How to Choose the Right Hurley Size

Choosing the right hurley size can make a massive difference to your touch, striking, control and confidence.

If you are wondering what size hurley you should use, the best starting point is this: the hurley should feel comfortable, balanced and natural in your hand. Height matters, but so do strength, age, preference and playing style.

At Martin Hurls, this is one of the most common questions we get asked. Some players want more reach. Some want quicker hands. Some like a lighter feel. Others want something stronger through the strike. There is no one perfect answer for everybody, but there is definitely a right fit for each player.

Why getting the right hurley size matters

A hurley that is too short can affect your reach and leave you cramped.

A hurley that is too long can feel awkward, heavy and harder to control, especially when lifting, striking on the run, or dealing with tight play.

The right size helps with:

• cleaner striking
• better first touch
• more natural balance
• easier control
• more confidence in the hand

A good hurley should feel like an extension of the player, not something they are fighting against.

The general rule for hurley sizing

A good starting point is to stand the hurley upright beside the player. In general, it should come up around the hip area or near the wrist area depending on preference.

That gives you a rough guide, but it is only a starting point.

Two players of a similar height can still prefer different sizes. One may like a slightly shorter hurley for control and speed. Another may prefer a little more length for reach and striking.

Hurley size guide by age and stage

Younger players will usually move up gradually as they grow. Adult players often settle into the size that feels right for their game.

A very rough guide is:

• younger children usually start in the smaller juvenile sizes
• juvenile players move up through the size range as they grow
• adult players are typically in the 31" to 36" range
• many adult players will settle on 33", 34" or 35" depending on height and preference

At Martin Hurls, our standard hurls range from juvenile sizes right up to adult sizes, with adult options on our Standard Hurls collection and on our Adult Senior Hurl page. Our FAQ page also confirms sizes from youth hurls through to adult 31"–36" options.

It is not just size — weight matters too

A lot of people focus only on length, but weight matters just as much.

You can have two hurleys that are both 34", but they can feel completely different because of timber, balance and profile.

In general:

• a lighter hurley can suit players who want speed, touch and quicker hands
• a slightly stronger or heavier hurley can suit players who like more weight through the strike
• younger or developing players are often better with something manageable and well balanced rather than too heavy

This is one of the biggest reasons players come back to the same hurley maker. The number on the stick matters, but the feel in the hand matters more.

What younger players should consider

For children and juvenile players, it is usually a mistake to go too big too soon.

A hurley that is too long or too heavy can make the game harder to learn and harder to enjoy. It can affect touch, confidence and technique.

In most cases, it is better to choose a hurley that feels comfortable now rather than one a child might “grow into later”.

A younger player should be able to control the hurley properly and enjoy using it.

What adult players should consider

Adult players often stay loyal to the same size for years, but that does not always mean it is still the best fit.

Some adult players may benefit from going slightly shorter for sharper control. Others may prefer a stronger feel or a premium finish if they are very particular about their hurley.

If you are buying a new adult hurl, it is worth looking at both our Standard Hurls and Premium Hurleys depending on what level of finish and feel you want.

Premium or standard — which should you choose?

That depends on the player.

A standard hurley is the right choice for plenty of players and gives excellent value. A premium hurley is often chosen by players who want a more refined finish, selected timber and a higher-spec overall feel.

Our FAQ page explains that the premium range uses hand-selected ash with superior grain quality and extra finishing options, while standard hurls remain strong quality match and training hurls for all levels.

If you want to read more on that, see our related post:
Premium vs Standard Hurleys: What’s the Difference?

A bit of workshop insight from us

One thing we have learned over the years is this:

two hurleys of the same size can still feel very different.

That is why choosing a hurley is never just about reading a number off a size list.

It is about:

• the player
• the weight
• the shape
• the balance
• the overall feel in the hand

That is also why we always say that if you are unsure, ask. It is far better to get pointed in the right direction than guess and end up with a hurley that does not suit.

Ordering, delivery and help

If you are ordering online and want a bit of reassurance first, you can check our Shipping Info and Frequently Asked Questions.

Our site currently states standard hurls and accessories usually dispatch in 1–2 days when in stock, custom items can take 1–4 working days, NI delivery is typically 1–2 days with Fastways NI, ROI around 3 days, and mainland GB usually 1–2 working days via DHL.

Final thoughts

If you are choosing a hurley for yourself or someone else, start with size — but do not stop there.

Think about:

• the player’s height
• their age
• their strength
• their experience
• the weight they like
• the feel they want in the hand

The right hurley should feel comfortable, balanced and natural.

Browse our Standard Hurls, take a look at our Premium Hurleys, or view the Adult Senior Hurl if you already know what you are after.

If you are still unsure, check the Frequently Asked Questions or get in touch and we will point you in the right direction.