Expert Guide by Position

Choosing the right hockey stick flex is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a player. The flex rating determines how much force is required to bend your stick, directly impacting your shot power, accuracy, and puck handling. Too stiff, and you’ll struggle to load the stick properly. Too whippy, and you’ll lose control and accuracy.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about hockey stick flex, including position-specific recommendations, weight-based calculations, and how pro stock sticks differ from retail models.

What is Hockey Stick Flex?

Flex rating measures the amount of force (in pounds) required to bend a hockey stick one inch. A stick with an 85 flex requires 85 pounds of force to bend it one inch. Lower flex numbers indicate a more flexible stick, while higher numbers mean a stiffer stick.

The flex affects three critical aspects of your game:

• Shot Power: A properly flexed stick stores and releases energy like a catapult, generating more velocity on your shots
• Shot Accuracy: The right flex gives you better control over puck release and trajectory
• Puck Feel: Flex influences how well you can feel the puck on your blade during stickhandling and receiving passes

The Standard Flex Formula: Half Your Body Weight

The most commonly cited guideline is to choose a flex rating equal to half your body weight. For example, a 180-pound player would typically use a 90 flex stick. However, this is just a starting point—your position, playing style, and personal preference should also influence your decision.

Important note on stick cutting: When you cut down a hockey stick, you increase its stiffness. Every inch you remove adds roughly 3-5 flex points. If you buy an 85 flex stick and cut it down 2 inches, it will play closer to a 91-95 flex.

General Flex Chart by Weight

Player Weight	Recommended Flex	Flex Range
60-80 lbs	30-40	Youth flex
80-100 lbs	40-50	40-52
100-130 lbs	50-65	50-67
130-150 lbs	65-75	60-77
150-170 lbs	75-85	70-87
170-190 lbs	85-95	80-95
190-210 lbs	95-100	87-102
210+ lbs	100-110+	95-110+

Position-Specific Flex Recommendations

While body weight is important, your position and playing style should heavily influence your flex choice. Here’s what you need to know for each position:

Forwards (Centers & Wingers)

Recommended Flex Range: Typically 5-10 flex points LOWER than the standard half-body-weight formula

Forwards benefit from lower flex sticks because they take more wrist shots, snap shots, and quick release shots. A whippier stick allows for:

• Faster shot release from in tight
• Better ability to load the stick on wrist shots and snap shots
• Improved puck feel during stickhandling and dangles
• Easier one-timers with less wind-up required

Pro Player Examples:

• Connor McDavid (6’1″, 193 lbs): Uses an 85 flex—notably lower than his weight would suggest
• Patrick Kane (5’10”, 177 lbs): Uses a 75-80 flex for maximum quick-release capability
• Auston Matthews (6’3″, 220 lbs): Uses a 95 flex, which is still below his body weight

Ideal for forwards who: Prioritize quick releases, take many wrist/snap shots, play in tight spaces, and focus on stickhandling.

Defensemen

Recommended Flex Range: Equal to or 5-10 flex points HIGHER than the standard formula

Defensemen typically prefer stiffer sticks because they:

• Take more slapshots from the point (requiring maximum energy transfer)
• Need stability during board battles and defensive plays
• Benefit from better puck-stopping ability on the blue line
• Require more durability for blocked shots and physical play

Pro Player Examples:

• Cale Makar (5’11”, 187 lbs): Uses a 95 flex for powerful point shots
• Victor Hedman (6’6″, 241 lbs): Uses a 110+ flex for devastating slapshots
• Quinn Hughes (5’10”, 180 lbs): Uses an 85-87 flex (more offensive-minded D-man style)

Exception for offensive defensemen: If you play a more forward-like style with lots of zone entries and skating, you might prefer a slightly lower flex similar to forwards.

Power Forwards & Physical Players

Recommended Flex Range: Equal to half your body weight or slightly higher

If your game involves heavy board battles, net-front presence, and physical play, you’ll want a stiffer stick that won’t break or lose effectiveness during contact. Power forwards often split the difference between skill forwards and defensemen.

Pro Player Examples:

• Alex Ovechkin (6’3″, 239 lbs): Uses a 100+ flex for his legendary slapshot
• Tom Wilson (6’4″, 218 lbs): Uses a 95-100 flex for durability in physical play

Goalies

Recommended Flex Range: Goalie sticks use different flex measurements and typically range from very stiff (regular/stiff) to medium (mid) flex

Goalie stick flex works differently than player sticks and focuses on puck-handling ability versus shot power. Most goalies prefer stiffer paddles for better puck control and clearing ability.

How Playing Style Affects Flex Choice

Beyond position, your individual playing style should inform your flex decision:

Choose a LOWER flex if you:

• Take mostly wrist shots and snap shots
• Prioritize quick release over maximum power
• Play with a short stick (less leverage to flex)
• Focus heavily on stickhandling and dangling

Choose a HIGHER flex if you:

• Take frequent slapshots
• Play a more physical, grinding style
• Use a longer stick (more leverage)
• Have excellent core strength and shooting mechanics

Pro Stock Flex: What Makes It Different?

Pro stock hockey sticks often have more specific flex options than retail sticks. While retail sticks typically come in standard increments (75, 85, 95), pro stock inventory may include flex ratings like 77, 87, 92, or 102—allowing for much more precise customization.

Key differences:

• More flex options: Pro stock sticks come in odd flexes like 77, 87, 92 that aren’t available retail
• Custom kick points: Some pro stocks have modified flex profiles tailored to specific players
• Higher quality materials: Pro stock sticks often use premium carbon fiber layups
• Better value: At Reference Hockey, pro stock sticks are up to 70% off retail MSRP, giving you pro-level performance at a fraction of the cost

Testing Your Flex: Signs You’ve Got It Right (or Wrong)

Signs your flex is TOO LOW (too whippy):

• Shots feel inaccurate or unpredictable
• Stick feels “floppy” during stickhandling
• Puck flutters or knuckles in the air
• Receiving passes feels mushy

Signs your flex is TOO HIGH (too stiff):

• Difficulty loading the stick on wrist shots
• Shots lack power despite good technique
• Stick feels “dead” or unresponsive
• Difficulty with quick-release shots

Signs your flex is JUST RIGHT:

• You can visibly see the stick flex when taking wrist shots
• Shots feel powerful and accurate
• Good puck feel during stickhandling
• Confident receiving and making passes

Common Flex Myths Debunked

Myth #1: “Stiffer sticks always shoot harder”

Reality: If you can’t properly flex a stiff stick, you’ll actually lose power. The key is finding a flex you can load effectively with your current strength and technique.

Myth #2: “Lower flex is only for kids and beginners”

Reality: Many elite NHL players use lower flex sticks (75-85) because it gives them better quick-release capability and puck feel.

Myth #3: “You should increase flex as you get stronger”

Reality: Not necessarily. Many players find their optimal flex and stick with it for years, even as they gain strength. It’s about what works for your game, not just raw power.

How to Choose Your Next Pro Stock Stick at Reference Hockey

At Reference Hockey, we carry pro stock sticks in a wide range of flex options from all major brands:

• Bauer: Vapor, Nexus, and Supreme lines in flexes from 70-110+
• CCM: Jetspeed, Tacks, and Trigger models with 65-105 flex options
• True: HZRDUS line with unique flex profiles
• Warrior & Sherwood: Various flex options across their pro stock lines

Shopping tips:

• Filter by your preferred flex range (we organize inventory by flex: 60-69, 70-79, 80-89, 90-99, 100+)
• Consider your curve preference alongside flex (P28, P92, P88 are popular)
• Check back often—our pro stock inventory is updated daily with new arrivals
• Remember to account for stick cutting when selecting your flex

Final Recommendations by Position

Position	Weight	Recommended Flex	Notes
Forward	150-170 lbs	70-80	Prioritize quick release
Forward	170-190 lbs	77-87	Balance of power & feel
Forward	190-210 lbs	85-95	Still below body weight
Defenseman	170-190 lbs	87-95	Point shot power
Defenseman	190-210 lbs	95-102	Maximum slapshot velocity
Defenseman	210+ lbs	100-110+	Big bodies, big flex
Power Forward	180-200 lbs	87-95	Durability + power
Power Forward	200-220 lbs	95-102	Physical play style

Choosing the right hockey stick flex is a personal decision that depends on your body weight, position, playing style, and individual preferences. While the “half your body weight” rule is a good starting point, don’t be afraid to experiment within a range to find what feels best for your game.

The beauty of pro stock sticks is that they offer more flex variety than retail options, allowing you to fine-tune your equipment to match your exact specifications. Whether you’re a sniper forward looking for a quick release with an 80 flex, or a stay-at-home defenseman needing a 102 flex for booming point shots, there’s a pro stock option that’s perfect for you.

Ready to find your perfect flex? Browse our complete selection of pro stock hockey sticks for sale, organized by flex range, brand, and curve. With new inventory added daily and prices up to 70% off retail, you can afford to try different flex options and find your ideal stick. Shop now at Reference Hockey and elevate your game with pro-level equipment.