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The speed of indoor hockey is a lot higher than field hockey and that means that other sticks also work better to get the most out of your game.
The best indoors USB stick is this Osaka Pro Tour Wood. Made of wood and with the right stiffness of carbon for good hitting power, but especially perfect for the fast dribbles that come with outdoor hockey.
If you practice both variants, I have a super extensive article about this the best field hockey sticks reviewed which you should definitely read too, but here I want to talk to you about the best indoor hockey sticks.
But of course there are many more options, also more affordable alternatives that are also very good. In this article I will review them and tell you what to look for when buying a stick.
Let's first look at the best options you can buy right now, then I'll dig deeper into each of these articles with an in-depth review:
Best overall indoor hockey stick
It has a great touch on the ball thanks to its wooden frame, but without the heaviness, so dribbling and receiving is a breeze!
Best Junior indoor hockey stick
Grays equipment is highly valued all over the world. The EXO Junior is a great first stick for any new player playing indoors.
Best Cheap Indoor Hall Hockey Stick
Constructed from 401% carbon, aramid and a fiberglass matrix, the iX 40 is a great option for the more experienced player looking for an inexpensive yet reliable stick with punching power.
Best indoor hockey stick for beginners
Not stiff at all so gives good yield due to the fiberglass construction, this makes dribbling and technique practice a bit easier, but it may lack some power.
Best Cheap Women's Indoor Hockey Stick
Made from fiberglass reinforced wood, it's lightweight for dribbling but solid enough to take some casual stick checks and keep going for a first season.
Best indoor hockey stick for pros
The core uses the latest combination of carbon fiber, aramid and fiberglass to provide a powerful, durable and effective indoor hockey stick.
Best Striking Power
Each stick is reinforced with various composites which together result in a stick that will last even with such hard hits as you are likely to want to take with it.
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
Indoor Hockey Stick Buying Guide
A big difference between an outdoor stick and an indoor stick is the weight - both are normal in length, but an indoor stick is much thinner through the shaft and even the handle, and is therefore a lot lighter.
Having such a light stick (and the ball is lighter too) means very fast dribbling and dragging is possible.
There are no rules prohibiting the use of outdoor sticks while playing while playing indoors, but you will quickly find that the bulkier feature of the outdoor equipment is inconvenient to use with the smaller field and higher speeds, and a more tailored stick built for indoor play should be at the top of your list for specific indoor hockey gear!
Many of these sticks can be made from wood or fiberglass, but more experienced players should look for pure composite constructions, which are made entirely from man-made materials, and tend to last much longer and offer excellent performance and precision. .
twin seasons has a lot more information about it.
Like their outdoor cousins, this gear also varies a lot in terms of price, but unfortunately even high-end gear won't last forever.
If you have the means, try to get your hands on a range of sticks to test their weight and movement to get the feel of what's right for you.
Even if you just do a little dribbling over a ball at your local sporting goods store or sports equipment. Some players will like a lightweight stick for ultimate speed and touch, while others may be more inclined to use a sturdier material for power and hard tackles.
Due to the fast pace and fluidity of the game, every player on a team will be involved in offense and defense, so your choice of equipment will be based more on personal preference than power-to-weight ratio or playmaking.
Make sure you are protected in the other parts of your body:
- shin guard
- protective shoes
- hand protection
- eye protection
- gear bags
- and goalie equipment
Difference between indoor hockey and playing field hockey
- The playing field is smaller than the outdoor area.
- The sidelines are framed by sideboards, which keeps the ball in play longer.
- A team consists of 5 players on the field: 4 field players and 1 goalkeeper.
- The players must not touch the ball, but only push or deflect it and must not play the ball high unless they are shooting at goal.
- The balls and sticks are similar, but players prefer lighter sticks than their outdoor counterparts.
- This article will focus on the last point – indoor game hockey stick reviews. What are the best types of sticks, which stick is best for you, and which brands make the best gear for this type of game!
The KNHB also has this comprehensive PDF made about.
Indoor hockey sticks and field hockey sticks are largely the same, but players will prefer lighter sticks with more maneuverability due to the different playing styles and faster indoor play.
Because the indoor game is played on a field that is about half the size of the outdoor field, it requires a stick that allows for a faster level of play.
That's why indoor hockey sticks are designed to be much lighter and more flexible so you can keep up with the fast pace.
Indoor hockey sticks have a thinner stem and toe for a lighter stick that is easier to maneuver, allowing players to move, dodge and shoot faster.
They still have the same basic shape as outdoor sticks, flat on one side and curved on the other, but they don't require as much strength as outdoor sticks.
The thicker design and increased weight of an outdoor stick are crucial when hitting the ball over much longer distances and providing more resistance over long grass.
However, the playing surface is usually flatter indoors and the field much smaller, so the ball moves further and faster, requiring much less force.
Depending on the level of the league you are in, you can also use outdoor sticks for the indoor game, but the heavier the stick, the harder it will be to perform precision skills while maintaining the increased speed of the game.
Best Indoor Hockey Sticks Reviewed
The following is a list of sticks that may be of interest to junior, amateur and advanced players and are certainly affordable. Read the reviews to see if it's a good match!
Osaka Pro Tour Wood
- Pro Bow makes it suitable for technical dribbles
- Not for beginners
The Osaka Pro Tour Wood is a great piece of equipment that will stay with an intermediate player for several indoor seasons.
It has a great touch thanks to its wooden frame, but without the heaviness, so dribbling and receiving is a breeze!
Proof that you don't have to spend a fortune on a good stick, it's the most pro version in our list and yet very affordable.
Mostly wood (60%) but with 30% carbon added for extra stiffness.
The Pro Bow 24mm on 250mm curvature makes it ideal for more technical dribbles.
It won't be for most beginners like the Osaka Vision GF, but it won't disappoint those ready to get more out of their game.
Grays EXO Indoor Junior Stick
- Better control through maxi head
- Great value for money
- Wears out quickly
Grays equipment is highly valued all over the world. The EXO Junior is a great first stick for any new player playing indoors.
They will immediately recognize the shift in weight, and the 'maxi' style head (hook) is slightly elongated to provide better control as skills develop.
The best indoor hockey stick we've found for kids is this Grays EXO Junior that doesn't cost much but gives a great ball feel that will improve your child's game.
Good value for a starter, but will wear out with extended use.
Also read: these are all the best hockey sticks we reviewed for kids
STX IX 401
- Extra carbon makes it light and stiff
- Good for shots on target
- Not very stable
Constructed from 401% carbon, aramid and a fiberglass matrix, the iX 40 is a great option for the more experienced player looking for an inexpensive yet reliable stick with punching power.
The composite make-up gives the stick longer life in terms of the head being abraded by constant rubbing against the inner surface, and also gives the user more power when pushing.
Osaka Vision GF
- Fiberglass construction is very forgiving
- Maxi head and curvature is very good for beginners
- Lacks power
Recommended for beginners or younger players, the Osaka Vision is an ideal first stick due to its design.
It may not be the cheapest, but its super light body and maxi head will encourage the player to develop their dribbling techniques, and the fiberglass offers a soft fall.
Not stiff at all so gives good yield due to the fiberglass construction, this makes dribbling and technique practice a bit easier, but it may lack some power.
Mercian Indoor Genesis 0.3
- Fiberglass reinforced wood is very good for this price
- Too little power for pros
Who says beginners can't look good too? The Mercian Indoor Genesis is an eye-catching starter stick that will provide a good, solid introduction to indoor play.
Made from fiberglass reinforced wood, it's lightweight for dribbling but solid enough to take some casual stick checks and keep going for a first season.
Adidas Chaos Fury Hybaskin 1
- Hybaskin shell is very durable
- Very pricey
Adidas is a producer of wildly popular and high-quality hockey equipment, and the Chaosfury is no exception.
The core uses the latest combination of carbon fiber, aramid and fiberglass to provide a powerful, durable and effective indoor hockey stick.
It comes with a slightly higher price tag, but you'll appreciate the extra cash once you get to the venue!
STX Stallions 400
- Reinforced composite
- Maximum arc through the shaft
- Little grip
The STX Stallion is for the more advanced or experienced player as it maximizes the development potential that requires good technique, including the maximum arc through the shaft allowing for powerful drag movements.
But it doesn't affect ball control when dribbling or passing.
But what really sets the STX equipment apart from its competitors is its durability.
Each stick is reinforced with various composites which together result in a stick that will last even with such hard hits as you are likely to want to take with it.
If strength is your strong point, this could be the stick for you!
Conclusion
There's a huge range of custom sticks to choose from - be it size, weight, brand, price, specs or even just the color - have fun finding the perfect fit for you. you! Enjoy your game indoors in the off season!
If you're serious about improving your speed and maneuverability in the venue, you should also check out my article on how the right indoor hockey shoes can help you.
It is so important to prevent sprains while still being able to move back and forth and remain flexible. Definitely worth taking a look at when you're done with this article about indoor hockey sticks.