Choosing a Hockey Stick

Science of the Stick

At Kookaburra we’re rightly proud of our hockey stick range. Every piece of equipment is packed with the latest technological advances and cutting edge style. Designed by experts and perfected by players, Kookaburra enables you to hit the ball further, faster, harder while retaining more control than ever before. When it comes to selecting your ideal stick, there are no hard and fast rules – it comes down to personal preference, comfort, and style of play.

The bow on a stick refers to the amount of curvature along the playing surface, from the top of the handle to the base of the head. The position of the bow on a stick is used to assist with lifts, aerials, drag flicks, 3D skills and general control. The amount of bow is measured by placing the stick on a flat surface and finding the maximum distance between the surface and the playing area of the stick. For drag flicks, it is typically preferred to have a bow placed lower on the stick and more toward the head - check out our LBow models.

Is a high carbon content important for a hockey stick?

Power potential of a stick is enhanced by the percentage of carbon in it's composition as it generally provides better feel and strength (Carbon adds stiffness to the stick). Less carbon may allow a player to have more control and forgiveness when cushioning the ball. so trapping the ball may be easier. However, some players may prefer a more rigid stick as this increases the ability to use deflection to their advantage - the higher the carbon level the more powerful your stick will be.

Typically, Kookaburra recommend that beginner players start with a lower carbon stick before slowly working their way up as skill level increases.

Stick Sizing

Selecting the right length of stick is vitally important if all skills of hockey are to be developed and performed well. In general your height determines what length of stick you should use. A lot of players use sticks that are far too long - one of the main reasons being that it is seen as 'cool' to play with a senior stick. However using the wrong size will negatively affect the players performance, due to the length and mass not being balanced.

Selecting a hockey stick image 1

Hockey Stick Size Guide

Below is our recommendation on the appropriate stick size based on player height. This guide can be used for all Junior and Senior hockey Sticks.

STICK SIZE	PLAYER HEIGHT (cm)	PLAYER HEIGHT (in)
28"	- 122	- 4'
30"	122 - 130	4' - 4'3"
32"	130 - 137	4'3" - 4'6"
34"	137 - 152	4'6" - 5'
35"	152 - 161	5' - 5'3"
36.5"	161 - 178	5'3" - 5'10"
37.5"	178 +	5'10" +

Profiles & Bow Shapes

Bolstered by the latest advances in the lab, Kookaburra utilises unique constructions to put the ultimate hockey stick into your hands. Each of our profiles and bow shapes have been extensively tested and engineered to cater for all styles of play. Below is a guide to our most popular profiles.

L BOW 210	Optimum Point 24.50 mm @ 210mm State of the art profile. Designed with the modern player in mind. Aids 3D skills and close control whilst offering all round playability
L BOW 220	Optimum Point 24.50 mm @ 220mm Our latest innovation. An aggressive profile with renowned Kookaburra durability and feel..
L BOW 240	Optimum Point 24.00 mm @ 240mm A variation of the conventional L Bow, the L Bow 240 further assists with ‘drag-flicking’ by lowering and increasing the size of the bow in order to create a more pronounced profile.
L BOW 260	Optimum Point 24.75mm @ 260mm Our L Bow 260 profile offers our most streamlined head shape ever which assists with touch and feel without comprising power potential
M BOW 310	Optimum Point 21.0mm @ 310mm For players that prefer a more conventional stick. The M Bow places the optimum point of the bow in the mid-section of the shaft, enhancing ball control and ‘slap hitting’ techniques, whilst specialising in the full-blooded strike.
M BOW 320	Optimum Point 24.0mm @ 320mm Our M Bow 320 has been developed in order to produce a streamline head shape to enhance ball control and touch.
M BOW 410	Optimum Point 24.0mm @ 410mm Taking things to the next stage, the M Bow 410 emphasises the M Bow 310 effect, by creating a more prominent bow further up the shaft. The result, unparalleled levels of playability and power.

Stick Technology

	BALANCE SHIFTING SYSTEM Exclusive to our Pro Spirit model. The addition of three weighted, rubberised end caps (15g, 20g and 25g), allows the player to find their perfect balance point and weight. Easy to change with game changing potential.
	FORGED CARBON The Pro Spirit and Pro X23 are constructed using small pieces of carbon that are pressed into shape as the resin cures. What results is a stick that contains higher fibre volume content than traditionally made models, increasing strength, and providing a highly desirable aesthetic.
	SILVER CARBON (S-CARBON) Exclusive to the Pro Alpha, Pro Torch and Pro Ultralite models, ‘Silver Carbon’ or ‘S-Carbon’ with its spread tow structure offers improved strength, stability and great playing characteristics. Optimum weight combined with optimum performance.
	12K BIAXIAL CARBON Used to enhance the playing characteristics of the Apollo, Stinger, Axis and Cyber sticks. 12K Biaxial carbon provides additional strength and increases power potential. Gap free technology with no resin rich areas.
	KCF — KOOKA CONTROL FACE Exceptional feel, improved control. The texturised playing surface generates a more secure contact area, resulting in exquisite feel, control and agility.
	ENERGY GROOVE Helps to generate enhanced ball speed. Assists with passing control and precision.
	INNEGRA REINFORCEMENT Extremely durable and impact resistant. Lightest fibre commercially available in the world today.
	PRECISION EDGE The profile of the backhand edge has been precision flattened, enabling perfect execution of back hand shots time and time again.
	SKILL ZONE Concave stick face shaping holds the ball with ease, giving unbelievable close control for 3D Skills, drag flicking and aerial prowess.
	X-ORB The very latest in shock absorption material which has been bonded to handle of the stick. Designed to aid overall playability on high carbon model
	DUAL CORE Used throughout the Kookaburra range, our Dual-Core construction creates high power with the perfect blend of playability and control.
	REINFORCED EDGE Kookaburra sticks have a reinforced backhand edge, strengthening a key area in stick construction, aiding and enhancing durability.
	ULTRALITE There's lightweight and there's Ultralite!! Kookaburra's range of Ultralite sticks are produced up to 4oz lighter than conventional sticks.
	SFR — SOFT FEEL RESIN Soft feel resin built into the core construction of the stick creates unparalelled durability and exquisite feel on impact.
	OVAL HANDLE Crafted oval handle assists with maximizing the bow position to create a dramatic profile. Ergonomically designed for comfort and feel.