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  Balance & Weight - more than just looking cool...
Get a "feel" for the stick. It should be well balanced and feel comfortable in your hands. Depending on your preference, the weight may be evenly distributed throughout the length of the stick or concentrated in the stick's toe or head. The weight in the toe should not be so much as to limit your stick speed when playing the ball.
Field hockey sticks range in weight from light (18 oz. to19 oz.), to medium (19-22 oz), to heavy (22 oz to FIH maximum 25.9 oz [737 grams]). Most players will use a stick in the medium range. Generally, forwards prefer a lighter stick for quick maneuvering in the circle while defenders often choose a heavier stick for powerful clearing hits and to prevent attackers from casually "pushing" the stick aside.  Length of your Stick - does size really matter? Field hockey sticks range in length from 26 & 28-inch youth sticks to 37.5 -38-inch sticks for taller and more experienced players.
While the length of the stick is often determined by height, players often select the longest stick they can handle comfortably. The chart below shows the general guideline for choosing the appropriate length stick, but add a few inches, as this chart is for midgets with long reaches or short ladies, i.e, 38 inch is for people over 6 foot....   Toe Length
The "toe" or "head" of the stick may also vary depending on your position or style of play. 
| Little Shorti toe
The "Shorti toe" features a one-piece head to allow quick maneuverability around the ball. | 
| Maxi- a big head on your shaft?
The "midi toe" features an increased hook surface and slightly longer length to allow a larger hitting and stopping area to facilitate receiving, flicking and reverse stick play. | | |
 Basically, a Maxi is the only stick worth having for an all round modern game...  Flexibility & Stiffness - how will you perform in the long term?
A flexible stick that absorbs shock is often the stick of choice for beginning or novice players. Flexible sticks tend to be more durable than their stiffer counterparts. Manufacturers add a variety of reinforcing materials to the stick to add strength and durability or promote either stiffness or flexibility. - Fiberglass: A basic material reinforcing the handle. Fiberglass adds strength and durability. Fiberglass reinforcement also helps to prevent wear.
- Carbon (or graphite): One of the most effective stiffening materials. The added stiffness in the handle allows for increased hitting power for experienced players. However, in cold temperatures, a stick with carbon tends to transmit the shock from the head, through the shaft up to hands. Players should consider playing conditions, such as temperature when selecting a stick.
- Kevlar® (or Aramide): Adds strength to the handle while dampening the vibration to the hands. The more Kevlar in the stick, the less shock is felt, yet the fibers still allow for flexibility and a smooth "feel" of the ball when hitting and receiving.
Rux Fire and X-treme Sticks are made in Pakistan by craftsmen with over 50 years experience - NOT China mass production. Yeah, it may cost a little more, but better have a stick that has balance, style, power and does not fall apart in 5 minutes...
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