What is the best field hockey stick for an advanced forward or winger?

Answer 1

Unfortunately for you, that describes pretty much anyone at a decent level; even some goalkeepers can prefer such sticks for the weight and balance they have. Visit your local store and ask to try them out - some allow "test driving" and others hold showdays of their products.

Answer 2

.....in addition to above:

Here are the sticks that I THINK I have narrowed it down to:

- Grays GX8000 Scoop

- Grays GX6000 Scoop

- Grays GX7000 Turbo Torque

- Grays O-Tech

- TK Synergy S-1077

- TK 1.5 Vti

- TK 1

- Kookaburra Dragon??? (Not sure if I can get a 37 or 37.5 in a light weight though)

Does anyone know if the scoop on the head of the stick affects shots? To me, with the head not being completely flat, I would think that this would affect the direction of the shot and how the ball moves off the stick??????

ADVISE PLEASE haha

The scoop on the stick depends what type of shooter you are. If you've been playing with a flat stick your whole life its very hard to adjust you and causes high shoots. If you are a person who mainly does rebounds and low flicks then a scoop stick is not for you. If however you are often the first shot on net and you aim for above knee height then you may like it.

As for sticks Kookaburras seem to be overall heavier and have a thick diametre than most other sticks but its personal preference. At my university, team members are not allowed to use Greys sticks are our coach thinks they are not good quality. I prefer my Adidas anyways but you need to choose the one which is most comfortable for you to use. Go somewhere where you can try them all like from a booth at tournaments where they have sample ones