How to Choose a Hurley
You know it the first time you strike a ball clean: the hurley feels right. Not just in your hands, but in your timing, your touch, and the confidence to go again on hard ground and wet evenings. The right hurley makes the basics easier to repeat - cleaner striking, a steadier first touch, and sessions you can actually build on. This guide covers how to choose the correct size, weight and shape, how your position and playing level should influence your choice, and how to break in and mind your hurley for the Irish season. If you’re unsure, INTERSPORT Elverys staff can talk you through sizing and what to look for before you commit.
Size, Weight, and Fit
A hurley should feel like an extension of your arm: easy to swing repeatedly, solid on contact, and comfortable when you’re going shoulder-to-shoulder. These checks will help you get close before you ever strike a ball.
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Start with the right length. Stand in runners and rest the bas (the flat end) on the ground in front of you. A good starting point is a handle height around your hip bone or just above it. If you’re between sizes, younger or developing players usually benefit from slightly shorter for control.
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Check the weight. If the hurley feels heavy in your wrist after a few practice swings, it will slow your striking and tire you quickly. Lighter hurleys suit juniors, beginners, and players working on touch; stronger, experienced players may prefer a bit more weight for power and stability.
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Match the grip size to your hand. You should be able to wrap your top hand comfortably without squeezing. If it feels too thin or slippery, a fresh grip helps; if it feels too thick, your wrist action can get restricted.
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Look at bas shape and toe. A broader bas can feel more forgiving for ground striking and blocking, while a slimmer bas can feel faster for handling. There’s no “best” — it’s about what gives you confidence in your strike and first touch.
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Consider position and style. For example, defenders often like a more robust feel for hooks, blocks and hard ground battles, while forwards may prioritise speed through the air and quick wristy strikes. Let your coach’s feedback guide you.
A Simple Progression to Dial In Your Hurley Choice
If you’re returning to hurling or moving up an age grade, don’t guess. Give yourself 1–2 weeks of focused sessions to confirm the hurley suits you, especially once the pace picks up in training.
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Session 1: Wall ball basics (10–15 minutes). Use light wrist action and focus on clean contact. If your forearm burns quickly or your touch feels clumsy, the hurley may be too heavy or too long.
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Session 2: Ground striking and picks. On a safe surface, practise lifts, jab lifts and ground strikes. If you’re struggling to get under the sliotar, a slightly shorter length or a bas shape that suits your technique can help.
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Session 3: Striking on the run. Do a few controlled runs and strike off both sides (as appropriate). You should feel balanced — not fighting the hurley to get it around your body.
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Session 4: Contact and control. Add hooks, blocks and shoulder-to-shoulder drills in training. If the hurley feels too light in heavy contact, consider a sturdier option next time, but don’t jump up in weight so far that your skill work suffers.
Give yourself time: a hurley can feel slightly different once you’re in full training, especially on wet winter pitches where grip and footing change.
FAQs
What length hurley should I buy?
A useful starting point is a hurley that reaches around hip height when the bas is on the ground. If you’re between sizes, choose slightly shorter for better control, especially for younger or developing players.
Is a heavier hurley better for power?
Not always. If it slows your swing or tires your wrist quickly, your striking will suffer. Many players get better results with a hurley they can swing repeatedly with speed and clean technique.
Do I need different hurleys for training and matches?
It can help, especially if you train on abrasive surfaces or in very wet conditions. A backup hurley means you’re not stuck if one gets damaged, and it helps you manage wear over the season.
How do I know the grip is right?
Your top hand should wrap comfortably without squeezing, and the hurley shouldn’t twist on contact. If it feels slippery in rain or cold, re-gripping can quickly improve control and confidence.
Should beginners choose a wider bas?
Many beginners find a slightly broader bas more forgiving for ground striking and blocking, but it’s personal. The best bas shape is the one that helps you strike cleanly and control the sliotar consistently.
Choosing a hurley is about feel as much as measurements. Start with a sensible size, test it through a few focused sessions, and make small adjustments as your touch and strength improve through the season.