Today’s elite players use hurleys approximately 3 inches shorter than their counterparts would have in the 60s and 70s. The game has evolved since then and is even faster today. It could also be argued that there are less contests of brute strength in today’s game. It makes sense that the requirements of the hurleys used should also change in line with how the game has evolved.
The length and weight of a Hurley have a tremendous effect on a player and for years young players were told by both parents and coaches that the best way to measure the size of Hurley that they needed was to measure it in line with their hip bone. This resulted in a lot of young players ending up with a Hurley too big for them. Children and beginners were always inclined to go for a longer Hurley thinking that a longer Hurley would give them a longer “puck.”
In order to maximise the improvement of your skills and your control it is important to use the correct size Hurley or even one that is slightly shorter rather than longer.
To measure the correct size you should :
– Stand nice and relaxed with hands down by your sides.
– Distance from ground to the wrist is the correct length.
– You should be able to hold the hurley at the top with the hurley just about touching the ground.
– If you can’t decide between sizes it is better to have the hurley too small rather than too big.
In order to check the weight you should hold the hurley in your dominant hand and be able to make increasing larger circles for 30 seconds without any discomfort.
You can have a look at our full range of Hurling products here.