Welcome to the Byte Hockey FAQ hub. Whether you’re choosing your first hockey stick, comparing low bow vs mid bow sticks, looking for the right hockey bag or learning what equipment you need for field hockey, our expert guides are here to help. Explore answers to common hockey questions, equipment advice and buying tips for players of all levels.
The best carbon percentage depends on your experience level and playing style. Lower carbon hockey sticks offer a softer feel and greater control, while higher carbon sticks provide increased power and responsiveness.
As a general guide:
Higher carbon doesn’t always mean better — choosing a stick that matches your skill level is the most important thing.
Low bow hockey sticks have a lower curve near the head of the stick, helping players perform advanced skills such as drag flicks, aerials and 3D skills more easily.
Mid bow hockey sticks offer a more balanced shape focused on control, passing and all-round play.
As a general guide:
The best bow shape depends on your playing style and position.
Choosing the correct hockey stick size is important for comfort, posture and ball control.
As a rough guide:
A stick that’s too long can make control difficult, while a stick that’s too short may affect posture and reach.
If you’re unsure, many players prefer slightly shorter sticks for improved close control and handling.
Higher-end hockey sticks are usually made with more advanced materials and higher carbon percentages, which can improve power, responsiveness and overall performance.
However, elite-level sticks aren’t always the best choice for beginners. Less experienced players often benefit more from softer, more forgiving sticks that prioritise control and comfort.
The best hockey stick is the one that suits your ability level, playing style and confidence on the pitch.
Beginner hockey players are usually best starting with a lower carbon hockey stick, typically around 30%–50% carbon.
These sticks provide:
Many beginners also prefer mid bow hockey sticks because they offer balanced all-round performance for learning passing, dribbling and shooting fundamentals.
Choosing a comfortable, forgiving stick can help new players build confidence and improve more quickly.
The lifespan of a hockey stick depends on:
Recreational players may use the same stick for several years, while competitive players often replace sticks more regularly due to heavy use.
Signs that a hockey stick may need replacing include:
Proper care and storage can help extend the life of your hockey stick.
We aim to dispatch all orders as quickly as possible so players can get their hockey equipment without unnecessary delays.
Dispatch times can vary slightly during busy periods, product launches or holidays, but most orders are processed promptly once payment has been confirmed.
Once your order has been dispatched, you’ll receive tracking information so you can follow your delivery progress.
Delivery options and free shipping thresholds may vary depending on your location and the products ordered.
Any current delivery promotions or free shipping offers will be clearly displayed during checkout where applicable.
For full delivery information, including estimated shipping times and available services, please visit our delivery information page.
Yes — if your hockey stick is unused and in its original condition, you may be able to return it within our returns period.
We understand that choosing the right hockey stick can sometimes be difficult, especially when selecting carbon percentages, bow shapes or sizes online.
Returned items should be:
Please check our returns policy for full details before sending any items back.
Most hockey sticks are supplied with a fitted grip ready for use.
Grip styles may vary depending on the hockey stick model, with some sticks featuring:
Many players also choose to customise their stick further with additional overgrips or grip tape for extra comfort and control.
Yes. Once your order has been dispatched, you’ll receive tracking details by email so you can monitor your delivery progress.
Tracking updates may take a short period to appear after dispatch depending on the courier service being used.
If you haven’t received tracking information or need help with your order, our team will be happy to assist.
International shipping availability may vary depending on your location and the products ordered.
Shipping costs and delivery times for international orders are calculated during checkout where available.
Please note that international customers may be responsible for local customs charges, import duties or taxes depending on their country’s regulations.
Yes — shin pads are considered essential equipment for field hockey.
Hockey balls travel at high speeds, and shin pads help protect players from impacts caused by:
Most clubs, schools and leagues strongly recommend or require players to wear shin protection during both training and matches.
Choosing properly fitted shin pads helps improve comfort and protection on the pitch.
Beginner hockey players typically need:
Many players also choose to use gloves for additional hand protection.
Starting with comfortable, reliable equipment helps players develop confidence while learning the fundamentals of hockey.
Gum shields help protect the teeth, jaw and mouth from impacts during training and matches.
Field hockey is a fast-paced sport where accidental contact with:
…can happen at any level of the game.
A properly fitted gum shield can significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries and is recommended for players of all ages.
Many hockey players choose to wear gloves for added hand protection and confidence during play.
Hockey gloves can help protect against:
Some gloves also provide extra grip and comfort during wet conditions.
They’re particularly popular with:
Definitely! We often release collections with matching tops and leggings, and we also offer bundle discounts. These are great for building complete gym outfits.
Shin pads should fit comfortably between the ankle and just below the knee without restricting movement.
Shin pads that are too small may leave gaps in protection, while oversized shin pads can feel uncomfortable and move during play.
Most brands provide sizing guides based on player height, and many players prefer lightweight shin pads that balance comfort with protection.
Field hockey shoes are designed specifically for grip, comfort and movement on astro turf surfaces.
Unlike standard trainers, hockey shoes usually provide:
Wearing proper hockey footwear helps improve stability and reduces the risk of slipping or discomfort during matches and training sessions.
The best hockey bag size depends on how much equipment you carry and how often you train or travel.
Smaller hockey bags are ideal for:
Larger hockey bags are better suited for:
If you regularly carry multiple sticks, waterproofs, shoes or extra training gear, a larger hockey bag will usually provide better organisation and convenience.
Yes — hockey backpacks are one of the most popular luggage options for modern players.
They combine everyday practicality with hockey-specific features such as:
Hockey backpacks are especially popular with:
They offer a comfortable and organised way to carry hockey equipment without excessive bulk.
Many hockey bags are designed to carry multiple hockey sticks securely.
Depending on the bag design, some models can hold:
Larger stick bags and tournament bags often include reinforced stick compartments to help protect equipment during travel.
Always check the product description to see how many sticks a specific bag is designed to carry.
Most hockey players carry a mixture of equipment, clothing and accessories in their hockey bag.
Common items include:
Keeping your hockey bag organised helps make training and match days much easier.
Many hockey bags are made using water-resistant materials designed to handle wet weather and damp astro turf conditions.
However, not all hockey bags are fully waterproof.
Water-resistant coatings and durable materials help protect equipment from light rain and everyday moisture, but players should still avoid leaving bags exposed to heavy rain for long periods where possible.
Some hockey bags also include separate wet kit compartments to help keep damp clothing away from clean equipment.