FH510 Adult Intermediate Field Hockey 50% Carbon Low Bow Stick - Coral

Composition

50% carbon, 45% fibreglass, 5% aramid.

Bow, weight and balance

Low bow; bow position: 250 mm; bow height: 24 mm; weight: 540 g +/- 20 g; balance: 390 mm.

Design

Japanese 12 K 800 Tex carbon fibre (Toho Tenex) and 1080 Tex fibreglass. Hollow twin channel structure. Aramid in the head. Slimmer shaft for improved grip and handling. 45° head for manoeuvrability. Slimmer head and toe for manoeuvrability. 1 mm polyethylene ethylene-vinyl acetate (PE-EVA) foam under the grip to dampen vibrations.

Design (cont.)

Perforated polyurethane (PU) grip (1.8 mm thick) for good grip. Handle length for 36.5": 42 cm. Total handle diameter 31 mm. Shaft width and length at 47 cm from tip: 3.7 cm / 10 cm.

What are hockey sticks made of?

While hockey sticks were traditionally made from wood (oak, mulberry), today most sticks (and especially the most technical) are made from composites (fibreglass, carbon fibre and aramid fibre; Kevlar is the brand name of a type of aramid). Sticks may also be 100% wood, in wood with fibreglass reinforcements, 100% fibreglass, in fibreglass with a fairly high carbon content (often 5%-10% aramid when the percentage of carbon is very high).

Features and uses

Fibreglass is harder and more rigid, lightweight and abrasion resistant than wood. It will give you more power but less control and a greater feeling of hardness. Carbon is lighter and more rigid still, providing even greater power and less control if your technical skills aren't at a high level. Aramid is used in addition to carbon in the shaft to dampen vibrations. It may also be used in the heel for increased abrasion resistance.

How is a composite stick made?

A stick made of composites is made of several sheets of fibre rolled around a hollow core, which is made of one or more channels. The mix of components, the number of fibre layers and the core structure vary in the different sections of the stick and from one stick to another. The percentage of carbon alone does not tell you very much about a stick's features.

Choosing the right composition

Children just learning to play should opt for wooden sticks. As they improve, they can switch to a fibreglass stick and later to a stick with a reasonable percentage of carbon. Adult beginners can start out with a fibreglass stick. Adults at an intermediate or advanced level should choose a carbon percentage that corresponds to their playing style (a balance of control and power).

What is the bow on a stick?

A hockey stick is not straight but rather has a curve (called the bow). The curve varies by its maximum height (the maximum vertical space between a stick set on a flat surface and that surface) and the place where this height is at its maximum, measured from the tip of the head (called the bow position). Traditionally, sticks had a bow height of around 15 mm and a bow position around halfway up the stick.

Types of bows

A "standard bow" is when the bow height is around 17 mm to 20 mm and the bow position is at 300 mm. A "mid bow" stick generally has a bow height of around 23 mm to 24 mm with a bow position at 300 mm. For a "low bow" stick, these measurements are usually 24 mm to 25 mm and 250 mm. An "extra low bow" stick will be 24 mm to 25 mm and 200 mm.

Choosing the right bow

Beginners should choose a standard bow. Intermediate or advanced players looking mainly for ball control, passing and shooting should choose a mid bow. Advanced players who dribble a lot and have strong 3D skills and perfect control during quick play can go for a low bow stick. For drag flicking, choose an extra low bow.

Stick weights

According to FIH rules, the maximum stick weight for field hockey is 737 g. Most adult sticks (sizes 36.5"-37.5") weigh between 520 g and 580 g. Children's sticks start at 400 g. Stick weights may vary by 20 g to 30 g even for the same model due to manufacturing processes.

Why is balance important?

For sticks of equal weight, the way the weight is distributed across the stick is what makes the difference. The balance is the gravity point as measured from the tip of the head. A balance closer to the handle will feel light. This makes handling easier. A balance closer to the head (called head heavy) will feel like there's more weight in the hands. This increases the stick's power.

Choosing the right weight and balance

If you need manoeuvrability, choose a lightweight stick with a higher balance. If you're looking for power, choose a heavy stick with a lower balance.

Which size?

Stick sizes are given in inches. 1" = 2.54 cm. For adults, the standard size is 36.5". Certain sticks are available in 37.5", for greater reach and increased power. They are for very advanced players. A player over 1.85 m tall may also choose a 37.5" stick, but they should make sure the other features (composition, bow, etc.) are suited to their level.

Did you know?

According to FIH rules, a field hockey stick may not be longer than 41" (105 cm).

Basic tip

The right stick is one with the right size, composition (an internal structure), bow, weight and balance for you.

Segmentation

adult/intermediate/lowbow/40-60%carbon