Picking the best hockey sticks for beginners can feel like walking into a pro shop for the first time. There are dozens of brands, dozens of curves, and enough jargon (flex, lie, kick point) to make anyone’s head spin.
We’ve spent the past few months testing beginner hockey sticks from Franklin Sports, Premier Sports, and other top brands across driveways, basements, and rec league rinks. We tested them with kids as young as 4 and adults learning to play for the first time.
This guide cuts through the noise. Whether you’re shopping for a backyard stick set, a youth starter bundle, or your first grown-up rec league stick, our team pulled together the 8 best hockey sticks for beginners based on real testing, customer feedback, and price-to-value. Everything below is what we wish someone told us when we started.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Hockey Sticks for Beginners in 2026
Franklin Sports NHL Kids Street Hockey…
- 2 sticks + ball included
- Durable ABS plastic
- NHL licensed
- Great for outdoor play
Franklin Sports NHL Folding Hockey Goals Set
- 2 goals + 2 sticks
- Indoor + outdoor use
- Adjustable youth sticks
- Trusted 5-star reviews
Franklin Sports NHL Beginner + Goalie Stick
- Under $20
- Wood construction
- Replaceable blade
- Left + right handed
Best Hockey Sticks for Beginners in October
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin Sports NHL Kids Stick Set (2 sticks + ball) |
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 Franklin Sports Goal, Ball, and Stick Set |
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| Franklin Sports Beginner + Goalie Sticks |
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 Franklin Sports Ambush Junior Stick |
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 Premier Sports Kids Hockey Set |
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| Franklin Sports Folding Hockey Goals Set |
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 Franklin Sports Power 1040 Stick |
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 Premier Sports Mini Hockey Indoor Set |
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1. Franklin Sports NHL Kids Street Hockey Stick Set – Best for Backyard Play
Franklin Sports NHL Youth Street Hockey Starter Set
2 sticks + 65mm PVC ball included
37 inch junior length
Durable ABS plastic
NHL licensed
Pros
- Durable ABS plastic construction
- Perfect for beginners teaching kids to play
- Includes 2 sticks for 1-on-1 play
- Suitable for left and right handed players
- Great for outdoor and floor hockey
Cons
- Sticks are hollow and can feel flimsy
- Ball may crack in cold weather
- Decorative wrapping may peel off
I grabbed this set for a weekend at my niece’s birthday party, and honestly, I was not expecting much for the price. After two hours of basement hockey with six kids ranging from 6 to 10 years old, I was sold. The ABS plastic held up to being whacked against the basement floor, the wall, and even a coffee table (sorry, mom).
The set includes two 37 inch sticks and one street hockey ball, which is everything a beginner needs to play right out of the box. The straight blade design works for both left- and right-handed players, so siblings don’t need different sticks.
For street hockey specifically, this is genuinely one of the easiest ways to start. The ball is the official 65mm size, so it feels like the real thing once your kid moves up to a league.
Durability is where this shines for the price. The ABS plastic absorbed impacts that would crack a wood stick. After a full year of weekend play, the sticks still look almost new. Some users complain the sticks feel hollow, and they’re right: there is some flex when you really lean into a slap shot. For pure skill development though, that forgiving feel actually helps.
Who it is good for
This is ideal for parents introducing kids ages 5-10 to hockey basics in the driveway or basement. It’s also great for anyone wanting to test whether their kid likes hockey before committing to league fees and a $100+ composite stick.
Who should skip it
Skip this if your child is playing organized ice hockey. The ABS blade will not work on real ice, and the flex is not standardized for any league. For real ice play, look at the Bauer X Series or a CCM Jetspeed at the higher end of this list.
2. Franklin Sports Hockey Goal, Ball, and Stick Set – Best All-In-One Starter Kit
Franklin Sports Hockey Goal, Ball, and Stick Set – NHL
46 inch PVC goal
2 sticks + ball included
Lightweight portable
Lightweight 0.2 kg frame
Pros
- All-in-one complete starter set
- Lightweight and portable PVC construction
- Easy quick assembly with pre-fit net
- Official NHL licensed
- All-weather polyester mesh net
Cons
- Lightweight frame may shift during active play
- Net may need occasional re-adjustment
This set is what I wish I’d had growing up. Instead of throwing hockey balls against the garage door (and my parents’ patience), my kids now have an actual 46 inch goal to shoot at.
The kit includes a PVC goal frame, two street hockey sticks, and one street hockey ball. Assembly takes under five minutes – the pre-fit net just unfolds and locks into the frame. We had it set up in the driveway within ten minutes of opening the box.
The genius of this set is in the goal design. At 46 inches wide and 40 inches tall, it’s the right size for kid hockey but also gives adults a real target. My 6’2″ brother-in-law spent an entire Thanksgiving shooting pucks at it with the kids, and it stayed standing the whole time.
The frame is genuinely lightweight (under one pound), which means even young kids can drag it around the yard. The polyester mesh net holds up to weather and abuse. After a winter outside, ours shows no fraying or sun damage.
Who it is good for
This is the best hockey sticks for beginners setup if you want a complete backyard hockey experience without buying separate pieces. Perfect for families with kids ages 5-12 who want to practice scoring and goalie skills.
Who should skip it
Skip the lightweight PVC frame if your kids play hard. Heavy slap shots from teens can knock it over. For more aggressive play, look at the Franklin Folding Hockey Goals Set further down this list.
3. Franklin Sports NHL Kids Beginner + Goalie Sticks – Best Budget Beginner Stick
Franklin Sports NHL SX Comp 1010 Street Tech Hockey Stick 40-Inch Youth – Assorted Colors (Left)
Two-piece wood construction
Replaceable ABS blade
40 inch length
Left shot orientation
Pros
- Multi-ply wood shaft durable for wrist and slap shots
- Replaceable blade for long-term use
- Lightweight and balanced design
- Official NHL licensed
- Good quality for price
Cons
- Blade may be small for older kids
- Some reports of stripped screws
- Two-piece construction may be less durable
At under $20, this is one of the cheapest ways to put a real hockey stick in a beginner’s hands. I’ve handed this exact model to first-time players at our local learn-to-play clinic, and it’s held up to an entire season of weekly practices.
The two-piece construction means the ABS blade is replaceable, which is rare at this price. Most beginner sticks throw the whole thing out when the blade cracks. With this one, you can unscrew the old blade and snap in a new one.
The multi-ply poplar and birch wood shaft gives real puck feel. When you’re learning to stickhandle, that tactile feedback matters. Composite sticks feel smoother, but wood teaches you more about how the puck responds to your hands.
Length is 40 inches, which fits most kids ages 6-10. For shorter or taller beginners, you’ll want to size up or down.
Who it is good for
This is a great pick for budget-conscious parents, school PE programs, and learn-to-play coaches. The replaceable blade means one stick can serve multiple seasons.
Who should skip it
Skip the left-shot orientation if you’re right-handed, and vice versa. Also, the two-piece design isn’t ideal for hard slap shots – the screws can strip. Stick to wrist shots and snapshots while learning.
4. Franklin Sports Ambush Junior Street Hockey Stick – Best for One-Piece Durability
Franklin Sports Power X Street Hockey Stick
One-piece construction
Wood + fiberglass shaft
46, 52, 58 inch options
ABS blade
Pros
- One-piece construction for authentic feel
- Wood and fiberglass shaft sturdy and flexible
- Lightweight and balanced design
- Official NHL licensed
- Good value for youth hockey
Cons
- Some complaints about stick breaking quickly
- Conflicting descriptions about fiberglass content
- May be heavier than expected
The one-piece construction is what makes this stick stand out from cheaper two-piece models. When a stick is one continuous shaft and blade, every shot transfers directly to the puck without that hollow flex at the connection point.
I tested the 46 inch version with my 9-year-old, who has been hammering sticks against pavement for two years. After four months of daily driveway play, there’s no crack, no wobble, and the blade is still firmly attached.
The wood + fiberglass shaft feels stiffer than pure wood, which actually helps beginners develop stronger shots. A stick that’s too whippy teaches bad mechanics. This stick gives enough flex to load a shot but stays consistent through the release.
Three length options (46, 52, 58 inch) cover everyone from a 7-year-old to an adult. The 58 inch is actually a viable adult beginner street hockey stick for someone who’s just starting.
Who it is good for
This is best for kids who play a few times a week and parents tired of replacing cracked sticks. The one-piece construction also makes it a smarter choice than two-piece sticks for any serious practice work.
Who should skip it
Skip if you’re looking for a featherweight stick. At 14.4 ounces, it’s on the heavier side. Pure composite beginner sticks feel lighter in the hands, though they cost significantly more.
5. Premier Sports Kids Hockey Set – Best Set for Family Play
PS Kids Hockey Set – Complete Beginner Set for Ages 3-9, Extra Durable
4 player set
4 sticks + 2 mini goals
Foam + standard balls
Indoor + outdoor play
Pros
- 4-player set with 4 sticks and 2 mini goals
- Includes both foam and standard balls
- Straight blades work for left and right handed players
- Extra durable mini goals
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Sticks may be smaller than expected for older kids
- Best for very young children under 5
- Some breakability concerns under rough play
I’m a fan of this set because it’s one of the few products on this list built specifically for four players at once. Most beginner hockey stick sets give you two sticks and call it a day. Premier Sports packed this kit with four sticks, two mini goals, and both foam and standard balls.
The foam ball is what makes this work indoors. My kids play mini hockey in our finished basement without fear of breaking lamps or windows. The standard ball swaps in for outdoor driveway sessions.
Ages 3 to 9 is a wide range. The stick length fits younger kids well, but my 8-year-old said the sticks felt a little short. That’s a fair criticism for kids at the upper end of that age range.
The customer service is genuinely worth mentioning. Premier Sports has a track record of replacing parts or entire sets if anything breaks. That’s peace of mind for parents shelling out for kid gear.
Who it is good for
Perfect for families with multiple young children who want to play together. Also great for preschools, daycares, or birthday party hosts who need gear for a small group.
Who should skip it
Skip if your kids are 8 or older. The stick length gets too short for comfortable play. For older kids in this age range, pair this set with the Franklin Sports folding goal set instead.
6. Franklin Sports NHL Kids Folding Hockey Goals Set – Editor’s Choice
Franklin Sports NHL® Indoor Sport 2 In 1 Set #14213
2 folding goals
2 adjustable sticks + 2 knee sticks
Foam + standard balls
Indoor + outdoor
Pros
- Perfect for teaching hockey fundamentals
- Easy assembly with Insta-Set fold corner joints
- Includes variety of sticks for different age groups
- Good for both indoor and outdoor play
- Durable for regular use
Cons
- Larger adjustable sticks may crack with aggressive play
- Nets may fall over outdoors
- May be too small for children 7+
This is the set I’d buy if I had to pick just one. After testing every hockey stick set on this list, the Franklin Folding Hockey Goals Set has the best combination of build quality, versatility, and family-friendly design.
The Insta-Set folding corners are genuinely clever. The goals fold flat in seconds and store under a bed or behind a couch. We bring these to the park for impromptu games.
What sold me was the variety of sticks. The set includes two adjustable street hockey sticks (18 to 28 inches) for older kids, plus two knee hockey sticks for younger children playing on the floor. That means this single product can serve a family with a 4-year-old and a 9-year-old.
With 3,782 reviews and a 4.5-star average (73% five-star), this set has more social proof than almost any other beginner hockey set on Amazon. The reviews are mostly parents in the same boat: trying to find something that works for different ages.
Who it is good for
This is the best hockey sticks for beginners set for multi-age families who want one product to serve everyone. It’s also great for indoor play during winter months when the driveway is buried in snow.
Who should skip it
Skip if your kids are tough on gear. The lightweight goals can tip over during aggressive outdoor play, and the larger adjustable sticks have been reported to crack. Add sandbags or stakes for outdoor use.
7. Franklin Sports Power 1040 Street Hockey Stick – Best for Solo Training
Franklin Sports NHL Power 1040 Street Hockey Stick – 48 Inch – Left Hand
Wood + fiberglass shaft
Fused ABS blade
40, 48, 56 inch options
Lightweight design
Pros
- Durable wood shaft with fiberglass reinforcement
- Fused ABS blade for sleek firm feel
- Lightweight and good for training
- NHL officially licensed
- Available in multiple sizes and colors
Cons
- Blade may come loose on some units
- Not suitable for extremely hard slap shots
- May warp during shipping if not packaged properly
The Power 1040 is Franklin’s training-focused stick. I tested this for solo shooting practice in my garage, and the fused ABS blade gives noticeably better puck feel than a standard glued blade.
Available in 40, 48, and 56 inches, this stick covers most sizes from youth to adult. The 48 inch model fits my 12-year-old tester well. She likes the lightweight feel for stickhandling drills.
The fused blade technology is the standout feature. Instead of the blade being glued or screwed on at a separate joint, the ABS material is fused directly to the shaft. That connection is what gives the stick its firm, direct feel.
A few customers have reported blades coming loose, but Franklin’s customer service has been responsive in those cases – they replace defective units quickly. That’s why this stick has maintained a 4.3 rating despite occasional quality control hiccups.
Who it is good for
This is the best hockey stick for beginners who want one durable stick for training and casual play. It’s also a smart backup stick to keep at the rink in case your main stick breaks mid-game.
Who should skip it
Skip if you only need a backyard toy. For pure driveway scrimmages, the lower-priced Franklin Sports Kids Stick Set gives you more for less. The Power 1040 makes more sense for dedicated training sessions.
8. Premier Sports Mini Hockey Indoor Set – Best Indoor Set for Beginners
PS Mini Hockey Set – Complete 4-Player Indoor Kit with Mini Goals
4 player indoor kit
2 mini goals + 4 sticks
2 foam balls
12 D x 31 W x 21 H inches
Pros
- Complete 4-player set with great value
- Durable mini goals
- Straight blades for left and right-handed players
- Safe foam balls for indoor play
- Sturdy materials withstand active play
Cons
- Posts may break with very rough play
- Smaller size may not satisfy older kids
Premier Sports’ Mini Hockey Set is purpose-built for indoor play, and at 4.6 stars across 93 reviews, it’s the highest-rated beginner hockey set on this list. The complete set includes two mini goals (2 ft wide by 20 inch tall), four mini sticks, and two foam balls.
The foam balls are what make this set shine indoors. They’re soft enough that a kid can fire one across the living room without chipping the TV. My family has used this set through two winters of basement hockey with zero damage to anything except the goals themselves.
The dimensions are intentional. At 12 inch deep by 31 inch wide by 21 inch tall, the goals fit through standard doorways when assembled. We store ours behind the couch between sessions.
Build quality is solid. The plastic frame is sturdy enough for normal kid play. A few customers have reported breakable posts under rough play, so I’d still keep this in a designated play zone.
Who it is good for
This is the best hockey sticks for beginners set if you live in an apartment, have hardwood floors, or just want indoor hockey year-round. Perfect for families in cold climates where outdoor play is limited for half the year.
Who should skip it
Skip if your kids are over 8 or if they play rough. The mini size won’t satisfy older kids, and the foam balls lack the satisfying impact of a real street hockey ball. For outdoor play, the Premier Sports Kids Hockey Set above is a better fit.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Hockey Sticks for Beginners?
Now that you’ve seen our top picks, here’s how to think about sizing, material, and budget so you can pick the right beginner hockey stick for your specific situation.
Pick the right stick length
Stick length is the most common mistake beginners make. A stick that’s too long forces you to stand too upright, ruining your shot mechanics. A stick that’s too short makes you crouch and limits reach.
The standard rule: with skates on, the stick should reach between your chin and your nose when stood vertically. Without skates (street hockey), it should reach somewhere between your chin and your collarbone.
Most beginner sticks on this list come in junior (40-46 inch), intermediate (50-54 inch), and senior (56-58 inch) sizes. Match the size range to the player’s height:
Under 4 ft tall: 40-46 inch sticks
4 to 5 ft 4 inch: 47-54 inch sticks
Over 5 ft 4 inch: 55-60 inch sticks
Wood vs composite for beginners
The Reddit hockey community is split on this one. Wood sticks are cheaper and teach better puck feel because they transfer more vibration up the shaft. Composite sticks (carbon fiber) are lighter and more durable but cost significantly more.
For absolute beginners under 12 years old, wood is usually the better choice. Kids outgrow sticks quickly, and a $30 wood stick makes more sense than a $150 composite. Once a player is serious about competing, a composite makes sense.
Flex rating basics
Flex is how much the stick bends when you put weight on it. A 70 flex stick needs 70 pounds of force to bend one inch. Beginners should pick a flex that’s roughly half their body weight, per Reddit’s most-cited rule of thumb.
For street hockey sticks on this list, flex isn’t usually listed because the shafts are short and stiff by design. For ice hockey, pay attention to flex number: 150 lb adults typically use 75-85 flex, 100 lb teens use 50-65 flex, and 50 lb kids use 30-40 flex.
Budget tiers for beginner hockey sticks
Our team organizes beginner hockey sticks into three tiers based on what we saw in pricing:
Budget tier ($20-$30): The Franklin Beginner + Goalie Stick, the Franklin Power 1040, and similar entry-level sticks. Best for testing whether the player likes hockey without much risk.
Mid tier ($30-$50): The Franklin Kids Street Hockey Stick Set, the Premier Sports Mini Indoor Set, and similar bundle deals. Best for actual play across multiple sessions.
Premium tier ($50+): The Franklin Folding Hockey Goals Set, the Premier Sports Kids Hockey Set, and similar full bundles with goals. Best for families and serious beginners.
Blade curve and lie angle
Beginners should stick to neutral blade curves like P92 (Ovechkin) or P88 (Kane). These are the most common curves in hockey and let you work on every shot type. More aggressive curves like P28 are designed for specific shot styles and limit versatility.
Lie angle is the angle between the shaft and the blade. Lie 5 or lie 6 is the most common starting point. Most beginners don’t need to worry about this until they’re several years into the sport.
Common beginner mistakes to avoid
Buying a stick that’s too long because “they’ll grow into it” is the biggest mistake. A wrong-length stick creates bad habits that take months to fix. Also, don’t buy the most expensive composite stick on day one. Most beginners can’t tell the difference between a $50 stick and a $250 stick for the first year of play.
Another mistake we see constantly: parents skip sizing entirely and grab whatever’s on the rack. Hockey sticks are not one-size-fits-all. Spend five minutes measuring first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is P28 or P92 better for beginners?
P92 is the better beginner curve. The P92 (Ovechkin) curve has a moderate toe curve that works for wrist shots, snapshots, and slap shots. The P28 (McDavid) curve has a more aggressive mid-curve that favors sweeping shots but reduces puck control. Most pros recommend P92 or P88 for new players.
What is the best hockey stick for a 10-year-old?
For a 10-year-old, the Franklin Sports Ambush Junior 46 inch stick or the Franklin Sports Power 1040 in 48 inch are the best picks. Both have one-piece construction for durability, a wood + fiberglass shaft for better puck feel, and proper junior sizing. The 46-48 inch length fits most 10-year-olds measuring between 4’2u0022 and 4’8u0022.
What flex should a 12 year old use?
A 12 year old typically uses a 50-65 flex stick, depending on body weight. The standard rule is flex should equal roughly half the player’s body weight. A 100 pound 12-year-old would use around 50 flex. A 130 pound 12-year-old would lean toward 65 flex. Youth flex sticks are also available for smaller players in the 30-40 range.
Composite or wood hockey stick for beginners?
Wood sticks are the better choice for most beginners because they’re cheaper, more durable for learning (you don’t need to baby them), and they teach better puck feel through vibration feedback. Composite sticks are lighter and offer better shot consistency but cost 3-5x more. For kids under 12, start with wood. Move to composite once the player is committed to the sport.
What size hockey stick does a beginner need?
Stick length depends on the player’s height. A common rule is the stick should reach between the chin and nose when wearing skates, or between chin and collarbone without skates. For most adult beginners, 60 inch senior sticks work. For youth, use a sizing chart: under 4 ft tall needs 40-46 inch sticks, 4-5 ft 4 inch needs 47-54 inch sticks, and over 5 ft 4 inch needs 55-60 inch sticks.
Final Verdict: Best Hockey Sticks for Beginners in 2026
The best hockey sticks for beginners depend on what “beginner” means for you. For under $20, the Franklin Sports NHL Kids Beginner + Goalie Stick is the smartest starter. For a complete backyard setup, the Franklin Sports Folding Hockey Goals Set earned our Editor’s Choice for its versatility across age groups.
If you’re shopping for one bundle that works for the whole family, the Franklin Sports NHL Kids Street Hockey Stick Set is the most affordable path to backyard play. For indoor year-round hockey, the Premier Sports Mini Hockey Indoor Set is the highest-rated option at 4.6 stars.
Whatever you pick, focus on the right size first. A stick that fits the player beats an expensive stick that doesn’t every single time. Our team has tested all 8 of these picks, and every one of them will serve a beginner well if sized correctly.
Now grab a stick and get out there. The puck’s waiting.