VOODOO Voyage: 003 BTB: The Stick Low Down (Stick Weights + Balance Points)

Let's Talk Stick Weight & Balance points...

When it comes to hockey sticks, weight is usually the first thing people look at. But weight isn't the whole story.

Every stick is designed around a target weight based on its materials, layup and manufacturing process. Because composite sticks are made from layers of carbon, fibreglass and aramid, small variations in material distribution, resin and curing mean individual sticks will naturally vary slightly in weight. That's simply part of composite manufacturing.

What Is a Balance Point?

The balance point of a hockey stick is the exact position along the stick where it balances perfectly on a single point. It is usually measured in millimetres from the bottom of the head towards the grip/handle and provides a much better indication of how the stick's mass is distributed than total weight alone.

Why Does Weight Matter?

A lighter stick generally feels easier to move quickly. It's easier to accelerate, stop and change direction, which can make a difference when you're dribbling, doing 3D skills or reacting quickly under pressure.

But lighter doesn't automatically mean more powerful. Some players like the extra substance of a heavier stick when hitting, while others prefer the speed and responsiveness of a lighter-feeling stick.

It's all about finding the right balance between power and manoeuvrability.

Why Does Balance Matter?

This is where things get interesting.

Imagine holding a hammer. If you hold it by the middle of the handle, it's easy to move around. If you hold it right at the end, it feels much harder to control.

A hockey stick works in a similar way. When more of the stick's weight is towards the head, the stick feels heavier in your hands and takes more effort to move quickly. When more of the weight is closer to your hands, the head feels lighter and the stick becomes quicker and easier to control.

Lower Balance Point

A lower balance point puts more weight towards the head. This gives the stick a more substantial, head-heavy feel, which some players love for hitting and slapping. The trade-off is that it makes the sticks movements slower when you're trying to quickly change direction or move the stick around your body.

Higher Balance Point

A higher balance point brings more of the weight closer to your hands. This makes the head feel lighter, quicker and more responsive. You can move the stick into position faster, change direction more easily and make quick adjustments without feeling like you're dragging the head through the movement.

That's particularly useful for:

• Quick dribbling

• 3D skills

• Aerials

• Rapid changes of direction

• Quick hands and reactions And that's why we favour higher balance points at VOODOO.
  
  
  
  

How We Do It at VOODOO

Our philosophy is simple: Create a powerful stick without unnecessary head weight (while still having the coolest designs of course 😉)

Modern composite construction gives us the stiffness and energy transfer needed to generate power without relying on a heavy head. 

The majority of our sticks sit around a 400–410 mm balance point, with our target specification at 515 g and 400 mm balance. For us, this creates the sweet spot between power and responsiveness. By carefully controlling our layups and where the materials are positioned, we can control not just how much the stick weighs, but how that weight feels when you're playing.

Think About It This Way

Take two sticks that both weigh 515g. One has more weight towards the head. The other has more weight closer to your hands. Same weight. Completely different feel. The first feels more head-heavy and substantial. The second feels quicker, lighter in the hands and easier to move. That's why we believe where the weight sits can be just as important as how much the stick weighs. So next time you're choosing a stick, don't just look at the grams. Look at the balance point. Because it's not just how much the stick weighs it's how that weight works for you.