Choosing the right hockey stick doesn’t need to be complicated. For most players, the important decisions are length, flex, blade curve and kick point.

Your ideal setup ultimately comes down to your size, strength, shooting technique and personal preference. This guide will give you a straightforward place to begin.

VANTA sticks are built around specifications commonly chosen by today’s players, including a lightweight senior construction of approximately 400 grams, a low-kick release and three of the most popular blade curves. If you need a different combination, you can also order a custom VANTA stick with your preferred specifications.

Choosing your stick length

When standing in shoes, the top of your stick should generally reach around your nose. When wearing skates, it should reach somewhere between your chin and bottom lip.

A slightly shorter stick can feel easier to control when stickhandling and shooting close to your body. A longer stick provides additional reach and can encourage a more upright skating position.

There is no exact length that suits everyone. The best length is the one that allows you to comfortably carry the puck and get into your natural shooting position.

Remember that cutting a stick makes it feel stiffer. If you plan to shorten your stick considerably, you may want to begin with a slightly softer flex.

Choosing your flex

Flex describes how stiff the shaft feels. A lower flex number means the stick is softer and easier to bend, while a higher number means it is stiffer and requires more strength to load properly.

As a rough adult starting point, your body weight in kilograms will often be reasonably close to your flex number. For example, a player weighing 70 kg might begin around a 70 or 75 flex. However, this is only a starting point—not a rule.

Many players now prefer a softer 70 or 75 flex because it can be easier to load and release quickly. Other players prefer the controlled, solid feeling of a stiffer shaft. Your strength, technique and shooting style matter just as much as your body weight.

If you cannot comfortably bend your stick while shooting, it is probably too stiff. If you are choosing between two flexes, the softer option will generally be easier to load, especially for wrist shots and snap shots.

VANTA offers popular flex options in stock, while custom orders allow you to select the flex that best matches your preferences.

Choosing your blade curve

Your blade curve affects how the puck sits on the blade, where it releases and how easily you can lift it. VANTA stocks three of the most widely used curves: P88, P92 and P28.

P88 — controlled and traditional

The P88 is a versatile mid-curve with a relatively controlled blade face. It is well suited to passing, stickhandling and backhand shots, and can make it easier to keep shots lower. The P88 is a good option for players who prefer a traditional and predictable feel.

P92 — the all-round option

The P92 is one of the most popular all-round curves. Its slightly more open face helps lift the puck, while its versatile shape remains comfortable for passing, shooting and stickhandling. If you are unsure which curve to select, the P92 is generally the safest place to begin.

P28 — designed for shooting from the toe

The P28 has a more pronounced, open toe curve. It suits players who use the toe of the blade for toe drags, puck control and quick-release shots. It makes lifting the puck easier but can also send shots higher than expected while you adjust to it.

The P28 is a strong choice for players who intentionally shoot from the toe and want a more aggressive shooting curve.

Understanding kick point

The kick point is the area of the shaft designed to flex and release energy during a shot.

Low kick

A low-kick stick flexes closer to the blade. It is designed to release the puck quickly and is popular with players taking wrist shots and snap shots in tight spaces.

VANTA sticks use a low-kick construction to promote a fast, responsive release. This complements the softer flexes and modern shooting styles preferred by many players.

Mid kick

A mid-kick stick flexes higher up the shaft. It allows more energy to be loaded into the stick and is commonly chosen by players looking for power on heavier shots.

Hybrid kick

A hybrid kick point sits between low and mid. It provides a balance between quick release and shot power, making it suitable for players who take several different types of shots.

No kick point is automatically better. Low kick and mid kick remain the most common choices, and the right one depends on how and where you normally shoot.

Does stick quality make a difference?

A good-quality stick can make a noticeable difference to its weight, balance, responsiveness and overall feel.

A lighter, well-balanced stick can feel quicker in your hands and easier to control. Good carbon construction also helps the shaft respond consistently when it is loaded during a shot.

At approximately 400 grams for a senior stick, VANTA is designed to provide the lightweight, high-performance feel players expect from premium equipment—without the usual premium-brand price.

However, the most expensive stick is not automatically the right stick. Choosing the correct length, flex and curve is just as important as the materials used to build it.

Still unsure?

If you want a versatile starting point, consider:

• A length between your chin and bottom lip while wearing skates
• A flex you can comfortably bend
• A P92 curve
• A low-kick construction for a quick release

You can shop our current range of VANTA sticks or create a custom stick with your preferred flex, curve, length and design.

If you still aren’t sure, contact us with your height, weight, current stick and preferred type of shot. We’ll help you choose a suitable setup.