Best 4 field hockey sticks for defenders

Field hockey is a sport that requires a combination of skill, speed, and accuracy. As an advanced defender, the right equipment is essential to perform at your best on the field. One of the most important pieces of equipment for a field hockey player is the stick.

With so many different types of sticks available, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your position and level of play. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best field hockey sticks for advanced defenders. I’ll be exploring the key features, benefits, and my personal experience of each stick, so you can make an informed decision and take your game to the next level.

The first question to ask yourself, is what bow shape will work best for your game? Are you the type of defender who likes to have the assurance of a gentler bowed stick that’s easier to control? Some will be happier with the reassurance of a flatter shape in your grasp than a lower curved shape. This is what a mid-bow stick offers over a low bow.

Or are you the type of elite defender where flicking balls off the ground and dribbling is as important as your defense skills? Perhaps you feel comfortable tackling with a lower bow and like to take the ball out of defense to aid attackers. Personally, I would recommend the mid bow, as the more pricey ones are designed to allow you to be skillful yet solid in defense.

Here are my top 4 Field Hockey sticks for the more advanced defender available worldwide.

One of my favorite advanced sticks on the market is the Catalyst MX1 Field Hockey Stick. Weighing in at 528g, the MX1 has a traditional mid-bow shape of 24mm height at 3o0mm from the head. Being constructed from 95% Japanese Carbon, the power rating is impressive! However, I found that it has quite a natural feel. 

This is becoming a popular stick with many players, offering the perfect balance for distribution, quick stick movement, and clean striking.

What stood out the most for me was the power behind this stick. So much so that it may take a couple of games to master it. Once you do, however, you won’t look back.

Prominent features

  • 95% Japanese Carbon Fibre (the other 5% contains a unique composition of Kevlar or Aramid & Fibreglass)
  •  3K twill (3,000 carbon filaments). This diagonal pattern uses standard 4×4 weave to increase pliability meaning there are fewer stress points and more stability in your stick
  • Mid bow shape perfectly suited to advanced defenders

For those looking for a hard-hitting stick, yet with a natural feel, this is a fantastic option.

With an eye-catching silver finish, the Estro Kromaskin .2 is the latest evolution of the LX Kromaskin design. With the same mid-low bow at 250/22mm, it remains perfect for all-round play. Its weight distribution is well advanced compared with a few other premium sticks we tried. 

Being constructed of 95% Carbon, the Estro Kromaskin is the top of the range of Adidas Field Hockey Sticks. There are 3 models in the range (1/2/3). The difference in Estro Kromaskin models is the stiffness. Number .1 is the stiffest, with .2 being slightly less stiff, with more feel and touch on the ball. Finally, .3 is less stiff again however is more forgiving. For my game, I prefer the .2, as it’s a great compromise between hard-hitting power and the soft touch we all sometimes need.

The high carbon content creates a seriously powerful stick. I found the Pure Control Head provides ample surface area for excellent ball control, probably in part due to the Epoxy Core in the center. 

This premium stick does not come cheap, however, you get what you pay for with this agile leader. For some other Adidas options, check out our Best Adidas Field Hockey Stick review.

**2023/2024 Estro Kromaskin .2 Update**

The 2023 Adidas Estro Kromaskin .2 Field Hockey stick introduces a captivating new livery with a touch of gold. Still has the same Kromasin F1-inspired technology with the .2 being fully wrapped in carbon fibre.

The Kromaskin isn’t a stick you can be thrifty over. Well worth the money!

The standard bow shape (350 mm) will attract defenders, while the heavy toe with increased power means you’ll take no prisoners.

However, this stick isn’t for the faint of finger and slow of the wrist. You’ll want to have plenty of experience to master it. With its optimal balance point, it’s designed to provide power.

 

The increased playing surface area improves accuracy and control. STX says it’s 90% carbon composite, but doesn’t reveal much more than that. The encore vibration-reducing technology works well so you know you’re not using a wooden stick that shudders your bones.

The Dragon Elixir 85 is a superb stick for defenders. As a defender, you need a stick that is both solid in the tackles, and enables you to easily distribute the ball around the pitch – the Dragon Elixir 85 has it all. Its mid-bow profile means the bow is less pronounced, making it easier for passing. Coming in at around 530g and 85% carbon, it’s strong enough for those crunching tackles. While being light enough not to tire you out when you have to sprint the length of a pitch to catch a pesky forward.

All of Dragon’s sticks come with their AeroCarbonTech included as standard. This high-grade production process ensures an extreme level of power. Meaning if you do find yourself needing to make a big hit from the back or a rare chance of a shot at goal, it won’t let you down. 

 

Enter the code < HOOKED20 > on checkout to receive an exclusive 20% discount for Hockey Hooked readers! 

Hockey sticks don’t come more durable than those made with a substance that’s 200 times stronger than steel, namely graphene. The Grays GR8000 is made with exactly that. Then there’s the addition of the hi-tech composite Aramid. 

Aramid/Kevlar has superb impact absorption and durability so it is useful for using on high impact points such as stick edges and faces. A Low Backhand Zone provides greater consistency when reverse hitting.

Apart from durability, the mid bow, with a 24.75 mm shaft peak, and curve around the head of 300 mm offers a gentle bow that will offer easier consistency in passes. Along with when hitting and controlling the ball.

With the thicker reverse edge for backhand control, the GR8000 will allow you to reach the peak of your powers. Forwards will know they’re in for a tough game when they see the livery of an opposing defender’s GR8000. In short, it’s an excellent choice for advanced defenders looking for a hockey stick. 

Considerations for choosing the right stick

Length

Refer to the chart below to determine the correct height to stick length, which will then help you choose the best stick for your height.

Problems if your stick is too long

The length of your stick can be the deciding factor in completing many aspects of the game successfully, including

  • accurate passes
  • successful tackles
  • avoiding scuffing the hook, which can cause long term damage to your stick.
  •  preventing chopping or undercutting your shots

Don't use a stick that's too short either!

From a health perspective, if your stick is too short, you may end up bending down too much which can cause serious long term back problems.

The risk of chronic back problems means the player should look at the size of their stick very seriously.

Bow Jargon Buster

Put simply, the bow of a field hockey stick is the bend or curve of a stick from the head to the toe (one end to the other). Bows are important when deciding to buy a stick, especially for defenders. Most defenders prefer a mid bow, with a gentle curve and a flat face. That offers the best control, predictability and power over the forward’s 3D skills and drag flicking. This is explained further below…

  • Probow-Xtreme – Composite Hockey Sticks – Probow Xtreme is a low bow (Grays has added a contoured face combined with a reshaped LBZ for backhand hits).

     

  • Probow – Composite Hockey Sticks – the Probow shape is a modern low bow designed for drag flicking and 3D skills. The straighter rear profile allows more consistency on reverse stick passes and shots.

  • Jumbow – is a traditional low bow that is used by many top international players. A Jumbow is a flat-faced low bow stick.

  • Dynabow – the Dynabow shaft profile is designed for the all-round hockey player and is excellent for stick handling, passing consistency, and also for more upright play. It is between a mid bow and a low bow. Good for drag flicks, but more of an all-round shape.

  • Mid bow – is a medium curved bow that is a good all-round shape. It helps to provide some lift while being good for upright play.
    *In my opinion best for defenders*

  • Ultrabow – the high bow curve is good for defenders. Beginners Ultrabow is a straighter shape and is designed specifically to help with learning to play.

Want to ensure your hockey sticks last? Have a read of my article on How long a stick should last? I’ve also compiled an extensive list of the Best Field Hockey Sticks for all types of players.

By your humble blogster, Eddie, the hockey enthusiast.

 

Eddie G

Eddie G

Eddie G, lives and breathes field hockey. In fact, he would go as far to say that he is a bit of a field hockey nut. He loves to research the latest trends and happenings in the game, so that he can stay ahead of the competition. While not so much on the pitch these days, Eddie enjoys reading up on the latest news and developments in the world of field hockey.

Eddie G

Eddie G

Eddie G, lives and breathes field hockey. In fact, he would go as far to say that he is a bit of a field hockey nut. He loves to research the latest trends and happenings in the game, so that he can stay ahead of the competition. While not so much on the pitch, these days Eddie enjoys reading up on the latest news and developments in the world of field hockey.

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