[STICKS]
You could pick up a cheap wooden stick for about 20 bucks, but it might splinter after just a few games and wouldn't deliver the precision and power of a high-performance model. A composite stick—made with synthetic materials like carbon fiber and graphite—will last for years and give your shot a lot more zing.

The CCM Vector 110 ($149) features a patented internal shock-absorption layer that cushions blows, making it one of the most durable sticks on the market. The flexy shaft is paired with an extra-stiff blade to produce hard, fast shots. At 14 ounces, Easton's Kevlar-and-graphite Stealth ($300) is the lightest stick on ice. It's surprisingly durable for the weight, thanks to Kevlar reinforcements, and is reasonably priced for a pro-level stick.