Hockey Stick Flex Guide and Chart: What Flex Rating Should I Use? (2024)

Hockey Stick Flex is the term used for the bending of the stick during shooting. When you shoot, your stick will bend as it makes contact with the puck, creating a “hinge-like” effect, and increasing shot power. There are many different flex options to choose from, so this article will help explain some of those options, and help you find out which one is best for you!

  • What Hockey Stick Flex Should I Use?
  • Hockey Stick Flex Chart
  • Hockey Stick Flex Ratings
  • How Does Flex Impact Play?
  • The Most Common Stick Flexes
  • More Questions About Hockey Stick Flex

What Hockey Stick Flex Should I Use?

When first starting out with the game of Ice Hockey one of the first questions that will come up is “What flex Hockey Stick should I use”? A good place to start when choosing Hockey Stick Flex is to try out a hockey stick with a flex rating that is half of your body weight. For example, if you are 140 pounds, a good place to start would be with a 70-flex stick.

That said, all players will have different preferences based on their primary shot type, ability to use the stick effectively, and so on. Often times, your primary shot of choice will be one factor in determining what flex you want to go with. A player that takes quick wrist shots might opt to go with a lower (than half their body weight) flex stick because they need the stick to flex quicker to fire the puck off faster. A player who takes a lot slapshots might prefer a higher flex stick since they have a little bit more time to load up their stick and get maximum power behind their shots.

Try out different flexes in the shooting room at your local MonkeySports store to get a better idea of which one would work better for you and your play style.

Hockey Stick Flex Guide and Chart: What Flex Rating Should I Use? (1)

Hockey Stick Flex Chart

The Hockey Stick Flex Chart provided below is a good general starting point when determining what flex hockey stick you should go with. That said it is just a general guideline, so it is always recommended to try out different flexes and heights to determine which option would suit you and your play style the best.

Age GroupHeightWeightStick 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

Hockey Stick Flex Ratings

A good place to start when choosing a Hockey Stick Flex Rating is to choose the flex that matches half of your body weight. If you weigh 160 pounds, start with an 80 flex, and see how you like this option by testing it out in a shooting room. If you weigh 140 pounds, try the same process out with a 70 flex stick.

If you are a newer player, you will want to go with 10 flex than your body weight. So, if you are a new player that weighs 160, try out a 70 flex stick. This will help you develop shot speed because you will be able to better utilize the flex of the stick. The most popular stick flexes for most senior players, regardless of weight, is within the 75 to 90 flex range.

How Does Flex Impact Play?

Hockey Stick Flex is when the stick bends as it hits the ice, just before making contact with the puck. The spring-like effect created here releases the stored energy from the stick into the puck. And utilizing the right Hockey Stick Flex can greatly improve your shot accuracy, power, and efficiency.

Getting an Ice Hockey Stick that is too “whippy”, meaning a flex that is too low for you, can decrease your shot speed due to it not being resistant enough to store power in the shaft. Conversely, an Ice Hockey stick that is too “stiff”, meaning a flex that is too high for you, will make it much harder to bend the stick, therefore not enough bend to actually create power in the first place. Finding the right balance of these two is what you are looking for.

The Most Common Stick Flexes

  • Youth: 40 flex
  • Junior: 50 flex
  • Intermediate: 60 flex
  • Senior (regular): 85 flex
  • Senior (stiff): 100 flex

The Hockey Stick Flexes listed above are the most common flexes for each age category. Finding the right Hockey Stick Flex takes time, practice, and may not be identical to the ones listed above. Try out different Hockey Stick Flex Ratings and determine which one works best for you and your play style.

More Questions About Hockey Stick Flex

How much flex do you lose when you cut a hockey stick?

Cutting a hockey stick down can affect how the stick feels and plays. Cutting a hockey stick down one inch will add around 3-5 flex. Most Hockey Stick manufacturers like Bauer, CCM, and Warrior add measurements to the back of the stick, at the top, showing what the flex of the stick would equate to depending on how much is cut off.

What flex does Ovechkin use?

  • Alex Ovechkin: 80 Flex CCM Hockey Stick
  • Auston Matthews: 80 Flex Bauer Hockey Stick
  • Connor McDavid: 85 Flex CCM Hockey Stick
  • Leon Draisaitl: 95 Flex Warrior Hockey Stick
  • Mitch Marner: 85 Flex True Hockey Stick

Recently, we have seen a majority of NHL forwards using lower Hockey Stick Flex Ratings. With the increase in speed of today’s game, forwards are utilizing these lower flex sticks to help them get the puck off their blade as quickly as possible.

Does hockey stick flex affect accuracy?

Yes, Hockey Stick Flex can affect accuracy. Choosing a Hockey Stick with flex rating that is too low can negatively affect accuracy do to too much stress being put on the shaft during shooting. This can give an uncontrolled feel as soon as the blade makes contact with the puck and into the follow through.

A Hockey Stick that has a flex rating that is too high can increase accuracy because there is less energy being transferred into the shaft of the stick. With that said, shots will be less powerful because of the decreased energy transfer.

Hockey Stick Flex Guide and Chart: What Flex Rating Should I Use? (2024)

FAQs

Should I use 75 or 85 flex? ›

Intermediate = 50 to 70 flex (typically for ages 13 - 17, weight 110 to 150 lbs) Senior soft/regular = 75 to 90 flex (typically for ages 14 and up, weight 150 to 180 lbs) Senior regular/stiff = 85 to 102 flex (typically for ages 16 and up, weight 170 to 205 lbs)

What flex should a 12 year old use? ›

Hockey Stick Length and Flex Sizing Chart
Age GroupHeightRecommended Shaft Flex
Junior (7-13)4'4" - 5'1"50/55 Flex
Intermediate (11-14)4'11" - 5'4"60 Flex
Intermediate (12-14)5'2" - 5'8"65/70 Flex (Light Flex)
Senior (14+)5'5" - 5'10"75/80 Flex (Mid Flex)
5 more rows
17 Feb 2017

How much should you be able to flex your stick? ›

You should be able to flex it 2-3 inches comfortably. This is not the total amount of flex you will be getting. There are many other variables, like, increased weight from your pads, extra height on skates or speed. So, once you are on the ice you may feel like the stick gets more flex than you felt in the store.

What Flex does Crosby use? ›

This specific stick is 100 flex, but we have also seen Crosby pro stocks at 105 and 110 flex. This shows how unbelievably strong Crosby is, as high flexes like that are typically what you would associate more with bigger players.

Which hockey stick flex is right for me? ›

A good place to start when choosing a Hockey Stick Flex Rating is to choose the flex that matches half of your body weight. If you weigh 160 pounds, start with an 80 flex, and see how you like this option by testing it out in a shooting room. If you weigh 140 pounds, try the same process out with a 70 flex stick.

What flex do Nhlers use? ›

With that all said, the majority of NHL players use a stick with flex in the 85-100 range. Forwards tend to use a lower flex. Some players with a notable low flex are Johnny Gaudreau with a 55 flex and Phil Kessel with a 65 flex. You can see just how much bend these players get out of their stick when they shoot.

How do I know if I need stiff or regular flex? ›

In general, golfers with a fast swing should use a stiff shaft and slowed swings should use a regular flex shaft. To check your swing speed a shot tracking device will be the most accurate method. Based on your swing speeds here are our recommendations: 80-95 mph swing speeds should use regular shafts.

What Flex is good for beginners? ›

The regular shaft is perfect for the golfer with around 90mph of swing speed. Most average golfers and beginners enjoy the regular flex shaft.

Is more flex better in a hockey stick? ›

A stiffer flex stick will help you win puck battles along the boards and faceoffs, and if you're blasting shots from the point you'll create more power. Less hockey stick flex increases your feel, better for sending and receiving passes, controlling the puck and getting off shots quickly and precisely.

Does hockey stick flex matter? ›

The simple answer is yes, a shorter stick will feel stiffer and will perform more similarly to a stick with a higher flex number. A longer stick will feel softer and will perform more like a stick with a lower flex number.

How does hockey stick flex affect accuracy and speed? ›

The higher the flex number, the stiffer the hockey stick. Flex has a lot to do with how fast a player's slap shot is. In the act of making a slap shot, the player will scrape the blade on the ice a few inches behind the puck. This pulls the blade back so that when the blade contacts the puck, it acts like a spring.

What Flex is Auston Matthews stick? ›

Matthews revealed in an interview with Bauer that he likes an especially whippy stick, using an 80 flex stiffness along with a Joe Sakic curve. Most people are familiar with the P92 Sakic curve that comes stock with most brands, but the 80 flex is interesting.

What is the P88 curve good for? ›

P88 - Very simple blade with a mid-curve (curve of the blade occurs in the middle of the blade), and no opening (does not curve up). Great for stick handling and keeping the puck from flopping. Excellent for backhand shots. More difficult to lift puck over goalies in tight when close to the crease.

What flex should I play? ›

If you're between 97 and 104 mph with the driver, you need a stiff flex. If you're between 84 and 96 mph, regular is going to be best for you. This is the swing speed rage of most amateur golfers. Between 72 and 83 mph with the driver signifies you need to be hitting senior flex.

What curve should I use? ›

If you really like to stick handle a lot or you are a beginner you should try a mid curve or a mid-toe curve. (Like the P88) they give you the most comfort stick handling as well as shooting forehand and back hand. You will also have the most accuracy. If you like to snipe corners you want a mid-toe to toe curve.

What stick Flex does Laine use? ›

Darren Dreger on Twitter: "For all of you stick nerds, Patrik Laine uses an 87 flex.

What Flex does Duncan Keith use? ›

Duncan Keith Stick Spec Check

Like you'd expect from a veteran defenseman, Keith used a stiff 105 flex stick with a heel curve.

What Flex does Nathan MacKinnon use? ›

What really sets MacKinnon apart, though, occurs before the puck ever zooms off his 95-flex CCM blade. Aside from perhaps Connor McDavid, no one hypnotizes opponents with such rapid-fire stickhandling, while still skating at top speed.

What NHL players use the P28 curve? ›

Over the past few years you've no doubt taken notice of NHL players using what appears to be a massive hook! Most noticeably stars like Ovechkin, Doughty or Getzlaf are using what has become known as the Open Toe (P28 in most brands) pattern.

What sticks do NHL players use 2022? ›

Most Popular Sticks
  • Vapor HyperLite. 114.
  • Nexus Sync. ...
  • Alpha LX Pro.

What happens if Flex is too stiff? ›

The shaft will flex during a swing, which changes the position of the club head. When you select the right flex, the club face will be square on the ball improving accuracy. If the shaft flex is too stiff, you lose loft and won't control your shots easily.

What happens if shaft flex is too soft? ›

A golfer using a shaft that is too flexible may experience a ball flight that is too high, a ball that spins too much, or a shot pattern that has inconsistent dispersion.

What happens if shaft is too stiff? ›

If your driver's shaft is too stiff, the clubhead may not square with the ball at the point of impact, causing slices and fades. If you can't feel the weight of the clubhead loading through the shaft, it's probably too stiff, and can cause errors and issues associated with accuracy such as these.

Is Stiff flex harder to hit? ›

A stiff shaft is firmer and harder to bend than a regular shaft, and so more often than not, they're also heavier in weight. As a rough rule of thumb, the more speed you generate, the stiffer your shafts should be.

Is 6.5 stiff or extra stiff? ›

You know, the 5.0, 6.0, 6.5 and so on printed on the shaft. These numbers correspond with flexes from “regular” to “extra stiff plus”.

What shaft stiffness should I use? ›

Should You Use Regular or Stiff Flex Shafts? In general, golfers with driver swing speeds over 95 mph should play stiff flex shafts, and those under 95 mph should play regular flex. Shafts also come in extra stiff (105+ mph) and senior flex (under 85 mph).

Is more carbon better in a hockey stick? ›

CARBON CONTENT Increased carbon translates into greater stiffness in the stick. High carbon content contributes to high power in hits, but can also make receiving more challenging. Players need to find the right balance of power and feel to suit their game.

What is Connor McDavid's stick? ›

Connor McDavid Stick Spec Check

McDavid's custom curve is a variation on the popular P92 pattern, with a smaller, slightly squared blade face. He has been using the curve since he was a young, and for the most part has stuck with it throughout his pro career (with some brief experimentation here and there).

What stick does Nugent Hopkins use? ›

Equipment History
TypeChanging FromChanging To
VisorNewBauer Pro Straight
StickCCM JetSpeed FT4 ProCCM JetSpeed FT5 Pro
StickNewCCM JetSpeed FT4 Pro
SkatesNewCCM Super Tacks AS3 Pro
3 more rows

Is P92 and P29 the same? ›

So, the CCM P29 (Crosby) is essentially the same as the Bauer P92 -- they're crazy similar and, all told, it's a good curve for kids.

What curve is best for wrist shots? ›

THE P92 CURVE

With the P92, you'll excel in wrist- and snap shots and find the open face helps elevate the puck.

Are P90 and P92 the same curve? ›

P90 is a prostock CCM equivalent to Bauer P92. Pretty much identical.

What curve is P92 in true? ›

CURVES EQUIVALENCES
BAUERCCMTRUE
P92 / P92MP29TC2 / TC2.5
P88P40MC
PM9P14MC2
P28P28TC4
9 more rows

What does P92M mean? ›

In this article, we will explain why the blades on the sticks are raised and marked as "M" - MAX BLADE! HAVE YOU NOTICED THAT HOCKEY STICKS WITH A HIGHER BLADE APPEAR NEWLY - THE MARK IS FOR EXAMPLE P92M (MAX BLADE HEIGHT) - WE MARK THE HOCKEY STICKS AS A MAX BLADE!

What CCM curve is like P28? ›

Comparison of Standard Blade Patterns based on Curve Type (Heel VS Toe)
CCMP6 / P15P28
EASTONE6 PariseE28
SHERWOODPP20 DR
WARRIORW05 GranlundW28 / W28MAX Yakupov
TRUEHCRTC3, TC4
3 more rows

What size golf clubs should a 12 year old use? ›

Callaway Juniors XJ Set

Level Three clubs in the Callaway junior range are ideal for golfers standing between 54 and 61 inches tall, and ideal for golfers in the 12-year age group.

Is being 12 still a kid? ›

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines child as, "A human being below the age of 18 years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier.” This is ratified by 192 of 194 member countries.

What do 12 year olds act like? ›

Focus on themselves; going back and forth between high expectations and lack of confidence. Experience more moodiness. Show more interest in and influence by peer group. Express less affection toward parents; sometimes might seem rude or short-tempered.

What time should 12 year olds go to bed? ›

At these ages, with social, school, and family activities, bedtimes gradually become later and later, with most 12-years-olds going to bed at about 9 p.m. There is still a wide range of bedtimes, from 7:30 to 10 p.m., as well as total sleep times, from 9 to 12 hours, although the average is only about 9 hours.

What is a 15 year old called? ›

Teenagers (15-17 years of age)

What is a 10 year old called? ›

Kids between 8 and 12 are called “tweens” because they are in between children and teenagers.

How far should a 9 year old hit a driver? ›

Nine-11 year olds maybe 180-250 yards, and 12-13 year olds play from forward tees." There's no need for kids to go out and play full length courses. Making their own course for them within the larger course gives them the thrill of being on a course, while keeping it manageable.

Can adults use junior clubs? ›

Can adults use junior golf clubs? Definitely! Many petite women find that kids built traditionally for youth are a great option to help them play their best game.

What irons should a 12 handicap play? ›

Taylormade Stealth Irons
  • Rest of the Best Irons For Mid Handicappers & Intermediate Golfers (Updated for 2022)
  • Best Mid Handicap Irons for 2022 Reviewed.
  • Ping G425 Irons.
  • Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal Irons.
  • Srixon ZX5 Irons.
  • Ping G410 Irons.
  • Taylormade Stealth Irons.
  • Titleist T200 Irons.
2 Sept 2022

What age is no longer a little kid? ›

There's no official definition of the upper limit of toddlerhood; however, most people consider the end of the toddler age to be around the time a child is ready to transition into preschool, around 4-years-old.

What age girls get pubic hair? ›

Between the ages of 8 and 13, girls typically experience: Their breasts begin to bud, and their areolas (pigmented area around the nipple) enlarge. Scant pubic hair appears. Height increases by about 2¾ inches per year.

What are 7 year olds called? ›

Middle Childhood (6-8 years of age)

Why is my daughter so immature? ›

Key takeaways. Acting immature can be a sign that kids are struggling and need more support. Hyperactivity, trouble with focus, and not getting enough sleep can be factors. Connect with other adults to find out what they've noticed, and work together to help kids develop skills.

What do 13 year olds think? ›

Thirteen-year-olds are also developing the ability to think abstractly. Instead of only thinking in terms of tangible objects, they begin to understand concepts such as faith and trust. They may also think they are unique or believe that no one understands them.

What do you do when your 12 year old is disrespectful? ›

How to deal with an angry, disrespectful child
  1. Do not become angry. ...
  2. Make sure everyone is safe. ...
  3. Do not punish. ...
  4. Acknowledge your child's anger. ...
  5. Ask questions to understand the source of anger. ...
  6. Offer help. ...
  7. Teach emotional regulation skills. ...
  8. Teach how to express objections respectfully.
18 Oct 2022

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