The 10 Best Hockey Sticks of 2025-26

When it comes to hockey equipment, the NHL is where the latest innovations are on display. It’s the stage where the newest and best products are put to the test by the best players in the world. NHL athletes demand exceptional performance from their equipment, and manufacturers deliver. These elite athletes help showcase the hockey gear that filters down to players at every level of the game.

 

At GearGeek.com, we’re obsessed with hockey gear. We track every piece of equipment used in the NHL, down to the brand and model. Curious about which stick your favorite player uses or the latest trends across the league? We’ve got you covered. By watching every game and meticulously analyzing official game photos and team social accounts, we stay up to date on every gear change the moment it happens.

 

In this blog, we explore the 10 best hockey sticks in the game, ranked by their popularity among NHL players.

Users this month: 142 (18.71% of league)
Users last month: 143 (18.92% of league)

 

Notable users: Mikko Rantanen, Nick Suzuki, Jack Hughes

 

The Bauer Vapor FlyLite hockey stick represents the perfect fusion of speed, precision, and innovation. Designed for players who thrive on quick releases and agile puck movement, the FlyLite features Bauer’s XE Taper Technology, which enhances stability while reducing weight for lightning-fast shot execution. Its low-kick profile allows energy to load effortlessly into the shaft, delivering explosive release velocity ideal for snap shots and one-timers.

Constructed with Bauer’s ultra-lightweight Advanced Carbon Layering technology, the FlyLite maintains exceptional balance and responsiveness without sacrificing durability. The optimized blade core provides crisp puck feel and consistent control, allowing players to make precise passes and handle the puck confidently under pressure.

Peter Valier of Les Ducs d’Angers in France was the first professional hockey player to be seen with the FlyLite in early 2025.

Users this month: 118 (15.55% of league)
Users last month: 115 (15.21% of league)

 

Notable users: Connor McDavid, Charlie McAvoy, Brock Faber

 

The CCM JetSpeed FT8 Pro hockey stick is engineered to deliver elite performance for the versatile, dynamic player. It features a Hybrid Kickpoint that adapts to your hand placement, giving you both quick release and full-power load capabilities. 

The shaft utilizes ALUPLI composite, which is a blend of aluminum and carbon fibers that greatly enhances slash resistance, without sacrificing weight. A Soft-Stiff EVO blade combines a responsive heel for puck handling with a strong toe for shooting precision. Built with Sigma ST2X carbon weaves throughout the shaft and blade, it offers heightened consistency, strength, and energy transfer. 

The rounded “R” shaft geometry and FT Microfeel grip pattern ensure a comfortable, natural hand feel and confident control from stick handle to blade tip. Visually sleek with modern graphics and refined finishes, the JetSpeed FT8 Pro stands as a timeless choice for players who demand speed, precision and all-around game presence on every shift.

The stick's design allows for it to stand out in a very colorful way. Easy to pick out in a crowd, with a large area of the shaft that is often filled in with a team's custom colors.

Users this month: 98 (12.91% of league)
Users last month: 101 (13.36% of league)
 
Notable users: Miro Heiskanen, Tim Stutzle, Nico Hischier

The CCM Tacks XF Ghost hockey stick is crafted to deliver elite-level power, precision, and responsiveness. Built around a pro-level mid-kickpoint that allows for maximal energy load and lightning-fast release, it gives players explosive shot potential from any spot on the ice. The shaft incorporates a refined “T” geometry paired with a raised-grip texture, delivering a natural, secure feel in the hands and superior control during every movement.

The blade has been engineered for enhanced stiffness, utilizing advanced internal bridges and carbon layering to reduce unwanted torsion and elevate shooting stability and accuracy. A slightly taller blade design increases surface area for improved puck contact without compromising balance or weight. With its lightweight, high-performance composite construction and robust feedback on every shot, the Tacks XF Ghost blends modern innovation with dependable durability.

As the successor to the FT Ghost, it has had much more representation in the NHL. Unlike its predecessor, which unofficially became an exclusive stick for Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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Users this month: 86 (11.33% of league)
Users last month: 84 (11.13% of league)
 
Notable users: Travis Konecny, Cale Makar, Jack Eichel

The Bauer Nexus Tracer features an optimized mid-kick point and a five-gram weight reduction from the previous Sync. This stick builds on the success of the Nexus line, delivering an ideal balance of power and precision. Bauer’s Nexus line has been a popular choice among NHL stars since its introduction over a decade ago. The Tracer, which first caught public attention during Bauer’s Combine event in early June 2024, is no different. At that event, it was tested by then-Winnipeg Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty (now property of the Pittsburgh Penguins).

Released to the retail market on July 18, 2024, the Tracer carries on the Nexus Sync’s sleek design with “Bauer” prominently displayed in the center of the shaft. However, it introduces new customization options with a unique dual-color zone, allowing players to get creative with their stick’s look. This feature has helped it stand out among other sticks in the game.

For players looking for a blend of control, power, and aesthetic appeal, the Nexus Tracer is a winning choice.

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Users this month: 51 (6.72% of league)
Users last month: 50 (6.62% of league)
 
Notable users: Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin, Brandon Montour

The QR6 Pro immediately captures attention with its sleek, all-black design. This stick from Warrior’s well-known Covert line brings a classic, stealthy look to the ice, making it a standout for players and fans.

Though it was officially released to the public on July 12, 2024, the QR6 made its first NHL appearance on December 30, 2023, when Ethan Bear debuted the stick during his first game with the Washington Capitals. Interestingly, the QR6 had gained a surprising amount of traction in the ECHL last spring, where sightings of the stick were more common than expected. In minor leagues, it's rare to see unreleased gear make appearances before the following season, adding to the QR6’s mystique and appeal.

With its proven quality, professional endorsement, and eye-catching design, the Warrior Covert QR6 Pro has cemented itself as a strong choice for players looking for both performance and aesthetics in their stick.

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Users this month: 40 (5.27% of league)
Users last month: 40 (5.3% of league)
 
Notable users: Leon Draisaitl, Robert Thomas, Anders Lee

The Warrior Alpha LX3 Pro hockey stick is built for players who demand elite-level performance every shift. Its shaft combines the Minimus Carbon 25 weave with a new Alloy Carbon layer, delivering an unmatched strength-to-weight ratio and exceptional shot stability.

The Sabre Taper profile and Dynamic Strike flex deliver rapid loading and powerful release, giving players the ability to shoot with precision from any angle. The Ergo shaft shape and Apex grip texture ensure a secure, comfortable feel, letting you control the puck with confidence from the handle to the blade. The FuelCore Ultra blade construction adds crisp puck feel and lasting durability, so your shots stay sharp over time.

Designed for playmakers, snipers, and two-way players alike, the Alpha LX3 Pro blends power, responsiveness, and high-end materials into a stick that stands the test of time. Whether you’re wiring a one-timer, threading a pass, or deking in tight, this stick is engineered to elevate every moment.

Edmonton Oilers' veteran, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, had never been seen with a Warrior stick in his NHL career. That was until he began the 2025-26 season with the Alpha LX3 Pro.

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Users this month: 39 (5.14% of league)
Users last month: 40 (5.3% of league)
 
Notable users: Evan Bouchard, Brock Boeser, Matias Maccelli

The CCM Ribcor Trigger 10 Pro hockey stick is engineered for players who demand lightning-fast release, elite feel, and uncompromising performance.

It features an ultra-low kick point, achieved through a sharper rib in the hosel, enabling the puck to explode off the blade with minimal effort. The shaft incorporates Nanolite Shield carbon layering and Sigma ST2X spread-tow composite for exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and long-term durability. Ergonomic “E” and “EC” shaft geometries offer seamless energy transfer and enhanced comfort in the bottom hand, while the updated UL1 blade brings a lighter structure and improved balance for better shot accuracy. A refined Skeleton+ taper adds reliability at critical zones without adding bulk.

With advanced materials, precision build, and refined ergonomics, the Ribcor Trigger 10 Pro stands as a timeless choice for shooters who play with speed, control, and confidence every shift.

San Jose Sharks' 2025 1st round pick, Michael Misa, was the first player seen with the Ribcor Trigger 10 Pro. It was during a youth clinic in Los Angeles, ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft.

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Users this month: 39 (5.14% of league)
Users last month: 37 (4.9%% of league)
 
Notable users: Cole Caufield, Trevor Zegras, Shea Theodore

The Bauer Pulse hockey stick is engineered for versatile, elite performance, blending power and precision in every motion.

At its core lies the Fusion Kick Point system, featuring two distinct energy zones that allow for the load ability of a mid-kick profile paired with the explosive release of a low-kick design. The shaft is crafted from advanced carbon and reinforced with boron fiber in select models, delivering exceptional stiffness, low weight, and efficient energy transfer. A raised-ink grip texture enhances hand control and tactile feel, while the redistributed balance point gives the stick a lighter, more agile presence.
The blade core remains firm and responsive, offering crisp puck feel and reliable performance during shots, passes, and stickhandling. Clean and modern in design, the Pulse features dynamic graphics that reflect the technology within and a build that stays relevant season after season.

Whether ripping a one-timer, threading a pass, or handling the puck in traffic, the Bauer Pulse is tuned to elevate every aspect of your game and stands as a timeless stick option for players across positions and styles.

John Carlson of the Washington Capitals had gone a number of years without using any Bauer sticks. That was until he was seen with the Bauer Pulse in October 2025.

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Users this month: 19 (2.5% of league)
Users last month: 19 (2.52% of league)

Notable users: Darnell Nurse, Mark Scheifele, Nikita Zadorov

The Novium 2 Pro by Warrior combines cutting-edge innovation with the powerful shooting performance for which the company has become known. Released as part of Warrior’s 2024 lineup, the Novium 2 Pro builds upon the success of the original Novium stick, offering players a refined design focused on maximizing shot power without sacrificing control or balance.

What sets the Novium 2 Pro apart is Warrior’s signature Bevel Taper, a unique shaft geometry that stiffens the lower portion of the stick to create a more stable shooting platform. Paired with a powerful mid-kick profile, the design allows players to load the stick higher in the shaft, generating impressive shot velocity and accuracy. This combination makes the Novium 2 Pro especially appealing to players who rely on heavy slap shots, booming one-timers, and powerful wrist shots.

Combining innovative technology with Warrior’s commitment to performance, the Novium 2 Pro has quickly become a popular option for players looking to add extra velocity and authority to their shot.

Users this month: 18 (2.37% of league)
Users last month: 18 (2.38% of league)
 
Notable users: Mitch Marner, Brady Tkachuk, Jake Sanderson
 
The True HZRDUS Smoke hockey stick is engineered for speed, precision, and elite-level performance. Built with a low-kick profile, it delivers an ultra-quick release, making it ideal for players who rely on fast shots in tight spaces. At around 360 grams, the stick is exceptionally lightweight, offering excellent balance and responsiveness.

Its standout feature is the SRT-4S blade, which uses four strategically placed ribs to enhance stiffness, energy transfer, and shot accuracy without adding weight.  The axenic one-piece construction ensures a seamless connection between shaft and blade for consistent flex and feel, while advanced materials like spread tow carbon and ResFlo resin improve durability and overall performance.

Finished with a sleek, modern design and subtle graphics, the HZRDUS Smoke combines cutting-edge technology with a clean, pro-level aesthetic.