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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. 

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. 

bauer nexus

Bauer Nexus 

Sync

Nexus Sync is Bauer's mid-kick pro level stick. It is used by elite, playmaking defensemen such as Cale Makar.

ccm jetspeed

CCM Jetspeed

FT6 Pro

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

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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. Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 (US | CAN)

Successor to the top choice amongst all NHL Defensemen

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

2. Bauer Nexus Sync (US | CAN)

Used by Cale Makar & Josh Morrissey

Bauer Nexus Sync

Released in 2022

bauer nexus sync phone
88%
Stick Score

Weight

365g

Material

ACL 2.0

Flex (Available In)

70, 77, 87

Blade Curve (Suggested)

P92 or P28

List Price

$339.99 USD

Promotion

None Currently

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Key Features:

  • Fast, dynamic release
  • Better shaft contour to the natural shape of your hand
  • Added 2 inches to the length of stick

What I Like/Dislike About the Bauer Nexus Sync:

Like:

  • Enhanced feel on shot release
  • Lightest model of the top used NHL sticks
  • Great for stickhandling
  • Longer stick design for taller players

Dislike:

  • Shaft and hosel are the main sensitive points

Stick Rating Breakdown:

85%

Lightness

80%

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 Sync
JUNIOR

List (USD)

$239.99

Bauer Nexus Sync
INTERMEDIATE

List (USD)

$309.99

Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):

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

Bauer Nexus E3 Grip
SENIOR

List (USD)

$139.99

3. CCM Jetspeed FT6 (US | CAN)

Successor to the Most Popular stick amongst Top 30 Defensemen

CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro

Released in 2023

ccm jetspeed ft6
ccm jetspeed ft6 phone
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

$349.99 USD

Promotion

None Currently

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Key Features:

  • Better strength and durability than prior models
  • Seamless energy transfer for puck release
  • Variable stiffness in the blade

    What I Like/Dislike About the CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro:

    Like:

    • Excellent feel and control
    • Low kick point for that extra pop on wrist shots
    • CCM is the gold standard for sticks

    Dislike:

    • Blade is the sensitive point

    Stick Rating Breakdown:

    85%

    Lightness

    95%

    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 Jetspeed FT6 Pro
    JUNIOR

    List (USD)

    $249.99

    CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro
    INTERMEDIATE

    List ( USD)

    $329.99

    Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):

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

    CCM Jetspeed FT670
    SENIOR

    USD

    $139.99

    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

    Weight: 390g

    List (USD)

    $219.99

    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 5 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 was just starting out on defense, I'd go with the CCM Jetspeed FT660 Grip (Canada Here).

    Not only does it solid rating on 5-stars, but it comes with a low sticker price.

    Furthermore, it is similar to the CCM Jetspeed 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 8 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 FT6 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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