Looking for the best hockey sticks of 2025? You’re in the right place. We’ve locked in the top picks across low-kick, mid-kick, and hybrid-kick flex profiles, and then sorted them by elite, performance, and recreational levels of play to match your budget and shooting style.
Whether you want a deadly quick release, rocket-powered shot velocity, or a do-it-all stick, you’ll find your perfect match below.
At just 365 grams (85 flex), the Morph Pro is Sherwood’s lightest Rekker ever and it’s trusted by none other than Connor Bedard. The upgraded Dual-Carbon Frame runs through both inner and outer layers of BlackLine XXV carbon, shaving over 20 grams compared to the previous Legend Pro without compromising durability. Its price tag sits below most other flagship low-kick sticks, giving it a clear advantage in elite-level performance and value.
Key Features:
Dual-Carbon Frame: By using premium carbon fiber inside the shaft, rather than only on its exterior, Sherwood creates an "inside and out" carbon frame that boosts shooting performance, sheds unnecessary weight, and locks in long term durability.
Ergo Taper Shaft: Strategically shaped shaft dimensions in each third of the shaft: rounded in the top third for comfort, concave in the middle for secure lower hand control, and reinforced in the bottom third for durability at the kick point. This not only speeds up your release but makes stick handling more comfortable in every aspect.
For the second year running, the Warrior Novium 2 Pro is our pick for the best mid-kick stick of the year. Clocking in at an insane 351 grams (85 flex), it’s shockingly lightweight, especially considering how tough it is to get mid-kick sticks this light. Warrior used their PL 188 construction process, which includes a cold-temperature step during curing, allowing them to make major gains in the featherlight category. It also features the visually unique Bevel Taper, which acts like the hot rod engine behind the pure shot power that’s made it a favorite among today’s top perimeter shooters.
P.L. 188 Construction Process: This is where a featherlight feel is balanced by enhanced durability. The thermoplastic-reinforced resin provides truly exception performance and feel.
Novium Bevel Taper: The v-shaped sides of the taper create stiffness and torsional stability far superior to traditionally square taper shapes. The result is an easy-to-load high kick point that provides maximum shot speed with deadly accuracy.
CCM built the JetSpeed FT8 Pro to do it all, from top to bottom. It features the brand-new Evo Blade Core, which is soft in the heel for enhanced puck feel and stiff in the toe to keep shots deadly accurate. It also debuts the Vizion-inspired AluPli composite construction, which layers thin sheets of aluminum between Sigmatex ST2X carbon fiber. This gives players a serious weight reduction (just 368 grams in 85 flex) while boosting durability. Truly the best of both worlds.
Built for the competitive sniper who wants a pro-level feel without the pro-level price, the True HZRDUS 5X5 packs some serious technology into a sub-$200 stick that weighs just 416 grams (85 flex). The low-kick point loads quick and releases even quicker thanks for the elite Precision Laminate Design and Axenic True One-Piece construction process that gives players a responsive, balanced feel in the hands.
The Novium 2 SP delivers powerhouse performance for the mid-kick player who wants blistering shot speed and a featherlight feel (451 grams) at a killer price point. Built with the same unique Bevel Taper as the top-end Novium 2 Pro, the SP helps generate extra torque on big shots with pin-point accuracy. Add in RLC 155 construction and Minimus Carbon UD, and you’ve got a stick that punches way above its price class in both feel and playability.
A pro-inspired feel for the competitive player, the Warrior Alpha LX3 Team features the popular Sabre Taper that blends a quick release with added shot accuracy. The Minimus Carbon 3K shaft offers solid weight reduction and reinforced durability, while the ergo shaft shape fits comfortably in the hands for better control in tight spaces. Great for players who want elite-level versatility at a more approachable price, especially considering it just weighs 447 grams in 85 Flex at 63".
The Covert QR6 REV is built for the casual or learning player who wants a quick-releasing low-kick stick that won’t break the bank. With the unique Edge Taper design and a lightweight Minimus Carbon UD shaft, this stick delivers solid energy transfer and puck feel in a durable package that weighs 439 grams (85 flex). It’s a great blend of performance and reliability that doesn’t overcomplicate things, just grab it and let it rip.
The T60X is perfect for players just getting into the game or returning after some time off. It features a powerful mid-kick point, a traditional shaft shape, and a tacky grip for confident control. Paired with Sherwood’s VRF blade core, it gives players solid puck feel and long lasting durability that weighs just over 500 grams in 85 flex, making it a dependable choice that brings great value to the rink.
Key Features
Designed with the rec-level or casual player in mind, the Encrypt 4 boasts a hybrid-kick flex profile that makes every shot just feel right. The rounded shaft corners and textured grip make handling and shooting confidently comfortable, while its unidirectional carbon shaft keeps it lightweight at 492 grams (85 flex) and balanced. It’s a tough, forgiving stick that’s built to last, shift after shift.
Selecting the right hockey stick size and flex profile is crucial for your performance. When choosing a stick size, consider your height and playing style. A longer stick can provide extended reach for defensive-minded players while stickhandling playmakers might prefer a shorter stick for better control. Your stick's flex rating is just as important as it determines how much the stick bends while shooting. The lower the number, the easier it is to flex while the higher the number, the harder it is to flex. For a deeper dive into hockey stick sizing, flex profile, flex charts and curve charts, explore our in-depth articles below!
A: Low-kick sticks load near the blade for the quickest release, perfect for in-tight snipes. Mid-kick sticks bend higher on the shaft to maximize shot power on heavy shots. Hybrid-kick sticks bridge the two, offering a balance of release speed and raw pop for all-around shooting.
A: As a rule of thumb, take your body weight (in pounds) and divide it by two. Adjust ±5-10 flex based on whether you want easier loading (lower flex) or more power (higher flex).
A: One-piece sticks generally provide better energy transfer, consistency and feel, since the shaft and blade are co-molded together.
A: Ultra-light sticks are traditionally less durable than standard performance level or recreational sticks. We do see a larger emphasis on improving the durability with metal composite blends found in CCM and Warrior sticks.
A: Beginners should look for a forgiving hybrid or low-kick stick in recreational level of play. Options like the Warrior Covert QR6 REV Stick and the Sherwood Code Encrypt 4 Stick offer balanced feel, durability and value.
A: Pro-stock sticks are made specifically for NHL players, often stiffer, with unique graphics and construction specs. Retail sticks are spec-matched to pro models but come in standard flexes, lengths and stock curves. This gives you consistent performance, warranty coverage and a lower price tag compared to true pro-stock.
A: Black-out sticks lack logos and graphics and have a similar construction as retail. However, branded retail sticks often come with longer-standing performance, consistency and performance along with the standard 30 day warranty coverage. Most black out or blacked out sticks were never intended for actual pro use, no matter the claims.