Hockey Stick Durability
The main consideration when shopping for a used hockey stick will obviously be durability. High level sticks are generally built pretty well these days so small scrapes or scratches shouldn’t be a serious issue, though a significant chip or crack in the shaft or blade can be enough to render a stick nearly useless. When browsing used hockey sticks, you must be diligent about looking for these types of structural problems to ensure that you’re getting a stick that will last.
Due to our review system, sellers on SidelineSwap are incentivized to be honest about the condition of their used sticks and will usually highlight any structural issues in either the pictures or item description. If you have inspected all of the pictures closely and are still unsure about the durability of a stick, there are a couple questions you could consider asking the seller:
- Does the stick make any kind of sound when being flexed?
- How much use does the stick have (in months and ice times per week)?
- What level of hockey was the stick used for?
Generally the more banged up sticks will be quite easy to spot and that will also be reflected in the price, but it’s still smart to ask questions before buying a used stick.
Hockey Stick Length
Another important though sometimes overlooked factor in shopping for used sticks is stick length. Because the stick has been used there’s a good chance it’s been cut down to suit the original owner, meaning that it may not be the correct height for you.
If the length of the stick is not mentioned in the description, it’s a good idea to ask the seller how tall the stick is. If a stick is too tall it can easily be cut down, but if it’s more than a couple inches too short for you, it’s probably not worth fixing with an extension.
