Deciding what stick to use outdoor roller hockey can be a real head-scratcher.
In fact, when it comes to enhancing your game performance, the choice of stick is often overlooked.
But let’s face it – selecting the right stick is as crucial as choosing your inline skates or protective gear. It’s what separates an average player from a great one.
Don’t fret – we’ve got the scoop on picking out the ideal stick for outdoor roller hockey!
The Basics of Roller Hockey Sticks
Whether you’re a beginner inline hockey player or an experienced roller blader, understanding the different types of sticks used in roller hockey is crucial.
In this sport, your choice between wooden and composite sticks can significantly impact your performance on various surfaces.
Wooden vs Composite Sticks
Diving into the world of roller hockey sticks, we find two main categories: wooden and composite ones.
Wooden street hockey sticks, like the popular Mylec Eclipse Jet Flo Stick, are generally cheaper than their counterparts. They offer remarkable durability which makes them ideal for rough outdoor play but they tend to be heavier leading to slower stick handling.
- This weight difference might seem trivial at first glance; however it has significant implications when playing high-speed games requiring quick reactions and precise control over puck movement.
If agility is what you seek as a roller-hockey player then consider investing in lighter yet less durable options such as Alkali Revel Wood ABS Sticks or Sherwood T60 ABS Composite Stick.
These composites provide better maneuverability due to their reduced weight making them perfect for indoor use where surface conditions are smoother compared with outdoors.
Next up let’s discuss why choosing the right kind of stick matters so much during gameplay, especially if one wants to excel at Inline Skating.
NHL Player’s Stick Lengths And Lie Angles
When it comes to roller hockey, understanding the stick lengths and lie angles used by NHL players can significantly improve your game.
The length of a hockey stick varies between 56 to 58 inches for most professional ice hockey players. This measurement is crucial as it affects puck control and shot accuracy.
Stick Length: The Key To Control
A longer stick offers an extended reach which aids in defense but may compromise on maneuverability during close encounters with opponents. A shorter stick can offer improved control, particularly beneficial for forwards who need accuracy with their shots.
, provides options that cater to both these preferences.
Lie Angle: Precision In Shots
The lie angle refers to the angle formed between the shaft of the stick and its blade when placed flat on a surface. Typically ranging from 135-145 degrees among NHL professionals , this factor greatly influences shooting precision .
offer varying lie angles catering different playing styles .
Choosing Street Hockey Sticks for Different Surfaces
If you’re a roller hockey player, the surface you play on significantly influences your choice of street hockey sticks.
For instance, asphalt surfaces are more forgiving to wooden or composite sticks. However, concrete can be brutal and quickly wear out your stick’s blade.
The Ideal Stick For Asphalt Play
In general, composite sticks, with their lightweight design and medium flex rating are ideal for playing inline hockey on asphalt surfaces.
This is because they provide excellent puck control while also offering good shot power due to their flexibility.
Avoiding Concrete Damage With ABS Blades
On the other hand, if you frequently find yourself playing street hockey on rougher concrete surfaces, consider investing in a stick featuring an ABS blade such as Alkali Revel Wood Abs Sticks or Mylec Eclipse Jet Flo Stick.
An ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) material provides enhanced durability that withstands harsh impacts better than traditional wood or composite materials.
Besides these options there are numerous other models available online catering different needs of players like Bauer SH1000 model which offers great value too.
Why ABS Hockey Sticks Are The Best For Street And Roller Hockey
You may have tried various types of hockey sticks, but if you play on rough surfaces like asphalt or concrete regularly, then ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) blades are an excellent choice for street and roller hockey.
The Durability Factor of ABS Blades
One major advantage that sets apart ABS blades from other materials is their durability.
This type of blade material is designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions without chipping or breaking easily. It’s perfect for playing street hockey where there’s constant friction between the stick and hard surface.
Better Performance On Rough Surfaces
Rough surfaces pose unique challenges when it comes to controlling puck movement during inline games.
That’s why having a durable stick becomes crucial here.
Taping your Stick Blade, could further help with better control over pucks, especially on uneven terrains.
This makes them more effective than composite sticks which might not perform as well under these circumstances.
Range Of Choices In Abs Sticks
There’s no shortage of options when looking at abs-based street hockey sticks either.
Mylec Eclipse Jet Flo Stick, and Alkali Revel Wood Abs Sticks, are just two examples among many others available in market today.
These models offer good balance, medium flex rating ideal for both beginner & experienced players alike.
So next time you gear up for an exciting round of roller or street ice hockey, don’t forget to consider these factors while picking out the best suitable equipment.
The Art of Taping Your Street Hockey Stick
When playing street hockey, the manner in which one tapes their stick can have a major impact on how they perform.
Pros & Cons of Taping Your Stick
Taping your street hockey stick has both advantages and disadvantages that every roller hockey player should consider.
A taped blade provides better puck control, enhancing precision during passes and shots. It also offers improved grip for handling maneuvers on rough surfaces with inline skates or roller blades.
However, taping might slow down stick handling due to increased friction between the tape and ball/puck surface.
Protecting Your Street Hockey Stick
Beyond performance enhancement, taping is crucial for prolonging the lifespan of your Sherwood T60 ABS composite sticks, especially when frequently used outdoors on abrasive surfaces like asphalt or concrete.
To further protect against wear and tear from harsh outdoor play conditions – products such as Hockey Wraparound come highly recommended by many experienced players.
This device shields blade edges without affecting shot power or accuracy – an ideal solution for preserving medium flex sticks while maintaining optimal gameplay experience.
In our next section we’ll discuss other essential gear needed when hitting the rink beyond just having a well-taped, high-quality Mylec Eclipse Jet Flo stick.
Gear Up Right For Roller Hockey
Roller hockey is a thrilling sport that requires more than just an ideal stick.
Your performance on the rink can be significantly enhanced with the right gear.
Inline Skates For Roller Hockey
The choice of inline skates plays a crucial role in your game’s success.
A good pair of roller blades not only provides comfort but also ensures better control and speed during play.
Selecting The Perfect Inline Skates
- An excellent inline skate should offer ample ankle support to prevent injuries while playing street hockey or indoor games.
- The wheels’ hardness, measured as durometer, affects grip and durability; harder wheels last longer but provide less traction compared to softer ones.
- Different brands like Bauer, CCM, Alkali have varying fits – some are wider while others run narrow so try them out before buying.
Protective Gear For Safety
Safety cannot be compromised when it comes to any contact sports including roller hockey.
From helmets ensuring head protection from falls & collisions, gloves providing hand safety against sticks & pucks hits, knee pads protecting knees during slides or accidental falls; each piece of equipment contributes towards player’s safety.
To find reliable protective gear options, you could check out online stores or local sporting goods retailers.
Remember, always prioritize quality over cost when it comes to protective gears because they serve as your shield in this fast-paced exciting sport.
FAQs in Relation to What Stick to Use Outdoor Roller Hockey
How do you know what hockey stick to use?
The choice of a hockey stick depends on your position, playing style, and personal preference. Consider factors like the material, length, flex rating, curve type and lie angle.
Is there a difference between an indoor and outdoor field hockey stick?
Yes. Outdoor sticks are heavier with more power for long passes while indoor sticks are lighter with better control for quick movements.
Can you use an ice hockey stick for roller hockey?
You can technically use an ice hockey stick for roller hockey but it’s not recommended due to durability issues on rough surfaces.
What is the difference between a hockey stick and a street hockey stick?
A street or roller-hockey-stick typically has more durable blades made from ABS plastic that withstands concrete or asphalt play unlike traditional ice-hockey-sticks which have wooden or composite blades designed for smoother surfaces.
Conclusion
What stick to use outdoor roller hockey?
Choosing the right stick for outdoor roller hockey is a game-changer.
Wooden or composite, each has its own pros and cons to consider.
NHL players’ stick lengths and lie angles can guide your choice too.
Street hockey sticks? Great on asphalt but think twice before using them on concrete surfaces.
The ABS blade – it’s durability makes it a winner for street and roller hockey alike.
Taping your stick isn’t just about aesthetics; grip, control, longevity – all influenced by this simple act.
And remember, the perfect stick is only part of the equation.
Gear up with quality inline skates and protective equipment to elevate your game further.
Feeling overwhelmed?
Don’t be! At World Inline Hockey, we’re here to help you navigate through these choices so that you can focus more on enjoying the thrill of playing outdoor roller hockey.
Whether you’re new to this sport or an experienced player aiming for greater heights in performance, our comprehensive guides are designed just for you.
Get started today at World Inline Hockey.
Your journey towards mastering outdoor roller hockey begins now!