Part of the Grays Hockey 2026/27 Collection, the JB8 brings the classic Jumbow feel together with modern materials and technology. It strikes a smart balance of control, power and value, which makes it one of the standout sticks in the range. So who is the JB8 built for, and is it the right choice for your game? Let's take a look.
1. From the GR7000 to the JB8
For many players, the maroon GR7000 was the stick to have. Building on the composition of the popular GX7000, it added graphene for extra strength and power. You could spot one from across the pitch, and it became one of the most recognisable sticks in hockey.
The Jumbow shape it helped make famous has been trusted at the very highest level ever since. England and GB's record goalscorer Ashley Jackson, Australia captain Mark Knowles and Olympic gold medallist Helen Richardson-Walsh all played with a Jumbow, and today England and GB captain Zach Wallace continues that tradition with his signature ZW7 limited edition version.
The JB8 is the modern evolution of that legacy. It keeps the familiar Jumbow feel and adds today's materials for more power, durability and control. If you once carried a maroon GR7000 in your kit bag, the JB8 will feel instantly familiar.
Want the full story? Read The Grays Hockey Jumbow: An Icon In The Sport.
2. What Makes The JB8 Stand Out?
- The Jumbow low bow: a traditional low-bow profile, with a curve of 24.75mm at 200mm from the head. It gives players the leverage to get under the ball for drag flicks, aerials and 3D skills.
- Maxi headshape: a wider receiving area and more surface contact, so players can keep close control in tight spaces and under pressure.
- Graphene-infused material matrix: stiffness, durability and shock absorption in equal measure, so the stick feels powerful without losing touch on the receive.
- 3D textured finish: a raised texture that helps with grip, alongside exposed carbon fabric and premium foils that make the JB8 stand out on the pitch.
3. Who Is The JB8 For?
The JB8 suits improving and experienced club players who want serious performance without stepping up to the very top of the range. It's especially good for:
- Drag flickers: the low bow gives the leverage needed for speed, power and accuracy at short corners.
- Attacking and midfield players who rely on close control, quick skills and accurate distribution.
- Players moving up from a JB5, JB6 or JB7 who want more power and feel.
- Former GR7000 players looking for that familiar Jumbow feel in a modern stick.
- Working on your short corners? Read our guide How To Improve Your Drag Flicking.
4. Where Does the JB8 Sit in the Jumbow Collection?
Every stick in the Jumbow Collection shares the same low bow and Maxi head. The difference is in the power: the higher the number, the more power the stick delivers.
Compared with the JB7, the JB8 adds more power behind every hit. If you want even more, the JB9 and flagship JB10 deliver the highest power ratings in the range. You might also like the JB ZW7, Zach Wallace's signature stick, which shares the same Jumbow profile and Maxi head.
For the extra power of our Plus Collection with the same Jumbow feel, take a look at Is The Grays Hockey JB+ The Best Stick For You? or The Best Hockey Sticks For Power.
5. Trusted by Grays Players: The Perfect Combination of Touch and Power
The JB8 isn't just a stick we're proud of. It's the stick some of our top players choose to compete with every week. Becky Manton, Struan Walker, Tommy Austin and Ava Findlay all play with the JB8, and each of them points to the same thing: the combination of touch and power.
Struan Walker (Oranje-Rood, Scotland and Great Britain)
“The JB8 is perfect for flicking. The late bow and where the weight sits, make it much easier to generate power. The shape of the Jumbow and the later bow really gives me everything I need.”
Read more: Struan Walker: A Record-Breaking Season in the Hoofdklasse
Ava Findlay (Surbiton and Scotland)
"It looks great but also the soft touch gives me the control I need in midfield, where carrying the ball is a huge part of my game. It also has loads of power, which really helps when I'm delivering the ball into the circle or shooting at goal."
Read more: Ava Findlay puts pen to paper with Grays
It's the same balance that England and GB captain Zach Wallace (Bloemendaal) looks for in his signature stick, the JB ZW7, which shares the JB8's Jumbow low bow and Maxi head.
"For me, the slightly lower composition helps with the feel on the ball when I play compared to the JB10 for example. I’m a player who tends to play more quicker passes/dribbles rather than using a big range of hitting/slapping, so I go mostly for feel over the commonly desired power which the ZW7 gives me."
Read more: Zach Wallace On Bloemendaal, Dutch Hockey & What's Ahead
6. Find Your Perfect Jumbow
From the iconic maroon GR7000 to the 2026 Collection, the Jumbow has always been about control, power and confidence on the ball. The JB8 carries that legacy forward, and if you're ready to take your game to the next level, it's a brilliant choice.
Essential Reading - Which Grays Hockey Stick Shall I Buy?
