Walk into any hockey store — or browse online — and you'll be hit with numbers: 30% carbon, 70% carbon, 100% carbon. But what do those percentages actually mean for how a stick feels and performs? This guide cuts through the jargon.
What Is Carbon in a Hockey Stick?
Field hockey sticks are built from a composite matrix of materials. Carbon fibre is the primary performance material — it's extraordinarily strong for its weight and gives a stick its stiffness and power transfer. The higher the carbon percentage, the stiffer and more powerful the stick.
The remaining percentage is typically made up of fibreglass (which adds flexibility and durability), kevlar (for vibration dampening and impact resistance), and sometimes basalt or aramid fibres. The precise blend is what separates one stick from another — and why two "70% carbon" sticks from different brands can feel very different.
Carbon Percentage Explained: Level by Level
30% Carbon — The Beginner's Stick
A lower carbon content means more fibreglass in the blend. The result is a softer, more forgiving stick that flexes slightly on impact. This is ideal for beginners and junior players who are still developing their technique — the extra flex absorbs some of the shock from mis-hits and makes ball control easier to learn.
Naked Hockey's entry-level sticks, such as the Zeme 30, sit in this category. At 30% carbon, they deliver a cushioned feel that rewards clean play without punishing imperfect contact.
50–60% Carbon — The Developing Player's Sweet Spot
Mid-range carbon is where most club players and improvers live. You get noticeably more power on drives and hits than with a beginner stick, but still enough flex to feel comfortable receiving hard passes. For players moving from beginners' hockey into regular league play, this range strikes the best balance.
The Supreme 50 (50% carbon) is built exactly for this transition — stiffer than a starter stick, with a real-world feel of increased pace and control.
70–80% Carbon — The Club and Academy Level
At 70–80% carbon, you're in serious performance territory. The stick is noticeably stiff, meaning more energy from your swing is transferred directly into the ball. Drag flicks, 3D skills, and reverse-stick play all benefit from the extra rigidity.
Most players at county or regional level play with sticks in this range. The Truth 80 at 80% carbon is Naked Hockey's benchmark performance stick — popular across club, university, and international grassroots players.
90–100% Carbon — Elite and Pro
Full carbon sticks are built for elite performance. The stiffness is maximal — there's almost no flex — so every ounce of power is delivered to the ball. The trade-off is that they demand excellent technique: mis-hits are felt, and receiving can be harder to master.
Players at this level are choosing 90–100% carbon because they've developed the technical base to get the best from a stiff stick. Naked Hockey's Genesis 100 sits at the top of the range — used by professional and international players, including Olympic Gold Medallist Felix Denayer.
Does Higher Carbon Always Mean Better?
No — and this is the most important thing to understand. A 100% carbon stick in the hands of a beginner will feel harsh, unforgiving, and potentially cause wrist and arm strain. The ideal stick is the one that matches your current level of play.
A rough guide:
- New to hockey / junior player: 30–40% carbon
- Regular club player (1–3 years): 50–60% carbon
- Experienced club / regional level: 70–80% carbon
- County, academy, or elite: 90–100% carbon
What About Bow Shape and Weight?
Carbon is only one part of the equation. The bow profile (late bow vs. mid bow vs. low bow) affects drag flick ability and 3D skills. Stick weight affects fatigue over 70 minutes. Our bow type guide goes into exactly how to choose the right profile for your position and playing style.
Naked Hockey's Carbon Range at a Glance
| Stick | Carbon % | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Zeme 30 | 30% | Beginners, juniors, first-time buyers |
| Supreme 50 | 50% | Developing club players |
| Truth 80 | 80% | Experienced club, university, regional |
| Genesis 100 | 100% | Elite and international players |
Not sure where you sit? Use the Naked Stick Selector — our free tool co-developed with Felix Denayer that recommends the right stick for your level, position, and budget in under 2 minutes.