What Weight Hurley Should You Use?

Choosing the right hurley weight can make a big difference to your game.

A lot of players focus first on size, but weight matters just as much. Two hurleys can be the same size and still feel completely different in the hand depending on the timber, balance and overall feel.

The right hurley weight should feel comfortable, natural and right for the player using it. If it feels too heavy, it can become hard work. If it feels too light, it may not give the player the feel they want through the strike.

At Martin Hurls, we would always say there is no one perfect weight for everybody. The best weight depends on the player, their age, strength, style of play and personal preference.

Why hurley weight matters

Hurley weight affects how the hurl feels from the moment you lift it.

It can influence:

• touch
• striking
• control
• speed of hands
• comfort
• confidence

A hurley that feels right in the hand usually gives the player more confidence straight away. A hurley that feels wrong can make even a good player feel off.

That is why weight is not a small detail. It is a major part of choosing the right hurl.

Lighter is not always better — and heavier is not always stronger

This is where people can get caught out.

Some players assume lighter must be better because it feels quicker. Others assume heavier must be better because it feels stronger.

The truth is that neither is automatically right.

A lighter-feeling hurley can suit players who:

• like quicker hands
• want faster touch and control
• prefer a more responsive feel
• do not want the hurl to feel heavy over time

A stronger-feeling hurley can suit players who:

• like more weight through the strike
• prefer a fuller feel in the hand
• want the hurl to feel more solid

It comes down to what suits the player, not what sounds best on paper.

Weight should match the player

The best hurley weight depends on who is using it.

For younger or developing players, a hurley that is too heavy can make the game harder to learn and harder to enjoy. A more manageable weight usually helps with confidence, touch and handling.

For adult players, it often comes down to experience and preference. Some players like a lighter feel for speed. Others like more substance in the hand.

The important thing is this:

the hurley should feel manageable and balanced, not like hard work.

Balance matters as much as weight

This is something a lot of people overlook.

A hurley is not just about how heavy it is overall. It is also about where that weight sits and how the hurl feels when lifted.

That is why two hurleys of the same size can feel completely different. One may feel lively and balanced. Another may feel awkward or heavy in the wrong place.

At Martin Hurls, we would always say players notice balance even when they do not describe it that way. They just know when a hurley feels right.

What beginners should do

For beginners, it is usually best not to go too heavy.

A beginner is learning enough without fighting against a hurley that feels too weighty or awkward. In most cases, a beginner is better with something manageable, balanced and easy enough to control.

That helps with:

• confidence
• striking
• basic touch
• enjoying the game

If you are buying for a beginner, read:

Best Hurley for Beginners: What to Look For

What adult players should think about

Adult players often already have a feel they like.

Some want a quicker hurl in the hand. Some want a stronger feel through the bas. Some are used to a certain style and do not like changing too much.

If you are buying online, think about:

• what you currently use
• whether you want quicker hands or a stronger strike
• whether you prefer a lighter or fuller feel
• whether you want standard or premium

Our Adult Senior Hurl is a good starting point for adult players. If you want a more tailored option with weight preference in mind, our Premium Hurleys are the better route.

Standard or premium — does weight come into it?

Yes, but mainly through the premium range.

A standard hurley is ideal for many players and gives a strong, dependable option for training and matches. For most players, the standard range is about choosing the right size, grip and overall type of hurley rather than selecting a specific weight.

If you are very particular about weight and overall feel, that is where a premium hurley comes into it. Our premium hurls are the option for players who want a more tailored spec, including weight preference.

So a simple way to look at it is:

• Standard hurl: straightforward, dependable, well-made option for training and match use
• Premium hurl: better option if you want a more customised feel, including weight preference

Browse our Standard Hurls or compare with our Premium Hurleys.

You can also read:

Premium vs Standard Hurleys: What’s the Difference?

Grip affects the feel too

Sometimes what feels like a weight issue is partly a grip issue.

A thicker or more comfortable grip can change how secure and balanced a hurley feels in the hand. That is why weight and grip often go together.

If the hurley feels off, it is worth thinking about:

• the size
• the weight
• the balance
• the grip

For more on that, link this article to:

Best Hurley Grip for Comfort, Control and Wet Weather

There is no one “best” weight

This is the honest truth.

There is no universal perfect weight for every player in hurling.

The best weight is the one that gives the player:

• confidence
• control
• comfort
• the right feel in the hand

That is why one player’s perfect hurley can feel completely wrong to another.

At Martin Hurls, we would always rather help a player get the right feel for them than pretend there is one magic answer for everybody.

A bit of workshop insight from us

From our own point of view, players often know fairly quickly whether a hurley weight suits them.

They might not explain it in technical terms, but they can feel it.

A good hurley should not feel like a burden in the hand.
It should not feel awkward.
It should not feel like too much work.

It should feel natural, balanced and ready to use.

That is usually the best sign that the weight is right.

Buying online without getting the weight wrong

If you are buying online and are unsure about weight, do not just focus on size alone.

Think about:

• who the hurl is for
• whether they are a beginner or experienced player
• whether they like quicker hands or a stronger strike
• whether they want standard or premium
• whether they prefer a certain grip feel

If you are very particular about weight choice, the premium route is the one to look at. If you want a strong dependable everyday option, the standard range will suit plenty of players very well.

If you are still unsure, check our Frequently Asked Questions and Shipping Info, or get in touch before ordering.

That is always better than guessing.

Final thoughts

If you are wondering what weight hurley you should use, the answer is simple:

Choose the one that feels right for you.

Look for:

• comfortable weight
• good balance
• natural feel in the hand
• a hurl that suits your level and style

Do not assume heavier is always better.
Do not assume lighter is always better.

The best hurley weight is the one that gives you confidence every time you lift it.

Browse our Standard Hurls, take a look at the Adult Senior Hurl, or explore our Premium Hurleys if you want something more tailored.

And if you are not sure, check our Frequently Asked Questions or get in touch and we will point you in the right direction.