The best hockey stick isn't just about the brand and curve that your stick has; a significant aspect that affects every element of the game of hockey is your stick flex, affecting shooting, passing, puck handling, and overall gameplay. You will be shooting a harder, more accurate shot and will feel more comfortable during every aspect of the game. The following will explain flexibility ratings to help you choose the perfect hockey stick for your individual attributes.
When one is talking about hockey stick flex, they are actually referring to the amount of force necessary to bend a hockey stick. A stick's flex rating is defined as the amount of force in pounds that must be applied to bend a stick's shaft one inch. An 85-flex stick, for example, can be bent one inch using approximately 85 pounds of force.
Flex ratings in hockey sticks range from a young player's sticks to an adult's stick. Young players' sticks are generally more flexible (have a lower flex rating) than an adult's stick. The proper balance must be struck to allow the player to store enough power to send pucks with force into the net.
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The flex rating of the stick has a greater impact on the player's performance than the curve pattern and length. When taking a shot, the shaft will bend and store energy before release, which will then transfer into the puck, helping with speed. Flex ratings influence the puck feel on sticks and can give the player the feel they need during both passing and shooting.
Forwards looking for quicker shots will need a lower flex, while defensemen looking for slapshot power will need a higher flex. In many cases, the optimal stick flex for a player depends more on the player's style of play than on body weight, but it is a good starting point to pick a flex equal to half your body weight.
There are many people out there who ask "how to choose the right hockey stick flex". The best place to start is with a stick whose flex is about half of the player's body weight (a 180-pound player will start by testing a 90-flex stick). You have to remember, though, that body weight is not the only thing that determines your ideal stick flex. Shooting mechanics, overall strength, and preferred shooting style all contribute to how much a stick should bend to provide an ideal amount of responsiveness and stability.
Players who tend to favor wrist or snap shots might benefit more from slightly lower flexibility to get quicker releases, whereas defensemen who generate a lot of force when shooting a slapshot might be better suited for a stiffer stick with a higher flex rating. Trying a variety of options in practice is often the best way to find the stick that has the ideal flex for an individual player's game.
Yes, it does. Stick flex directly impacts how efficiently a player's shot will translate into puck velocity. An overpowered stick, meaning a stick with too high a flex rating, will limit a player's ability to properly load and utilize the shaft, thereby limiting a player's shot velocity. An underpowered stick, meaning a stick with too low a flex rating, will store too much energy, which in turn can limit a player's stickhandling capabilities and puck accuracy.
You need to realize the importance of the stick flex's effect on shot power; regardless of whether it directly or indirectly benefits shooting power, it will do so. Remember, when asked, does stick flex affect shooting power? That technique is still more important.
Distinguishing between high-flex and low-flex hockey sticks can significantly simplify the shopping experience. High flex sticks are the stiffer and more resistant sticks. Low flex sticks are the soft and more bendable ones. When people discuss high flex vs low flex hockey sticks, the debate usually centers on player style. Those who take more wrist shots and benefit from having a quicker release may find the responsiveness of a low flex stick advantageous, whereas those who possess considerable strength in their shot may prefer the stability provided by a high flex stick.
Neither high flex nor low flex hockey sticks are "better" than the other. It is dependent on the player, and the player should use high-flex vs. low-flex hockey sticks that best fit their needs. Consider strength level when picking high flex vs low flex hockey sticks, along with your shooting style.
Many parents will question, "What flex should a youth hockey player use?" A youth player should typically use a low-flex stick because they lack the strength required to properly flex a stiffer stick. Utilizing a stick of the correct flex helps young players build better shooting habits rather than relying on improper technique to get velocity behind the puck.
"What flex should a youth hockey player use?" is more of a suggestion, and players will need to pick their own based on their body weight, age, and shooting style, and it may need to be reassessed as the player develops their strength.
The connection between stick flex and stickhandling is often not recognized. In the case of stick flex and stickhandling, sticks with lower flex ratings tend to provide a better 'feel' for the puck, aiding quick transitions. Some players prefer this 'feel' for creative offense, and the added feel also helps with pass receive and delivery due to the shaft absorbing some impact. So "stick flex and stickhandling connection" comes into play.
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The right hockey stick flex will profoundly improve a player's shot velocity, pass speed, puck control, and much more. By considering body weight, strength, and individual shooting style, players can discover which flex will maximize their performance and enhance their feel on the puck, creating a better all-around player and promoting confidence in every aspect of the game.
Yes. By shortening a stick, the player effectively increases its stiffness. Each increment removed can significantly affect the flex rating. A player who chooses to shorten his stick should take this into account when choosing a new one in order to find a stick that performs in the same manner.
No. Professional hockey players use all different flexes of sticks depending on what works for them and what role they play. There are high-level scorers who use a lower flex to get a quick release and defensemen who use a stiffer shaft to provide stability. There is no one flex rating for players at the elite level.
A player should look to reevaluate their stick flex whenever their strength or weight changes significantly, as well as their style of play. Growing young players will need to reevaluate more often. Checking the flex rating can help prevent a player from shooting in a manner that will harm their development.
Not always, although beginners will benefit from using a softer stick in many cases because it's easier to load into a shot to generate more speed with good technique, the best flex still relies heavily on the player's weight and strength, as well as comfort.
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