How to Buy a Goalie Stick

With more goalie stick options than ever — different materials, paddle sizes, and price points — it's easy to feel stuck before you even hit "Add to Cart." Our guide below will help you quickly narrow the field and help you choose a goalie stick that matches your playing style and level of play.

Wood goalie sticks are still popular at every level thanks to their classic feel and excellent puck-dampening performance. While they're typically heavier than other stick types, many goalies prefer the added stability and predictable rebounds they provide. Wood does a great job reducing vibration from hard shots and often delivers the best rebound control of the three constructions, along with solid durability thanks to fiberglass reinforcement.

Best for: Goalies who want maximum control, a traditional feel, and reliable durability.

Composite goalie sticks are the lightest and most technologically advanced options. Built with high-end materials like carbon fiber and layered composites, they're designed to reduce weight without sacrificing strength, while also fine-tuning the balance point so the stick feels more natural and responsive in your hand. That lighter build can help goalies react faster on poke checks, stick saves, and recoveries, especially late in games when fatigue sets in.

Because they're so responsive, composite sticks are also a great choice for goalies who like to play the puck, making it easier to settle rimmed pucks, fire quick outlet passes, and handle the puck with more speed and control. Many models also feature reinforced areas, vibration reduction, and premium grip finishes, giving you a confident hold and consistent performance.

Best for: Goalies who prioritize quickness, active stick saves, and playing the puck.

Foam Core sticks sit in the sweet spot between wood and composite, making them a go-to choice for goalies who want a balanced mix of feel, control, and value. They're typically constructed with thin outer wood layers for a familiar, traditional touch, then injected with a foam core to help reduce weight and improve consistency. The result is a stick that feels noticeably lighter and quicker than a full wood build, without losing the puck-dampening benefits many goalies rely on.

That dampening translates to controlled, predictable rebounds, helping goalies keep shots closer and reduce second-chance opportunities. For a lot of goalies, foam core sticks are a well-rounded option: lighter than wood, more forgiving than some composites, and budget-friendly.

Best for: Goalies who want a balanced option with strong rebound control and solid durability.

Once you have decided which goalie stick to use, the last step is to decide which hand will be holding the stick. Generally, the dominant hand holds the stick and wears the blocker, while the other hand uses the catcher to make the glove save.

Regular:
This is the most common choice among goaltenders. The stick is held in the right hand and the goalie catches with their left hand. The curve is shaped in the same direction as a player's left-handed stick.

Full Right:
Less common, the stick is held in the left hand and the goalie catches with their right hand. The curve is shaped in the same direction as a player's right-handed stick.

What type of goalie stick should I buy: wood, foam core, or composite?
For the most traditional feel and best puck dampening, go wood. If you want the lightest stick and fastest handling, go composite. If you want a balanced option that's lighter than wood but still very controlled on rebounds, go with a foam core goalie stick.

Are composite goalie sticks worth the extra money?
If you're an active goalie and value quickness, lower fatigue, and strong puck handling, a composite goalie stick can be worth the extra cost. Composite constructions use advanced materials and design features to improve balance and passing control while keeping the stick lightweight without sacrificing durability.

What are the main differences between foam core and wood goalie sticks?
Foam core is usually lighter and can feel quicker in the hands, while still offering great puck dampening. Wood is typically heavier but often provides the most classic feel and very predictable rebound control.

What goalie stick material is best for beginners?
Foam core is often the best starting point because it balances weight, feel, dampening, and cost. For goalies focusing on more budget-friendly options, wood goalie sticks are a great option for beginners.

Do composite goalie sticks break more easily than wood or foam core?
Not necessarily, composite goalie sticks are designed with premium materials and resin designs that keep durability, but allow the stick to be much lighter than foam core or wood sticks. The bigger factor is that when a composite stick breaks, it's a more expensive replacement.

Why do some goalies still prefer wood sticks today?
Wood provides a classic feel, excellent vibration dampening, and very predictable rebounds. Some goalies prefer these stick characteristics over lightweight and lively composite options.

What does "Regular" mean for goalie stick handedness?
Regular means that a goalie holds the stick with their right hand (blocker hand) and catches with their left hand (catcher hand).

What does "Full Right" mean for goalie stick handedness?
Full Right means a goalie holds the stick with their left hand (blocker hand) and catches with their right hand (catcher hand).

How do I decide which hand to use as my stick hand?
Most goalies use their dominant hand for the blocker/stick because it helps with stick control and puck handling. However, this is a general guideline, and goalies should decide what is most comfortable for them.

What's the best stick for outdoor or pond hockey?
A wood or foam core stick is usually the better choice for outdoor play because they're more cost-effective to replace, and game-play isn't as competitive.