Have you ever noticed when buying a new hockey stickthat eachone has a number on it, such as 75, 85 or 100. This is what is known as the flex of the stick, and it basically indicates how much the stick will bend. What is not intuitive is that a higher flex number indicates that the stick is less flexible, while a lower flex number indicates the opposite.
How do they come up with that number? The flex number indicates how many pounds of force are required to bend (or deflect, to be really scientific) the stick one inch. So, it should take 100 pounds of force to bend a stick marked as 100 flex exactly one inch in the centre. CCM/Reebok also includes a metric equivalent flex on their sticks. A 100 may be dual marked as 100/45, which equates to 45 kilograms of force required to deflect the stick 2.54 centimetres…which is one inch. This is what is known as a “soft” metrification – when the metrification is simply a conversion of the Imperial units, so they don’t appear to make any sense on their own. If they truly wanted to measure stick flex in metric units, they’d likely measure how much flex was required to deflect the stick 2 centimetres or some other rounded number.
So which stick flex should you use? An easy trick is to take your weight (in pounds, and you are only fooling yourself if you lie) and divide that by two. So let’s pretend that I weigh 200 pounds. I should use a 100/102 flex stick following this logic. And that is what I use, so fancy that. Ultimately, this is a matter of personal preference. Someuse a 75/77 flex, but that doesn’t mean that they weigh 150 pounds. There are other reasons to choose a specific flex. A lower flex, being more “whippy” is a better choice for someone that wants to be able to put a lot a load on the stick for quick wrist shots. In this case, the lower flex will help because the quickness of release is more important than how hard the shot is. Acentre may want something more in the middle, since their stick may take more of a beating and a lower flex stick is ultimately less durable because it takes more stress. Defenders generally want a stiffer stick because those will transfer more energy on slapshots, making them harder. You have to determine the maximum stick flex that you can actually bend, because this determines how much energy transfer you can harness. If you are a defender with an 85 flex but can’t adequately bend it, your slapshots will only have the force of your swing behind them. In that case you’d be better off going with a lower flex stick because that will allow you to maximize your shot potential from the point.
Another major factor for how the flex can affect your shot is how much you cut the stick down. You may have seen the marks on the stick near the end that show what the flex will increase to if you cut it there. The reason that it makes the stick stiffer is similar to how any type of lever works. The stiffness of the material used obviously doesn’t change, but rather the overall length is the variable factor in this case. In physics this is explained using Hooke’s law, with the spring constant representing the stick flex. The main variables in the equation for the spring constant are the force applied and the distance between the two supports (the stick length).
While you don’t see them much anymore, a see-saw (or teeter-totter) used to be a playground staple that taught children about mechanical advantage and leverage. If sit a kid on one end of the see-saw, it is much easier to push down at the opposite end to lift them. The close to thecentre that you push, the harder that it becomes. That is why you can sit closer to thecentre if you are heavier than the other kid to find the balance point. Cutting two inches off of a 75/77 flex stick will make it feel like an 85 flex stick, for example. Every bit cut off will increase this feeling.
If a wooden extension is glued in, the original flex of a cut stick can be restored or a stick can be made stiffer. This is because the increased length will increase the spring constant, which results in a higher effective flex. However, the glued joint will be a weak spot so you don’t want to make the extension too long.
What kind of flex do the pros use? There is a much larger variety than you may expect. Also, players are prone to changing sticks and flex more often throughout the season, with many lowering their flex as the season goes on. 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. 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. There are quite a few forwards that use sticks in the 65-75 range. Alexander Ovechkin is 230 pounds and uses a 79 flex stick, which is probably a big reason for his one-timer. Sidney Crosby uses a 100 flex stick, higher than you may imagine for a skilled player. In his case this may have some advantages as a stiffer stick can be better in face-offs, and flex really doesn’t factor heavily into backhand shooting. Patrick Kane uses an unusually stiff stick for his size at 102-105.
Defenders almost universally use higher flex sticks. Zdeno Chara, at 6-9 and 256 pounds, uses a 150-160 flex stick regularly, twice as stiff as Ovechkin. Dustin Byfuglien and Shea Weber use 122 flex sticks, but Weber increases this to 130 flex for the hardest shot competitions.
We take for granted the consistency that the composite sticks provide. The stick flex is accurate and you can buy the same stick at different times and know how they will perform. Wooden sticks were a different story. Wooden sticks also had flex ratings, but instead of these being engineered into the stick as it was being made, they were assigned based on how the stick would flex after the stick was made. Players would often have to buy large lots and find their “gamers”, akin to how baseball players presently deal with wooden bats. The kick point of wooden sticks (where the primary bend and transfer of energy occurs) was much higher on wooden sticks. They would tend to flex in thecentre and whip from there, whereas composite sticks kick closer to the blade. More power is delivered the lower the kick point is.
When going to buy your sticks, keep in mind that senior sticks are generally only going to be available in flex numbers 75/77, 85/87, 95 and 100/102 regularly, with other stiffer values sometimes in stock. If you want or need less than 75/77, you will have to consider using an intermediate stick unless you can find pro stock in that value. Intermediate sticks tend to be shorter and typically have a 65/67 flex. Below that are junior sticks, where 55 flex is usually the highest. It is acceptable to flex the stick by holding one hand on top and the other in the centre. See how hard it is to get that one inch of deflection and find the stick that seems right. Don’t put all your body weight on the stick or try to bend it too aggressively in the store. A small bend will give you enough idea. Lastly, keep in mind which type of player you are. You’re most likely to score with a quick shot, followed by an accurate shot, with hard shots being the least likely to score. Is your game better with power or placement?
But in the end, the best way to find out is to head to your local hockey shop and get someone that works there to help you find the perfect flex. Some even have areas where you can try the sticks out and see what works best for you!
And if you’re thinking of taking that stick and learning how to play hockey this winter, and end up on a real hockey team, you should sign up for our Winter Discover Hockey programs here. Spots are limited and will sell out!
FAQs
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.
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)
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.
Is 85 flex on a hockey stick good? ›
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.
What Flex should a 12 year old use? ›
Hockey Stick Length and Flex Sizing Chart
| Age Group | Height | Recommended 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 rows17 Feb 2017
The higher the flex, the more difficult it will be to bend the stick. The lower the flex, the easier it will be to bend the stick. Stick flex allows for players to shoot the puck more powerfully and with higher velocity.
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.
What does P28 mean on a hockey stick? ›
Most noticeably stars like Ovechkin, Doughty or Getzlaf are using what has become known as the Open Toe (P28 in most brands) pattern. Just like everything else in hockey when people see success they try to emulate it, and elite players have flocked to the open toe.
What happens if a hockey stick is too stiff? ›
Simply put, if you're using a stick that's too stiff for you to bend, your shots will lack power. If you're using a stick that's too whippy, your shots will lack control.
What Flex does Auston Matthews use? ›
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.
Divide their weight (in pounds) by two. So if a player weighs 180lbs, a 90 flex hockey stick is a good starting point but more often than not, using a stick that is 10-15 flex points softer is common practice.
What stick does Alex Ovechkin use? ›
The TOVI hockey stick is Ovechkin's latest dalliance with a new twig.
What stick does Crosby use? ›
CCM XT Pro Crosby Hockey Stick, Intermediate | Canadian Tire.
What flex did Brett Hull use? ›
In the late 90s, however, Hull switched to a new two-piece combo by Easton. He went from a stiff 110 flex aluminum shaft and a wood blade to awhippier 80 flex shaft and a stiffer graphite blade.
Is 100 flex too soft? ›
Typically the softest-flexing quality boot for men is about a 90 flex and for women is 75 to 80. Intermediate skiers require a slightly stiffer boot to transfer energy quickly from the boot to the ski, but still soft enough to allow them some forward flex. Often the flex for guys will be 100 to 110 and women 80 to 90.
How tall is a 50 flex hockey stick? ›
At 60 inches the Raven Edge 50 flex is taller than a standard Junior stick and has a lower flex rating than any other intermediate stick on the market; at 60 inches and 50 flex, this stick is a perfect fit for any player under 5'7" and less than 110 lbs.
What flex stick did Gretzky use? ›
Vintage 90s Wayne Gretzky Easton Aluminum V-Flex 95 Hockey Stick 50” Made In USA.
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.
How do I choose the right flex shaft? ›
Which flex rating you use will depend on the type of swing you have. For example, beginners and those with less powerful swings tend to use a shaft with greater flexibility to propel the ball more. On the other hand, if a player has a high and powerful swing speed, they will require a stiffer shaft with less flex.
What size hockey stick should a 13 year old have? ›
Once a young person reaches around 5 ft 3”), they should be comfortable with a full size sstick which is called a 36.5 inches, so you do not need to measure the stick to your hip or belly button once you reach this height.
A very stiff flex is a great option for taller, heavier or aggressive advanced to expert skiers who require a high level of responsiveness to deliver precise performance. Recreational boots top-out at around 110 flex for women and 130 flex for men, and beyond that, the range goes into racing models.
Do any pros play with regular flex? ›
None of the top 100 PGA Tour pros uses regular iron shafts.
It is only among the wedge shafts selected by the pros that you finally see the majority of them using slightly 'softer' flex shafts but as we can see below a healthy number still continue to choose extra stiff shafts in their wedges.
Is P29 the same as P92? ›
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. The other option, the P28 (McDavid) is another banana curve -- hardly different from the similarly named P29 -- but the toe is different.
Is P92 a good curve? ›
P92 - Another mid-curve blade, opens up mid way, great for shooting high and builds confidence for beginners who struggle to lift pucks with P88. More difficult to execute backhands due to the more open curve (more closed for backhands).
What curve do most NHL players use? ›
Mid-curves are the most common. They're better for stick-handling than heel curves while retaining a decent sweet spot on both the forehand and backhand. Toe curves twist down as they bend, making them great for danglers who favor quick wrist shots.
What is the hardest lead to keep in hockey? ›
A two-goal cushion is often referred to as the “most dangerous lead in hockey,” so named because a team will squander it four out of every 10 times.
What is the most difficult position in hockey? ›
It is said that goalie is the most difficult position to play within Ice Hockey, and one of the hardest to play in any sport. The main objective for a goalie is to keep the puck out of the net, and with a great one, they can control the game and greatly influence their team's confidence.
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.
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 Tavares use? ›
Tavares had been using a Drury-style heel curve since he was 14, but started experimenting with teammate Pierre Engvall's sticks this season before eventually ordering his own batch with the P29 curve, while also moving from a 90 flex to a 95 flex.
Darren Dreger on Twitter: "For all of you stick nerds, Patrik Laine uses an 87 flex.
What stick does Nugent Hopkins use? ›
Equipment History
| Type | Changing From | Changing To |
|---|
| Visor | New | Bauer 55P Blade Cut |
| Stick | CCM JetSpeed FT4 Pro | CCM JetSpeed FT5 Pro |
| Glove | New | CCM HG12 |
| Helmet | New | Bauer Re-Akt 150 |
3 more rowsSkater Roster
| Name | Position | Stick |
|---|
| Taylor Raddysh"> Taylor Raddysh #11 | Right Wing | CCM JetSpeed FT4 Pro |
| Filip Roos"> Filip Roos #48 | Defenseman | CCM Ribcor Trigger 7 Pro |
| Jarred Tinordi"> Jarred Tinordi #25 | Defenseman | CCM JetSpeed FT5 Pro |
| Jonathan Toews"> Jonathan Toews #19 | Center | Bauer Nexus Sync |
17 more rowsMcDavid Curve
Perhaps the fastest growing Hockey Blade right now is the P28 “McDavid” curve. This Hockey Blade curve is a great option for players who play the game with the puck on the toe of their stick, due to the toe curve with an open face.
Who uses P92 curve? ›
What kind of stick did Mario Lemieux have? ›
This KOHO Revolution stick was game-used by NHL legend Mario Lemieux in the mid-late 1990s. It was gifted to Howe after a game by Lemieux himself and has been in his possession ever since. Lemieux has given the stick a black tape job on both the blade and top of the stick.
How much flex Does Patrick Kane? ›
“And then as time develops, I always used a stiff stick. I used like 107 when I started, then I went down to 102, now I'm at a 95 flex.
What Flex does 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 Flex does panarin use? ›
Panarin uses a 90-flex stick, which is about the average. It's neither extremely flexible or stiff. Panarin also doesn't create a curve on his stick with the one-timer in mind.
The regular flex golf shaft is more flexible and easier for slower swing speed golfers to swing than the stiff flex golf shaft. A stiff flex golf shaft creates more resistance in the swing of a golfer. Therefore when they attempt to hit the ball with a bit more speed, they can get the incredible distance.
What stick is most used in the NHL? ›
Most Popular Sticks
- Vapor HyperLite. 113.
- Nexus Sync. ...
- Alpha LX Pro.
Retired goalie Henrik Lundqvist was the last to use a wood Bauer stick, switching to composite in 2018-19, almost 12 years after the company started leading the NHL trend toward composite goalie sticks.
