Why Rakshak Hockey Sticks Are Gaining Ground in the US
Field hockey in the United States is growing faster than most people realize — especially in the Northeast, where high school and club programs have expanded significantly in the last five years. Rakshak, an Indian brand with deep roots in field hockey manufacturing, produces sticks that compete with the established European brands on performance while undercutting them on price. If you're a US field hockey player looking for a stick that performs at the club or high school level without the $300+ price tag of a top-tier Grays or TK, Rakshak deserves your attention.
This guide covers all six Rakshak field hockey stick models we stock at TopCricketStore, from the $35 junior starter stick to the $300 carbon-fiber Surge. Each model is broken down by carbon content, bow shape, weight, and the type of player it's built for.
How Field Hockey Sticks Are Built: The Specs That Matter
Carbon Content (0-100%): Carbon fiber makes a stick stiffer and more powerful. High-carbon sticks (70%+) transfer more energy to the ball on hits and slaps — ideal for defenders and midfielders who hit long passes. Low-carbon sticks (0-30%) are more flexible, giving better ball control and softer receiving — ideal for forwards and players who prioritize dribbling. Most club-level players find 30-50% carbon to be the sweet spot.
Bow Shape (Standard vs Low Bow): The bow is the curve along the shaft of the stick. A standard bow (20-22mm curve depth) is the all-rounder — works for hitting, pushing, and basic 3D skills. A low bow (24-25mm curve depth, with the curve positioned lower on the shaft) makes drag-flicking and aerial balls easier but requires more skill to control in regular play. Most US high school and club players should use a standard bow unless they're a designated drag-flicker on penalty corners.
Weight: Field hockey sticks range from 500g (ultralight, quick handling) to 600g+ (heavy, powerful hitting). Light sticks suit forwards who need quick stick movement. Heavy sticks suit defenders who need to clear the ball hard. Midfielders typically split the difference at 530-560g.
Every Rakshak Hockey Stick: Compared
| Model | Carbon | Bow | Weight | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-10% | Standard | ~480g | $34.99 | Beginners, youth players |
| React | 30% | Standard | ~530g | $119.99 | Developing club players |
| Rush | 30-40% | Standard | ~530g | $119.99 | All-round club play |
| Fury | 50-60% | Standard | ~550g | $169.99 | Competitive midfield |
| Infinity | 30-40% | Low Bow | ~540g | $99.99 | Drag-flickers, aerials |
| Surge | 70%+ | Standard | ~570g | $299.99 | Advanced, hard hitting |
Rakshak Junior ($34.99): The starter stick. Low carbon content (0-10%) means it's flexible and forgiving — new players won't feel every vibration through the shaft when they mis-hit the ball. The shaft is slightly thinner than adult sticks to fit smaller hands, and the overall weight (~480g) won't fatigue a young player during a 60-minute match. If your child is starting field hockey at school or in a local club, this is the stick to buy. Don't spend $100+ on a stick they'll outgrow in two seasons.
Rakshak React ($119.99): The stepping stone from beginner to competitive play. 30% carbon gives you noticeably more power on hits compared to the Junior stick without the harsh vibration of a high-carbon blade. The standard bow works well for all playing positions. This is the stick for a developing club player who's played for 1-2 seasons and wants equipment that matches their improving skills.
Rakshak Rush ($119.99): At the same price as the React, the Rush is positioned as the versatile all-rounder. The carbon content is similar (30-40%) but the Rush has slightly different weight distribution — more mass in the head for power hitting, balanced by a lighter shaft for maneuverability. If you play multiple positions or aren't sure whether you'll end up as a forward or midfielder, the Rush is the safer pick.
Rakshak Infinity ($99.99): The specialist. The Infinity uses a low bow design — the curve is positioned lower on the shaft than a standard bow, which helps lift the ball for drag-flicks and aerial passes. At 30-40% carbon, it's not the most powerful stick for hitting, but that's not what it's for. This is the stick for players who take penalty corners (drag-flickers) or who use 3D skills and aerial balls as part of their game. If you don't drag-flick, the Rush or Fury will serve you better. If you do, the Infinity at $99.99 is exceptional value compared to European low-bow sticks at $250+.
Rakshak Fury ($169.99): The competitive midfielder's choice. 50-60% carbon gives serious power on drives and slaps — you'll notice the difference in the sound when you connect cleanly: a satisfying crack instead of a dull thud. The vibration damping (built into the carbon layup) keeps the stick comfortable even on off-center hits. If you're playing high school varsity or competitive club hockey and you hit the ball hard from the midfield, the Fury matches your game.
Rakshak Surge ($299.99): The flagship. 70%+ carbon content — this is a hard-hitting stick for advanced players who generate their own power and want the stick to transfer every bit of it to the ball. The shaft is reinforced with additional carbon layers at the impact zone (the bottom third of the stick) to handle repeated hard hitting without developing micro-cracks. At $299.99, it's competing directly with the Grays GX and TK Synth ranges — and it holds its own. For serious club and collegiate players who want premium performance without the $400+ European price tag.
Sizing: How to Pick the Right Length
Field hockey stick length is measured from the ground to your hip bone (iliac crest) while standing in your hockey shoes. Stand the stick vertically next to your body with the toe touching the ground — the top of the stick should reach your hip bone.
Height → Stick Length:
Under 4'6" → 28-30 inches (junior)
4'6" - 5'0" → 32-34 inches
5'0" - 5'6" → 35-36.5 inches (standard for most adult women)
5'6" - 6'0" → 36.5-37.5 inches (standard for most adult men)
6'0"+ → 38+ inches
Playing position also affects length: defenders sometimes prefer a slightly longer stick for extra reach on tackles; forwards sometimes prefer a slightly shorter stick for quicker stick work in tight spaces. But the hip-bone rule is the starting point — deviate from it by no more than half an inch without a specific reason.
FAQ
Can I use a field hockey stick for street hockey or ice hockey?
No. Field hockey sticks are designed for use on grass or artificial turf with a specific ball. They'll splinter on concrete or asphalt. Street hockey uses a completely different stick type (usually with a plastic blade). Ice hockey is an entirely different sport with different equipment.
How do I maintain a composite hockey stick?
Wipe the stick down after use — especially the head, where mud and turf pellets accumulate. Don't leave it in a hot car (the resin in carbon-fiber composites can soften above 120°F). Store it indoors, not in a garage or shed. Replace the grip tape when it loses texture — a worn grip means your bottom hand slips during hits.
How often should I replace my hockey stick?
A composite stick used 2-3 times per week lasts 1-3 seasons. Signs it's time to replace: the carbon layers are delaminating (you can see or feel layers separating), the stick has lost its stiffness (hits that used to travel 40 yards now travel 30), or there's visible cracking in the shaft. The hitting zone (bottom third) wears fastest — rotate the stick 180 degrees between sessions so both sides wear evenly.
Junior vs adult sticks — when should my child switch?
When they're tall enough that a junior stick length (28-34 inches) no longer reaches their hip bone. This typically happens around 5'0"-5'2", which corresponds to ages 11-14 for most kids. The Rakshak Junior at 28-30 inches fits players up to about 4'10". After that, move to an adult-length stick.
Real Talk: From Our Edison NJ Store
Field hockey is a smaller part of our business than cricket, but it's growing — especially among high school players in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The Rakshak sticks we stock cover every level from beginner to competitive, and at prices that make sense for US players who are often buying their own equipment rather than going through a school budget. Most popular model: the Rush at $119.99, because it's versatile enough for players who are still figuring out their position. Free shipping on orders $100+ anywhere in the continental US. Questions about sizing or which model matches your position? Call or WhatsApp us at 1-732-250-3598.