Best Hockey Stick for Snapshots (Top Brands of 2024)

Choosing the perfect hockey stick for snapshots is probably the toughest decision one can make. I made a list of the best options, reasonable alternatives along with a summary of my top 3 choices here.

Of all the shots a hockey player must learn to master, snapshots are definetely the hardest.

But with enough practice, your technique will eventually improve. Keep in mind that the right hockey stick will help along in the journey.

From a scoring perspective, snapshots can be a great tool to your shot arsenal. It’s what distinguishes advanced players from the rest.

Best Hockey Stick for Snapshots

Which stick should you buy?

I’ve broken down the goals scored in the NHL, and the snapshot is the second most important shot type, behind only wrist shots. 

Just over 15% of all goals are scored off the snapshot by the pros.

Furthermore, they are most effective from 20-40ft from the net. To get an idea of where to shoot from, we’re looking at the mid to high slot area.

See the rink map below to know the region I’m referring to.

Snapshots are different from wrist shots in that the puck rests in place while the player quickly snaps the puck towards the net. 

Wrist shots require the player to pull the puck back before propelling it on goal.

Essentially, snap shots are the quickest way to release a shot due to the flick-of-the-wrist movement.

So, which stick type is best for snapshots?

Ideal Stick Flex and Kick Point for Snapshots

Before I give you my recommendations for sticks, you should know which features are best suited for snapshots.

When shooting the puck, you’ll want to get plenty of arc in the shaft, while getting the quickest kickback from the stick blade.

This would suggest you’re looking at a stick with low flex value and low kick point.

The same features are also recommended for wrist shots, which account for 51.8% of all NHL goals.

However, the top 50 NHL goal scorers tell another story…

Kick Point

Almost half the players (24) elected to go with a hybrid or mid-low kick point. Meanwhile, only 19 players chose a stick with low kick point option.

Hybrid models are used by both Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews – who have especially dangerous snapshots. Both currently use the CCM Jetspeed models.

On the other hand, players like Nathan MacKinnon and Sidney Crosby opt for the low kick point sticks.

They both use the CCM Ribcor Trigger Pros.

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.

Best Hockey Stick for Snapshots

Below is a list of my top 5 twigs for snapshots. My personal preference is the CCM Ribor Trigger 9 Pro (Canada Here), but another model may be suitable for you. 

I've included a short description for each model to help you make you decision.

Keep in mind that these sticks are all the top end models. They are the most expensive sticks for each brand.

For less expensive sticks, continue to the following section. I provide the full range of models for each brand.

3. Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro (US | CAN)

Top Choice Amongst Top 50 NHL Scorers

5. Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 (US | CAN)

Most Common Used Model in the NHL Overall

Which stick should I buy?

Choosing a composite stick should be based both on your hockey experience and your budget.

If you are new to hockey, you might want to get a feel for your stick. It’s very hard to determine this even if you’re at the store holding the stick. 

You’ll want to battle test the stick during a game or practice.

So, I always recommend for beginners to buy a budget-friendly model such as the CCM Ribcor Trigger 96K (Canada Here). 

When it comes to more competitive players, you should consider sticks in the super lightweight or lightweight class.

Just note that the lighter the stick, the more you’ll be dishing out top dollar.

Personally, I’ve been using the CCM Ribcor Trigger Pro series for years now. The current model available is the CCM Ribcor Trigger 9 Pro (Canada Here).

As noted earlier, I prefer the 75 flex and I’ve comfortably toggled between the MacKinnon (P40) and Crosby (P29) blade curves. 

These are designated as mid and toe curves respectively. Which simply refers to where the arc initiates on the blade.

As a note, I’m not a fan of heel curves. 

I’ve had difficulty stick handling or toe dragging the puck with them and my slapshot was way off. It was a major nightmare for me.

Final Thoughts

Let me know which is your favorite stick for snapshots.

Is there a brand you think stands out more than the others? I’m always open to testing out something new and give you my feedback.

Drop a comment below with your thoughts.