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Best Hockey Stick for Defenseman (2024 – Actual Stock)

hockey stick defenseman

Choosing a hockey stick as a defenseman should not be complicated when you base the decision on your style of play.

In this post, I rank the top sticks for defensemen, economical alternatives and inform you how to choose a model that'll suit you best.

Here's a preview of the top 3 on my list. 

ccm jetspeed

CCM Jetspeed

FT7 Pro

Robust, hybrid stick also commonly used by NHL's top 30 ranked d-men.

Weight: 365g

bauer vapor hyperlite

Bauer Vapor

Hyperlite 2

Hyperlite is the preferred option for many NHL d-men. More durable and 25g lighter than its predecessor. 

Weight: 360g

bauer nexus

Bauer Nexus 

Tracer

Nexus Tracer is Bauer's mid-kick pro level stick. It is the successor to the highly regarded Nexus Sync.

Weight: 360g

Over the years, hockey has evolved away from recruiting the biggest, most rigid defensemen to those that are more versatile.

Think of NHL elites such as Cale Makar, Erik Karlsson and Quinn Hughes.

Don’t get me wrong though - big body defensemen still have their place in the league (i.e. Zdeno Chara – who was 6’9).

They cover more ground, compared to their shorter counterparts.

But they just can’t be stiff like in the old days. That’s just too easy for the shifty forwards of today.

The idea is to play your strengths to the best of your ability.

Your choice in stick should reflect these strengths.

Not only does the stick selection depend on your size, but also on your approach to the game.

Are you an offensive-defenseman, stay-at-home defenseman or somewhere in between?

Do you take hard one-timers from the point or prefer a quick wrist shot?

Before we continue, you have the option to skip ahead to the list of recommended sticks for defensemen or figure out which one is best for you. 

List of Best Hockey Stick for Defenseman

Which Hockey Stick should you Buy?

As a defenseman, you probably want to know which shot type has the greatest success rate in the offensive zone.

More importantly, the focus should be in the area between the blue line and the top of the circle.

That’s because the defensemen cover the points during offensive zone play.

Based on my own study of NHL goals scored, 11.4% of all goals are scored from 40ft or more from of net. 

That represents just under 900 goals on the season for the entire NHL.

The 40ft mark overlaps with the top of the circle as can be seen in the image below.

2018-19 NHL Goal Location

Of the ~900 goals, most come primarily from a wrist shot, followed by the slap shot and then by snapshot.

Based on these numbers, defensemen should consider the wrist shot just as viable an option as a slap shot.

Although weaker in velocity, the wrist shot allows the defenseman to release the puck quicker compared to a slapper. 

In today’ game, defensemen have very little time to handle the puck.  

Therefore, they likely shoot or pass off the puck the moment it hits their blade in the offensive zone.

I think that slap shots more often come from a one-timer rather than a wind up in the NHL. 

So, defensemen need a stick that cater to both shot selections along with the occasional snapshot too.

Aside from the stiffness of the shaft, the key feature that players look for in their stick is the kick point.

You have three options: low, hybrid or high kick point.

The high kick point is ideal for slap shots, while the low is best for wrist shots and snapshots.

Since defensemen must consider shots from the full spectrum, it seems like common sense to go with a hybrid model.

And when you look up the top 30 defensemen in terms of points, 19 of them use the hybrid kick point, while 10 went with the low kick point.

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

List of Best Hockey Stick for Defenseman

1. CCM Jetspeed FT7 Pro (US | CAN)

Used by Seth Jones & Brent Burns

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

Blade Curve (Suggested)

P29 or P28

Kick Point

Hybrid

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

    Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):

    For a less expensive model from the same series, try the:

    CCM Jetspeed FT7
    SENIOR

    List (USD)

    $249.99

    2. Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 (US | CAN)

    Used by star defenseman Quinn Hughes

    Bauer Vapor Hyp2rlite

    NEW Release (July 2023)

    bauer vapor hyperlite 2 hz
    bauer vapor hyperlite 2 iphone
    89%
    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

    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

    85%

    Durability

    95%

    Feel

    85%

    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

    Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):

    For a less expensive model from the same series, try the:

    Bauer Vapor X5 Pro
    SENIOR

    Weight: 390g

    List (USD)

    $219.99

    Bauer Vapor X4
    SENIOR

    Weight: 425g

    List (USD)

    $169.99

    3. Bauer Nexus Tracer (US | CAN)

    New Kid on the Block for 2024-25

    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

    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
    • The Nexus line is gold standard of Mid Kick sticks
    • Best suited for snap and slapshots

    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)

    $239.99

    Bauer Nexus Tracer
    INTERMEDIATE

    List (USD)

    $309.99

    Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):

    For a less expensive model from the same series, try the:

    Bauer Nexus E40
    SENIOR

    Weight: 445g

    List (USD)

    $149.99

    Bauer Nexus E50 Pro
    SENIOR

    Weight: 400g

    List (USD)

    $199.99

    4. Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro (US | CAN)

    Preferred model for Erik Karlsson & Rasmus Dahlin

    Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro

    Released in 2023

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

    Weight

    380g

    Material

    Minimus Carbon UD

    Flex (Available In)

    65, 75, 85, 95

    Blade Curve (Suggested)

    W03 or W28

    Kick Point

    Hybrid

    List Price

    $349.99 USD 

    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

    5. BAUER Proto R (US | CAN)

    Used by Charlie McAvoy, Alex Pietrangelo & Thomas Chabot

    Bauer Proto R

    Released in October 2023

    bauer proto r hz
    bauer proto r iphone
    86%
    Stick Score

    Weight

    345g

    Material

    Monocomp

    Flex (Available In)

    70, 77, 87

    Blade Curve (Suggested)

    P92 or P28

    Kick Point

    Mid

    List Price

    $359.99 USD

    $429.99 CAD

    CHECK CURRENT PRICE

    Key Features:

    • Lightweight
    • Twice the compression strength and stiffness compared to the best carbon fiber sticks
    • Extra Stiff Blade Core

    What I Like/Dislike About the Bauer Proto R:

    Like:

    • Shares the #1 spot for the lightest available stick on the market
    • Better blade recoil and pop with every touch of the puck
    • Easy load and quick release on shots

    Dislike:

    • The Proto R uses the same Boron Fiber technology as the AG5NT, which had durability concerns. Here's hoping Bauer made the necessary improvements to make it more robust

    Stick Rating Breakdown:

    95%

    Lightness

    80%

    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. 

    Bauer Proto R
    JUNIOR

    List (USD)

    $269.99

    Bauer Proto R
    INTERMEDIATE

    List (USD)

    $329.99

    Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):

    The Bauer Proto R is a limited edition model with a mid kick point. The stick with the best matching specs comes from the Bauer Nexus collection.

    Bauer Nexus E4
    SENIOR

    Weight: 425g

    List (USD)

    $169.99

    Bauer Nexus E5 Pro
    SENIOR
      1. Weight: 390g

    List (USD)

    $219.99

    5. TRUE Catalyst 9X3 (US | CAN)

    Used by Charlie McAvoy, Alex Pietrangelo & Thomas Chabot

    TRUE Catalyst 9X3

    Released in July 2023

    true catalyst 9x3
    true catalyst 9x3 iphone
    85%
    Stick Score

    Weight

    350g

    Material

    Precision Laminate Design

    Flex (Available In)

    65, 75, 85, 95

    Blade Curve (Suggested)

    T92, T92.5 or T28

    Kick Point

    Low

    List Price

    $339.99 USD

    CHECK CURRENT PRICE

    Key Features:

    • Mid-zone flex that allows maximum energy loading for effortless power
    • Stiff taper zone to maximize control
    • 35 grams lighter than previous generation (Catalyst 9X)

    What I Like/Dislike About the True Catalyst 9X3:

    Like:

    • Mid-kick best suited for hard, long-distance shots
    • Rigid blade for better shot accuracy
    • Quality lightweight stick

    Dislike:

    • Stiffer feel on quick release shots due to kickpoint

    Stick Rating Breakdown:

    95%

    Lightness

    80%

    Durability

    85%

    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. 

    TRUE Catalyst 9X3
    JUNIOR

    List (USD)

    $249.99

    TRUE Catalyst 9X3
    INTERMEDIATE

    List (USD)

    $329.99

    Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):

    For a less expensive model from the same series, try the:

    TRUE Catalyst 7X3
    SENIOR

    Weight: 375g

    List (USD)

    $229.99

    Which Hockey Stick should you Buy?

    Choosing a hockey stick should not only be about shot preference, but also based on your experience.

    If you play regularly and want the competitive advantage, then you couldn’t go wrong with any of the top 6 suggested above.

    As a beginner, you need to figure out which model you’re most comfortable with.

    While the kick point helps match your shot type, you still need to determine the ideal stiffness (stick flex) and blade curve.

    Stick Flex

    Stick flex is relatively easy to select.    

    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. 

    The lower the flex score, the less tense the stick is along the shaft. That said, the stick is more flexible and helps with loading up on wrist and snapshots particularly. 

    Blade Curve

    Blade curves can also impact your gameplay, especially for stickhandling and shooting.     

    I prefer a toe or mid-toe curve, as opposed to heel curves.    

    The blade curves I’m most comfortable with are the P29 (Crosby) for CCM, W03 for Warrior and P92 for Bauer.    

    You can use the following curve chart to find comparable options for all stick brands.   

    Beginner's Choice

    If I were just starting out on defense, I'd go with the Bauer Nexus E40 (Canada Here).

    Not only is it a solid twig, but it comes with a low sticker price.

    Furthermore, it is similar to the Bauer Nexus Tracer model that comes in at #3 on our list. The main difference is the weight and material used to construct.

    But the kick point remains the same.

    It's a great option to test your comfort level without breaking the bank.

    My Personal Stick Preference

    If you were to ask me, I’m in favor of the CCM Ribcor Trigger 9 Pro (Canada Here). The CCM Ribcor Trigger Series has been my go-to option for many years now.

    Keep in mind that I’m 5’7 and I play Center.

    I know defensemen typically play with a more rigid stick.

    Based on this information, I’d go with the CCM JetSpeed FT7 Pro (Canada Here) just because I’m a fan of CCM sticks in general.

    It also was the most popular model for the top 30 NHL Defensemen.

    Final Thoughts 

    The development of hockey sticks has come a long way.

    When I was growing up, the only choice was between wooden sticks and the two-piece aluminum with the blade insert. 

    That two-piece model was popular for many years until the one-piece composite came to the market. 

    But at the very start, there weren’t as many options for composites as there are today.

    And I’m not just talking about brands.

    The emergence of stick flex, kick point and the vast selection of blade curves is more recent.

    The right combination of each can definitely bring your game to the next level.

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