Ringette stick length for every player

A ringette stick that is slightly too long can spoil technique, while an undersized stick can restrict shooting and passing. Length affects the player’s balance, reach and control, so it deserves more attention than choosing a number from a generic sizing chart.

Lapinlahden Luistin LL89, the Finnish community club founded in 1989 and based at Lapinlahti Ice Hall, supports ringette players from introductory groups through competitive teams. The same basic fitting principles apply on Australian ice, even though local rink schedules, equipment suppliers and playing formats differ.

For Australian players, height remains the best starting point because it narrows the choice quickly. Measurements should then be checked against the manufacturer’s guidance and the player’s skating position. Metric measurements make this straightforward, but a stick that merely matches a height table may still feel wrong in the hand.

Start with a height-based range

Common ringette sizing charts use overall player height to suggest an approximate stick length. Players below 140 centimetres may begin around 46 to 48 inches, while those between 140 and 152 centimetres often start with a 48- or 49-inch stick. Slightly taller players commonly move into the 50- to 52-inch range.

A practical guide continues with 53 to 55 inches for players around 166 to 178 centimetres, 56 to 58 inches for those around 179 to 191 centimetres, and 58 to 60 inches for taller players. These are starting ranges rather than rigid rules, and some manufacturers use slightly different increments.

Because Australian players measure height in centimetres and equipment in inches, it helps to know that one inch equals 2.54 centimetres. A 54-inch stick, for example, is approximately 137 centimetres long. The relevant comparison is the length of the whole stick, from the top of the handle to the bottom edge of the blade.

Measure the player and the stick

A useful fitting check begins with the player wearing skates and standing in a normal skating position with bent knees. Rest the blade flat on the ice. The top hand should be able to hold the handle near shoulder height without forcing the body forward, while the lower hand remains comfortably in front of the hip.

If the player must lean forward or straighten the knees to reach the handle, the stick is probably too long. If the handle ends well below the shoulder and the player cannot comfortably control the blade, a longer model may suit them better. Players often discover that the difference between neighbouring sizes is easier to recognise on ice than in a sports shop.

Another quick check compares the distance from the floor to the bottom of the blade with the player’s wrist-to-floor measurement. A close match can be reassuring, although blade design, skating style and personal preference still affect the result. Gloves, stick grip width and the angle of the hands can also change how a particular length feels.

Account for skill, stance and position

Length influences more than reach. A shorter stick can make close control and rapid puck movement easier, while a longer stick may provide extra reach and leverage for passing and shooting. Beginners often benefit from a moderate length that lets them maintain balance, whereas an experienced player may comfortably use the upper end of a height range.

Shaft flex matters as well. Junior players generally need a shaft designed for their size and strength rather than a stiff adult model. Equipment staff should check the stated weight range, shaft dimensions and blade model, since a stick with the correct length can still turn awkwardly if its flex and grip do not match the player.

Players who also play ice hockey may find Lapinlahden Luistin’s guide to blade and shaft taping useful for general setup ideas. Ringette players must still use a ringette blade, which has a different profile from a hockey blade, and should not assume that hockey shaft dimensions will feel identical. Goalies require a separate fitting process using wide-blade goalie sticks rather than the ranges for field players.

Consider Australian rink conditions

Australian indoor ice seasons generally follow the southern hemisphere calendar, with clubs in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra commonly concentrating major programs between May and September. This differs from Lapinlahti’s long northern winter, when indoor ice may be available for extended periods. Equipment planning and stick testing therefore need to fit around a shorter concentrated season and busy holiday periods.

Ringette-specific equipment has a smaller local market than standard hockey or figure skating gear. Some Australian hockey shops may carry shafts and blades suitable for ringette, but suitable combinations can be easier to order through specialist suppliers. Families should check the complete length, shaft flex and blade specifications before travelling to collect a stick, particularly when the nearest stocked alternative is in another city.

Brisbane has fewer permanent full-size indoor ice venues than Melbourne, Sydney or Canberra, so some players travel regularly or depend on seasonal ice arrangements. Shared rink sessions also mean players may move between ringette, hockey and figure skating, making it useful to label equipment and keep a record of the model and length already used.

Warm Australian weather can bring condensation into equipment bags and affect tape grip or blade moisture. A dry stick bag, a small absorbent cloth and a securely capped water bottle help protect the shaft and blade between sessions.

Make the final check count

Before buying, compare the new stick with a familiar one. Hold each in a skating stance, check that the blade sits flat and look along the shaft for bends or damaged sections. The handle should feel comfortable through the glove, and the player should be able to move the blade without pulling the shoulders or hips out of position.

A practical on-ice trial is preferable to judging length alone in the shop. Passing, receiving and shooting from different positions reveal whether the stick feels controllable, while a few laps show whether its length disrupts balance. Junior players need a fit that works now rather than a substantial amount of unused length intended for future growth.

Sticks should also be inspected throughout the season. Worn tape, a loose handle or an uneven blade can change the feel enough to justify replacement. The practical takeaway is to use height as the first filter, follow the manufacturer’s sizing chart, and make the final check with skates on: blade flat, lower hand near the hip and upper hand relaxed at the shoulder.