If you hold the stick with your left hand at the top of the stick, then you use a (R) handed stick. If you hold the stick with your right hand at the top, then you use a left (L) handed stick.  As stick size increases, the length and diameter of the shaft also increase.

Stick Size	Age	Player Height	Player Weight	Stick Height
Yth:	-7	-4'	-60 lbs.	46"-48"
Jr:	6-12	3'9"-4'9"	50-120 lbs.	50"-54"
Int:	11-16	4'6"-5'3"	120-160 lbs.	56"-57"
Senior:	+14	+5'6"	+120 lbs.	58"-63"

The flex of a hockey stick is how stiff the shaft is. Youth sticks are 30-40 flex, Junior sticks are 45-55 flex, Intermediate sticks are 55-75 flex and Senior sticks are 75 - 110 flex.

Each curve brings forth different advantages: Toe curves are less common and are good for stick handling and shooting. Mid curves are the most popular and are recommended for beginners, they are good for puck handling, wrist and snap shots. Mid Heel curves are a combination of a mid and heel curves. Heel curves are good for slap shots, one timers, and back handers. 

Choose between grip and non-grip coatings on the shaft. Grip texture allows for a more solid hold on the shaft while the non-grip coating allows the hands to change position more quickly. 

The low-kick flex profile is for the players looking for a quick shot release, ideal for wrist and snap shots. The mid-kick flex profile is for the player who puts a lot of lean into their wrist/slap shots and are looking for a powerful release on their shots. The variable-kick flex profile offers a constant flex profile allowing custom kick points depending on the placement of the player's lower hand. 

Composite sticks are the most popular because they offer the best overall performance. Wood is the traditional material and offers the best puck feel. ABS is used in the blades to add durability for playing on rougher surfaces like concrete and asphalt.