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Best Hockey Stick for Snapshots (Top Brands of 2024)

matthews snapshot

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.

ccm jetspeed

CCM Jetspeed

FT7 Pro

CCM is the gold standard in the hockey industry. The Jetspeed is a durable workhorse with a hybrid kick.

CCM Ribcor

Trigger 9 Pro

The Trigger 9 Pro is the low kick alternative from CCM. This line has been my go-to for many years now.

warrior alpha lx

WARRIOR Alpha

LX2 Pro

The Alpha LX2 Pro is a robust, high-end model that resonates well with many NHL players. It's a solid hybrid stick.


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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.

2018-19 NHL Goal Location

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.

1. CCM Jetspeed FT7 Pro (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

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. CCM Ribcor Trigger 9 Pro (US | CAN)

    Used by Nathan McKinnon and Sidney Crosby

    CCM Ribcor Trigger 9 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

      Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):

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

      CCM Ribcor Trigger 9
      SENIOR

      USD

      $199.99

      CCM Ribcor Trigger 96K
      SENIOR

      USD

      $139.99

      CCM Ribcor Trigger 94K
      SENIOR

      3. Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro (US | CAN)

      Top Choice Amongst Top 50 NHL Scorers

      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

      Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):

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

      Warrior Alpha LX2 Max
      SENIOR

      Weight: 417g

      List (USD)

      $169.99

      4. Bauer Nexus Tracer (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

      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

      5. Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 (US | CAN)

      Most Common Used Model in the NHL Overall

      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

      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.

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