WHAT IS THE RIGHT HOCKEY STICK FLEX?

5 comments October 30, 2012 , Joey Walsh

WHAT IS THE RIGHT HOCKEY STICK FLEX?

"How do I know what flex to use?"

We get this question all of the time, don't worry. Our answer is that the general rule is to pick a flex that is half your body weight. Therefore, if you weigh 100 pounds a 50 flex stick might be ideal.

However, when it comes to sports equipment you must always consider the players ‘personal preference’. Therefore someone strong, your prototypical shooter, or players that take lots of slap-shots might want a stiffer stick.

Alternatively players that take lots of snap shots and wrist shots may prefer lesser flex when trying to go bar down. This may also apply to newer players who don't quite have the technique of loading their stick yet. Using a lower than average flex stick may assist in you getting some extra load-up behind your release!

It is important to understand what the stick is doing for you when it flexes. A flex rating is based on how many pounds of pressure it takes to bend the stick 1 inch (i.e. 75 pounds of pressure = a 75 flex stick). The flex of a stick helps determine control and performance. When you put pressure on your stick prior to making contact with the puck, it transfers the energy from its connection with the ice through to the puck when you release. This area of connection on the ice before the puck is where you will feel the stick "load" or bend. You may have seen this before from highlights of NHL players shooting.

The Science of the Hockey Stick - Lauren Carroll

It is important to also consider the height of the stick when purchasing. When you cut a stick, it adds approximately 3-5 flex points for every inch removed (or it takes 5 additional pounds of pressure to flex the shaft one inch). The opposite goes for if you put an extension in your stick to increase the height.

Feel free to email us with any questions on buying a stick, or comment and ask questions below.......

Comments (5 comments)

March 9, 2023

Dale Ray

I am wondering if you can make a recommendation or two.
I am a 61 year old “old man” player. 5’9", 190 lb. take mainly wrist shots, occasionally snap shots, rare slap shot. Alas, I dont bend as well as I used to. My shots seem to come the toe of my stick and are more wobbly than I wish they would. do you have recommendations regarding flex/lie/kickpoint/blade? thanks!

March 9, 2023

Dieter

Hi, my friends son is now 1,76cm high, 65kg playes warrior alpha, w03. which do you recomment…
thx dieter

March 9, 2023

Khloe Tompkins

Hello,I am buying a stick for my 13 year old son as a gift. He is 5’7 and about 170lbs I was going to get him 75flex as I felt 85flex the stick was too tall for his height. But now I’m unsure? I know he’s at the age where he is growing super fast, so I kind of want him to grow into it, but I also want to ensure he will be okay with using it for this hockey season that starts next month. Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you so much!

March 9, 2023

Khloe Tompkins

March 9, 2023

Harry G

My 9yr old grandson is no hockey prodigy but is a pretty good player. He weighs approximately 55 lbs and is about 54 inches tall …….thin kid…… but scored over 75 goals as Mite last year in 35 games.
This year….. first year Squirt has 20G & 9A in 17 games so far used conventional WOOD stick . He has been lobbying for a lighter composite type stick. What would you recommend & what flex?