From all the field hockey equipment and accessories, sticks are probably the most important ones. At the same time, these are also the most complicated to buy. There are plenty of brands out there and each of them has a wide plethora of products to choose from.
Although they often look similar, field hockey sticks have small particularities that make them unique. Choosing the best one involves doing some homework – nothing to worry about, I have already done that for you.
What I recommend is going with a reputable brand. There are maybe five or six top manufacturers out there. You do not necessarily need a big one, but a name with a good reputation and quality products – this is when Princess kicks in. Its products stick to the basics, no bells and whistles.
There are plenty of sticks in this range, but a little research will lead you to the best Princess field hockey sticks. I will first give you some tips on how to choose the best ones, then I will introduce you to the sticks with the highest rankings on the market.
So, what do you need to know when trying to find the best Princess field hockey sticks?
What to look for in Princess field hockey sticks
You probably know already that just like in any other sport, size is critical when choosing equipment. Most brands out there will come up with a sizing guide for their products, but there are also a few general rules. Generally speaking, the stick length should depend on your height, as well as your proportions. The size should go up to the top part of your hipbone.
When it comes to its weight, stick to your playing style. For instance, attackers will do better with lighter sticks because they provide freedom and access to tricks, yet they are not so good on control. Defenders, on the other hand, require some extra weight for tackles.
Apart from all these, you will see that various sticks come with different recommendations based on the skill level. What do these skill levels actually mean and which one is right for you?
Beginner
The beginner skill level covers newbies and children. If you are playing field hockey for less than a year, you are a beginner. Such sticks will focus on things that truly matter at this stage, such as ball control. They are a bit forgiving, so you have the opportunity to gain skill. Moreover, they are helpful in developing fundamental basics.
Intermediate
Intermediate field hockey sticks follow similar rules. They will give you a boost in ball control, but they come with some extras. Most importantly, they add power and strength, so your shots and tackles are better. They are usually recommended to those with up to two years of experience.
Expert
Expert field hockey sticks are more balanced. They are good for multiple aspects, but most importantly, they will balance control and power, so you get enough of both. They make a good choice for those with two to three years of playing experience.
Elite
Last, but not least, you will find many sticks to be advertised for elite players. Unlike most expectations, an elite player is not someone with a decade of professional experience. Instead, if you have played on a regular basis for over three years, you can put yourself in this category. These sticks come with high carbon content. They are powerful and add lots of precision.
All in all, now that you know what skill levels in field hockey truly mean, here are the best Princess field hockey sticks I have used.
Quick Overview: Princess Field Hockey Sticks
Princess 5 Star SG1 Low Bow Field Hockey Stick
Available in a nice white and red combination and 36.5” in length, this is one of the best Princess field hockey sticks in terms of feel and comfort. It feels soft and easy to play with, while control is seriously improved.
The stick has a 60% carbon content. It is just enough for elite players, but it is also a decent percentage for less experienced players. After all, it is stiff and powerful, but still forgiving for those trying to get used to the game.
The medium head and 24mm bow add to its control. As for durability, you got a reinforced heel. I loved the handle more than everything – it feels soft and will never slip out of your hands.
Pros
- Comfortable to hold
- Soft and nonslip grip
- Just the right carbon content
- Powerful, but still good on ball control
Cons
- Not too many sizes available
Princess 7 Star T14 Field Hockey Stick
You will love the fine appearance of the 7 Star T14 stick for Princess, but this is not everything. I used this stick after years of playing with other types of equipment. It is entirely made of carbon – 100%. In other words, I recommend it to elite players only.
I think this is one of the best Princess field hockey sticks out there. Its power output will surprise you – literally, aggressive shots can injure players. If you are also technical, you will love the lower bending. Apart from all these, the bending location makes this stick really fast.
When it comes to sizes, it comes in 36.5” and 37.5”. I find it worth mentioning the nonslip handle grip as well.
Pros
- One of the most powerful sticks on the market
- Excellent for technical players
- Speedy
- Lightweight and soft
Cons
- Way too stiff for beginners
Princess 4 Star SG2 Mid Bow Field Hockey Stick
Available in a medium 37.5” size, the 4 Star SG2 model from Princess comes in a fancy black, gray and orange style. What I loved is the perfect ratio of materials in its composition for intermediate players. Basically, a beginner could get used to it, as well as a more experienced player.
The stick is made of 40% carbon. The rest consists of other composites. I find this to be the perfect balance between flexibility and stiffness. You also have a decent amount of control due to the mid bow, so your strikes will be aimed by the book.
The curve is maximum, helping in scooping and pushing. With this combo and the right features, this stick is just what a regular player needs – no bells, no whistles, but one of the best Princess field hockey sticks.
Pros
- Great balance of flexibility and stiffness
- Easy strikes
- Good in scooping
- Durable
Cons
- Elite players might find it a bit too weak
Princess 2 Star SG2 Field Hockey Stick
This is one of the first field hockey sticks I have ever used. I remember I was just getting used to the game and I thought about buying a real thing to help me out. This stick is excellent for beginners. It has 10% carbon in its composition.
It is not too much, so you got plenty of flexibility. But at the same time, that 10% will give you a taste of stiffness. You know what to expect as you upgrade, so you can polish your skills a bit. Other than that, the shape will bring in a standard bow and a maxi toe.
It is worth noting that scooping and pushing will never really be a problem. You have a maximum curve, so you will get used right away.
Pros
- Excellent for beginners
- Easy on scooping and pushing
- Flexible
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not stiff enough for experienced players
Princess 5 Star SG9 Low Bow Field Hockey Stick
Based on 60% Japanese carbon, the 5 Star SG9 stick is one of the leading names in sales and ratings. I tried it based on its reputation and although it feels strange at first, it will boost your skills. It has just enough carbon to be suitable for expert players, but not enough to fail on flexibility.
All in all, I find this stick perfect for those who like drag flicks. It is great in the short corner, but it works pretty much everywhere. It weighs 550g and comes with a 24.75mm bow. The stick comes in a blue and white style.
Who is it for? I find it hard to make a recommendation – I would say Princess has managed to create one of the most diversified and general sticks out there.
Pros
- Great balance of stiffness and flexibility
- Good bow
- Suitable for more skill levels
- Comfortable to hold
Cons
- Not too many sizes
Conclusion
In the end, deciding on the best Princess field hockey sticks out there is not that hard – it might be for a beginner, but not if you follow two rules.
First, make sure you are honest to yourself about your skill – do not over or underestimate yourself. Second, research top products to find something that matches your skill – simple as that.
Once you get these things covered, everything else is just a matter of small details.
