Gryphon 'Carbon Quotient' (CQ) Education: Everything You Need to Know About This Game-Changing Rating System

Here's something that will genuinely change the way you shop for field hockey sticks... did you know that a "100% Carbon" field hockey stick is technically impossible? Every composite stick requires 5% to 10% resin to hold the carbon fibres together and prevent the shaft from becoming dangerously brittle. That's exactly why Gryphon developed their Gryphon 'Carbon Quotient' (CQ) Education system — a far more honest and useful way to understand what's actually inside your stick and how it will perform in your hands. Whether you're a grassroots junior or an elite competitor, understanding CQ will transform the way you choose your next stick.

Key Takeaways

• What is Gryphon's Carbon Quotient (CQ)? CQ is Gryphon's proprietary rating system that measures the effective carbon performance of a stick, from low CQ (more flexible, better touch) to 100 CQ (maximum stiffness and power).
• Is higher CQ always better? Not at all. Higher CQ means more power but less "feel" — lower CQ ratings suit developing players, ball players, and those prioritising touch, control, and precision.
• Which Gryphon range sits at 100 CQ? The Gryphon Tour G25 Ronin and the Tour G26 series represent Gryphon's flagship 100 CQ line — the most powerful sticks in the range.
• Does CQ affect stick weight? Yes. Elite Gryphon field hockey sticks typically sit in the 510g to 540g window, and a higher CQ composite lay-up is engineered to maximise power within that weight range.
• Where can I shop Gryphon field hockey sticks in Australia? Right here — Elite Hockey is a true independent Field Hockey Shop Australia and your best resource for the full Gryphon range.
• Does Hockey Australia have a recommended CQ level? There's no official mandate, but club and representative coaches across Hockey Australia programs consistently recommend mid-to-high CQ sticks for players stepping up to competitive formats.
• Who is the Gryphon CQ system designed for? Every player — from first-time buyers to international-level athletes. The whole point of the CQ rating is to simplify a genuinely complex materials decision.

What Is Gryphon 'Carbon Quotient' (CQ) Education and Why Does It Matter?

Let's be honest... the field hockey stick market has a bit of a misinformation problem. Brands have been throwing around terms like "95% carbon" and "full carbon construction" for years. The problem? Those figures are, at best, misleading — and at worst, completely made up.

Gryphon's answer to this was the Carbon Quotient (CQ) system. Rather than citing an arbitrary and unverifiable carbon percentage, the CQ rating describes the effective performance output of the carbon in the stick. It's a scale that communicates power, stiffness, and feel in one clean number — and it's one of the most honest things any stick manufacturer has ever done for the player.

At Elite Hockey, we're passionate about helping every player — from country clubs to city associations — understand their gear. This is our passion and the international brands we can supply ties in with our beliefs and core of what we offer. Gryphon's CQ system is a perfect example of a brand that actually respects the intelligence of its players.

Breaking Down the CQ Scale in Gryphon Field Hockey Sticks

So what does the CQ number actually tell you? Think of it as a dial. At one end you have lower CQ ratings — more flexible, more forgiving, with a softer feel through the hands. At the other end sits 100 CQ... the maximum.

Here's a straightforward breakdown of how CQ translates to playing experience:

• Low CQ (roughly 40–60): More flexible shaft, softer feel, excellent for trap and control. Ideal for juniors, beginners, and players who prioritise "touch, control, and precision" over raw hitting power.
• Mid CQ (roughly 60–80): The sweet spot for the vast majority of club-level and developing players. Enough power for penalty corners and drag flicks, with enough flex to handle 3D skills comfortably.
• High CQ (80–95): Suited to competitive club players and representative athletes who need explosive power in their hits and slaps without giving up too much feel.
• 100 CQ: Elite performance. Maximum carbon performance, minimum flex. The tool of choice for elite drag flickers, penalty corner specialists, and top-tier open play strikers.

Because of this, the priority shifts from raw power to a refined touch and feel when you're sitting at the lower end of the CQ scale — and the reverse is true when you push toward 100. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference… and your actual playing style on the pitch.

How the Gryphon 'Carbon Quotient' (CQ) Affects Your Play on the Field

This is where Gryphon CQ Education gets really useful... because it's not just about stiffness numbers. The CQ rating has real, tangible effects on what you experience during a match.

High CQ sticks (100 CQ) give you:

• Maximum energy transfer from swing to ball on hits and penalty corners
• Explosive drag flick speed for penalty corner specialists
• Faster slap-hits on synthetic surfaces
• Instant, sharp feedback on ball contact — you feel every touch very directly

Lower CQ sticks give you:

• A softer, more "cushioned" feel when receiving fast passes
• Better shock absorption during reverse stick skills and 3D lifts
• More forgiveness on off-centre hits
• Reduced fatigue in the hands and wrists during long training sessions

Australian elite players perform an average of 14 high-speed cuts and 42 high-intensity efforts per match. That kind of physical output demands a stick that responds instantly — which is exactly why higher CQ ratings are so popular at representative and national levels across Hockey Australia programs.

Choose based on your position, your playing style, and how much time you spend on ball control versus striking. That's the whole point of the Gryphon CQ education system — it puts the decision back in your hands, with real information.

The Gryphon Tour Range and the 100 CQ Benchmark

If 100 CQ is the ceiling, the Gryphon Tour range is where that ceiling lives. The Tour series is Gryphon's flagship elite line — built for players who demand the absolute maximum from their senior field hockey sticks.

The Gryphon Tour G25 Ronin (priced at $650.00) is a stunning example of what 100 CQ looks and feels like in real life. It's the tool of choice for high-level players who want maximum power on penalty corners, explosive hitting, and the kind of direct ball feedback that only comes from a fully optimised carbon lay-up.

The G26 Tour line extends this further with models like the Tour Ronin G26, Tour Samurai G26, Tour Deuce II G26, Tour T-Bone G26, Tour Classic Curve G26, and Tour Pro-25 G26. Each of these offers a different head shape and curve profile within the same 100 CQ carbon lay-up framework — so you can dial in your specific game without compromising on power output.

CQ Levels Across the Full Gryphon Range: Finding Your Match

The Gryphon range doesn't start and end at Tour. Not everyone needs 100 CQ... and that's completely fine. Living and breathing hockey means understanding that every player is different — and Gryphon has built their range to reflect that.

Here's a quick look at the broader Gryphon family and where their CQ ratings generally sit:

Gryphon 'Carbon Quotient' (CQ) Education for Juniors and Developing Players

This is one of the questions we get asked constantly at the shop... "should my junior be on a high CQ stick?"

The honest answer? Probably not yet. And here's why.

High CQ sticks demand a certain level of core strength and technique to be used properly. For junior players still building their fundamentals, a stiffer stick can actually create bad habits — over-hitting, poor drag passes, and difficulty trapping fast ball.

For developing players, we recommend starting in the mid-CQ range. The junior field hockey sticks in the Gryphon range are specifically designed with this in mind. Models like the Gryphon Cobra Indoor, the Solo G24, and the junior-spec Tour Pro-J G26 give young players a stick that grows with them — offering real performance without overwhelming them with maximum stiffness.

"Whether it's looking for a new club, choosing the right stick, giving advice to new junior player's, Elite hockey will give you that hockey love xox."

Gryphon CQ Education and the Field Hockey Shop Experience

Here's the thing about Gryphon's Carbon Quotient system... it only works if you actually understand it. And that's where being part of the right Field Hockey Shop community genuinely matters.

At Elite Hockey, we're not just an equipment supplier. We're a hockey lifestyle destination — and our entire approach to selling field hockey sticks is built on educating you first. We want you to walk away with the right CQ for your game, not just the most expensive stick on the shelf.

We service Clubs, Schools, Associations and all player levels. Whether you're a grassroots club player in regional Victoria or a senior representative athlete in Perth, understanding the Gryphon CQ system is exactly the kind of knowledge we want in the hands of every Australian field hockey player. With a focus on 'grass roots' we pride ourselves on being the hub of the hockey community country and city.

You can browse our full range of field hockey gear online, or reach out to us directly for personalised advice. This is old fashion customer service… with elite knowledge behind it.

This infographic highlights the five core elements of Gryphon Carbon Quotient (CQ) Education. It helps readers quickly grasp how CQ Education approaches carbon literacy and sustainability.

The Technology That Makes Gryphon 'Carbon Quotient' (CQ) Work: Kraibon, Weight, and Balance

Once you understand the CQ scale, the next layer of Gryphon CQ Education is about the supporting technologies that make their high-CQ sticks actually usable at match intensity.

The big one is Kraibon technology. At 100 CQ, carbon is stiff. Very stiff. And in any other construction, that stiffness creates a nasty vibration sting through the hands on every contact. Gryphon's Kraibon acts as a molecular energy absorber built into the lay-up itself — it essentially takes the harsh sting out of a very stiff stick without softening the power output.

Then there's balance point. The midpoint for balance in a Gryphon field hockey stick is around 400mm. Sticks sitting closer to 380mm are considered "head-heavy" — which sounds like a bad thing, but for power hitters and drag flickers, it's actually a massive advantage. It creates a pendulum effect through the swing and push that translates directly to increased ball speed.

Weight matters too. Elite Gryphon field hockey sticks typically sit in the 510g to 540g range — light enough to handle at pace, heavy enough to transfer serious energy through the ball. This is a deliberate engineering decision, not a coincidence.

Gryphon CQ Education and Hockey Australia: What Level Needs What?

One of the most practical applications of Gryphon 'Carbon Quotient' (CQ) Education is matching the CQ rating to your current competition level within the Hockey Australia pathway structure.

Here's a simple framework we use when advising players:

• Grassroots / Schools / Under-12s: Low to mid CQ. Prioritise touch, control, and feel. The Gryphon Speed G26 and Flow G26 are perfect here.
• Under-15 to Under-18 Club: Mid to high CQ. Players are developing power skills — a Cobra-range stick is a great fit.
• Senior Club (State League and below): High CQ. The Bluesteel G26 and Striker G26 series give serious power without jumping to full 100 CQ demands.
• Representative / State Program / Premier League: 100 CQ. The Tour range is where you want to be. The Gryphon Tour G25 Ronin ($650.00) and the full G26 Tour line are the benchmark for Hockey Australia's top club competition environments.
• National / International: 100 CQ with specific head shape selection based on position and surface type.

The beauty of Gryphon's CQ system within the Hockey Australia context is that it removes guesswork at every step of the pathway. You know where you are. You know what you need. You pick accordingly.

Gryphon 'Carbon Quotient' (CQ) Education: Common Myths, Busted

Right. Let's clear a few things up because there's a lot of noise out there...

Myth 1: "A stiffer stick is always a better stick."

Completely false. A 100 CQ stick in the wrong hands actually reduces performance. If your technique isn't there yet, a softer CQ helps you develop properly.

Myth 2: "100% carbon content is what I should look for."

As we covered at the top — physically impossible. Any brand claiming "100% carbon" is using marketing language, not materials science. Gryphon's CQ system tells you something real.

Myth 3: "CQ only matters for hitting."

Not true. CQ affects your receiving, your 3D skills, your drag flick, your reverse hits — basically everything. It's a whole-stick performance characteristic, not just a "power meter."

Myth 4: "Junior players should use adult CQ sticks to develop faster."

This one comes up a lot and we actively push back on it. Overly stiff sticks for juniors can cause technique problems and even physical strain. Choose based on your height and playing style — not ego.

Conclusion

Gryphon 'Carbon Quotient' (CQ) Education is genuinely one of the most valuable things you can invest time in as a field hockey player or a parent shopping for one. It cuts through the marketing noise, gives you a real framework for understanding your field hockey sticks, and — crucially — helps you make a decision based on your game rather than someone else's.

We believe in living and breathing hockey — hockey is our lifestyle. And part of that is making sure everyone who walks through our (virtual) doors understands their gear at a deeper level. The Gryphon CQ system is built for exactly that. Whether you're a grassroots junior discovering the game for the first time or a seasoned Hockey Australia representative pushing for the next level, there's a CQ that fits your game perfectly.

Do you want in? Well you have come to the right place! Browse the full senior field hockey sticks range or explore everything we carry across all categories — we're your independent Field Hockey Shop, living and breathing this sport right alongside you. Hockey love xox.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Gryphon's Carbon Quotient (CQ) actually mean on a field hockey stick?

Gryphon's Carbon Quotient (CQ) is a proprietary rating system that describes the effective performance output of the carbon in the stick — from flexible and forgiving at lower CQ values to maximum stiffness and power at 100 CQ. Unlike vague "carbon percentage" claims used elsewhere, CQ gives you a real, comparable number to guide your stick selection.

Is a 100 CQ field hockey stick right for me in 2026?

Only if your technique and playing level can genuinely use it. A 100 CQ stick like the Gryphon Tour G25 Ronin is designed for elite and representative players who need maximum power transfer in hits and drag flicks. If you're still developing fundamentals or primarily play a skilful, ball-dominant style, a mid-CQ model will actually serve you better.

Why can't a field hockey stick be 100% carbon?

Because every composite stick requires between 5% and 10% resin to hold the carbon fibres together — without it, the structure becomes brittle and would shatter on impact. Any brand claiming "100% carbon" is using misleading marketing language; Gryphon's CQ system was specifically created to replace these inaccurate claims with honest performance data.

How does Gryphon CQ Education help junior players in Australia choose a stick?

Gryphon CQ Education helps junior players and their parents understand that a lower CQ stick — offering more flex and a softer feel — is actually better for skill development at grassroots level. Across Hockey Australia junior programs, coaches consistently recommend mid-CQ sticks for players under 15, with the Gryphon Speed G26 and Cobra range being ideal starting points.

What is the difference between Gryphon Tour and Bluesteel in terms of CQ?

The Gryphon Tour range sits at 100 CQ — the absolute maximum for power and stiffness. The Bluesteel range is positioned just below that, offering high CQ performance with slightly more flex and feel, making it ideal for competitive club players who want elite power without fully committing to a 100 CQ lay-up.

Does Gryphon CQ affect how a stick performs on different surfaces in Australia?

Yes, absolutely. On synthetic turf (which is the standard surface for most Hockey Australia competitions), higher CQ sticks deliver faster energy transfer and more precise hitting response. On harder indoor courts, the Gryphon Cobra indoor range maintains a carefully calibrated CQ to balance the power-to-touch ratio required by the faster, tighter indoor game.

Where can I buy Gryphon field hockey sticks in Australia with proper CQ education and advice?

Elite Hockey is a true independent Field Hockey Shop Australia, stocking the full Gryphon range from grassroots to elite level. Unlike big box retailers, we provide genuine product knowledge and personalised advice on matching the right CQ rating to your specific playing style, position, and competition level.