Menu Close

7 Best Hockey Sticks of 2024 (and 2 to Avoid)

best hockey sticks 2

Every year, you have 50+ sticks released to the market represented by 5 major companies: CCM, Bauer, Warrior, TRUE and Sherwood.

You can always opt for the boomer wood sticks or use the one-piece carbon fiber options, which are much lighter and just as robust.

Bauer went even further by tinkering with Boron fiber technology, which has twice the compression strength and stiffness than the standard carbon fiber. You can experience this new technology in their 345g Proto R (Canada Here).

With that said, let me present to you the top 3 sticks on our list:

ccm jetspeed ft6 pro repeat

CCM Jetspeed 

FT7 Pro

The FT7 Pro offers a balance between shot power & quick release. It's a favourite amongst goal scorers including McDavid. 

Weight: 365g

93% Score

bauer vapor hyperlite 2 repeat

Bauer Vapor 

Hyperlite 2

With a 25g weight reduction and low kick point, the Hyperlite 2 is ideal for forwards wanting that quick release.

Weight: 360g

91% Score

ccm ribcor trigger 8 pro repeat

CCM Ribcor 

Trigger 9 Pro

The Trigger 9 Pro is the low kick gem made by CCM. It is also best for wrist and snapshots, and is incredibly durable.

Weight: 370g.

90% Score

These sticks are from the Pro line and sported by some of the top players in the NHL today. But there are more options available if you want to look outside of CCM and Bauer.

Furthermore, there are other options if your focus is particularly in power - best offered through mid kick sticks.

As a reminder, you basically have four differentiating factors when it comes to your preference in stick.

Kick Point

When choosing your kick point, note that there a 3 options available: low, mid and hybrid kicks.

Low Kick is designed for quick release shots, specifically wrist shots and snapshots. It's found in the lower part of the shaft, which causes the  stick to "pop" on shot release.

Mid Kick is designed for power, which is needed for slap shots. The mid kick point is found slightly higher compared to the low kick, and allows for greater energy transfer on shot release.

Lastly, the hybrid kick is an unique design offered from the CCM Jetspeed line. Players such as McDavid and Matthews use these sticks for a well-balanced approach to all shots.

Stick Flex

The choice of stick flex is slightly easier to decide on.

Simply, take your current weight in pounds (lbs) and divide it by 2.

For example, I’m 160 lbs and I fall right in between two flex options with a score of 80 (160/2). 

My choices are either 75 or 85 flex, but I’ve now settled comfortably with the 75-flex option. Hence, more stick flexibility (or whip) while loading up on a shot.

And just before we go into the full list, keep in mind to check out some of my other popular titles covering hockey sticks.

Blade Curve

As for the blade curve, you’ll be looking at either the toe or mid curve options. 

That’s because the farther away the blade curve is from the shaft, the easier it is to lift the puck on the follow-through.

Furthermore, it allows for better stick handling and seamless passing.

While the CCM Ribcor is my choice, any model detailed above would be just as good a choice.

Once you determine the features that best suit your game type, you can always test out a similar brand or model for comparison.

For each stick in my list, I recommend my preferred blade curves.

But you can refer to the full list from the following link. It includes cross brand comparisons as well.

Stick Weight

Sticks used by the pros typically weigh less than 400g. Just note that some sticks weigh less than others.

While the weight shouldn't impact quality of the stick, there are certain players who prefer the lighter option. 

But weightless sticks are not for everybody. For some, the extra load helps with controlling their follow through on both shots and passes. 

It's all a matter of preference and, for the average beer leaguer, price.

7 Best Hockey Sticks of 2024

Here are the list of sticks, based on a thorough review. Note that all these tried and tested by NHL players long before there release to market.

1. CCM Jetspeed FT7 Pro - BEST OVERALL (US | CAN)

Used by Auston Matthews & Mika Zibanejad

CCM Jetspeed FT7 Pro

Released in 2024

ccm jetspeed ft7 pro hz
93%
Stick Score

Weight

365g

Material

Sigma STP Spread Tow

Flex (Available In)

70, 75, 80, 85, 95

Blade Curve (Suggested)

P29 or P28

Kick Point

Mid

List Price

$359.99 USD

$419.99 CAD

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Key Features:

  • R-geometry consisting of rounded corners with double concave sidewalls
  • RR110 X-Soft Hellicoid Blade which creates a dampening portion in the blade for improved puck feel when stick handling and passing
  • Hybrid kick point optimized for all shot types

    What I Like/Dislike About the CCM Jetspeed FT7 Pro:

    Like:

    • Most used stick in the NHL (1 out of every 4 NHLers)
    • Hybrid kick point allows for any shot selection without compromise on power and speed
    • CCM is the gold standard for sticks

    Dislike:

    • Durability of the Helicoid blade

    Stick Rating Breakdown:

    85%

    Lightness

    90%

    Durability

    95%

    Feel

    100%

    Top Scorer's Choice

    Junior & Intermediate Options:

    If you're searching for the same model stick but for kids or teenagers, check out the selection below. 

    CCM Jetspeed FT7 Pro
    JUNIOR

    List (USD)

    $259.99

    CCM Jetspeed FT7 Pro
    INTERMEDIATE

    List ( USD)

    $339.99

    2. Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 - BEST LOW KICK (US | CAN)

    Used by Patrik Laine & Pierre-Luc Dubois

    Bauer Vapor Hyp2rlite

    Released July 2023

    bauer vapor hyperlite 2 hz
    bauer vapor hyperlite 2 iphone
    91%
    Stick Score

    Weight

    360g

    Material

    ACL 2.0 Technology

    Flex (Available In)

    70, 77, 87

    Blade Curve (Suggested)

    P28, P92

    Kick Point

    Low

    List Price

    $339.99 USD

    $399.99 CAD

    CHECK CURRENT PRICE

    Key Features:

    • 25 grams weight reduction
    • Lightweight durable shaft
    • Stiff blade technology for quicker, rocket-like release

    What I Like/Dislike About the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2:

    Like:

    • Quick release and excellent shot speed
    • More durable than predecessor
    • Available in 65 Flex Senior
    • Customizable and Quick Turn options for personal touches on your stick

    Dislike:

    • Slight hollowness in shaft

    Stick Rating Breakdown:

    90%

    Lightness

    90%

    Durability

    95%

    Feel

    90%

    Top Scorer's Choice

    Junior & Intermediate Options:

    If you're searching for the same model stick but for kids or teenagers, check out the selection below. 

    Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2
    JUNIOR

    List (USD)

    $239.99

    Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2
    INTERMEDIATE

    List (USD)

    $309.99

    3. CCM Ribcor Trigger 9 Pro - MOST RELIABLE/LOW KICK  

    (US | CAN)

    Used by Nathan McKinnon and Sidney Crosby

    CCM Ribcor Trigger 8 Pro

    Released in 2024

    ccm ribcor trigger 9 hz
    ccm ribcor trigger 9 pro iphone
    91%
    Stick Score

    Weight

    370g

    Material

    Nanolite Shield and Sigma STP

    Flex (Available In)

    70, 75, 80, 85, 95

    Blade Curve (Suggested)

    P29 or P28

    Kick Point

    Low

    List Price

    $359.99 USD

    $419.99 CAD

    CHECK CURRENT PRICE

    Key Features:

    • E-geometry consisting rounded corners with concave sidewall on forehand and convex on the backhand for a seemless energy transfer and natural feel
    • Softer hosel and top of shaft for quicker release
    • Helicoid layered blade for better impact strength and longer pop

      What I Like/Dislike About the CCM Ribcor Trigger 9 Pro:

      Like:

      • 10g lighter than previous model (370g)
      • Blacked out shaft with decal in signature purple (less flashy)
      • Softer low kick point for an ever quicker release

      Dislike:

      • Past durability in the Helicoid blade

      Stick Rating Breakdown:

      80%

      Lightness

      90%

      Durability

      100%

      Feel

      90%

      Top Scorer's Choice

      Junior & Intermediate Options:

      If you're searching for the same model stick but for kids or teenagers, check out the selection below. 

      CCM Ribcor Trigger 9 Pro
      JUNIOR

      USD

      $259.99

      CCM Ribcor Trigger 9 Pro
      INTERMEDIATE

      USD

      $339.99

      4. Bauer Nexus Tracer - BEST MID KICK (US | CAN)

      Used by Mikko Rantanen & David Pastrnak

      Bauer Nexus Tracer

      Released in 2024

      bauer nexus tracer hz
      bauer nexus tracer iphone
      91%
      Stick Score

      Weight

      360g

      Material

      ACL 2.0

      Flex (Available In)

      65, 70, 77, 87

      Blade Curve (Suggested)

      P92 or P28

      Kick Point

      Mid

      List Price

      $339.99 USD

      $399.99 CAD

      CHECK CURRENT PRICE

      Key Features:

      • Bauer’s premium 1-piece molded Monocomp technology allows for better energy flow through the stick
      • Advanced Carbon Layering (ACL 2.0) texturing carbon fibre which reduces weight and increase durability of the whole stick
      • Updated Balance Point (higher up the shaft) compared to Sync to optimize the weight of the blade, in which makes the stick feel lighter

      What I Like/Dislike About the Bauer Nexus Tracer:

      Like:

      • Lighter (5g less) than its predecessor, the Nexus Sync
      • Greater stick weight distribution
      • Nexus line is gold standard of Mid Kick sticks

      Dislike:

      • Shaft and hosel are the main sensitive points

      Stick Rating Breakdown:

      90%

      Lightness

      90%

      Durability

      95%

      Feel

      90%

      Top Scorer's Choice

      Junior & Intermediate Options:

      If you're searching for the same model stick but for kids or teenagers, check out the selection below. 

      Bauer Nexus Tracer
      JUNIOR

      List (USD)

      $199.99

      Bauer Nexus Tracer
      INTERMEDIATE

      List (USD)

      $309.99

      5. Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro - GREAT HYBRID KICK ALTERNATIVE 

      (US | CAN)

      Used by Brad Marchand & Jake Guentzel

      Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro

      Released in 2023

      warrior alpha lx2 pro hz
      warrior alpha lx2 pro iphone
      86%
      Stick Score

      Weight

      375g

      Material

      RL 188, Minimus Carbon 25

      Flex (Available In)

      65, 75, 85, 95

      Blade Curve (Suggested)

      W03 or W28

      Kick Point

      Hybrid

      List Price

      $349.99 USD 

      $399.99 CAD

      CHECK CURRENT PRICE

      Key Features:

      • Combines low kick response with a stable powerful release
      • Quick release and pinpoint control
      • Enhanced touch and feel for better deking, dragging, and shooting

      What I Like/Dislike About the Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro:

      Like:

      • Responsive blade pop on shot release
      • Smooth stickhandling
      • Durable and high-performing stick

      Dislike:

      • Shaft is the sensitive point

      Stick Rating Breakdown:

      80%

      Lightness

      85%

      Durability

      90%

      Feel

      90%

      Top Scorer's Choice

      Junior & Intermediate Options:

      If you're searching for the same model stick but for kids or teenagers, check out the selection below. 

      Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro
      JUNIOR

      List (USD)

      $219.99

      Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro
      INTERMEDIATE

      List (USD)

      $329.99

      6. Warrior Covert QR6 Pro (US | CAN)

      Used by Darnell Nurse & Matt Duchene

      Warrior Covert QR6 Pro

      Released in 2024

      warrior super novium hz
      warrior super novium iphone
      84%
      Stick Score

      Weight

      380g

      Material

      PL 188 and Minimus Carbon 25

      Flex (Available In)

      70, 75, 85

      Blade Curve (Suggested)

      W03 or W28

      Kick Point

      Low

      List Price

      $349.99 USD

      $399.99 CAD

      CHECK CURRENT PRICE

      Key Features:

      • Rounded corners and straight side wall shaft
      • Minimus Carbon 25 weave is a flat spread tow material that optimizes strength and reduces the stick weight
      • All new redesigned Edge Blade technology features a unique shape where the blade meets the ice

      What I Like/Dislike About the Warrior Covert QR6 Pro:

      Like:

      • Lighter (15g less) than its predecessor (QR5 Pro)
      • Slicked blacked out shaft with holographic decal
      • Ideal for quick release shots

      Dislike:

      • Shaft is its most sensitive point

      Stick Rating Breakdown:

      80%

      Lightness

      85%

      Durability

      90%

      Feel

      80%

      Top Scorer's Choice

      Junior & Intermediate Options:

      If you're searching for the same model stick but for kids or teenagers, check out the selection below. 

      Warrior Covert QR6 Pro
      JUNIOR

      List (USD)

      $189.99

      Warrior Covert QR6 Pro
      INTERMEDIATE

      List (USD)

      $329.99

      7. TRUE HZRDUS 9X4 - HIDDEN GEM (US | CAN)

      Used by Mitch Marner and Brady Tkachuk

      TRUE HZRDUS 9X4

      Released in 2024

      true hzrdus 9x4 hz
      true hzrdus 9x4 iphone
      84%
      Stick Score

      Weight

      360g

      Material

      Precision Laminate Design

      Flex (Available In)

      65, 75, 85

      Blade Curve (Suggested)

      TC2 or TC4

      Kick Point

      Low

      List Price

      $349.99 USD

      $399.99 CAD

      CHECK CURRENT PRICE

      Key Features:

      • 25K Fibre material with PLD (precision laminate design) for advanced performance, durability and feel
      • Resflo and Axenic Technology is the mixture of glue spread meticulously throughout the carbon fibre resulting in the stick’s lightness and phenomenal shot recoil
      • SRT4 (Strategic Rib) blade technology for great impact protection and feel in your stickhandling

      What I Like/Dislike About the TRUE HZRDUS 9X4:

      Like:

      • Allows for lighting quick shots with an explosive release
      • Excellent price point compared similar CCM and Bauer models
      • One of the lightest sticks in its class

      Dislike:

      • Blade is the sensitive point

      Stick Rating Breakdown:

      90%

      Lightness

      80%

      Durability

      90%

      Feel

      75%

      Top Scorer's Choice

      Junior & Intermediate Options:

      If you're searching for the same model stick but for kids or teenagers, check out the selection below. 

      TRUE HZRDUS 9X4
      JUNIOR

      List (USD)

      $169.99

      TRUE HZRDUS 9X4
      INTERMEDIATE

      List (USD)

      $339.99

      Two Sticks to Avoid

      With so many more options available, I had to include my opinion on which sticks to avoid altogether. This might be controversial for some, but I wouldn't pay full price for these twigs.

      BAUER PROTO R (345g)
      Mid Kick

      List (USD)

      $359.99

      TRUE Catalyst 9X3 (350g)
      Mid Kick

      List (USD)

      $339.99

      Let me start by saying that there is a good portion of NHL players (55) that use the Bauer PROTO R. 

      But NHL players have a limitless supply of sticks at their disposal while the rest of us have can't always dish out money at will.

      That said, if you want a high end Bauer stick, you can choose between the low kick Vapor Hyperlite 2 (Canada Here) or the mid kick Nexus Tracer (Canada Here).

      I consider the PROTO R a limited edition stick. If the technology proves to be durable, they'll eventually integrate it into their premium models (Vapor/Nexus).

      As for the TRUE Catalyst 9X3, the major concern is its durability at the top end of the shaft. 

      Normally, sticks break anywhere between mid to low shaft area or along the blade, but this one is a head scratcher.

      I see TRUE Temper as the little guy, and it's important they keep the big boys (CCM, Bauer) in check. So I appreciate their effort in making a wide range of sticks, especially on the high-end side.

      But they'll need to address this particular issue; it shouldn't be a such sensitive part of the stick.

      I was also disappointed to see only one Catalyst 9X3 available at my local shop, and they have quite a healthy stick supply.

      >