WASP Hockey technical talk section is here to help you to understand the developments in equipment so you can make the best choice of what suits your game.
R and D are at the forefront of WASP. We go to great lengths to ensure or “Quality within Reach” motto is carefully protected.
WASP Hockey has close links with the Centre for Sports Engineering Research labs at Sheffield Hallam University.
Each batch of stick produced is checked for quality and performance to ensure that a WASP hockey stick gives you the edge you need when you need it most.
Our lab check each production batch for stiffness and power ensuring that the composite materials has been fully wetted by the epoxies.
WASP uses the 3 POINT BEND METHOD to test for stiffness/ structural rigidity of the stick
This gives us a clear measure of whether the properties of the fibres have been maximised.
WASP 3 point bend test (photo courtesy of Sheffield Hallam University)
WASP uses the IMPACT TEST to check the power of the stick.
This gives a clear picture of whether the fibres are performing to their maximum
WASP IMPACT TEST (photo courtesy of Sheffield Hallam University)
Nanotechnology is the science of the small; the very small. It is the use and manipulation of matter at a tiny scale. At this size, atoms and molecules work differently, and provide a variety of surprising and interesting uses.
The prefix of nanotechnology derives from ‘nanos’ – the Greek word for dwarf. A nanometre is a billionth of a metre, or to put it comparatively, about 1/80,000 of the diameter of a human hair. The image below shows a further size comparison.
Multiwall carbon nano tubes are used in the top WASP hockey sticks
Nano technology entered the manufacture of hockey sticks very recently. Quite simply Nano technology in hockey sticks means:
Player Benefits of nano technology include:
There has been a trend recently for players at top level to use sticks with very big bows down the shaft. A big bow offers drag flick experts considerably more “sling-speed” at penalty corners. The bows became so large that some players could drag-flick with incredible speed and power. FIH (World Hockey’s Governing Body) stepped in due to increased danger and from January 2006 the extent of the bow was limited to 25mm for sticks USED IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS.
The bow on your current stick should influence the type of bow you select on the stick that you buy next time.
We recommend that young starter players use a Euro Classic Bow (ECB) as this helps the development of smooth pushing, slapping and hitting skills.
WASP Hockey offers 3 different bows:
1. Xtreme Late Bow - The “XLB” profile shape derives from Europe and has been developed after feedback from top players. The “XLB” measures the maximum allowed 25mm off the straight line and is positioned very low down the shaft of the stick just above the head of the stick.
The benefits of the “XLB” are:
2. Low Dribble Bow - The “LDB” measures 24mm off the straight line and the bow is positioned low down the shaft below the centre point but not as low as the Xtreme Late Bow.
The benefits of the “LDB” are:
3. Euro Classic Bow - The “ECB” profile is ideal for good club players or inexperienced players although many internationals still prefer this shape.
The “ECB” measures 23mm off the straight line and the bow is a gradual bow along the length of the shaft.
The benefits of the “ECB” are:
In the end the choice of bow is all yours but we would advise that young players use the Euro Bow or Classic Bow until they develop their game sufficiently to be able to control their smooth hitting skills.
Selecting the right length of stick is vitally important if all the skills of hockey are to be developed and performed well.
WASP Stick Size Chart will help you to decide what length of stick is right for you.
In general, your height determines what length of stick you should use. However there are some benefits in selecting the longest stick that you can control. The more skillful player may want the benefits of extra reach and better vision that longer sticks can offer.
The main points are:
A rough guide for children is that the stick should come up to the top of the hip bone
One method used in Holland is to find the correct length of stick is to stand up straight, place the head of the stick under your armpit and find a stick that reaches to the bottom of your kneecap.
Wasp Stick Size Chart
Here is a rough guide for the younger less experienced player and their parents.
Remember this is a rough guide but we hope it helps you to choose the right length of stick.
Most hockey sticks are now constructed with either a J head shape or a U head shape.
WASP hockey offers a Mega J head shape in all of its sticks as we feel this is the best all round performance head shape. Other brands also offer a Maxi U head shape and there are slight differences in the benefits of the two different shapes.
Maxi U Hook
Maxi U Hook head shape is a very tight bend.
The benefits of this shape are:
Mega J Midi
Mega J Midi head shape is a more open bend.
The benefits of this shape are:
Both head shapes are very popular but we would advise all young players to start off with a Mega J because we feel this shape is easier to get used to.
EPZ – EDGE PROTECTION ZONEIn 1999, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) changed the rules to allow players to hit the ball with both the lead edge and the back edge of the stick. Until this time this had been illegal. This “skill” is called the “Argentinian backhand/Low backhand shot/pass” It originated in Argentina!
This skill can be quite dangerous if not well trained but it is now part of our game. It also puts stresses on hockey sticks, which are very difficult to combat. Sticks now need more edge reinforcement but to retain the good balance and comply with the rules the edges are thin.
WASP hockey has done enormous research to try and strengthen the lead and back edges of our sticks. We incorporate extra and different fibres in these zones (EPZ System) to try and prolong the life of our sticks. It helps but the forces that some edge shots place on the stick makes it impossible for anyone to guarantee a stick against breakage in this area. There is no doubt that a player who constantly uses this skill will shorten the life of the stick.
BWZ-BACKHAND WEAR ZONEThe Argentinian backhand shot also puts a greater stress on the back of the stick head. This is especially true for inexperienced players whose stick constantly impacts the ground practising this skill. WASP Hockey has increased the reinforcement layers in the Backhand Wear Zone to slow down the wear in this area and to help the stick cope with impacts against the ground.
ALL WASP HOCKEY STICKS INCORPORATE EPZ AND BWZ ZONES
By following some simple steps you can prolong the life of your stick.
Remember every abnormal impact can potentially weaken the fibres, from which your stick is constructed. Now that we have explained the jargon and technicalities we hope you feel more confident to choose the right WASP Hockey stick for your game.
There is no doubt you cannot beat calling into our hockey factory shop in Yorkshire so we can help and advise you first hand. It is the biggest field hockey shop in the North of England and with our staff all being high level coaches the guidance given to all our customers is we feel second to none.
We hope the information in this section at least helps you to choose the right stick for your game.