How To Measure The Length Of A Hockey Stick

How to Measure the Length of a Hockey Stick: A Comprehensive Guide

Measuring a hockey stick correctly is crucial, whether you're buying a new one, customizing your current stick, or simply satisfying your curiosity. Different methods exist depending on what you're trying to measure – the overall length, the shaft length, or even the curve. This guide will walk you through each process, ensuring you get accurate measurements every time.

Measuring the Overall Length of a Hockey Stick

The overall length of a hockey stick, from the bottom of the blade to the top of the shaft, is usually the first measurement people want. This is straightforward, requiring only a measuring tape and a flat surface.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Find a Flat Surface: Lay your hockey stick flat on a floor or table. Ensure the stick lies completely flat to avoid inaccurate measurements.
2. Position the Measuring Tape: Place the end of your measuring tape at the very bottom of the hockey stick blade. This is usually the point where the blade meets the shaft.
3. Extend to the Top: Extend the measuring tape along the entire length of the shaft to the very top. Make sure the tape follows the natural curve of the stick as closely as possible.
4. Record the Measurement: Note the measurement displayed on the tape. This is the overall length of your hockey stick. Typically, this is expressed in inches or centimeters.

Measuring the Shaft Length of a Hockey Stick

The shaft length is frequently important for fitting and performance. This is the length from the heel of the blade to the top of the shaft, excluding the blade itself.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Locate the Heel of the Blade: Identify the point where the shaft meets the blade. This is referred to as the heel of the blade.
2. Start Measuring: Place the end of your measuring tape at the heel of the blade.
3. Measure to the Top: Extend the measuring tape upwards along the shaft to its very top.
4. Note the Measurement: Record the resulting measurement. This is the shaft length of your hockey stick.

Measuring the Curve of a Hockey Stick

Measuring the curve is more complex and typically requires specialized tools, which are not readily available to most people. However, you can get a general sense of the curve using the following method:

Visual Inspection and Comparison:

1. Visual Assessment: Carefully examine the curve of your hockey stick’s blade. Observe its degree of curvature.
2. Comparison: If you have other hockey sticks, you can compare the curve of your stick to theirs to gain a relative understanding of its curve's degree. This method is not precise but offers a helpful comparison.

Note: To get an exact measurement of the curve, you would require a specialized tool called a stick curve measuring gauge.

Tips for Accurate Measurements

• Use a Flexible Measuring Tape: A flexible tape measure is essential for accurately measuring the curve of the hockey stick.
• Ensure Proper Alignment: Always ensure the measuring tape is aligned with the length of the stick to prevent measurement errors.
• Take Multiple Measurements: For greater accuracy, take several measurements and average them to minimize errors.
• Consider Units of Measurement: Be consistent with your units of measurement (inches or centimeters) throughout the process.

By following these methods, you'll be able to accurately measure your hockey stick's length, providing vital information whether for buying, customizing, or simply understanding your equipment better. Remember accuracy is key, so take your time and double-check your measurements!