Choosing the right hockey stick is essential for elevating your performance on the ice, and one of the most critical factors to consider is the kickpoint. Whether you're a sniper, playmaker, or power forward, your kickpoint determines how efficiently you can shoot, pass, and play the game. But what is a kickpoint? Why does it matter? And how do you select the right one for your style of play?
This comprehensive guide will answer all of these questions. By the end, you’ll know everything about Low Kick, Mid Kick, and Hybrid Kick sticks, which kickpoint suits different player types, and which specific hockey sticks from major brands like CCM, Bauer, TRUE, Warrior, and Sherwood feature these kickpoints. Let’s dive in!
What is a Hockey Stick Kickpoint?
The kickpoint of a hockey stick refers to the flex point, or the spot along the stick’s shaft where it bends the most when pressure is applied during a shot. Essentially, it’s the location where the energy gets stored before it's released to propel the puck forward. Depending on where the kickpoint is located—toward the blade, the middle, or spread along the shaft—different types of shots are optimized, including quick-release wrist shots, powerful slapshots, and versatile snapshots.
Knowing your kickpoint helps you maximize your shot efficiency by channeling your strength and playstyle into the stick. Whether you’re looking for a quick release or more powerful shot velocity, selecting the right kickpoint can make all the difference.
The Three Main Kickpoints
1. Low Kick
What is a Low Kick? Low kickpoint sticks are designed for a quick release, meaning the flex happens lower on the shaft, closer to the blade. This kickpoint is ideal for players who need to get the puck off their stick as fast as possible—whether it's firing off a quick wrist shot, a fast snapshot, or even a short one-timer in front of the net. The stick stores energy near the blade, allowing for a snap-like effect when shooting, minimizing wind-up time.
Who Should Choose a Low Kick Stick? Low-kick sticks are best suited for forwards, particularly those who play at a high pace and rely on quick, rapid-fire shots in tight spaces. If you frequently find yourself under pressure from defenders and need to get the puck on net before they can react, a low-kick stick is the way to go.
Low-kick sticks also work well for players who tend to shoot off their toes or prefer fast releases over big windups. These sticks are also great for forwards who position themselves near the goal and capitalize on rebounds or loose pucks.
When to Use a Low Kick Stick:
- Wrist Shots: When quick shots are needed, especially in close to the goalie.
- Snap Shots: For shots where minimal windup is required, particularly in high-pressure situations.
- One-Timers: Ideal for quick one-timers from the slot or near the crease.
Top Low Kick Hockey Sticks:
- CCM Ribcor Trigger 8 Pro: Famous for its quick-release capabilities, the Ribcor line helps players snap off accurate shots with minimal effort.
- CCM Ribcor Maxx SE: Built with similar tech as the Trigger 8, this custom model enhances quick shot mechanics for fast plays.
- Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2: One of the lightest sticks on the market, designed for players who prioritize speed and agility in shooting.
- Bauer Vapor XLTX Pro+: A Sports Excellence exclusive, this stick brings Bauer’s signature low-kick performance with a custom twist.
- Bauer Agent: Engineered with advanced materials like Boron Fiber for explosive low-kick performance and rapid releases.
- True HZRDUS 9X4: True's lightest model in the HZRDUS line, maximizing quickness and shot speed with a low-kick profile.
- True HZRDUS Fury: An exclusive stick with a unique low-kick point for enhanced speed on quick plays.
- Warrior Covert QR6 Pro: Part of Warrior’s Covert series, it’s designed to get the puck off your stick faster, perfect for wrist and snap shots.
- Sherwood Rekker Legend Pro: This stick emphasizes a fast release, making it ideal for players who need to get pucks on net quickly under pressure.
2. Mid Kick
What is a Mid Kick? Mid-kickpoint sticks bend and store energy in the middle of the shaft, allowing for a longer load time and more powerful shots. When you wind up, the energy is distributed evenly, enabling you to get maximum power behind your shots—ideal for slapshots and booming one-timers.
With the energy loaded at the mid-point, you can put your full weight into your shot, transferring a tremendous amount of energy into the puck. These sticks are slower to release compared to low-kick sticks, but the trade-off is increased shot velocity.
Who Should Choose a Mid Kick Stick? Mid-kick sticks are great for defensemen and power forwards who take heavy shots from further out, particularly when winding up for slapshots. These sticks are often the choice for players who spend time on the power play, at the point, or need more powerful one-timers.
If your game involves big slapshots from the blue line or driving hard into shooting lanes to rip heavy shots, a mid-kick stick is what you need. They’re also great for players who don’t need a lightning-quick release but prefer to set up and take high-velocity shots.
When to Use a Mid Kick Stick:
- Slap Shots: Perfect for players who like to take hard, powerful shots from distance.
- One-Timers: For those times when you can load up and blast a big one-timer, especially on power plays.
- Heavy Wrist Shots: When you need to wind up and get a full-weight wrist shot off, the mid kick allows you to store up more power.
Top Mid Kick Hockey Sticks:
- CCM Tacks AS6 Pro: Built for maximum energy transfer and hard, powerful shots from distance, making it a go-to for defensemen.
- Bauer Nexus Tracer: The Nexus line’s mid-kick technology offers a balance between quickness and power, with this model focusing more on shot velocity.
- Bauer Nexus EON Pro: The custom EON Pro stick integrates Bauer’s mid-kick flex technology, helping players deliver booming shots with precision.
- Bauer Proto R: Built with cutting-edge materials, the Proto R's mid-kick point provides a great mix of balance and power.
- True Catalyst 9X3: True’s Catalyst series combines mid-kick precision with an emphasis on powerful shots from the blue line.
- Warrior Novium Pro: Specifically designed for defensemen, this stick allows players to get the most power out of their shots.
- Warrior Super Novium: Similar to the Novium Pro but featuring some upgrades for added power and responsiveness.
3. Hybrid Kick
What is a Hybrid Kick? Hybrid kickpoints are versatile and offer the best of both worlds. They combine aspects of both low and mid-kick sticks, allowing players to get a quick release on wrist shots while still being able to generate power for slapshots and one-timers. The kickpoint adjusts depending on the type of shot you’re taking, making these sticks highly adaptable.
A hybrid kickpoint bends more toward the middle of the shaft during slapshots but moves closer to the blade when you're taking wrist or snap shots, creating a dynamic flex profile. This makes hybrid sticks a great choice for players who need both quick release and powerful shots without sacrificing either.
Who Should Choose a Hybrid Kick Stick? Hybrid kick sticks are ideal for versatile players who mix up their shooting style based on the situation. Whether you're a forward or a defenseman, a hybrid stick allows you to take advantage of quick releases when you're close to the net and wind up for powerful shots when needed.
For players who want to maximize their effectiveness in all areas of the game without compromising shot power or release speed, a hybrid kick stick is perfect.
When to Use a Hybrid Kick Stick:
- Versatile Play: If you find yourself switching between slapshots, wrist shots, and one-timers, a hybrid stick will adapt to your needs.
- Situational Shooting: Hybrid kick sticks work well in all situations, giving you both speed and power depending on how you shoot.
- Playmaking: Ideal for players who not only shoot but also pass often, as the stick’s flex adapts to both shooting and puck distribution.
Top Hybrid Kick Hockey Sticks:
- CCM Jetspeed FT7 Pro: The Jetspeed line’s hybrid flex gives players the versatility to shoot quickly while still packing power into harder shots.
- CCM Jetspeed FTW: The FTW model is specifically tailored for female players, maintaining the same hybrid kick for versatile play.
- CCM Jetspeed XTRA SE: An exclusive edition of the Jetspeed series, featuring the same hybrid technology for maximum adaptability.
- Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro: Warrior’s Alpha line is known for its hybrid kickpoint, designed to give players a balance of quick release and shot power.
- Sherwood Code Encrypt Pro: The Code Encrypt Pro offers a hybrid kickpoint for players who need a stick that can handle multiple shooting styles on the fly.
How to Choose the Right Kickpoint for Your Game
When deciding on the best kickpoint for you, it’s essential to consider your style of play, your position on the ice, and the type of shots you take most frequently. Here's a quick breakdown of how to match your style of play to the right kickpoint:
- Forwards who prioritize speed and quickness: Low kick sticks are best suited for players who thrive on quick-release shots, especially wrist and snap shots in high-pressure situations.
- Defensemen or players who rely on hard, powerful shots: Mid kick sticks provide the power you need for slapshots from the blue line or hard one-timers.
- Versatile players who mix shooting styles: Hybrid kick sticks are the go-to for players who need the flexibility to switch between quick releases and powerful shots depending on the play.
Other Factors to Consider:
- Shot Mechanics: If you take quick-release shots off your toe, a low kick might be better. If you’re more of a wind-up shooter, a mid-kick stick could be ideal.
- Player Size and Strength: Stronger players might benefit from a mid-kick stick to load up more power, while lighter or more agile players may prefer a low-kick stick for speed.
- Position on the Ice: Forwards near the net or in tight spaces should focus on quick release sticks, while defensemen or players further from the net will need more power.
The Right Kickpoint for YOU
The right kickpoint can drastically improve your shot speed, accuracy, and overall performance on the ice. Whether you’re a quick-shooting forward or a powerful defenseman, choosing a stick that matches your shooting style is crucial. From low-kick sticks like the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 to mid-kick powerhouses like the CCM Tacks AS6 Pro, and hybrid options like the Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro, there’s a stick designed for every style of play.
Remember, the key is understanding your own mechanics and tendencies on the ice. Try different kickpoints, get a feel for how they impact your game, and find the perfect match for your playstyle. Your perfect stick is out there—make sure you’re using the right kickpoint to bring your game to the next level.
