\"What is the carbon percentage of this stick?\" \u2014 it is one of the first questions players ask and the first number manufacturers print in big letters. In our store you will find sticks ranging from 0 to 95% carbon. What does that number really mean, what does it do on the pitch and \u2014 most importantly \u2014 how much carbon do YOU need? Let us clear the marketing fog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A modern composite stick is built from layers of several materials, each doing a different job:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carbon stiffens the stick. A stiff stick works like a rigid lever: on hits and drag flicks almost all the energy transfers into the ball, so shots are noticeably harder with the same swing. A high carbon content is also felt on long-distance passes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But that same stiffness has a flip side: a high-carbon stick is less forgiving<\/strong>. The ball bounces off harder on an imperfect trap, and a mishit can send an unpleasant vibration through your hands. That is why full carbon in a beginner's hands frustrates more often than it helps \u2014 trapping technique has to catch up with the equipment first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most expensive stick with the highest carbon percentage is not \"the best\" \u2014 it is best for a specific type of player<\/strong>. A defender who builds play with long passes will appreciate the stiffness, but a technical midfielder who lives off dribbling in tight spaces often deliberately picks a lower carbon content for better feel. Match the material to your game, not to the price list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, too, that carbon is only one parameter \u2014 just as important is the bow of the stick, which we covered in our post on bow profiles<\/a>, and the right length, which you can pick using our size guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every stick in our catalogue lists its exact carbon content, and on the product list you will find a \"Carbon content\" filter \u2014 set your range and compare only the models that make sense for your game. Head over to the Hockey Sticks<\/a> and see for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow much carbon for which level<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The myth: more carbon = a better stick<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to find it in the store<\/h2>\n\n\n\n