Want to play like the pros? Then your stick choice matters. This isn’t about flashy branding—it’s about how each curve, flex, and grip affects your edge on the ice. I’ve reviewed the sticks NHL players trust most—Bauer, CCM, Warrior, True—and dug into what sets each apart when every shift counts.
📈 2025 Hockey Stick Market Snapshot
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Market Size (2025): $541.4 million globally
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Projected Growth: $727.4 million by 2032 (CAGR: 4.3%)
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Top Brands by Market Share: Bauer (50%+), CCM, Warrior, True, Sher-Wood
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Rising Brands: STX, Colt Hockey
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Regional Leadership: North America leads (35.1% market share), followed by Europe; Asia-Pacific is fastest growing
🏒 NHL Stick Usage & Brand Loyalty (2024–2025)
Nothing speaks louder than the gear NHL players reach for when it countse. The NHL is a high-performance testing ground—and player preferences reflect real-world trust, durability, and innovation.
So I pulled the latest stick usage data from all 32 NHL teams. Here’s how each brand stacks up:
Key Takeaways:
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Bauer: Still leads with dominance in nearly every locker room
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CCM: Trusted by many top-tier teams for puck feel and quick release
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Warrior: Continues to hold a solid base, especially for players prioritizing shot release
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True: Making strides in player preference—particularly among younger NHL rosters
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Sherwood: While limited, still spotted on some top-tier teams
💡 Use this as a real-world benchmark if you’re curious about what elite players are trusting this season.
Top Hockey Stick Brands
Before delving into the specifics of each hockey stick brand, I’ve assembled a comparative table that ranks (based on our review and user reviews) the top brands in the industry. This table offers a swift overview, highlighting their popularity, product range, and standing within the hockey community. It’s designed to provide you with a snapshot of their strengths and the players they cater to.
| Brand | Popular Product Range | Best For | Top Players Using Them | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bauer | Proto-R, Vapor Hyperlite 2, Nexus Sync | Professionals, High-Performance Players | Auston Matthews, Patrick Kane | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| CCM | Ribcor Trigger 8 Pro, Jetspeed FT7 Pro, Tacks AS-VI Pro | Intermediate to Advanced Players | Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Warrior | Covert QR5 Pro, Alpha LX2 Pro | Versatile Players, All Skill Levels | Erik Karlsson, Jonathan Huberdeau | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ |
| True Hockey | Catalyst 9X, HZRDUS PX | Players Seeking Custom Fit & Feel | Mitch Marner, William Nylander | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ |
| Sher-Wood | Rekker Legend Pro, Code TMP | Budget-Conscious, Feel-First Players | Paul Byron, Antoine Roussel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| STX Hockey | Surgeon RX3.2, Stallion RX3.1 | Precision and Ergonomics | Vincent Trocheck, Jaccob Slavin | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Colt Hockey | Colt Gen II, Colt Pro | Durability-Focused Players | Rec-Level + Minor League Users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Easton (Legacy) | Stealth CX, Synergy HTX | Legacy Stick Users, Rec Players | Phil Kessel (past), Brett Hull (legacy) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Graf Hockey | PeakSpeed G75 Lite | Traditional Feel & Durability | Henrik Lundqvist (past) | ⭐⭐✨ |
| Cramer Sports | H-Street, ProFlex | Youth and Recreational Players | N/A | ⭐⭐⭐ |
1. Bauer
Engineered for Excellence
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Product Range: Vapor, Nexus (legacy), Supreme
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Market Reach: Dominates global stick share, catering to pros, youth, and rec players alike
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Technology: AG5NT boron stick (lightweight + powerful), Monocomp, TeXtreme®, ACL blade layering
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User Experience: Smooth release, featherweight handling, and elite durability
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My Take: I’ve trusted Bauer sticks in tight games and training sessions. The AG5NT’s responsiveness really changes how quickly I can get off a shot. It’s the gold standard.
2. CCM
Trusted by the Quickest Hands in the Game
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Product Range: JetSpeed FT7 Pro, Ribcor Trigger 8 Pro, Tacks AS-V Pro
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Market Reach: Pro-to-beginner coverage with high focus on custom fit
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Technology: Hybrid carbon layering, D3O Smart Foam, One-Piece Boot/Blade Fusion
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User Experience: Excellent balance and kickpoint control; ideal for players who like precision and feel
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My Take: CCM’s sticks feel dialed-in. The JetSpeed series gives just the right kick when I’m snapping wristers or threading passes.
3. Warrior
Low Kick, High Impact
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Product Range: Alpha LX2 Pro, Covert QR6 Pro
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Market Reach: Geared toward offensive-minded players who love quick-release sticks
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Technology: FuelCore Ultra blade, Minimus Carbon 25, Saber Taper II
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User Experience: Strong on low kick point and release speed; slightly stiffer profile
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My Take: If you’re a wrist-shot-first player like me, Warrior’s Covert line gives that snap you can feel right through your gloves.
4. True Hockey
Unmatched Custom Feel
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Product Range: Catalyst 9X3, HZRDUS PX, XCORE Gen II
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Market Reach: Serious players who want bespoke performance, now breaking into broader markets
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Technology: Axenic seamless construction, RESFLO resin, SmartPly shaft optimization
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User Experience: Extremely balanced; great for stickhandlers and players who want tailored flex profiles
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My Take: The most personalized feel I’ve had in a stick. Great for players who want that custom-boot kind of fit in their hands.
5. Sherwood
Affordable Innovation with Heritage Roots
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Product Range: Rekker Legend Pro, Code TMP, Project 9
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Market Reach: Mid-range pricing with high-end design principles
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Technology: FeatherLite X, VRF.2 Blade Core
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User Experience: A lightweight, responsive option without the premium cost
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My Take: A great pick when you want something quality but aren’t dropping $350. Good feel, good flex, especially for rec leagues.
6. STX
Precision-Engineered for Handling
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Product Range: Surgeon RX3, Stallion HPR2
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Market Reach: Mid-tier appeal, increasingly used in NCAA and beer leagues
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Technology: PureGrip shaft geometry, Power Flex profile
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User Experience: Ergonomic handling and quick-release performance
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My Take: STX is underrated. While I haven’t committed to one long-term, I’ve borrowed teammates’ and they feel smooth and well-balanced.
7. Easton
Speed and Release Before Its Time
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Product Range: Stealth CX, Synergy GX, Mako
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Market Reach: No longer in production, but still common in rec and junior leagues
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Technology: HyperSkin coating, elliptical taper (legacy tech)
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User Experience: Loved for their ultra-light construction and flex zones
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My Take: I grew up on Eastons. The feel is nostalgic—but still legit. Great for practice or casual games.
8. Graf
Traditional Feel, Durable Build
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Product Range: PeakSpeed, G-Wood
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Market Reach: European players and traditionalists
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Technology: Old-school composite layering; minimalist construction
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User Experience: Heavier than most modern sticks but incredibly durable
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My Take: A reliable second stick. Not the flashiest, but always ready.
9. Cramer
Entry-Level Simplicity
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Product Range: H-Street, ProFlex
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Market Reach: Youth and rec players on a budget
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Technology: Basic composite shells with decent durability
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User Experience: Easy to handle, forgiving in early development
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My Take: Great for learning. Not for elite play—but you won’t feel bad taping it up again mid-season.
10. Colt Hockey
High-Strength, Niche Appeal
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Product Range: Colt Gen.3, Colt Pro
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Market Reach: Targeted toward players who break sticks often or want maximum durability
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Technology: NanoSteel coating, dual-kick flex profile
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User Experience: Feels more rigid than most, but extremely durable
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My Take: If you hate breaking sticks mid-game, this is worth a try. It’s heavier but made to last.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hockey Stick
Choosing the right hockey stick is as much about fit and function as it is about brand reputation. Here’s what I’ve learned—both personally and from gearheads in locker rooms—about the critical factors to get right:
💵 Price Tiers: Budget vs. Performance
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Budget-Friendly: Sher-Wood Rekker Element and Bauer Vapor X3 are strong picks for beginners or casual rec players—lightweight, affordable, and surprisingly durable.
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Mid-Tier: True Catalyst 5X and CCM Ribcor Trigger 7—these offer excellent value with enough tech to elevate intermediate players.
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Elite Level: Bauer AG5NT, CCM JetSpeed FT7 Pro, and Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro are premium sticks trusted by pros, thanks to high-modulus carbon and next-gen flex profiles.
🌀 Flex Rating
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Low Flex (70–85): Better puck release and quick wrist shots—ideal for forwards and finesse players.
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Mid Flex (85–100): Balanced for hybrid play; great if you do a bit of everything.
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High Flex (100+): Designed for heavy slap shots and max power—popular with defensemen.
🧱 Material & Durability
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Carbon Fiber: Lightweight, strong, and responsive—standard in most high-end sticks (Bauer, CCM, Warrior).
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Composite: A durable, affordable blend—good for most mid-tier models.
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Wood: Still used by some players for the traditional feel, though limited in pro-level play.
🏒 Blade Patterns
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Blade curve impacts everything from saucer passes to toe drags.
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Players like Bauer and Warrior offer versatile blade profiles like P92 (Ovechkin) or W28 (Gallagher) tailored to specific shot types.
✋ Grip Type
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Tacky Grips: Help you lock in and reduce twisting.
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Smooth Finish: More freedom to reposition your hands—preferred by quick handlers.
⚡ Kick Point
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Low Kick: Explosive release (think Bauer Vapor or CCM Ribcor).
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Mid Kick: Balanced power and control (Warrior Alpha, Sher-Wood Code).
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High Kick: Load-and-release feel for power shooters (CCM Tacks, Bauer Supreme).
📏 Stick Length
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Standing in skates, your stick should hit between chin and nose.
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Shorter sticks: More puck control.
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Longer sticks: Extra reach for defensive positioning and poke-checks.
🧠 Skill Level Alignment
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Beginner (Under 10): Lightweight, forgiving sticks like Sher-Wood Code TMP 1 Youth.
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Intermediate (10–13): Look for balance—True Catalyst 7X or CCM Jetspeed FT6 are great options.
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Advanced (13+): Expect more performance tech and sharper feel—perfect for club or high school level.
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Elite: If you’re playing competitively, sticks like the Bauer AG5NT or CCM FT7 Pro deliver elite responsiveness and speed.
Innovation, Customization, and Maintenance
In a rapidly evolving world, staying up-to-date with the latest technology and trends can give you an edge in your game.
A. Latest Technologies and Trends
The hockey stick world is ever-evolving, with brands like Bauer and CCM consistently pushing the envelope in technology and innovation. Recent trends include sticks designed for specific shots and those incorporating vibration-dampening technology for a better feel. Materials like boron fiber and advanced composites are also becoming more prevalent for enhanced durability and performance.
B. Customization Options
From flex profiles to personalized graphics, customization options are abundant. Some brands offer custom curve patterns and even your name engraved on the stick. Feel the game in your own style.
Additional Tips for Beginners
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Assess Your Needs: Consider your level of play and what features are most important to you.
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Try Before You Buy: If possible, visit a physical store to try out different sticks and skates.
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Maintenance: Regularly check and maintain your equipment to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Stick Accessories and Care
Your stick is an investment, and knowing how to care for it and what accessories are available can help you maximize its performance and lifespan.
A. Types of Accessories
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- Stick Wax: For better puck control.
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- Blade Covers: To protect the blade when not in use.
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- Extension Plugs: For adjusting stick length.
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- Stick Tape: For Hockey Stick taping
B. Maintenance and Care Tips
Apart from regular taping and visual inspections for fractures, consider applying a blade coating for increased durability. Take a look at below table for more helpful tips.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Tips and Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Clean the Blade | After Every Game/Practice | Use warm water and a cloth to remove ice and snow. |
| Inspect for Damage | Before Every Game | Look for cracks, chips, or splinters in the blade and shaft. Replace if necessary. |
| Check Flex and Curve | Regularly | Ensure it matches your playing style. Make adjustments if needed. |
| Replace Tape Grip | As Needed | When it becomes worn or loses grip, replace it for better control. |
| Store Properly | After Every Use | Keep your stick indoors, away from extreme temperatures, to prevent warping. |
| Repair Minor Damage | As Soon As Possible | Use epoxy or adhesive for minor cracks or blade damage. |
| Re-tape Blade | As Needed | Maintain good puck handling with fresh tape. |
| Maintain Stick Flexibility | Regularly | Avoid using the stick as a lever, which can affect flex. |
| Keep the Blade Sharp | Regular Sharpening | Regularly sharpen the blade for accurate shooting and passing. |
| Protect the Blade | During Transport | Use blade covers to prevent damage in transit. |
| Avoid Impact with Hard Surfaces | Always | Prevent hitting the stick against boards, posts, or hard surfaces. |
C. Expert Reviews
Before making your purchase, check out expert reviews for unbiased opinions on the product’s performance and durability. Websites like Ice Hockey Guide offer comprehensive reviews.
D. User Reviews
User reviews provide real-world insights into how the stick performs under game conditions. Always take a moment to read them for an unfiltered view. You can check youtube, reddit etc for real genuine reviews.
E. Professional Player Endorsements
Endorsements from professional players often indicate a high-quality product. Brands like Bauer and Warrior often have a roster of NHL players vouching for them.
What brand of stick do most NHL players use?
As of the 2024–2025 season, Bauer leads NHL stick usage by a wide margin, followed by CCM, Warrior, and True. These four brands dominate pro locker rooms.
Do any NHL players use STX sticks?
Yes—though less common, some NHL players use STX sticks, particularly from their Surgeon line. STX has a niche following for its ergonomic design and puck feel.
Are expensive hockey sticks worth it?
It depends. High-end sticks (often $250–$400) offer superior weight, flex precision, and durability. But for casual or developing players, a mid-range stick offers better value.
What stick did Wayne Gretzky use?
Gretzky famously used a two-piece Sher-Wood PMP 5030 wood stick for most of his career—proof that performance isn’t just about tech.
What stick does Connor McDavid use?
McDavid currently uses the CCM Ribcor Trigger 7 Pro, known for its low kick point and fast release.
How often should you replace your stick?
If you play weekly, a high-end composite stick may last a season. Heavier use (or frequent faceoffs/slap shots) could require replacements every 3–6 months.
What are the benefits of high-flex vs low-flex sticks?
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Low-Flex: Quicker release, better for finesse and speed-focused players.
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High-Flex: More power, but needs more force to load—better for defenders or heavy shooters.
Final Thoughts
Your hockey stick isn’t just gear—it’s your connection to the puck, the ice, and your instincts. From Bauer’s lightweight innovations to True’s custom-fit precision, the best stick is the one that suits your game, not just the one with the flashiest marketing.
Take the time to test different models, experiment with flex and curve combos, and read reviews from fellow players. A great stick won’t make you a pro overnight—but it can absolutely help you play like one.
Further Resources and References
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Global Ice Hockey Sticks Market Report – Data Bridge Market Research
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Ice Hockey Sticks Market Overview – Maximize Market Research
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Ice Hockey Stick Industry Insights – Coherent Market Insights
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Comprehensive Ice Hockey Stick Market Analysis – MarkWide Research
My name is Shane and I am a semi-pro hockey player who enjoys playing hockey more than anything else.I test and rate hockey Gear so that you can find the best gear that helps you play better.
