When it comes to field hockey, selecting the right hockey stick can make a world of difference in your game. Osaka Hockey, a brand renowned for its quality and innovation in field hockey equipment, offers a diverse range of hockey sticks that cater to various playing styles.
In this article, we’ll delve into the importance of carbon percentage in Osaka hockey sticks and guide you through the process of choosing the perfect bow for your playing style.
The Influence of Carbon Percentage
Carbon percentage is a crucial factor that directly impacts the performance and characteristics of your hockey stick. Osaka Hockey understands this and offers sticks with different carbon compositions to suit different needs.Â
The carbon content in a field hockey stick influences its stiffness, weight, balance, and vibration-dampening properties. Players should choose a stick with a carbon composition that aligns with their playing style and preferences. A higher carbon percentage offers power and stiffness, while a lower carbon percentage provides more flexibility and ball control. The choice of carbon content should match the player’s position, skill level, and the aspects of the game they prioritize, whether it’s power, control, or finesse.
Selecting the Right Bow Profile
Osaka Hockey loves its custom-made bow profiles, honed through extensive experience and collaboration with elite athletes worldwide. These bow profiles are tailored to cater to different aspects of the game and various playing styles. Let’s explore the diverse range of bow profiles Osaka offers:
Low Bow Stick Range
These bows feature a pronounced curve and a lower position, making them ideal for specific skills.
- Low Bow: The Low Bow family boasts a distinct and pronounced curve with a lower position of the bow, perfect for effortless ball lifting and precise control during 3D skills. This design is favored by versatile midfielders and sharp attackers who need a balance of control and power.
- Proto Bow: Within the Low Bow family, the Proto Bow stands out with an exceptionally deep curve. Crafted for players who excel in aerials, this specialist stick offers the perfect combination of precision and power for your aerial game.
- Show Bow: Also part of the Low Bow family, the Show Bow shares the curved profile but features a thinner shaft for enhanced dribbling, 3D skills, and ball control. It’s the weapon of choice for attacking players who want to dazzle with their skills.
- Low Groove: Designed for penalty corner specialists, the Low Groove is a unique member of the Low Bow family. This bow features a groove in the shaft, delivering precise ball control and accuracy when flicking the ball during penalty corners.
Mid Bow Stick Range
These bows have a straighter profile, ideal for enhancing ball control, accurate passes, powerful shooting, and seamless backhand play.
- Mid Bow: Characterized by its straighter profile, the Mid Bow is perfect for superior ball control, accurate passes, powerful shooting, and seamless backhand play. It is favored by dependable defenders and midfield maestros.
- Standard Bow: Ideal for young players, the Standard Bow offers excellent control and is well-suited for honing basic skills like shooting and slap shots. It’s the best option to improve fundamental skills.
Pro Bow Stick Range
Offering a balance between the Low Bow and Mid Bow profiles, the Pro Bow family provides precision and versatility.
- Pro Bow: The Pro Bow boasts a subtle curve and a thinner profile, emphasizing exquisite ball control, exceptional aerials, and expert 3D skills. It’s a favorite among players who demand precision and versatility on the field.
- Nxt Bow: Sharing the same bow profile as the Pro Bow, the Nxt Bow delivers consistent performance for those who seek precision and mastery in their game.
For an in-depth view on Bow Types, check out my article here which explains how each of the major Field Hockey brands label their Bows.
Breaking down the Osaka Pro Tour Stick Range
The Pro Tour 100 2.0 Low Bow stick is designed with a specific carbon composition that strikes a balance between flexibility and power. The low bow profile enhances ball lifting and precise control during 3D skills, making it an excellent choice for versatile midfielders and sharp attackers. The stick’s slightly heavier shaft ensures you have the power required for powerful slaps and shots.Â
Suggested positions: Midfielders, attackers
Featuring a different carbon composition, this Pro Bow version is tailored for exceptional ball control, expert 3D skills, and precision. It is a favorite among advanced players who demand both control and versatility on the field, making it perfect for advanced play.
Suggested positions: All-rounder
While the Mid Bow version offers a straighter mid-bow profile, making it perfect for superior ball control, accurate passes, powerful shooting, and seamless backhand play. It is favored by dependable defenders and midfield maestros.
Suggested positions: Defenders, midfielders
Similar to the Pro Tour 100 2.0 Low Bow, this Pro Tour 70 Low Bow stick offers a balanced carbon composition that caters to players who excel in ball lifting and precise control during 3D skills, making it a suitable option for midfielders and attackers. This Limited Edition white face is a game changer. Watch the ball disappear on the stick face as you pop it past the goalie!
Suggested positions: Midfielders, attackers
Crafted with yet another carbon composition, this Pro Tour 40 Pro Bow stick provides precision and versatility, catering to players who seek to master various aspects of their game while maintaining expert control.
Also available in the Limited Edition White Face model.
Suggested positions: All-rounder
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The take-away
Osaka Hockey offers a wide range of field hockey sticks with varying carbon percentages and bow profiles to suit different playing styles and preferences. By considering the carbon composition and selecting the right bow profile that aligns with your needs, you can make an informed choice and elevate your field hockey experience to new heights. Whether you’re seeking power, control, precision, or versatility, Osaka Hockey has some great stick options. Choose the ideal carbon percentage and bow profile to help you excel on the field.Â
