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Best Hockey Stick for Wrist Shots (Updated 2024)

mackinnon wrist shot

Choosing the right hockey stick can vastly improve your ability to shoot and handle the puck.

I made a list below of the best hockey sticks to get the most out of your wrist shots, including a quick recap of my top 3 choices.

bauer vapor hyperlite

Bauer Vapor

Hyperlite 2

Hyperlite 2 is the preferred option for NHL players that is very lightweight and durable.

CCM Ribcor

Trigger 8 Pro

CCM has been a staple in the hockey industry for many generations. The Ribcor line is my personal go-to.

warrior covert qr5 pro

WARRIOR COVERT

QR5 Pro Grip

The Covert QR5 Pro is a robust, high-end model that resonates well with many NHL players.

Not only do I give you my preferred sticks, but I break down all available options based on price category.

For this discussion, I've only provided examples of composite one-piece sticks, which is the most common type used in today's game.

This includes both professionals and amateurs alike.

Typically, the most expensive sticks are lighter in weight made of the most innovative materials.

Each company has their own proprietary manufacturing process for making their sticks robust. They even offer a 30-day warranty should the stick break through normal usage.

I include the stick technology in each of the descriptions for those interested.

List of Best Hockey Stick for Wrist Shots

Which hockey stick should you buy?

Whether you shop for a hockey stick online or at the store, you’re presented with a large variety of options.

I know this because I’ve done a breakdown of comparable brands most popular in the industry. See my blog post about it here to learn more.

In the related blog post, I separated the sticks based on their kick point, which has an impact on wrist shots.

I've isolated and updated these specific models (for wrist shots) in the paragraphs just below.

In fact, there are two elements to selecting a stick to improve your wrist shot: low kick point and low stick flex.

Keep in mind that the lower the stick flex value, the more the stick arcs (making it more flexible).

And, essentially, you’re looking for a stick that arcs during the release of your shot. 

The greater the arc, the more power generated prior to shooting the puck.

Advantages of a Flexible Stick

Hockey Sticks with a lower stick flex (more flexible) and a low kickpoint generate a great deal of power on shot release. 

As a result, not only will the puck propel more forcefully on the follow through, but puck release is also much quicker.

Just remember - hard shot, quick release.

Disadvantages of a Flexible Stick 

There are a few disadvantages to hockey sticks with higher flexibility and lower kick point.

The trade-off for a more powerful wrist shot is a weaker slap shot.  

But keep in mind that players will take a wrist shot or snap shot more often than a slapshot. 

If you don’t believe me, check out my analysis here about administered shot types at the NHL level.

Furthermore, there is a possibility for the stick shaft to snap. 

While every stick reaches its eventual demise, I’ve seen them last anywhere from a couple of months to over two years. 

The shaft is usual culprit, with the stick blade being a close second place.

Lastly, if you’re used to a stiffer shaft, there is a small adjustment period to getting used to the whippier feel.

But ever since I made the change to a lower flex, I have trouble with the stiffer sticks.

Just before we get into our list, keep in mind to check out some of my other popular titles covering hockey sticks.

List of Best Hockey Stick for Wrist Shots

While the recommendations I provided below are not for the most expensive stick, they do appear in the high end category (Super Lightweight models).

FYI, I've played hockey since an early age and currently play both for an amateur, organized league and university intramurals.

1. Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 (US | CAN)

Used by Patrik Laine & Pierre-Luc Dubois

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. CCM Ribcor Trigger 8 Pro  (US | CAN)

Used by Nathan McKinnon and Sidney Crosby

CCM Ribcor Trigger 8 Pro

Released in 2023

ccm ribcor trigger 8 pro hz
91%
Stick Score

Weight

380g

Material

Nanolite Shield

Flex (Available In)

70, 75, 80, 85, 95

Blade Curve (Suggested)

P29 or P28

List Price

$349.99 USD

$399.99 CAD

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Key Features:

  • Nanolite Shield makes for lighter and more durable shaft than prior models
  • Seamless energy transfer for puck release
  • Dampening Foam insert in blade for improved feel when passing and stickhandling 

    What I Like/Dislike About the CCM Ribcor Trigger 8 Pro:

    Like:

    • Excellent feel and control
    • Low kick point for that extra pop on wrist shots
    • Less vibration on blade when handling the puck

    Dislike:

    • Blade is the sensitive point

    Stick Rating Breakdown:

    80%

    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 Ribcor Trigger 8 Pro
    JUNIOR

    USD

    $249.99

    CCM Ribcor Trigger 8 Pro
    INTERMEDIATE

    USD

    $329.99

    Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):

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

    CCM Ribcor Trigger 8
    SENIOR

    USD

    $249.99

    3. Warrior Covert QR5 Pro (US | CAN)

    Used by Brayden Point and Sebastien Aho

    Warrior Covert QR5 Pro

    Released in 2022

    warrior covert qr5 pro
    warrior covert qr5 pro iphone
    79%
    Stick Score

    Weight

    395g

    Material

    RLC 188

    Flex (Available In)

    75, 85, 100

    Blade Curve (Suggested)

    W03 or W28

    List Price

    $339.99 USD 

    Promotion

    None Currently 

    CHECK CURRENT PRICE

    Key Features:

    • Shaft is lighter and more durable than predecessor
    • Geometry of stick improves response and delivers better stability
    • Greater puck feel on blade and pop for shooting

    What I Like/Dislike About the Warrior Covert QR5 Pro:

    Like:

    • Extremely lightweight
    • Quick release on wrist shots
    • Option to buy stick with 3 extra inches in length

    Dislike:

    • Shaft is the sensitive point

    Stick Rating Breakdown:

    70%

    Lightness

    75%

    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 QR5 Pro
    JUNIOR

    List (USD)

    $219.99

    Warrior Covert QR5 Pro
    INTERMEDIATE

    List (USD)

    $339.99

    Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):

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

    Warrior Covert QR5 20
    SENIOR

    List (USD)

    $209.99

    4. Bonus: TRUE HZRDUS PX (US | CAN)

    Used by Mitch Marner and Brady Tkachuk

    TRUE HZRDUS PX

    Released in 2022

    true hzrdus px
    true hzrdus px iphone
    84%
    Stick Score

    Weight

    345g

    Material

    Precision Laminate Design

    Flex (Available In)

    65, 75, 85, 95

    Blade Curve (Suggested)

    TC2 or TC4

    List Price

    $359.99 USD

    Promotion

    None Currently

    CHECK CURRENT PRICE

    Key Features:

    • Blade designed for more shot stability and accuracy
    • Superior shaft durability and impact strength
    • Reinforced hosel construction

    What I Like/Dislike About the TRUE HZRDUS PX:

    Like:

    • Extremely lightweight
    • Smooth energy transfer through to the blade
    • Exceptional feel and control

    Dislike:

    • Blade is the sensitive point

    Stick Rating Breakdown:

    95%

    Lightness

    70%

    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. 

    TRUE HZRDUS PX
    JUNIOR

    List (USD)

    $229.99

    TRUE HZRDUS PX
    INTERMEDIATE

    List (USD)

    $319.99

    Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):

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

    TRUE HZRDUS 3X
    SENIOR

    List (USD)

    $139.99

    Which hockey stick should you buy?

    My recommendation is to select one of the sticks listed based on your playing experience.

    If you’re new to hockey, look no further than the best value or budget brands. You can go with the CCM Jetspeed FT670 (Canada Here).

    While these sticks are relatively heavier than the top models, they provide the same feel when it comes to flexibility and kick point.

    For the more competitive hockey players, consider the higher end models if it’s well within your budget.

    I’ve tried many brands of hockey sticks, but the one I keep coming back to is the CCM, especially the Ribcor Trigger Pro Collection (Canada Here).

    hockey stick blade curves

    I’ve also had great experience with the Warrior sticks as well.

    To figure which stick flex to choose from, you’ll need to take your weight in lbs and divide 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 between a stick with 75 or 85 flex, but I prefer now the 75-flex option.

    It’s been my preferred stick flex for the last three years.

    Personally, it’s because my shot release is simply much quicker.

    Height Factor in Stick Flex

    Just keep in mind that height also plays a factor in stick flex. In my case, I lose some flexibility because I must cut the stick.

    Note that I’m 5’7 or 168cm in height. 

    If you’re taller than me, you might feel more comfortable with the 85-flex option.

    Finding the perfect hockey stick for you is a matter of trial and error. You’ll never know how comfortable it feels until its battle tested in a game.

    Lastly, you’ll be asked to select your blade curve. For CCM, I prefer either the P40 (MacKinnon) or P29 (Crosby) curves.

    They allow for shooting seamlessly and proper stick handling. I’d say these are two of the most common blade curves sold on the market today.

    For a comparative chart across all brands, make sure to check out the following link.

    Final Thoughts

    Let me know what your favorite stick model is.

    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 and share your thoughts.

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