opinions, please contact njexpressfh@gmail.com
Buyer Beware
Before purchasing, please read Dita's recent announcement and warning about black market sticks. http://fieldhockey.net/blmast.html
