This is a post inspired by an unnamed childhood teammate’s father, who believed the lower the flex, the more durable/stiffer the stick would be. He had a cannon for a shot but predictably broke more sticks than anyone could count.
What is flex?
Flex is the pressure required to bend a hockey stick one inch.
The higher the flex (stiffer), the more pressure is required to bend the stick.
The lower the flex (whippier), the less pressure is required to bend the stick.
Cutting down a stick makes it become stiffer.
Benefits of Low-Flex vs High-Flex
Having a low flex/whippy stick
These sticks require less bodily movement to move the puck with force.
The primary reason that whippier sticks have become so normal in higher levels of hockey is that, due to the speed of the game, there is less time than ever to load up a shot. A lower flex stick allows for a quick release on a snap/wrist shot.
Having a high flex/tough stick
These sticks require more effort to move the puck with force but tend to be truer in their accuracy.
Players with a stiffer stick tend to site the feedback that comes with it. While a slapshot/one-timer may benefit from a stiffer stick, it’s more difficult to maximize a quick-release shot with a higher flex.
Different Positions and Profiles Favor Different Flex
In general, there are some positions that favor high or low-flex hockey sticks.
Defensem*n and Centers
Players who are in situations where a tougher stick can provide an advantage while tight battle tend to use a stiffer stick. For example:
Faceoffs for centers
Pokechecks and tough puck battles for defensem*n
Wingers and shooters
Players who tend to be shooters or acquire puck more in open space tend to prefer a low flex stick. For example":
Having more whip/flex allows for faster shots and passes with minimal muscle
Requires less bodily movement to release the puck.
Different Player Profiles
Play styles favor different flex
Powerful and taller players tend to go higher
Finesse and shorter players tend to go lower
What NHL Players Think
What stick flex is best for you?
Further Reading
The importance and function of the top & bottom hands when shooting
Score more off the carry by understanding shooting routes: Across or Down
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