Youth, Junior, Intermediate, or Senior: Which Hockey Stick to Choose?
The guide with real LabSports measurements — exact sizes by flex, age, and weight, plus an interactive tool to find the right stick.
Important to know: LabSports measurements include the blade in the total stick length. Major brands like Bauer often only measure the shaft. A Bauer 62" is approximately equivalent to a LabSports 67" — it's the same actual length on the ice.
What is the main difference between stick categories?
The main differences are total length, flex, and grip diameter. The choice is based on the player's weight for flex and height without skates for length. The measurements below are actual LabSports lengths — blade included.
The 4 Categories — Overview
Youth
4 to 7 years
40–60 lbs
Flex 20–30
53" – 55"
Junior
7 to 12 years
60–100 lbs
Flex 40–50
57" – 59"
Intermediate
11 to 14 years
100–140 lbs
Flex 55–65
61" – 63"
Senior
14 years and +
140 lbs and +
Flex 70–95
65" – 67"
LabSports Exact Lengths by Flex Chart
ACTUAL LABSPORTS LENGTHS — BLADE INCLUDED
| Category | Flex | LabSports Length | Major Brands Equivalent | Stick Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth (YTH) | Flex 20 | 53" | ~48" | 280g |
| Youth (YTH) | Flex 30 | 55" | ~50" | 280g |
| Junior (JR) | Flex 40 | 57" | ~52" | 310g |
| Junior (JR) | Flex 50 | 59" | ~54" | 300g |
| Intermediate (INT) | Flex 55 | 61" | ~56" | 365g |
| Intermediate (INT) | Flex 65 | 63" | ~58" | 360g |
| Senior (SR) | Flex 70 | 65" | ~60" | 375g |
| Senior (SR) | Flex 77 | 67" | ~62" | 370g |
| Senior (SR) | Flex 87 | 67" | ~62" | 370g |
| Senior (SR) | Flex 95 | 67" | ~62" | 370g |
The golden rule for length: Standing without skates, the stick should reach between your chin and the tip of your nose. With skates, it should reach your chin. If in doubt between two sizes, choose the larger one — a stick can be cut, but not lengthened.
🎯 Find the right category for your player
Answer 3 questions and we'll recommend exactly which stick to choose
1. What is the player's age?
2. What is the player's weight?
3. How high does the stick reach when standing without skates?
Why do LabSports sticks seem longer than Bauer sticks?
Because LabSports measures total length — blade included. Major brands like Bauer often only measure the shaft. Result: a Bauer stick listed at 62" is approximately equivalent to a LabSports 67" — it's the same actual length on the ice. Always compare total lengths, not just the shaft.
Technical Differences by Category Chart
TECHNICAL DIFFERENCES — PRO ALL BLACK LABSPORTS
| Feature | Youth | Junior | Intermediate | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Length | 53"–55" | 57"–59" | 61"–63" | 65"–67" |
| Available Flexes | 20, 30 | 40, 50 | 55, 65 | 70, 77, 87, 95 |
| Stick Weight | 280g | 300–310g | 360–365g | 370–375g |
| Available Curves | P28 Jr, P92 Jr | P28 Jr, P92 Jr | P28M, P92M, P90TM | P28M, P92M, P90TM |
| Available Models | V1 only | V1 and V2 | V1 and V2 | V1 and V2 |
Can an adult use a LabSports intermediate stick?
Yes. An adult under 5'5" or less than 140 lbs will often play better with an intermediate flex 65 (63") than a senior flex 70 (65"). The intermediate flex offers a faster release for lighter players. This is a common choice among adult female players and shorter players.
24K Carbon on all Pro All Black sticks — Youth, Junior, Intermediate, and Senior
Quick Summary — The Right Stick by Profile
| Profile | Category | Flex | LabSports Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4–7 years, under 60 lbs | Youth | Flex 20–30 | 53" – 55" |
| 7–12 years, 60–100 lbs | Junior | Flex 40–50 | 57" – 59" |
| 11–14 years, 100–140 lbs | Int | Flex 55–65 | 61" – 63" |
| 14 years+, 140 lbs+ (flex 70) | Senior | Flex 70 | 65" |
| 14 years+, 140 lbs+ (flex 77+) | Senior | Flex 77–95 | 67" |
| Lighter Adult, under 140 lbs | INT or softer SR | Flex 65–70 | 63" – 65" |
Pro All Black Available in All Categories
Youth, Junior, Intermediate, Senior, and Goalie. 24K Carbon, 30-day warranty, $19.99 shipping anywhere in Canada. Available online at labsports.ca and in-store at Girouard La Source du Sport in Victoriaville.
