When you’re diving into the world of ice hockey, one of the first gear decisions you’ll face is choosing a hockey stick. Among the many specifications, hockey stick flex is a critical factor that significantly impacts your shot power and accuracy. Flex refers to how much the stick bends when force is applied, particularly during a shot. Understanding hockey stick flex and selecting the right one for your playing style and physical attributes is essential for maximizing your performance on the ice. This guide will break down everything you need to know about hockey stick flex to help you make the best choice.
Understanding Hockey Stick Flex and Why It Matters
Hockey stick flex is essentially the stiffness of the stick shaft. A lower flex number indicates a more flexible stick, meaning it bends more easily. Conversely, a higher flex number signifies a stiffer stick that requires more force to bend. During a shot, especially a powerful slapshot or wrist shot, the hockey stick acts like a spring. As you load up and transfer your weight, the stick bends. This bending action stores energy, which is then released as the stick straightens out through the puck, adding power to your shot.
Choosing the correct flex is not just about power; it’s about optimizing your overall game. A stick with the appropriate flex will allow you to:
- Maximize Shot Power: The right flex allows for optimal energy transfer, leading to harder shots.
- Improve Shot Accuracy: Controlled flex can enhance your feel for the puck and improve shot placement.
- Enhance Puck Control: A suitable flex can contribute to better puck handling and overall stick responsiveness.
- Reduce Fatigue: Using a flex that complements your strength and technique can make shooting feel more effortless and less tiring.
How to Determine Your Ideal Hockey Stick Flex
Finding your perfect hockey stick flex is a personalized process, but there are some excellent starting points and factors to consider.
The Half-Body Weight Guideline: A Starting Point
A widely recommended starting point for choosing hockey stick flex is to take half of your body weight as a baseline flex number. For instance, if you weigh 150 pounds, a 75-flex stick would be a reasonable flex to begin with. This guideline provides a general correlation between body weight and the amount of force a player might typically generate.
However, it’s crucial to remember that this is just a starting point. Several other factors can influence your ideal flex.
Consider Your Shot Style and Strength
Your primary shot type and your individual strength play significant roles in determining the best flex for you.
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Wrist Shot Specialists: Players who frequently utilize quick wrist shots often benefit from a lower flex. A more flexible stick allows for quicker loading and release of the puck, which is advantageous for fast, deceptive wrist shots. The stick bends more easily with less force, making it ideal for players who rely on finesse and quick releases.
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Slapshot Powerhouses: If your game revolves around powerful slapshots, you might lean towards a higher flex. Slapshots provide more time to load up and maximize the stick’s bend. A stiffer stick can handle the greater force generated in a slapshot, allowing for maximum power transfer.
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Player Strength: Stronger players can typically handle stiffer sticks (higher flex) because they can generate more force to bend them. Conversely, developing players or those with less upper body strength might find it easier to use a more flexible stick (lower flex) to get the stick to bend and generate power.
Hockey Stick Flex Chart: General Recommendations
While the half-body weight rule is a good start, hockey equipment manufacturers often provide flex charts that correlate age, height, and weight with recommended flex ranges. These charts can offer a more nuanced starting point, especially for younger players.
| Age Group | Height | Weight | Stick Flex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyke (3 – 5) | 3’0″ – 3’10” | 30 – 65 lbs | 20 – 25 flex |
| Youth (5 – 8) | 3’6″ – 4’8″ | 40 – 80 lbs | 30 – 40 flex |
| Junior (7 – 12) | 4’4″ – 5’1″ | 70 – 110 lbs | 40 – 52 flex |
| Intermediate (11-14) | 4’11” – 5’8″ | 95 – 140 lbs | 55 – 70 flex |
| Senior (14+) | 5’7″ – 6’1″+ | 150 – 210+ lbs | 75 – 100+ flex |
Keep in Mind: This chart is a general guideline. It’s highly recommended to try out different flexes to find what truly feels best for your individual game.
hockey stick flex
Understanding Hockey Stick Flex Ratings
Hockey stick flex ratings are numerical values that indicate the stiffness of the stick. As mentioned earlier, lower numbers mean more flexible, and higher numbers mean stiffer. Here’s a more detailed look at flex ratings:
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Lower Flex (e.g., 50-70 flex): These flexes are generally considered more flexible and are often preferred by:
- Younger players or those of smaller stature.
- Players who prioritize quick wrist shots and puck handling.
- Beginners who are still developing their shooting technique.
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Mid Flex (e.g., 75-85 flex): This is a very common range, often considered a “regular” flex for senior players. It offers a balance of power and control, making it suitable for a wide range of players and shot types.
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Stiff Flex (e.g., 90-100+ flex): Stiffer flexes are typically favored by:
- Larger, stronger players who can generate significant force.
- Players who frequently take slapshots and prioritize maximum power.
- Defensive players who may need stiffer sticks for stronger defensive play and clearing the puck.
Beginner Recommendation: If you are new to hockey, it’s generally advisable to start with a flex that is slightly lower than half your body weight. This can help you learn to utilize the flex of the stick more effectively and develop shot speed and technique. For example, a 160-pound beginner might start with a 70-flex stick.
How Hockey Stick Flex Impacts Your Play
The flex of your hockey stick directly influences your shooting mechanics and overall performance. Here’s how:
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Too Whippy (Too Low Flex): A stick that is too flexible for your strength can lead to:
- Loss of Shot Speed: The stick might bend excessively and not efficiently transfer energy to the puck, resulting in weaker shots.
- Reduced Accuracy: Excessive flex can make the stick feel less stable and harder to control, potentially impacting shot accuracy.
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Too Stiff (Too High Flex): A stick that is too stiff can result in:
- Lack of Power: If you can’t bend the stick sufficiently, you won’t be able to load it up and generate power effectively.
- Increased Effort and Fatigue: You’ll have to work harder to shoot, potentially leading to fatigue.
Finding the Right Balance: The key is to find a flex that allows you to bend the stick effectively without it feeling too whippy or too stiff. This balance is where you’ll find optimal shot power, accuracy, and overall puck control.
Common Hockey Stick Flexes by Player Level
While individual preferences vary, there are common flex ranges often seen at different levels of hockey:
- Youth: 40 flex
- Junior: 50 flex
- Intermediate: 60 flex
- Senior (Regular): 85 flex
- Senior (Stiff): 100 flex
These are just common starting points. Experimentation and personal preference are crucial for finding your ideal flex.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hockey Stick Flex
How much flex do you lose when you cut a hockey stick?
Cutting a hockey stick increases the flex, making it stiffer. For every inch you cut off the top of the stick, you generally add approximately 3-5 flex points. Most hockey stick manufacturers include markings at the top of the stick indicating the flex change based on how much is cut off. Be mindful of this when customizing your stick length, as cutting too much can significantly alter the flex and feel.
What flex do NHL Players Use?
Interestingly, many NHL forwards are trending towards lower flex ratings than one might expect, given their strength. Examples include:
- Alex Ovechkin: 80 Flex (CCM)
- Auston Matthews: 80 Flex (Bauer)
- Connor McDavid: 85 Flex (CCM)
- Leon Draisaitl: 95 Flex (Warrior)
- Mitch Marner: 85 Flex (True)
This trend is partly driven by the increasing speed of the game. Lower flex sticks allow forwards to get shots off quicker, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced NHL. However, defensive players and those known for booming slapshots might still opt for higher flex sticks.
Does Hockey Stick Flex Affect Accuracy?
Yes, hockey stick flex can influence accuracy. A flex that is too low can sometimes negatively impact accuracy. The excessive bending can create an uncontrolled feeling during the shot, especially during the follow-through. Conversely, a very stiff stick (too high flex) might improve accuracy in some cases because it offers more stability. However, shots might lack power due to less energy transfer. Again, finding the right balance is key to maximizing both power and accuracy.
Conclusion: Experiment to Find Your Perfect Flex
Choosing the right hockey stick flex is a journey of discovery. While guidelines and charts provide excellent starting points, the best way to find your ideal flex is to experiment. Visit a local hockey shop, try different flexes in a shooting area if available, and pay attention to how each flex feels in your hands and how it impacts your shots. Consider your body weight, shot style, strength, and playing preferences. With some experimentation, you’ll find the hockey stick flex that unlocks your best performance on the ice and elevates your game.
