Can you use a carbon hockey stick for DEK hockey?
The short answer: yes. The full answer: here's why Pro All Black LabSports sticks are perfect for the orange ball.
Can you use an ice hockey stick for DEK hockey?
Yes, absolutely. Carbon hockey sticks — like the Pro All Black LabSports — can be used for DEK hockey with an orange ball. The majority of DEK leagues in Quebec accept all types of sticks. The Max Height blade of LabSports sticks is even an advantage for the ball, thanks to its larger contact surface during rebounds and deflections.
DEK hockey vs. ice hockey — differences that matter for your stick
DEK hockey (ball hockey) is played on a hard surface — concrete, asphalt, or synthetic surface — with an orange ball instead of a puck. Here's what that changes for your stick choice:
Puck on ice
- Smooth, slippery surface
- Flat, lightweight puck
- Standard or Max Height blade
- Standard flex according to weight
- Fast, fluid game
Orange ball on hard surface
- Hard surface — concrete or synthetic
- Round, bouncy ball
- Max Height blade = advantage ✓
- Slightly softer flex recommended
- Physical play along the boards
Which curve to choose for DEK hockey?
The P92M curve is the most popular for DEK hockey — its high Max Height blade offers more contact surface with the orange ball, which helps better control rebounds and deflections along the boards. The P28M is suitable for players who want to lift the ball easily. The P90TM is an excellent hybrid for versatile centers.
Why the Max Height blade is an advantage in DEK hockey
The orange ball bounces differently than a puck — it's round, heavier, and can rise to unpredictable heights on a hard surface. The Max Height blade of Pro All Black LabSports sticks measures approximately 65mm in height (vs. 60-62mm standard) — which provides a larger contact surface.
Rebound control
The orange ball bounces high on concrete. A higher blade better intercepts balls at different heights without having to lift the stick.
Play along the boards
In DEK, battles along the boards are intense. More blade surface = better grip and control of the ball in the corners.
Passes and receptions
A higher blade offers a larger target for receiving passes — particularly useful on an uneven surface.
65mm high — more contact surface with the orange ball
LabSports Tip: If you play both on ice and in DEK, the same Pro All Black stick works for both. Some players keep a dedicated DEK stick with a slightly softer flex to maximize performance on a hard surface.
Which flex to choose for DEK hockey?
The basic rule remains the same as for ice hockey: approximately half your weight in pounds. However, some DEK players prefer a slightly softer flex (5 to 10 points less) because the hard surface absorbs less energy than ice.
RECOMMENDED FLEX — LABSPORTS DEK HOCKEY
| Player Weight | Ice Flex | Recommended DEK Flex | LabSports Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60–80 lbs | 30–40 | 30–40 | Junior |
| 80–100 lbs | 40–50 | 40–50 | Junior |
| 100–120 lbs | 50–55 | 50–55 | Intermediate |
| 120–140 lbs | 55–65 | 55–65 | Intermediate |
| 140–160 lbs | 70–77 | 65–70 | Senior |
| 160–180 lbs | 77–87 | 70–77 | Senior |
| 180 lbs and + | 87–95 | 77–87 | Senior |
Are carbon sticks accepted in DEK leagues in Quebec?
Yes. The vast majority of DEK leagues in Quebec accept all types of sticks, including carbon sticks. Some traditional leagues still use wooden sticks with perforated Air-Flo plastic blades, but modern leagues accept composite sticks. Always check your league's rules before playing.
Comparison — DEK wooden stick vs. LabSports carbon stick
Wood + plastic blade
- Cheaper to buy
- Perforated plastic blade (Air-Flo)
- Heavier — 400g and up
- Less ball feel
- No optimized flex
- Accepted in all leagues
Pro All Black 24K carbon
- 24K Carbon — 370-375g Senior
- TitanCore Max Height 65mm blade
- Better ball feel
- Faster release
- 30-day warranty
- Usable for ice AND DEK ✓
Summary — the best Pro All Black choices for DEK hockey
| DEK Player Profile | Recommended Curve | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive player, shooter | P28M | Easy puck lift, quick shots |
| Versatile player | P92M | High blade, better ball control |
| Center, face-off | P90TM | Perfect hybrid for ball battles |
| Physical play along boards | P92M or P28M | Max Height = more surface in corners |
One stick for both surfaces
Pro All Black LabSports sticks are designed to perform equally well on ice and in DEK hockey. 24K carbon, TitanCore Max Height blade, 30-day warranty. Available at labsports.ca and at Girouard La Source du Sport in Victoriaville.
