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Most Popular Hockey Sticks used by NHL Players

bauer vapor hyperlite 1500

The most popular sticks featured in this post consist of the following models. The majority of NHL players use one of these in game.

They are the best hockey sticks available in the market today. For convenience, here's a quick view of the top 3 twigs. 

Bauer AG5NT

Bauer Vapor 

Hyperlite 2

Weighing in at 360g, the Hyperlite 2 is the successor to the most popular stick in the NHL since 2021.

ccm jetspeed

CCM Jetspeed

FT6 Pro

With it's hybrid kick point, the Jetspeed is the most versatile stick for shooting. Weighs only 365g.

bauer nexus

Bauer Nexus

Sync

In use by over 100 NHL players, the Nexus Sync is a must-have for those that prefer the mid-kick feel. Weighs in at 365g.

The production of hockey sticks has come a long way. 

Since I was a kid, I’ve seen everything from wood sticks and aluminum two-pieces all the way to today’s one-piece composites.

The one-piece composite sticks were introduced in the early 2000s and continue to dominate the industry until today.

When competitors started catching up to the technology, the manufacturers found innovative ways to set themselves apart from the competition. 

Features of Composite Hockey Sticks

The main qualities of composites are its robustness and being lightweight. But they’ve also added an outer grip coating, various shaft flexes, kick point for shot release and lie for stick angle.

The one feature that has recently caught the attention of most amateur players and pros alike is the kick point.

In a game that is dominated mostly by wrist shots and snapshots (67% of all NHL goals scored), the kick point determines how quickly a shot can be released.

We’re looking at players such as Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews and Nathan MacKinnon who deceive goalies with a quick snipe.

And just before we cover the list of most popular sticks, keep in mind to check out some of my other popular titles covering hockey sticks.

Most Popular Hockey Sticks

Below is a list of the best hockey sticks used by NHL players today.

Most sticks have been updated to the lastest available models on the market for 2023 such as the FT6 Pro, Hyperlite 2 and the Alpha LX2.

For example, the Jetspeed FT6 Pro was used by Auston Matthews during the latter half of the season, which I reviewed here

1. Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 (US | CAN)

Successor to the most used stick in the NHL 2022-23 Season

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

$399.99 CAD

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 Jetspeed FT6 Pro (US | CAN)

Used also by Auston Matthews & Mika Zibanejad

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

$399.99 CAD

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

    3. Bauer Nexus Sync (US | CAN)

    Used by 105 NHL Players in 2022-23

    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

    $399.99 CAD

    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
    SENIOR

    Weight: 450g

    List (USD)

    $139.99

    Bauer Nexus E5
    SENIOR

    Weight: 390g

    List (USD)

    $219.99

    4. Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro (US | CAN)

    Previous Model used by 69 NHL Players in 2022-23

    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 

    $399.99 CAD

    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 Novium SP
    SENIOR

    Weight: 445g

    List (USD)

    $119.99

    5. CCM Ribcor Trigger 8 Pro  (US | CAN)

    The Ribcor series is used by 70+ NHL players.

    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

      6. Warrior Super Novium (US | CAN)

      Used by Darnell Nurse & Matt Duchene

      Warrior Super Novium

      Released in September 2023

      warrior super novium hz
      warrior super novium iphone
      84%
      Stick Score

      Weight

      330g

      Material

      RL 199 and Minimus Carbon 25

      Flex (Available In)

      65, 75, 85

      Blade Curve (Suggested)

      W03 or W28

      Kick Point

      Mid

      List Price

      $359.99 USD

      $429.99 CAD

      CHECK CURRENT PRICE

      Key Features:

      • Low-Weight Fibers & Thermoplastic epoxy resin makes an extremely lightweight and strong shaft
      • V-Shaped Bevel Taper
      • Blacked out stick with holographic logos

      What I Like/Dislike About the Warrior Super Novium:

      Like:

      • Lighest stick on the market today
      • Bevel taper allows for the stick to load higher on the shaft
      • Mid kick allows for more power in your shots

      Dislike:

      • Weightless sticks may affect shot control

      Stick Rating Breakdown:

      100%

      Lightness

      80%

      Durability

      85%

      Feel

      70%

      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 Super Novium
      JUNIOR

      List (USD)

      $249.99

      Warrior Super Novium
      INTERMEDIATE

      List (USD)

      $329.99

      Low-Cost Equivalent Option (Senior):

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

      Warrior Novium SP
      SENIOR

      Weight: 445g

      List (USD)

      $119.99

      Why are these sticks popular?

      As mentioned earlier, the most common shot types in the NHL are wrist shots (52%) and snap shots (15%).

      The sticks featured in this blog are either Low or Hybrid Kickpoints. They are also amongst the lightest sticks made by each brand.

      Furthermore, they come in a variety of stick flexes, so players can choose their preferred stick flexibility (i.e 75, 85, 95 etc).

      Essentially, most forwards will opt for a stick that delivers the most powerful shot and quickest release.

      And with the amount of force players unleash off a shot, they’ll need the stick to be equally robust.

      Just check how much arc can be produced prior to the release. 

      Embed from Getty Images

      Not only must the stick withstand the immense stress along the arc, but the shaft must return to its original form after each shot.

      Let’s give credit to all the brand manufacturers for contributing to the evolution of the stick.

      The bottom line is that these are the best ice hockey sticks available due to their light weight, durability and power generated off the shot.

      Best Hockey Sticks for Forwards

      If you’re on offense, you should look at sticks with lower flex, low or hybrid kickpoint and a toe- or mid-blade curve.

      For instance, as a Centerman, I use the CCM Ribcor Trigger Pro Series (Canada Here) with 75 Flex and P29 Blade Curve.

      So, let’s break down each characteristic below.

      Stick Flex

      The stick flex is easy to figure out. 

      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 the ideal choice lower value option (75). That’s because it would create a better arc prior to unleashing a wrist shot or snapshot.

      The arc helps generate greater power on the shot, more so than a stiffer stick options. 

      Kickpoint

      The kickpoint is the softest point along the shaft closest to the blade of the stick. 

      Similar to the stick flex, it generates power for a quick and harder shot release.

      The lower the kickpoint, the quicker the blade experiences a sling shot effect.

      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 Sticks for Defensemen

      As a defenseman, your stick options are much broader depending on your style of play and size.

      If you’re a tall, bulky, stay-at-home defenseman, you’ll be looking at a stick with a higher stick flex rating, high kick point and a mid or heel curve

      The high stick flex and high kickpoint is ideal for shooting from the point – such as a slapshot or one-timer.

      If you don’t want to compromise on shot power, the stiffer shaft is the best way to go.

      Shorter (under 6 feet), more mobile defensemen may want to opt with a high stick flex, hybrid or low kickpoint and a mid or toe curve.

      I even wrote a blog post dedicated to stick recommendations for defensemen. As a note, the top performing stick in this category is the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 (Canada Here).

      Stick Flex

      When I say high stick flex, I mean for you to opt for the upper option based on your weight.

      To calculate which stick flex is best, take your weight in pounds (lbs) and divide by 2 for your score.

      For example, if you weigh 160 lbs, your flex score is 160/2 or 80. 

      If a stick brand has an option of 75 or 85 flex, you’ll might want to try the 85 flex. 

      Keep in mind that the actually flex value increases if you need to cut the stick and decreases if you need to add an extension (plug). 

      The advertised flex value is typically measured for a stick cut at 60 inches or five feet high. 

      Lastly, don’t feel automatically compelled to buy a stiffer stick just because you are a defenseman.

      Most NHL defensemen nowadays are cutting down on slapshots and focusing on wrist and snapshots too.

      For example, players like Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche) and Josh Morrissey (Winnipeg Jets) use the Bauer Nexus Sync (Canada Here).

      Meanwhile, Roman Josi (Nashville Predators) has opted for the CCM Jetspeed Pro (Canada Here) this year.

      All three of these sticks are listed as low or hybrid kickpoint models.

      Final Thoughts

      The stick models listed above are all high-end editions of each brand.

      For a more comprehensive list that includes more budgetary and heavier sticks, make sure to check out the following table for both low and mide kick points.

      You can always drop a comment below letting me know which is your favorite stick.

      Include your position and height so that others can mirror your choices.

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