What if you need a different length?

Dutch players almost all use 36.5" sticks.
THEY DO NOT CUT THEIR STICKS DOWN.

Watch an elite, international player and you will notice they tend to move their left hand according to the action they are involved with at any given moment.

When you use the Dutch Sizing Method, you should do what the Dutch do with this information. They mark the stick at the ideal length, i.e., where their left hand should grasp the handle for most effective hitting and dribbling. Perhaps that measurement is at 36" or 35". That means they have a little extra length on their handle, above where they grasp the stick.

What do elite players do with the extra length? They use it when they need it to tackle or intercept or receive passes.

If you cut a stick down you will lose the extra length that you have removed. This might mean that the one inch you have thrown away won’t be there when you need to intercept a pass or make a tackle. Think of it this way: if you have the length, you get the ball. If you don’t have the ball, the other team scores! Your missing inch could be the difference between winning and not.

How do they know when their left hand is in the right place for dribbling or hitting?

The player has used the Dutch Sizing Method and has marked the handle one inch below his or her knee cap. Elite players then make that point on the stick obvious, often using a ring of tape or a rubberband, secured in place with some tape. Even without looking, the player learns the feel of where the left hand should be positioned for the best stick skills. In other words, the only reason for cutting a stick down is if you are certain you will never need that extra inch or half inch to save the game.

To "choke up", move your hands lower on the handle, rather than cut down your stick.
See the inset photo.

If you cut your stick you would lose the extra reach.

If you still want a shorter composite, it is not complicated.

A 36.5" stick may be cut down to 35", or any measurement between 36.5 and 35, without changing the center of balance by more than 1/8". The same holds true in shortening a 38" stick to as short as 37".

Do it yourself, or go to the bottom of this page to HIRE OUR SPECIALIST.

REQUIRED TOOLS TO PROPERLY SHORTEN A COMPOSITE:
1. A carbide blade hacksaw.
2. Pliers, especially an adjustable,wide mouth type, such as channel locks.
3. Plastic electrical tape and a tape measure.
4. A small knife or other cutting tool.

Recommended, but optional tools:
5. A Mitre box or vise.
6. A small drill.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT LIABILITY FOR EITHER YOUR CRAFTSMANSHIP, or use of tools. It is always wise to take care with all tools, hand or power.

The Procedure:
1. Measure down from the end cap to the point you wish to cut off.
2. Mark the cut by wrapping one layer of tape around the handle. The tape should stay on the end of the handle.
3. Cut through the grip and remove it from the section you will be throwing away, ie the upper inch or so of the top grip.
4. With the grip pealed away, you can see the two "pop" rivets that secure the end cap.
5. These rivets may be drilled out, cut off or otherwise ground down to free the cap. The end cap is very securely fastened, but will be removed by twisting.
5. Grasp the end cap with your large mouth pliers, while turning the stick. It will take some strength, as it is both snug, glued, and possibly still bound by the pop rivits. It will yield to force.
6. Once the cap is off, make your cut, using a stable surface, vise, or mitre box. Take your time cutting, as the composite material has a high amount of carbon. This is why the stick is so strong and full of power.
7. Once the cut is through, immediately tip the stick so that any "Saw dust" or composite particles fall out. Carefully shake the stick to remove any loose particles. Also check the inside of the cap for particles.
8. Peel back the tap from the top of your grip, just enough to allow the end cap to be refastened.
9. You do not need to refasten the end cap with pop rivets. It will be snug. If you wish, you may use some epoxy glue, but it isn't necessary. Tap the end cap into place and wrap a layer of tape.
10. Rewrap the grip and secure the grip with some electrical tape.

Most people who have done this report the total time required is about ten minutes, start to finish.

IF YOU WANT ADDITIONAL ADVICE, Call before you start the project. 1 719 597 3100