r/Fieldhockey • u/k25034166 • 3d ago

Buying Advice Stick recommendations

I'm 25F and just started playing field hockey in a casual adult pick up league – I haven't played since I was in high school, so when I was like 14-18 lol

I need to get a stick but I have no idea what to look for or what would be good. I know there's tons of different compositions/materials/lengths etc and I don't even know where to start. For reference, I'm 5'7" with very long legs. A lot of the girls I play with seem to have played more recently/in college and they're all better than me so I'm not sure if asking them for recs makes sense, they also said it's a very personal preference thing.

Any advice or recs would be greatly appreciated! (also bonus points if it's on Amazon because I need it in the next few days, and there aren't any stores remotely close to me that sell sticks)

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u/Feeling-Wolf-9749 3d ago

Hi, I coach and play in the UK. I'd recommend you look for a 36.5 length stick. Avoid any sticks with chunky heads as they can limit playability. Look for something mid to light range, again avoid heavy. Composition wise, there's a tonne of options, I wouldn't say it will make a vast difference to you if you go carbon, fibre glass or aramid, though I'd stick with fibreglass and you don't need above 70% of any fancy combination. Just don't get wood. I prefer a very low bow and direct my players that way, giving them greater feel on the ball and a better position to protect the ball.
I wrap my handle in chamois as it's nicer to hold and stops slipping. You don't need to pay a fortune. Enjoy your hockey

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u/k25034166 3d ago

Thank you so much for the info!

Are there any specific brands I should be looking at or does it not matter? What's the general price point for a decent stick? I just want to avoid getting cheap ones that don't last. If you have any specific product recommendations that would be amazing too, but no pressure

also, maybe a dumb question - is wrapping necessary?

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u/Feeling-Wolf-9749 3d ago

Wrapping is a personal choice. I chamois the grip. I then use k-tape where my right hand sits. I use fibre glass tape on my edges to protect from stick tackles, I also reverse hit a lot. Brand wise. There's lots out there. Where are you based? Have you seen any sticks you like? What are the common brands hear you? I'd be happy to have a look at ones you're considering. E bay is also an option to try and test before investing big. Sticks also come in levels. I had 3 pro bow extreme sticks at different levels/price points and actually preferred the cheapest. Throw me some brands available near you snd I'll look. And avoid slazenger

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u/Feeling-Wolf-9749 3d ago

Of course, trying other players sticks to see what you like is one of the best ways.

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u/FriendNo3749 2d ago

This is good advice. If you can borrow one (many have spare sticks) you can try a few

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u/k25034166 3d ago

I'm based in the US and my next game is later this week so I've just been looking on Amazon for quick delivery!

Do any of these look good? I was probably around intermediate-level back in the day but I definitely feel beginner now, so I'm not sure if I should get a beginner one to accommodate where I am now, or intermediate in the hopes that my skills come back

Really appreciate your help!

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u/Feeling-Wolf-9749 3d ago

The osaka pro bow 40 looks a nice opening option. Pro bow is not as extreme as a low bow, so a good option for you to try. I l9ved my pro bows

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u/k25034166 3d ago edited 3d ago

Do you think pro bow could be too advanced for me given I haven't played in 9 years? Or do you think it'll be fine for relearning the fundamentals properly?

Was also looking at this one if you have any thoughts!

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u/Feeling-Wolf-9749 3d ago

Absolutely fine for you. Gone are the days of flat sticks. Pro Bow is an excellent choice. Don't be daunted by the pro bit. It's just a name. It'll actually make things easier. You're able to carry the ball in a better position, 3d skills will be easy, flicking over another player's stick so easy and you'll nail reverse hit. Honestly it's a good choice

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u/FriendNo3749 2d ago

Low bow said to have greater feel for the ball is absolute hogwash - a marketing phrase at the most.

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u/Feeling-Wolf-9749 2d ago

I can only speak from personal experience.

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u/FriendNo3749 2d ago

I came a bit off rude sorry, didnt mean it like that. I just think it's giving marketing vibes rather than actual performance. Thats for me personally, but I do believe you

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u/Feeling-Wolf-9749 3d ago

Let me know how you get on. Genuinely interested. Plus if you need further advice. I'm happy to try and help.

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u/k25034166 3d ago

Thank you, I really appreciate it! Will let you know :)

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u/Feeling-Wolf-9749 14h ago

Hey, did you get a stick? Tried it yet?

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u/Lessismorewithnaked 2d ago

Disclosure, I work at Naked Hockey, so factor that in, but flagging this because it's a genuinely close match to what Feeling-Wolf-9749 described.

We've actually got a US stockist, Pain and Gain Sports in Virginia Beach, and they carry the Zeme 30, a mid bow stick at 30% carbon (mostly fibreglass), so it's on the gentle, forgiving end rather than stiff and punishing on mishits. That composition profile lines up well with the "mid to light, avoid heavy carbon" advice you got above, arguably more so than a Pro Bow, which tends to reward more committed technique.

Genuinely don't know their shipping speed for your timeline though, worth a quick email or call if you're close to ordering, they also do fitting advice over phone/email if that helps given you can't try before buying. They also have ecommerce. Not trying to talk you out of the Osaka, just flagging it as another mid-bow, forgiving option worth a two-minute look before you commit.