Choosing & Maintaining Equipment That Best Suits You
Choosing the Right Princess Stick
As you can see in our collection, Princess Sportsgear has 6 different moulds and 7 different ‘stars’. Below, you will find all the information about the stiffness, the curves, the curve locations and the stick lengths which helps you in choosing the perfect stick.
Stiffness
Princess Sportsgear indicates the stiffness of the sticks by using ‘stars’. The higher the number of star, the higher the percentage of carbon is used in the stick. The number of stars (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) are indicated on the outside of the stick. The higher the percentage of carbon, the stiffer the stick. This means that you have more striking power with the stick. The sticks are of high quality, particularly because they are made of Japanese carbon (Toray).
Flexible
A flexible stick ensures optimal ball control. Flexible sticks contain less carbon and more fiberglass. A disadvantage of a flexible stick can be that you lose some strength when striking the ball. However, this is no problem for the technical player.
Youth sticks are often flexible, ideal to learn the techniques.
Princess Sportsgear has two flexible sticks in its collection. The two star contains 10% carbon and is the most flexible stick in the Princess Sportsgear collection. The 3 star contains 20% carbon.
Stiff
A stiff stick has another construction material than a flexible stick. A stiff stick has less flexibility. This gives the ball more speed. Stiff sticks consists of many carbon.
Princess Sportsgear has two stiff sticks in its collection; the 7 star and 6 star. The 6 star is made of 80% carbon. With 100% carbon, the 7 star is the stiffest stick in our collection.
Allround
You cannot decide between a flexible and stiff stick? Then the allround stick is perfect for you!
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The 4 star (40% carbon) and 5 star (60% carbon) are having the right balance between flexibility and stiffness.
The Curve
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In addition to the stiffness of the stick, each stick also has a certain curvature, which is indicated in millimetres (mm). This curvature is between 16 and 25 mm. According to the official regulations, 25 mm is the maximum curvature. The greater the curvature, the more speed you can give to the (drag) push.
Generally the technical players use a stick with a large curvature. Princess Sportsgear has in its product range 3 sticks with (almost) the maximum curvature. Both mould 2 as mould 5 and mould 9 have a curvature of 24.75 mm.
Mould 1 has a curvature of 24 mm and is an ideal stick for the allround player.
Just started playing hockey? Then choose a stick with a minimal curvature, between 16 mm and 22 mm. These sticks provide more power. In this case, mould 3 and mould 4 are perfect for you.
The Curve Location
Princess Sportsgear shows, by an image, where the bend in the stick is.
The curve is the point location, measured from the curl, in which the curvature of the stick is used. A novice player can choose the best for a stick where the curvature is in the middle of the stick (30 cm of the curl).
Are you looking for a stick that is suitable for high balls (the scoop), then it is best to choose a stick where the curvature is at the bottom of the stick.
Stick Length
The table below shows you the length of the stick in relation to the length of a child. The stick lengths are indicated in inches.
The correct length of the stick is very important for children. It is very difficult to control the technique, when you play with a stick which is too long.
Body length
Stick length
127-132 cm - 30"
132-137 cm - 31"
137-142 cm - 32"
124-147 cm - 33"
147-154 cm - 34"
154-162 cm - 35"
162 cm - 36"
36.5 Inch is the most common length for seniors. The 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 star are available in this size. In addition, Princess Sportsgear also offers a longer stick (the 4 star and 7 star). More and more top players, especially defenders, choose a stick of 37.5 inches.
Measuring the right stick size:
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Step 1: Stand up straight
Step 2: Place the stick from the ground up at your sides
Step 3: The stick should absolutely not come above your belly button. Several inches below your belly button is no problem.
Which stick suits my playing style the best?
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Novice player
For an inexperienced hockey player it's advisable to start with a standard hockey stick. It is best to choose a minimum curvature, with a curve location about 300 mm and an allround of flexible stick. When purchasing a senior stick, it's important to pay attention to the specification of the stick.
Scoop and drag push
If you have more experience and if you often use the scoop and drag pushes, it is best to choose a stick with a maximum curvature and a low curve location. In this way you can easily get under the ball.
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Defending and hitting hard
Are you a defender? And you often get a long pass? Then a stiff stick is perfect for you. It is advisable to choose a minimum curvature and an average curve location of about 300 mm.
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Game distributor and push
Are you a real technical player? Then a flexible stick is perfect for you. With a flexible stick you can create optimal ball control. A maximum curvature of 25 mm ensures the technical player for extra control. An average curve location of 300 mm makes it your ideal stick!
How to Buy a Stick
When choosing the model of stick that suits you best, consider the following:
1. POWER
The power a stick generates when hitting or slapping a ball is dependant on how stiff the shaft of the stick is. This is in turn dependant on a number of factors including the mix of materials used, the quality of these materials, and the construction process used in the mould. Top end sticks tend to have a more precise feel but more power which suites a better player who is able to time the ball.
2. FEEL
By feel we mean how the sticks feels when in contact with the ball when hitting, stopping or performing other skills. The feel is influenced by the mix of materials used, where these materials are placed in the sticks (the sticks lay-up) and the moulding process and quality of materials. Sticks which have a softer feel tend to be more forgiving and easier to play with. Top end sticks because of their high shaft stiffness tend to have a harder and require more skill to use effectively. Examples of technology that is used to improve or soften the feel of a sticks is the silicon sleeve technongy used for the Gryphon Tour and the ERS system used on the Grphon Chrome sticks.
3. SHAFT CURVE
The size and position of the curve in the shaft is the personal preference of the player. The curve in the shaft will be limited to a maximum of 25mm. Players who drag flick or throw a lot of overheads often use a stick which has a very low curve position and a thin head. A curve which has it’s apex further up the shaft is more suited for all round play.
4. HEAD SHAPE
Most sticks use a midi head shape whil;e the Gryphon Classic Curve and the Deuce shapes have an oversize head (extended toe) and thin head profile which improves control, especially on the reverse stick side.
5. LENGTH
The length of the stick is also personal preference and dependant on the player’s height and playing style. For juniors, a rough guide is that the handle should ideally be level with the lower part of the pocket (just below the hip joint). On the whole women tend more to use a 36 and a half inch stick and men a 37 and a half inch stick. The odd player may sometimes use a 38.5 inch stick.
6. WEIGHT andD BALANCE
The weight and balance of the should also suite the player concerned. With the advent of synthetic sticks the trend has been to lighter weights, as the weight has a negligible influence on the power. The balance point on the stick is an indication of the weight distribution - the longer the balance point, the lighter the head. Younger players, forwards and women tend to go for sticks that are a bit lighter in the head. Defenders tend to go for slightly heavier sticks with more weight lower down the shaft.
7. DURABILITY
It is important that the stick be well constructed in order to provide maximum durability. In order to improve durability sticks are sometimes wrapped with an aramide weave around the head and lower shaft of the stick. These pliable fibres help protect the stick against impact and abrasion at the bottom. If a stick is well constructed one does not buy up in the range for durability but rather for performance.
How do iMaintain my Mouthguard ?
A mouthpiece is a breeding place for bacteria. Simply rinsing after use is not sufficient. It is best to clean them with antibacterial cleaning tablets. The cleaning tablets kill the bacteria and ensure that the mouthpiece is clean and ready for use again. The cleaning tablets only leave a minty taste.
How do i Maintain My Shinguards?
Always leave your shinguards to dry in a well ventilated area. You can wash them by hand
How do i Maintain My Shoes?
Always loosen your shoelaces first to allow you to step into the shoes. You will automatically be pressing down with your heel against the back of the shoe, if you don't do this. This creates irregulatrities on the inside of the shoe which van cause blisters.
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Use our hands to take your shoe off, make sure that you loosen your shoelaces when taking your shoes off. This prevents you from damaging the back of the shoe.
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If your shoes are wet, do not place them under the heating. Wipe off any sand and mud and put some paper in the shoes. Leave them in a dry and ventilated area. Never leave them in a closed bag.
How do i KnowWhich Princess Stick is the Best for me?
Princess Sportsgear has five different moulds. Each mould has a unique shape and curve. Mould 1 and 3 are the lightest, and mould 2, 5 and 9 are heavier in comparison. Other differences between the moulds are the thickness of the grip, the shape of the head and the bending of the stick. One of the most important criteria is the bending (curve) of the stick, which depends on the model. The greater the curve, the better the ball handling and the pushing of the ball will be. Of course, the preference for a particular mould varies for each player. The choice of a particular stick depends on the hockey player’s style and level.
Princess Sportsgear indicates the stiffness of the sticks by using ‘stars’. The higher the number of stars, the higher the percentage of carbon used in the stick. The number of stars (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) are indicated on the inside of the stick. The higher the percentage of carbon, the stiffer the stick. This means more striking power within the stick, which makes striking easier for the hockey player. The sticks are of high quality, particularly because they are made of Japanese carbon (Toray). This makes them very light and stiff.
You can find more information at: Stick information or download the Princess Sportsgear mould description.