Alpha LX2 PRO Stick Gallagher

Four things decide the right stick: which hand, flex, length and curve. Here's how to choose each one.

Left or right?

• Left-handed stick: your left hand goes at the bottom, right hand on top.
• Right-handed stick: your right hand goes at the bottom, left hand on top.

Your writing hand doesn't decide it. Plenty of right-handed people shoot left. Pick up a stick, or a broom, and hold it as if you were sweeping. The hand that naturally goes lower tells you which stick you need.

Flex

Flex is how stiff the shaft is. The number is printed on the stick. A lower number bends more easily. A higher number is stiffer.

• Rule of thumb: Bauer suggests starting a little under half your body weight in pounds. In kilos, that's roughly your weight in kg, so a 70 kg player would start around 70 flex.
• Feel matters most. You should be able to bend the stick when you shoot. If you can't, it's too stiff.
• Children need softer sticks so they can bend them and get power into the shot.
• Cutting a stick makes it stiffer. CCM puts it at about 5 flex for every 5 cm cut off. Adding an extension makes it softer.

Length

Stand the stick upright in front of you, blade on the floor.

• In shoes: the top should reach about the tip of your nose.
• On skates: about your chin.

A shorter stick keeps the puck close for stickhandling. A longer one gives more reach and power. We cut sticks in the shop. Length is easy to take off but can't be put back without an extension, so it's best to cut a little at a time.

Curves

The curve, or pattern, is the bend in the blade. Where the bend sits changes how the puck comes off your stick. Mid curves are good all-rounders. Toe curves suit toe drags and quick shots off the end of the blade. An open face lifts the puck more easily. A closed face keeps shots lower.

Bauer and CCM share many codes, including P28, P88 and P90TM. CCM also has its own, such as the P29. Warrior uses W codes, such as W28, W88 and W03. The same code from two brands is close but not always identical, so compare blades side by side if you can.

Youth, Junior, Intermediate and Senior

Figures are from Bauer's current range. Other brands are similar, but check the details on each product. Youth sticks also have slimmer shafts for smaller hands.

Not sure? Come in and we'll fit you. See opening hours or email sales@glovesoffclothing.com.