Field hockey is a dynamic and fast-paced sport that requires precision, speed, and skill. As an advanced forward, choosing the right field hockey stick can make all the difference in your game. With so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to determine which stick will best suit your needs.
Best field hockey sticks for advanced forwards must be designed to be nimble, shaped to help the player perform 3-D skills, drag-flick penalties, and have a powerful shot rating.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, selecting the right stick is critical to achieving success on the field. So, let’s dive in and explore the Best Field Hockey Sticks for advanced forwards.
Best Field Hockey sticks for Advanced Forwards
One of my favorite advanced sticks for advanced forwards is the Catalyst LX1 Field Hockey Stick. Weighing in at 528g, this low-bow stick is available in 3 sizes, from 36.5″ to 38.5″. The slim head makes it ideal for 3D skills and lifting the ball. While the grooved shaft guides the ball to the head for powerful drag flicks.
What stood out the most for me was the power behind this stick. So much so that it will 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)
- Â 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
- Low Bow shape with concave face to restrict ball movement during drag-flick and aerial movements. This stops the ball from moving up and down the stick during the motion meaning all the power goes through the ball
For those looking for the best drag-flicking stick on the market, look no further. You’ll own those penalty shootouts!
Best Field Hockey sticks for Advanced Forwards
One of my favorite advanced sticks for advanced forwards is the Catalyst XX1 Field Hockey Stick. Weighing in at 528g, this extra low-bow stick is available in 3 sizes, from 36.5″ to 38.5″. The slim head makes it ideal for 3D skills and lifting the ball.Â
What stood out the most for me was the power behind this stick. So much so that it will take a couple of games to master it. Once you do, however, you won’t look back. The XX1 is the most powerful stick in the Catalyst range.
Prominent features
- 95% Japanese Carbon Fibre (the other 5% contains a unique composition of Kevlar or Aramid & Fibreglass)
- Â 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
- Extra Low Bow shape with concave face to restrict ball movement during drag-flick and aerial movements. This stops the ball from moving up and down the stick during the motion meaning all the power goes through the ball
We found the XX1 to have incredible power with a slightly stiffer feel than the LX1 model. A noticeable improvement, especially for the advanced forward.
For those looking for the best drag-flicking stick on the market, look no further. You’ll own those penalty shootouts!
The Adidas Shosa Kromaskin .3 is a field hockey stick designed for advanced players, ideally forwards looking for a reliable and high-performing drag-flicking stick. With its standout design, this stick is sure to catch the eye of all hockey enthusiasts. But, is it worth the investment? Let’s take a closer look.
Designed to be the ultimate drag-flicking stick, the Shosa Kromaskin .3 features a grind rail specifically created to keep the ball connected as long as possible during the drag-flick.Â
Using Formula 1 technology, the stick is made using a pre-molded epoxy core in the head which produces superior layer compaction. The Shosa uses a higher strength-to-weight ratio than a standard carbon lay-up, to increase the power generation and durability of the stick.
However, as with any product, there are some downsides to consider. The Shosa Kromaskin 1 is quite an investment, and its high price tag may be a barrier for some players. Additionally, some players may find the stick’s stiffness too rigid for their playing style.
Overall, the Adidas Shosa Kromaskin 1 is a top-of-the-line field hockey stick that delivers on both performance and design. It is an excellent option for advanced forwards looking for a reliable and high-performing stick to elevate their game.Â
In terms of performance, the Shosa Kromaskin .3 lives up to expectations. While not quite as powerful as the Shosa Kromaskin .1 or .2, I found for my playing style the touch was noticeably better. The stick’s Ultra Low Bow design allows for increased ball control and precision, making it ideal for advanced forwards who need to make quick movements and passes. The stick’s stiffness still provides a powerful hit, while the surface area of the reverse edge has been increased to make reverse hitting more powerful and accurate.
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. A great compromise between power and control.
Don’t forget that ultimately, this is a drag flicking stick!Â
While this premium stick does not come cheap, you get what you pay for with this agile leader.
**2023/2024 Shosa Kromaskin .3 Update**
For 2023, Adidas has unveiled the updated version of the Shosa Kromaskin .3. The new model for 2023-24 maintains its ultra-low bow design but now features a refined drag flick groove. This enhancement provides players with improved playability without sacrificing the drag flick power that the stick offers.
The Osaka Pro Tour 100 Low Bow is the creme de la creme of the Osaka Hockey range. Available in a range of different bows, it’s the Low Bow that is our favorite.
Constructed of 98% Japanese Carbon fibre, wrapped together in twenty-two layers creates a seriously powerful stick!
Starting at the bottom, you’ll find a maxi-head leading up into quite an aggressive profile. With the maximum bow profile being 200mm from the head with a maximal height of 24mm. Continuing up, the soft-touch grip that comes standard on the Osaka Pro Tour 100 range is superb. The chamois style feel is thanks to the Vibrastop foam layer underneath. We found from testing the stick that it is comfortable on the hand, so you don’t need to modify it with additional grips, like many of the leading brands.
Now, how does the Osaka Pro Tour 100 hockey stick perform? Most noticeable is how the soft-touch grip dampens the shocks from tackles and miss-hits. I found the stick to be well balanced with quite a large sweet spot. The low bow makes it easy to lift the ball, perfect for shooting at goal. For tighter play, the feedback while dribbling gives you confidence. I found my reverse edge tomahawk was spot on every time thanks to a large sweet spot.
While the power transfer on slap shots was impressive, I did find it hard to keep the ball planted. A problem well and truly made up for by the extra confidence you’ll have during aerials, slap hitting, and drag flicking.
While this is not an entry-level hockey stick, if you want to give yourself an advantage, the Osaka Pro Tour 100 range will have your teammates wondering what hockey camp you went to over the offseason!
The Grays GR11000 Probow is a top-class stick for forwards in many ways. The Probow’s low bow shape is designed to help players drag-flick, with the special ‘drag-flick’ groove. This gives more speed to the ball from flicks. Another pro I bestow on this stick is the straighter rear profile, which helps with reverse stick passing and shooting. The pro dampening handle is also very comfortable for players who spend many hours a week playing. The GR11000 composition is made with Tri-Tech carbon reinforcement, including graphene which is 200 times stronger than steel, while still being flexible.
The GR11000 offers players more control and durability while also having a very powerful shot. More useful for a midfielder or a forward than a defender.
This STX stick is 90% carbon. That tells us in STX speak, it’s for the more advanced forward before we pick it up.
The extreme low bow shape is ideal for drag flickers. While the precision toe is basically a maxi toe, with a large surface area to receive and hit, which makes it more for the advanced forward who doesn’t want to mess about. Someone more interested in trapping and shooting, than nimble dribbling. The tapered toe and heel allows for more grip and control on the ball.
Featuring Encore Vibration Canceling Tech, the Surgeon XT 901 increases comfort while playing and minimizes sting in your hands. Endorsed by quite a few pro players, this is one of the best on the market.
The Dynabow looks the same as the Jumbow which is confusing. This is the Grays answer to the Adidas DF24. The Grays GR 10000 makes this list as a versatile favorite. Its sweeping classic bow, with a higher apex, could be used with aplomb all over the pitch.
More predictable in tight spots, this allows the advanced forward to be nimble and clever while defenders are closing. It’s like marmite for the advanced forward as many prefer the low bow, however, some like the higher apex in tighter spots. Made with revolutionary graphene, the stick feels light and as the substance is harder than diamond, durability should not be an issue with this investment. You’ll find the maxi toe gives you a better area for control.
Not really a drag flick specialist’s stick, you should look elsewhere for a low bow design if that is the main area of your game.Â
What to consider when choosing your perfect stick
Tasks of a Forward
The task of forward field hockey players is to score goals or create assists for other players. An advanced forward should have a stick that helps a player perform these skills. Lightness and power are key when dribbling and shooting on goal. The best field hockey sticks for advanced forwards will boast both benefits.
Low Bow Shape
The low bow (or Jumbow) is most popular with top international forwards as the low bow shape makes 3-D skills easier to perform. This could be a tomahawk. See my article on performing the tomahawk here. It may be a jink steal where the ball is expertly stolen by deflection over an opposition stick or the scoop where the ball is scooped over a defender’s hook while on a mazy run.
Nimble and sharp stick play is crucial when it comes to sliding a ball past defenders and shooting on goal. An advanced forward requires a stick to reflect and support these advanced skills. Here is our bow shape guide…
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Drag Flick Capabilities
The low bow shape comes into its own when taking a penalty from a corner. This is also known as a drag flick. The ball is first controlled from a high-speed corner pass and then flicked at goal. The world’s best player at the drag flick, Sandeep Singh shoots at goal at over 145 kms an hour so the stick must be powerful.
The following sticks are the best field hockey sticks, currently available for forwards that we know of. A combination of speed, power, forward’s skill enhancing features, and also the price is factors considered while compiling this list of sticks for advanced forwards.
Stick Sizes Guide
Before continuing it is important to get the right size of stick. If you choose a stick that’s too long it will hinder your accurate passing and strikes of the ball. If you buy a stick that’s to short you’ll find yourself stooping and becoming uncomfortable. Here is our stick measurement guide…
Conclusion
As a rule, the best sticks for advanced forwards should be light, durable, powerful, while adapted to help 3-D skills and drag flicks. However, the low bow genre does not have to apply to forwards. Some forwards prefer the mid bow design which they feel is better to operate (more predictable) especially in advanced positions, when in a tight spot.
In my opinion, the Catalyst LX1 is number one for advanced forwards in 2023. Let me know below what you think.
Eddie, your hockey reporter.
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, 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.
