The defense is a crucial position in a hockey game. While the virtue of a player being talented in their own way cannot be underrated, having a good hockey stick that enables one to deliver a powerful slap shot can set a player apart from peers in the field.
A good player understands that hockey sticks are not all manufactured in the same way, and it is imperative to have the best gear for a particular position and skills. In the same way, having the best hockey sticks for a defenseman is no different.
In this article, we have reviewed the best field hockey sticks for the defensemen. This is in consideration of the many factors that come with the defense position.
Top 5 Best Hockey Sticks For Defenseman
There are 5 best hockey stick for defenseman which includes; Grays GX6000 Scoop Elite, Grays GX1000, STX Apex 901 Composite, Mazon Black Magic V5 Match Composite, and, Kookaburra Team Midas.
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Grays GX6000 Scoop Elite Field Hockey Stick
First in line for the best stick for a defenseman is the Grays GX6000.
See the current price for Grays GX1000 Field Hockey Stick on Amazon.
Features
- Composition: 50% Carbon, 40% Fiberglass, 10% Aramid
- Weight: comes in medium (610 grams) and light (553 grams)
- Length: 35 to 38 inches
- Bow Type: Standard (20mm)
- The shape of Toe: Maxi
- Adds a scoop feature to the toe
Grays GX6000 Scoop Elite Field Hockey Stick is a fully integrated carbon, aramid, and fiberglass composite. It also allows a defenseman to turn the stick over faster which means they will have better ball-handling skills.
The “Scoop” feature makes it easier to cradle the ball while dribbling and maintaining control while hitting or flicking. The high level of carbon provides added stiffness for more powerful hits.
This stick is suitable for intermediate to elite level players with beginners having problems with controlling the stick.
The handle is an Energy Reduction Handle which helps eliminates the feeling of vibration thus reducing the stick on the defenseman in the event of a stick-to-stick collision.
Pros:
- Grays is a renowned and trusted brand
- Better response, texture, and touch.
- New technology in the toe design allows for more speed of movement.
- Ultrabow blade profile perfect for developing basic skills and striking the ball
- Enables a player to do aerials
- Less elasticity than 100% carbon, making it easier for intermediate and advanced players to master
- The composite material ensures less sting to the hands and more durability.
- Available in different sizes.
Cons
- It is quite pricey compared to a majority of other field hockey sticks in the market.
- Unsuitable for shorter players or players who prefer a shorter stick.
- Difficult for beginners to use
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Grays GX1000 Field Hockey Stick
The Grays GX1000 Field Hockey Stick also qualifies as a good field hockey stick for a defenseman.
See the current price for Grays GX1000 Field Hockey Stick on Amazon.
Features
- Composition: 20% Fiberglass, 60% Carbon, 20% Kevlar
- Weight: Approximately 545 grams
- Length: Ranges from 35.5 to 37.5 inches
- Bow Type: Late Bow (24mm)
- The shape of Toe: Maxi
Even when on a tight budget, one can still be able to get one of the best field hockey sticks suitable for a defenseman the Grays GX1000. This is a composite and fiberglass combination stick.
The carbon gives the rigidity and strength required for better hitting power while the fiberglass delivers less vibration and control, giving you the best of both.
The GX1000 is a matchless stick to work on when moving from the fundamentals of field hockey to learning the more technical skills one needs when advancing without the need to buy a more costly stick.
The stick is light and easy to maneuver, which is crucial when learning the fundamentals of field hockey. Unfortunately, its low carbon gives it slightly lower power. However, the Maxi toe means this is best for defenders.
The Grays GX1000 is a great stick with great handling versatile skill levels suitable for all levels from beginner, intermediate, to professional, and is mainly built for defensive players considering molding their skills for efficiency.
Pros
- Greater response, feel, and touch.
- Fiberglass for reduced vibration and better control
- Less elasticity than 100% carbon, making it easier for intermediate and advanced players to master
- Great reverse stick control
- Ideal for drag flicks
- Hook tow for better receiving surface
- Ultrabow blade profile ideal for developing core skills and striking the ball
- Gives defenseman the ability to do aerials
Cons
- Difficult for beginners to use
- The GX1000 has a very hard surface, making dribbling that slightly bit harder.
See the current price for Grays GX1000 Field Hockey Stick on Amazon.
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STX Apex 901 Composite Field Hockey Stick
The STX Apex 901 Composite Field Hockey Stick is also a great defenseman’s stick of choice.
Features
- Composition: 90% Carbon, 10% Aramid
- Weight: 550g
- Length: for 36.5″ stick
- Bow Type: Standard bow (24mm)
- The shape of Toe: Maxi
You can grab or check the current price of STX Apex 901 Composite Field Hockey Stick on Amazon.
The STX Apex 901 Composite Field Hockey Stick is skillfully crafted to deliver maximum power out on the field. With a 90% carbon composition, the STX Apex 901 Field Hockey Stick was designed with a lower balance point, which makes the toe heavier which results in harder hits.
It incorporated Power Core technology in the toe of the stick which was achieved by using a heavier, harder core material to deliver increased power transmission to the ball, and it has an ETZ (Energy Transfer Zone) that offers additional strength and control for better sweeps and reduced rebound when receiving the ball.
The STX Apex 901 uses Patented Encore technology to absorb the stick’s vibration which reduces the sting to the player’s hands during hard hits and stick-to-stick contact.
It also features a maxi toe which is designed to provide a larger receiving area with an emphasized spot for an improved first touch on the ball with superior stick reversing capabilities.
Additionally, the hockey stick is constructed with a thicker profile and uses Nano Enhanced Resin System technology for increased resilience and durability.
Pros
- Use Power core technology in the toe of the stick for improved hitting power
- Built with a thicker profile for more strength and durability
- ETZ (Energy Transfer Zone) offers strength and control for better sweeps and better receiving the ball
- Have a lower balance point that gives the toe a heavier finish
- Uses Patented Encore technology utilized high-density plastic surrounded by an elastomer over mold for absorbing the stick’s vibration and reducing sting to hands
- The Maxi toe provided a larger receiving area with an emphasized spot suitable for reverse stick control
- Uses Nano Enhanced Resin System to reduce cracking and ensuring receptiveness while improving its toughness
- Uses a standard bow shape that allows for easy execution of essential skills
Cons
- Not suitable for beginner or intermediate players
4. Mazon Black Magic V5 Match Composite
It is the best hockey stick for defenders from the Mazon’s brand. The handle is so lovable and all. Again the stick is of high quality. The shaft is made of inserts of Kevlar core and Graphite glass.
In addition, the stick comes with a good cushioned grip and great traction control technologies. No vibrations are felt with this stick. It only comes in a single size- 37.5” and therefore, can only be used by seniors and tall teenagers.
You can grab or check the current price of Mazon Black Magic V5 Match Composite on Amazon.
Features
- Maxi toe head shape
- 24mm M Bow
- Packed with 95% Carbon
Pros
- The cushioned grip which is nonslip
- Very good in vibration absorption
- Its design entails a lot of advanced technologies
- It has a great touch and feels
Cons
- It only comes in a single size
5. Kookaburra Team Midas Field Hockey Stick
The Kookaburra Team Midas Field hockey stick is one of the best sticks for a defender. It’s built using 98% Carbon content and 2% fibreglass. It also features Tri Core, Innegra™ Reinforced Edge and KCF technology. The technologies used ensure there is almost zero vibration felt and great control.
You can grab or check the current price of Kookaburra Team Midas Field hockey stick on Amazon.
Features
- Maxi toe head shape
- Tri Core, Nano Composite, High Tensile Carbon, Innegra™ Reinforced Edge, KCF & SFR
- Extreme soft grip
- Length is 5″ and 37.5″
Pros
- Durable
- Great feel
- No vibrations
- Lightweight, yet strong
- Good for tackles
Cons
- Limited in size as it is suitable for seniors
Factors to consider when selecting a Field Hockey Stick for a Defenseman
First, it is worth noting that no two hockey players are the same and certainly, no two positions or skills need the same strengths. If this were the situation, all hockey players would use identical sticks. In essence, choosing the best stick for a player depends on personal preference as well as skill level.
Some of the main features of their gear that some pro hockey defensemen in history perhaps considered included stick handling kick point, in addition to an open or closed face heel curve, to name just a few. With respect to all these considerations, the best hockey stick for defensemen has a wide range of peculiarities that each player should put into consideration before settling on the best hockey stick.
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Strength
The first attribute of a good defenseman’s hockey stick is its strength. It is without a doubt that a defender’s stick is going to get involved in countless stick-on-stick contact when laying tackles on the opposing forwards and midfielders. Depending on the frequency of use, this contact is bound to wear out the hockey stick quite fast.
Accordingly, a defenseman should settle for a stick with more Kevlar or fiberglass as opposed to carbon which tends to be more brittle. Including aramid in the composition also helps in improving the strength and resilience of the stick. It also reduces the vibrations felt in the handle of the stick thus less effect on the player’s hands.
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Power
The second aspect to consider when choosing a good defenseman stick is the power from the stick. Power is a valuable asset when clearing the ball quickly. As such an adequate amount of carbon in a stick help this out but not too much that you end up not having the shock absorption that you need when tapping that is provided by the fiberglass and aramid/Kevlar mix.
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Weight
The third is the issue of the weight of the hockey stick. In most cases, defending players tend to prefer a heavier stick, with a stick of between 600-670 grams being recommended. This additional weight is essential in putting more power in distance into hits which is handy when clearing the ball, especially when playing on grass.
A heavier stick will also be helpful to a defenseman when tackling players with lighter sticks which could bounce off the defenseman’s stick if there is stick-stick contact.
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Length
The length of the stick is also an important factor. While the size of the stick is more or less based on the height of the player, a slightly longer stick is best suitable for a majority of defenders. This is because it gives them an additional range when laying a tackle, even if they are short.
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Toe
In regards to the toe, the common toe shape preferred by a defender is the Maxi toe. It offers the largest sweet spot hitting area as well as a better trapping area. For a defenseman, they would also need a stick with a considerably sized bow as it helps in lifting the ball easier.
Conclusion
In conclusion, in the search for the perfect stick for a defenseman, defenders will habitually prefer heavier sticks whereby the weight concentrated in the head of the stick. This makes it possible for them to make stronger block tackles, while the extra weight helps produce more power when clearing the ball.
Also, given that defenders get a lot of stick-on-stick contacts when tackling their opponent, they need a stick with great durability.
Accordingly, it is only logical to go for a stick with higher fiberglass content because carbon tends to be more brittle in a compound stress way. Adding aramid/Kevlar in the composition also helps in improving the strength and durability of the stick by dampening the vibrations felt in the handle of the stick for during stick-on-stick contact.
Furthermore, it is recommended to choose a stick with a maxi toe as it offers the largest sweet spot, allowing you to make better contact with the ball when hitting or trapping it.
Likewise, in most cases, defenders will prefer slightly longer sticks compared to their player height recommendation in order to give them a little extra range when tackling and jabbing at the ball and driving the ball further down the field.
To sum up, yes there is the best field hockey stick for a defenseman; it is made up of more fiberglass, aramid/Kevlar, and less carbon. It also has wide toe, heavier and slightly longer. All this provides power, durability, less sting to the hands, and reach. We hope this article helps you settle for the best hockey stick as a defender.