Late Bow vs Mid Bow vs Low Bow: Which Hockey Stick Bow Is Right for You?
The bow of a field hockey stick — the curve along the shaft — is one of the most misunderstood aspects of stick choice. Get it right and it can transform your game. Get it wrong and even the most expensive stick will feel awkward. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is the Bow?
The bow refers to the amount of curvature in the stick's shaft, measured in millimetres, and the position of the maximum curve point along the shaft. World Hockey (FIH) rules cap the maximum bow at 25mm.
The three main bow profiles are low bow (sometimes called extra low bow or extreme bow), late bow, and mid bow. Each places the deepest curve point at a different position from the head of the stick — and that placement changes how the stick performs entirely.
Late Bow
A late bow places the maximum curve point lower on the shaft — closer to the hook. This is the most common profile for advanced players and provides an ideal balance between 3D skills, drag flicking, and standard play.
Who it's for:
- Club, regional, and international players
- Midfielders and forwards who need a combination of skill moves and standard ball control
- Players developing drag flick technique
Why choose it:
The lower curve point provides extra leverage on drag flicks and gives the stick a natural "pick up" angle that makes 3D skills — lifting, tomahawks, and aerial passes — more intuitive. It's the most versatile bow profile for modern hockey.
Naked Hockey's Genesis 100, Truth 80, and several other sticks across the range feature a late bow profile.
Mid Bow
A mid bow places the curve apex in the middle of the shaft — further from the head than a late bow. The overall arc is more gradual, which makes the stick feel more natural for traditional hitting and receiving.
Who it's for:
- Beginners and developing players
- Defenders who prioritise strong hitting and tackling over aerial skills
- Players transitioning from wooden sticks to composite
Why choose it:
A mid bow offers a more upright and natural feel on the ball. Hit technique is easier to develop because the angle of the head relative to the ground is more forgiving. It's less optimised for drag flicking, but it doesn't punish imperfect body position the way a late bow can at beginner level.
The Zeme 30 and Supreme 50 use a mid bow profile — designed for newer players who benefit from a more natural striking angle.
Low Bow (Extra Low / Extreme Bow)
A low bow — or extra low bow — pushes the maximum curve as far down the shaft as possible, right towards the head. This is the most extreme profile and is specifically optimised for drag flicks, aerials, and 3D skill play.
Who it's for:
- Elite players and international-level athletes
- Penalty corner drag flick specialists
- Forwards who rely heavily on lifting the ball and aerials
Why choose it:
The extreme curve creates maximum leverage for the drag flick action and makes it dramatically easier to get under the ball for aerials and reverse lifts. The trade-off: the acute head angle makes standard pushing and receiving noticeably more difficult. This is a specialist's stick — you need a high level of technique to get the best from it.
Bow Profile vs. Carbon: Which Matters More?
Both matter, but they affect different aspects of performance. Carbon percentage governs power and stiffness — how much energy transfers from your swing to the ball. Bow profile governs ball manipulation — how easy it is to drag flick, 3D, and lift.
A complete stick choice considers both. Read our carbon percentage guide alongside this one to get the full picture.
Quick Reference: Bow Type by Position
| Position | Recommended Bow | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Mid bow | Natural hitting angle for clearances |
| Defender | Mid or late bow | Hitting power + some 3D ability |
| Midfielder | Late bow | Best all-round profile for modern play |
| Forward / Drag flicker | Late or low bow | Optimised for 3D skills and penalty corners |
Still Not Sure?
Use the Naked Stick Selector — answer a few questions about your position, level, and budget and it'll recommend the right Naked stick for you. It was built with input from Olympic Gold Medallist Felix Denayer, who's spent two decades optimising stick choice at the highest level of the game.