If you're a hockey player, you probably know that your stick flex is an important factor in your performance. But do you know how your stick flex changes as you cut down your stick to fit your height and preference? Below, we’ll explain the basics of stick flex and how it affects your shot, and how to adjust your flex when you cut your stick.
The basics
Stick flex is a measure of how much force it takes to bend your stick one inch. The higher the flex number, the stiffer the stick. The lower the flex number, the more flexible the stick. Stick flex affects how much power and accuracy you can generate in your shot, as well as how much feel and control you have over the puck.
In general, a stiffer stick will give you more power and accuracy, but less feel and control. A more flexible stick will give you more feel and control, but less power and accuracy. The optimal stick flex for you depends on your personal preference, shooting style, strength, and skill level.
Every stick is manufactured to a certain flex given its overall length and kick point characteristics. While this number technically doesn’t change as you cut a stick down (It just moves it up the shaft toward the butt end,) the reality is that a hockey stick behaves just like a piece of wood. The shorter you cut it, the more force it will take to bend the stick that same 1”, thus making it stiffer. So, while the manufacturer flex doesn’t change on this stick, it will take the force of a stiffer flex to make the stick work correctly. For example, if you have a 100-flex stick senior stick that is 60 inches long, and you cut it down to 57 inches, your flex will increase to roughly 110.
This means that if you want to maintain the same flex as before, you need to buy a lower flex stick before cutting it down. For example, if you want a 100-flex stick after cutting it down to 57 inches, you need to buy an 85-ish flex stick and cut it down.
It's not the same for every stick
It’s important to note, though, that this isn’t a firm measurement. It changes depending on the stick size and build. The more you move down the shaft to cut it off, the more stiff the stick will become for each inch removed. For instance, cutting an inch or two off a senior stick won’t result in much of a difference in stiffness; likely not even 5 flex total. The next inch or two off it will shorten the stick much more though and will create a much more noticeable difference; about 10-15 flex more. This scale is much more dramatic on intermediate and junior sticks since they are manufactured shorter to begin with.
You can always make changes in your shooting technique to adapt to the higher flex rather than buying a new stick. For example, you can lean more into your shots, use more wrist action, or change your hand position.
The bottom line is that, while a manufacturer flex number doesn’t change, cutting down your stick affects your stick stiffness and feeling of flex, and you need to be aware of that when choosing and using your stick. Stick flex is a personal preference, but it also affects your performance on the ice. By understanding how stick flex works and how it changes as you cut down your stick, you can optimize your shot and improve your game.
If you want more information on stick flex, be sure to check outthe rest of our blog and one of the most popular articles we’ve written.
FAQs
Mark the stick just below the chin and cut with a saw. If a plug is required, take that length into consideration. While some players may still want it longer, do not allow it to be cut to a length above the lips.
How much can you cut off a hockey stick? ›
Mark the stick just below the chin and cut with a saw. If a plug is required, take that length into consideration. While some players may still want it longer, do not allow it to be cut to a length above the lips.
How much stiffer does a stick get when cut down? ›
So, while the manufacturer flex doesn't change on this stick, it will take the force of a stiffer flex to make the stick work correctly. For example, if you have a 100-flex stick senior stick that is 60 inches long, and you cut it down to 57 inches, your flex will increase to roughly 110.
Should you cut down your hockey stick? ›
A trimmed down stick will now "feel" stiffer because there is less room between your hands, and by cutting down the stick you have lost leverage. This is no different than using a piece of wood to pry up an object; the more leverage you have the easier it will bend.
Does cutting down a hockey stick change the flex? ›
DOES CUTTING DOWN A STICK OR ADDING AN EXTENSION CHANGE THE FLEX? 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 short do NHL players cut their sticks? ›
As a general rule, the length of a hockey stick should be from the ice – to between the sternum/above the armpits and below the chin of the player.
How short can a hockey stick be? ›
Measuring Hockey Stick Length
The general rule is that the end of a proper length stick should come to about the nose. However, if the player's skates are on, the stick should come up to the chin.
How much flex is lost when cut a hockey stick? ›
Typically, each inch added/removed from the shaft will decrease/increase the flex of the stick by roughly 3 flex. (Ex: Cutting 2 inches off an 80 flex stick will make it feel more like an 85-86 flex.)
What flex do most NHL players use? ›
For example, Danny Briere often starts the season with a stiffer stick, such as a 90 flex, only to end up with a 75 flex by the end of the season. 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.
What flex does Connor Bedard use? ›
As for details, Bedard uses a PP92 blade curve and a 71-72 flex stick. "I like it pretty whippy," he told ESPN the night he was drafted. The PP92 has an open face with a mid-toe curve that helps cradle the puck, which is good for stick-handling through traffic.
Cutting a hockey stick to size is not difficult, but should be done carefully. Remember to “measure twice, cut once.” Some experts suggest erring on the side of caution: Measure the shaft, mark it where you think it should be cut, and then make the cut one inch higher than that.
How tall is McDavid's stick? ›
Estimated Delivery Tue 5/21 - Thu 5/23
| Category | Hockey > Sticks |
|---|
| Stick Length | 69" |
| Pattern | P92, Mid Pattern Hockey SticksMid |
| Condition | New Hockey SticksNew |
| Hand | Left Hand Hockey SticksLeft |
6 more rowsRemember, too, you may want to replace a stick when it's not broken—it may have lost its stiffness, its pop. When a stick feels “whippy” or weak in shooting or passing, many players will buy a new stick because the old one isn't performing like it should.
Why do NHL sticks break so easily? ›
If you're breaking a lot of sticks, you're likely either using too light of a flex or loading the stick inefficiently and putting too much force into the load. If you don't know what flex to use, start with the nearest one that is less than half of your body weight. See how it feels and adjust from there.
How much should you be able to flex your hockey stick? ›
It's pretty simple… All Hockey Players should be using a stick with a Flex Rating that equals less than 50% of their body weight.
Can a hockey stick be too long? ›
A long stick (above the chin when on skates) can be extremely detrimental to a child's development. A stick of proper length should lie with the blade flat on the ice when standing on skates with your arms at your sides (and holding the knob of the stick in the palm of your hand).
How much curve is allowed on a hockey stick? ›
The blade of the goalkeeper 's stick shall be between 2 inches and 3 ½ inches wide except at the heel where the maximum width shall be 4 ½ inches. The curvature of the blade, measured in such a way that a straight line drawn from the heel to the base of the toe shall not exceed ¾ inch at the point of maximum curvature.
What is the max blade on a hockey stick? ›
A “max blade” hockey stick typically refers to a type of hockey stick blade with a larger blade surface area. This design can provide players with more control and accuracy when handling and shooting the puck. The term “max blade” it implies an emphasis on maximizing the blade's size for enhanced performance.
Can you score off your hand in hockey? ›
No goal can be scored as a result of the puck being propelled by the hand of an attacking player regardless if the puck enters the goal directly from the hand or deflects off of any player prior to entering the goal.
