Understanding stick flex is one of the most important factors in selecting the right hockey stick, yet it’s often misunderstood by players at all levels. This guide will break down everything you need to know about flex ratings, how they affect your game, and how to choose the perfect flex for your playing style.

What Is Stick Flex?

Stick flex refers to how much a hockey stick bends when force is applied to it. The flex rating is a numerical value that indicates the amount of force (in pounds) required to bend the stick one inch. For example, a stick with an 85 flex rating requires 85 pounds of force to bend it one inch.

The Golden Rule: Lower flex numbers mean a more flexible (whippier) stick, while higher numbers mean a stiffer stick.

How Flex Affects Your Shot

The flex of your stick directly impacts several aspects of your shooting:

Loading and Release When you take a shot, you push down on the stick, causing it to bend and store energy (this is called “loading the stick”). When you release, that stored energy transfers into the puck, creating additional power. Think of it like a catapult—the more you can effectively load and release the flex, the harder your shot becomes.

Shot Power A properly flexed stick acts as a secondary power source. The whip action generated during the release adds significant velocity to your shot beyond just your muscle power alone. Players who can properly utilize their stick’s flex can generate shots that are 10-20% more powerful than with an improperly matched flex.

Shot Accuracy While a flexible stick can generate power, it requires more skill to control. A stick that’s too whippy for your strength level will be difficult to aim consistently. Conversely, a stick that’s too stiff won’t load properly, forcing you to muscle the puck and sacrifice accuracy.

Shot Release Speed Quick-release shots (wrist shots and snap shots) benefit tremendously from proper flex. A stick matched to your strength allows you to get the shot off faster because you can load the stick with less wind-up.

Standard Flex Ratings Explained

Hockey sticks typically range from 30 flex (youth) to 110+ flex (professional), with most adult sticks falling between 75-100.

Youth Flexes (20-50)

• 20-30 Flex: For young beginners, typically ages 4-7
• 40 Flex: Pre-teen players, ages 8-10
• 50 Flex: Older youth and smaller teenagers, ages 11-13

Intermediate Flexes (50-70)

• 50-55 Flex: Smaller teenagers and lighter adults
• 60-65 Flex: Average-sized teenagers
• 70 Flex: Larger teenagers or lighter adult players

Senior Flexes (75-110+)

• 75 Flex: Lighter adult players, smaller forwards, skilled playmakers
• 85 Flex: Most common adult flex, average-sized players
• 95 Flex: Larger players, defensemen, power forwards
• 100-110+ Flex: Professional players, heavy shooters, big defensemen

The “Half Your Body Weight” Rule

The traditional guideline suggests choosing a flex rating that’s approximately half your body weight. While this is a decent starting point, it’s far from a perfect formula.

Example: A 180-pound player would start with a 90 flex.

However, this rule has significant limitations and should be adjusted based on several factors.

Factors That Affect Your Ideal Flex

Playing Position

• Forwards: Generally prefer more flexible sticks (75-95) for quick releases and better puck feel
• Defensemen: Often choose stiffer sticks (95-110) for harder point shots and better puck control during defensive plays
• Power Forwards: May go stiffer (90-100) to win battles and take heavy shots from close range

Shot Type Preference

• Wrist/Snap Shots: Benefit from lower flex for quick loading and release
• Slap Shots: Work better with higher flex to handle the increased force
• Quick Release: Lower flex allows faster energy transfer with less wind-up

Strength and Technique Players with excellent shooting technique can often use a lower flex than the “half your weight” rule suggests because they know how to efficiently load the stick. Conversely, players still developing their technique might need a slightly stiffer stick that’s more forgiving.

Playing Style

• Finesse players who rely on quick hands and deception often prefer lower flex
• Physical players who take high-force shots prefer higher flex
• Playmakers who prioritize passing might choose slightly stiffer for better pass accuracy

Stick Length This is crucial: cutting down a stick makes it stiffer. Every inch you remove increases the effective flex by approximately 3-5 points.

Example: An 85 flex stick cut down 2 inches becomes roughly a 91-95 flex.

How Stick Length Changes Flex

When you shorten a stick, you’re removing leverage, which makes the remaining shaft harder to bend. This is why many players who cut their sticks significantly end up with a flex that’s too stiff for them.

Calculating Your Actual Flex: If you cut a stick, add approximately 3-5 flex points per inch removed.

• 85 flex stick cut 1 inch = ~88-90 flex
• 85 flex stick cut 3 inches = ~94-100 flex

Pro Tip: If you know you’ll be cutting your stick down significantly, start with a lower flex rating to compensate. Many manufacturers now offer “mid kick” or customizable options to help with this.

Kick Point and Flex Profile

The kick point is where the stick flexes most during your shot. This works in conjunction with the flex rating to determine how your stick performs.

Low Kick Point

• Flex occurs closer to the blade
• Benefits: Quicker release, better for wrist shots and snap shots
• Best for: Forwards, players who take lots of quick shots in tight spaces
• Examples: Bauer Vapor line, CCM Jetspeed

Mid Kick Point

• Flex occurs in the middle of the shaft
• Benefits: Balanced power and release, versatile for all shot types
• Best for: All-around players, defensemen who take various shots
• Examples: Bauer Nexus line, CCM Tacks

High/Variable Kick Point

• Flex occurs higher on the shaft, or adjusts based on hand position
• Benefits: Maximum power, especially for slap shots
• Best for: Defensemen, players who wind up for big shots
• Examples: CCM Ribcor (variable), older stick designs

The kick point combined with your flex rating creates your complete shooting profile. A 85 flex low-kick stick will feel and perform very differently than an 85 flex mid-kick stick.

Signs Your Flex Is Wrong

Flex Too Low (Too Whippy):

• Shots sailing high over the net consistently
• Difficulty controlling passes and receiving passes
• Stick feels “noodly” or unstable
• Hard to elevate the puck intentionally on low shots
• Blade twists during hard shots or one-timers

Flex Too High (Too Stiff):

• Difficulty getting the puck off the ice
• Shots lacking power despite good technique
• Can’t feel the puck on your blade
• Fatigue quickly when shooting
• Unable to “load” the stick properly
• Stick doesn’t bend visibly during your shot

Testing and Choosing Your Flex

In-Store Testing

1. Hold the stick in your normal shooting position
2. Apply downward pressure as if taking a wrist shot
3. The stick should bend noticeably but not excessively
4. Try multiple flex ratings 10 points apart
5. Take practice shots if the store allows it

On-Ice Testing The best way to find your ideal flex is to borrow sticks from teammates with different flex ratings during practice. Pay attention to:

• How the puck feels coming off your blade
• Your shot velocity and accuracy
• How quickly you can release shots
• Comfort level during different shot types

Video Analysis Record yourself shooting with different flex ratings. Look for visible flex in the stick during your shooting motion. If you can’t see the stick bending, it’s likely too stiff.

Professional Player Flex Examples

Understanding what the pros use can provide insight, but remember they have exceptional strength and technique:

Forwards:

• Connor McDavid: 85 flex
• Auston Matthews: 80 flex (cut down from 95)
• Patrick Kane: 75 flex
• Nathan MacKinnon: 85 flex

Defensemen:

• Victor Hedman: 110 flex
• Cale Makar: 85 flex
• Alex Pietrangelo: 100 flex

Notice that even among elite players, there’s significant variation based on personal preference and playing style. Some of the hardest shooters in the NHL use relatively low flex ratings because their technique is so refined.

Special Considerations

Junior vs. Intermediate vs. Senior Sticks Beyond just flex, these categories differ in shaft dimensions:

• Junior: Smaller shaft diameter, shorter length, 20-50 flex
• Intermediate: Medium shaft diameter, medium length, 50-75 flex
• Senior: Full shaft diameter, full length, 75-110+ flex

A 60 flex intermediate stick will feel different than a 60 flex senior stick, even at the same flex rating, because the shaft geometry is different.

Composite vs. Wood Modern composite sticks have more consistent and predictable flex patterns compared to traditional wood sticks. Composites also maintain their flex characteristics longer, while wood can soften over time.

Two-Piece vs. One-Piece Sticks One-piece sticks provide more consistent flex and energy transfer. Two-piece sticks (shaft and blade separate) can have dead spots where the two pieces connect, affecting flex performance.

Adjusting to a New Flex

If you’re changing flex ratings significantly, give yourself 3-5 ice sessions to adjust. Your muscle memory is programmed for your old stick, and it takes time to recalibrate.

Tips for Adjustment:

• Start with passing drills to get a feel for the stick
• Progress to stationary shooting before dynamic shooting
• Focus on technique rather than power initially
• Don’t judge the flex too quickly—give it honest time

Flex Recommendations by Category

Youth/Beginner Players (Under 100 lbs) Start with 40-50 flex. Learning proper shooting technique is more important than matching exact flex to strength. A too-stiff stick will prevent skill development.

Teenage Players (100-150 lbs) 55-70 flex range. As technique improves and strength increases, you can adjust. Don’t rush into adult flex too early.

Adult Recreational Players (150-180 lbs) 75-85 flex is the sweet spot for most. If you’re still developing your shot, stay on the lower end. Experienced players can experiment with 85-95.

Adult Competitive Players (180+ lbs) 85-100 flex depending on position and style. Forwards typically 85-95, defensemen 95-105. Adjust based on stick length and personal preference.

Elite/Advanced Players Trust your instincts and experience. Many elite players use lower flex than expected because their technique allows them to maximize energy transfer efficiently.

Common Myths Debunked

Myth: Stiffer sticks always create harder shots Reality: Only if you can properly load the stick. A stick that’s too stiff for your strength will actually reduce shot power because you can’t flex it enough to store and release energy.

Myth: You should increase flex as you get stronger Reality: Many players find success going lower in flex as their technique improves, even as they get stronger. Better technique means more efficient energy transfer.

Myth: Defensemen must use stiff sticks Reality: While many do, players like Cale Makar use 85 flex and generate plenty of power. It’s about finding what works for your game.

Myth: Flex doesn’t matter for passing Reality: Flex significantly affects puck feel and passing accuracy. Too-stiff sticks make it harder to “feel” the puck.

Choosing the right flex is a personal decision that depends on your weight, strength, position, playing style, technique, and stick length. While the “half your body weight” rule provides a starting point, the best approach is to experiment with different options and pay attention to how your shots feel and perform.

Start within the recommended range for your category, test different flexes when possible, and don’t be afraid to adjust until you find your sweet spot. Remember that even small changes (10 flex points) can make a noticeable difference in how your stick performs.

The perfect flex should feel like a natural extension of your arms—bending enough to provide power and feel, but stable enough to maintain control and accuracy. When you find it, your shot will feel effortless, powerful, and consistent.