How to Find the Best Flex for Your Hockey Stick? : A Complete Guide

Accent Hockey
6 days ago
8 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

A Complete Quide on Hockey Stick Flex by Accent Hockey

What is Flex on a Hockey Stick?

Introduction

Hockey stick flex is one of the most important yet frequently misunderstood aspects of selecting a hockey stick. This seemingly simple number—typically ranging from 30 to 110—represents the measurement of your stick's stiffness and plays a crucial role in how you handle the puck, take shots, and feel the game.

The concept of standardized flex ratings emerged in the 1990s as composite sticks began replacing wooden ones, giving players a consistent way to measure stick stiffness across brands and models. Understanding flex has since become essential knowledge for players at all levels, from beginners to professionals.

For decades, players relied on a simple weight-based formula to determine their ideal flex. However, as the game has evolved, so too has our understanding of how flex impacts performance. Today's players are increasingly moving away from traditional guidelines, often opting for lower flex sticks than what the old rules would suggest.

Let's dive into the world of hockey stick flex and discover how finding your perfect match goes far beyond a simple mathematical formula.

Understanding Hockey Stick Flex

At its core, flex is measured by the amount of force (in pounds) required to bend a hockey stick one inch at its midpoint. A stick with a flex rating of 85, for example, requires 85 pounds of force to bend it one inch. The lower the number, the easier it is to flex the stick.

Why does this matter? When you shoot a hockey puck, you're essentially loading energy into the stick by flexing it and then releasing that energy as the stick snaps back to its original position. This energy transfer is what gives your shot its power, speed, and accuracy. Think of it like a bow and arrow—the stick bends back (storing energy) and then releases that energy into the puck.

Flex affects several key elements of your game:

Energy Transfer: The right flex allows you to efficiently load and release energy during your shot.

Shot Power: A proper flex for your strength lets you maximize power without sacrificing control.

Puck Feel: Flex influences how the stick responds when handling the puck—stiffer sticks offer more feedback, while whippier sticks can feel more responsive.

Shooting Technique: Different shot types benefit from different flex profiles. Quick snapshots typically benefit from a lower flex that can load quickly, while powerful slap shots may benefit from a stiffer stick that can store more energy when fully loaded.

The Traditional Rule of Thumb

For generations, hockey players used a straightforward calculation to determine their ideal flex: divide your body weight (in pounds) by 2. This formula emerged during an era when the game was played differently, with a greater emphasis on powerful shooting rather than quick releases.

For example:

A 200-pound player would use a 100 flex stick
A 170-pound player would use an 85 flex stick
A 140-pound player would use a 70 flex stick

This rule made logical sense—heavier players typically have more strength to flex a stiffer stick. The formula provided a consistent starting point for players uncertain about which flex to choose.

However, this approach has significant limitations. It doesn't account for playing style, position, shot preference, or individual strength differences. Two 180-pound players might have drastically different optimal flex ratings based on how they play the game.

The Evolution of Playing Styles

Today's hockey is faster, more dynamic, and more technical than ever before. The modern game emphasizes quick releases, accuracy, and versatility over raw power alone. This evolution has driven a significant shift in flex preferences across all levels of play.

Professional players have been at the forefront of this trend. NHL stars like Phil Kessel, known for his lethal wrist shot, reportedly used sticks with flex ratings significantly lower than what the traditional formula would suggest for their weight. Many modern players who weigh 200+ pounds now use sticks in the 75-85 flex range rather than the 100+ that the old formula would recommend.

Why this shift? Lower flex sticks allow for:

Quicker shot release (crucial in today's fast-paced game where shooting lanes close rapidly)
Enhanced puck feel for stickhandling
Greater flex activation on quick shots, where players don't have time to fully load their sticks
More versatile shooting options in tight spaces

As our understanding of physics and biomechanics has improved, we've realized that efficiently loading the stick—not just using the stiffest possible stick—is what generates optimal shot power. For many players, a slightly lower flex allows them to more effectively load the stick in game situations, resulting in better overall performance.

Modern Approaches to Selecting Flex

Today's approach to selecting flex is much more nuanced than simply dividing your weight by two. Consider these critical factors when determining your ideal flex:

Shooting Style: Players who primarily take wrist shots and snapshots often benefit from lower flex sticks (easier to load quickly), while those who take many slap shots might prefer slightly stiffer sticks (to handle the greater force applied).

Strength and Physical Development: Raw weight doesn't account for differences in upper-body strength. A player with exceptional upper-body strength might comfortably handle a stiffer flex than another player of the same weight.

Position: Traditionally, defensemen often used stiffer sticks for powerful point shots and battling in front of the net, while forwards preferred whippier sticks for quick releases. While these general trends still exist, the lines have blurred considerably as the game has evolved.

Game Style: Physical players who frequently engage in puck battles might benefit from slightly stiffer sticks for added leverage, while finesse players might prefer lower flex for enhanced feel and quick shooting.

As a general modern guideline (not a rigid rule), consider these starting points:

Forwards: Weight ÷ 2.2 to Weight ÷ 2.5
Defensemen: Weight ÷ 2 to Weight ÷ 2.2
Physical power players: Weight ÷ 1.8 to Weight ÷ 2
Finesse skill players: Weight ÷ 2.3 to Weight ÷ 2.5

Remember, these are merely starting points for experimentation, not definitive answers.

Finding Your Ideal Flex: A Personalized Approach

The most effective way to determine your ideal flex is through systematic experimentation and honest self-assessment. Here's how to approach finding your perfect match:

Start With a Baseline: Use the modern guidelines above as a starting point, but don't consider them absolute.

Perform a Simple Flex Test: Hold your stick in normal shooting position and try to press the blade against a wall or the ice. You should be able to flex the stick noticeably but not so easily that you bottom it out. If you can barely flex it, it's likely too stiff; if it flexes too easily, it might be too whippy.

Watch for These Signs: Your flex might be too stiff if:

Your shots lack power despite good technique
You find it difficult to get a quick release
Your wrist shots tend to rise too high

Your flex might be too whippy if:

You feel the stick "bottoming out" during hard shots
Your shots lack accuracy
You feel less control during puck battles

Gradual Adjustments: If you decide to change your flex, do so gradually (5-10 flex points at a time) to allow your body to adapt to the different feel.

Practice Deliberately: When testing a new flex, practice all types of shots and stickhandling scenarios to get a complete picture of how it affects your game.

Common Misconceptions About Flex

Several persistent myths about flex continue to circulate in hockey circles:

"Stiffer sticks always provide more power": Not necessarily true. A stick that's too stiff for you will prevent proper loading, potentially reducing shot power. The right flex allows you to optimize energy transfer based on your strength and technique.

"Lighter players must use lower flex sticks": While weight is a factor, playing style and strength are equally important. Some smaller players with strong shooting mechanics can effectively use stiffer sticks.

"Defensemen always need stiffer sticks": Position-based generalizations are becoming less relevant as the game evolves. Many modern defensemen use more moderate flex sticks to improve quick shots from the point and enhance puck movement.

"Professional players all use high flex sticks": In reality, many NHL players use lower flex ratings than fans might expect. The key is finding what works for your individual game, not copying someone else's specifications.

Considering the Complete Package

Flex doesn't exist in isolation—it's just one component of your stick's performance characteristics. When selecting flex, consider how it interacts with:

Kick Point and Flex Profile: Low-kick sticks flex primarily near the blade for quick releases, while mid-kick sticks flex in the middle for balanced performance, and high-kick sticks flex higher up for maximum loading on slap shots. Your ideal flex may change depending on which kick point you prefer.

Read more about "Kick Points" on a hockey stick here.

Blade Pattern: Certain blade patterns naturally complement specific flex ranges. For example, curves designed for wrist shots often pair well with lower flex sticks that enhance quick release.

Read more about "Blade Patterns & Curves" on a hockey stick here.

Stick Length: Adding or removing length from a stick affects its effective flex. Cutting a stick shorter makes it feel stiffer; extending it makes it feel whippier. For every inch you cut off, the stick effectively gains 3-5 flex points in stiffness.

Grip vs. Non-Grip Finish: The feel of your stick in your hands can influence how effectively you load it during shots. Some players find they can better leverage a specific flex with a particular finish.

Conclusion

While flex is an important specification, remember that it's ultimately just a tool to enhance the skills you already possess. No flex rating will transform an average shooter into an elite sniper overnight—that comes from practice, technique development, and understanding your own game.

The true value in understanding flex comes from the informed decisions it allows you to make. Rather than relying on arbitrary rules or copying what others use, you can systematically determine what equipment best complements your unique playing style.

Hockey equipment is deeply personal. Despite what a certain flex is designed or intended for, some players may prefer it for entirely different reasons—and that's perfectly fine. The recommendations in this article are simply starting points in your journey to find what works for you.

By understanding the "why" behind flex selection, you're empowered to make choices that will help you enjoy the game more fully and perform at your best. And isn't that accessibility—removing barriers to enjoyment and performance—what hockey equipment should ultimately provide?

Additional Resources

Understanding Kick Points:

Low-kick: Flex primarily near the blade for quick releases
Mid-kick: Balanced flex throughout the shaft for versatility
High-kick: Flex concentrated in the upper portion for maximum loading

Read more about "Kick Points" on a hockey stick here.

Testing Different Flex Options:

Many pro shops offer demo programs for trying sticks before purchasing
Consider borrowing sticks from teammates with similar height but different flex ratings
When testing, focus on how the stick performs in game-like situations, not just in stationary shots

Key Terms:

Flex point: The location where the stick bends most during a shot
Flex profile: How the flex is distributed throughout the shaft
Loading: The act of bending the stick to store energy
Release: The moment when stored energy transfers from the stick to the puck

Questions to Ask When Selecting Your Next Stick:

What types of shots do I take most frequently?
How has my strength changed since my last stick purchase?
Do I find myself in more quick-release situations or full wind-up scenarios?
What aspects of my current stick do I like and dislike?

Remember, the perfect flex is the one that helps you play your best game—regardless of what any formula or conventional wisdom might suggest.