If youve ever been on the ice, you know that the right hockey stick can make all the difference for your game.
When it comes to choosing the ideal stick, one of the most important considerations is hockey stick flex.
But with so many options available, how do you determine which flex is best for you? In this comprehensive guide, well break down the basics of hockey stick flex, explain how it affects your game, and offer advice on what factors you should consider when selecting the perfect flex.
Well also look at the differences between low and high flex sticks, and provide tips on how to test different flexes.
So if youre ready to take your hockey game to the next level, lets get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To determine the correct flex for a hockey stick, several factors should be taken into account, including the player’s height, weight, and age, as well as the level of play.
Generally, a stick with a lower flex number will be more flexible and easier to manipulate, while a stick with a higher flex number will be stiffer and provide more power.
The best way to determine the correct flex is to try out a few different sticks and determine which one feels best for your individual playing style.
What is Hockey Stick Flex?
When it comes to hockey sticks, its important to understand the concept of flex.
Flex refers to the stiffness of the stick shaft, and is measured in units of stiffness, usually written as Flex on the stick.
A higher flex rating indicates a stiffer stick, while a lower flex rating indicates a more flexible stick.
Flex ratings can range from as low as 15 to as high as 140.
Choosing the right flex for your stick is an important part of playing hockey.
It can have a big impact on the power, accuracy, and control of your shots.
For example, a stick with a higher flex rating is more likely to provide more power to your shots, while a stick with a lower flex rating is more likely to provide better control and accuracy.
Its important to note that the flex of the stick doesnt just depend on the stick itself.
The size of the player, the type of shot they take (i.e.
slap shot, wrist shot, etc.), and the strength of their wrists and arms all play a role in determining the right flex for them.
Generally, a smaller player should look for a stick with a lower flex, while a larger player should look for a stick with a higher flex.
A player who takes powerful shots should also look for a stick with a higher flex, while a player who takes more finesse shots should look for a stick with a lower flex.
Ultimately, choosing the right flex is a personal preference, and you should experiment with different flexes to find the one that works best for you.
You should also consider the type of shot you take when selecting a stick.
For example, if you take more slap shots, you should look for a stick with a higher flex, while if you take more wrist shots, you should look for a stick with a lower flex.
Its important to note that the flex of the stick isnt the only factor that affects a players performance.
Stick weight, blade pattern, and the players skill level all play a role in determining a players performance.
However, choosing the right flex for your stick is an important step for any hockey player, and can have a big impact on your performance.
How Does Hockey Stick Flex Affect Your Game?
Hockey stick flex is an important factor to consider when choosing the right stick for you.
Your stick flex can have an impact on the speed, power, and accuracy of shots.
A stick with a higher flex rating will provide more power and speed on shots, but less control.
On the other hand, a lower flex rating will provide more control, but less power and speed.
The size of the player is also a factor to consider when determining the best hockey stick flex.
Smaller players will benefit from a stick with a lower flex rating, as it will give them more control and accuracy on their shots.
Larger players may need a higher flex rating to take advantage of their size and generate more power and speed on their shots.
The type of shots you take also affects the type of hockey stick flex you should choose.
If you take slap shots, wrist shots, or any other type of powerful shot, you may benefit from a higher flex rating.
This will allow you to generate more power and speed on your shots.
If you take more finesse shots, such as tips and deflections, you may benefit from a lower flex rating, as it will give you more control and accuracy on these shots.
Finally, the strength of your wrists and arms should also be taken into consideration when choosing the right hockey stick flex.
If you have strong wrists and arms, a higher flex rating may be beneficial for you, as it will allow you to generate more power and speed on your shots.
If you have weak wrists and arms, a lower flex rating may be better, as it will give you more control and accuracy on your shots.
Ultimately, choosing the right hockey stick flex is a personal preference, and you should experiment with different flexes to find the one that works best for you.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Hockey Stick Flex?
Choosing the right hockey stick flex is an important step for any hockey player, as it can affect the speed and power of shots, as well as the control you have over the puck.
To determine the right flex for you, there are a few factors to consider.
The size of the player is one of the most important factors when considering hockey stick flex.
Generally, smaller players should look for a stick with a lower flex, as it will be easier to handle and less likely to cause fatigue.
Larger players may prefer a higher flex, as it will provide more power and control.
The type of shot you take can also influence the flex of the stick you should choose.
For instance, if you take powerful slap shots or wrist shots, you should look for a stick with a higher flex.
On the other hand, if you primarily take finesse shots, you may prefer a stick with a lower flex.
Finally, the strength of your wrists and arms can also dictate the flex of the stick you should choose.
If you have strong wrists and arms, you may be able to handle a stick with a higher flex.
On the other hand, if your wrists and arms are not as strong, you should look for a stick with a lower flex.
Ultimately, choosing the right flex is a personal preference, and you should experiment with different flexes to find the one that works best for you.
Try out different flexes and see which one feels the most comfortable and provides the best control over the puck.
Smaller Players and Low Flex Hockey Sticks
When it comes to determining the flex of your hockey stick, the size of the player is a key factor to consider.
Generally speaking, smaller players should opt for a stick with a lower flex.
This is because a lower flex gives them more control over the puck and helps them generate shots with less effort.
Lower flex sticks also have a greater range of motion, making them easier to maneuver for smaller players.
For smaller players, a stick with a flex rating between 40-60 is ideal.
This flex range will give them the control they need to make precise passes and accurate shots.
The lower flex will also allow them to generate greater power with less effort, helping them make the most of their size and strength.
When shopping for a stick, its important to bear in mind that the flex rating is only a guideline; ultimately, its up to the individual to determine which flex works best for them.
While lower flex sticks are generally recommended for smaller players, its important to note that some players may find that a stick with a higher flex works better for them.
Experimenting with different flexes is the best way to find the right stick for you.
Powerful Slap Shots and High Flex Hockey Sticks
When it comes to choosing the right hockey stick flex for your game, one of the most important considerations to make is the type of shot you take.
If youre a player who takes powerful slap shots, you should look for a stick with a higher flex.
Higher flex sticks provide better control and more power, so theyre ideal for slap shots.
The stiffer the shaft, the more power youll have behind your shot.
However, its important to keep in mind that a higher flex stick can be difficult to control, so if youre not used to shooting with a higher flex, you may find it difficult to master.
Its important to find the right balance between power and control, so experiment with different flexes to find the one that works best for you.
How to Know Which Flex Is Right For You?
When it comes to selecting the best hockey stick flex for your playing style, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Every player is unique and has different needs when it comes to their playing style and the stick they choose.
To ensure youre getting the optimal flex for your game, it is important to take into account your size, the type of shot you take, as well as the strength of your wrists and arms.
If you are a smaller player, you should look for a stick with a lower flex.
This will give you more control over the puck, allowing for more finesse and accuracy when it comes to passing and shooting.
Additionally, a lower flex will help you generate more power from your shots, as the stick will flex more, allowing you to generate more velocity.
If you take powerful slap shots or wrist shots, you should look for a stick with a higher flex.
A higher flex will help you generate more power from your shots, as the stick will bend less, allowing you to shoot harder.
Additionally, a higher flex will give you more control over the puck, as the stiffness of the stick will help you better guide the puck in the direction you want it to go.
Ultimately, the best way to find the right flex for you is to experiment with different flexes until you find the one that works best for you.
It may take some time to find the right one, but its worth the effort.
Once you have found the right flex, you will be able to take full advantage of the sticks capabilities and play your best game.
Testing Different Flexes
Finding the right hockey stick flex is an important part of any hockey player’s game.
Different flexes affect the speed and power of the shot, as well as the control you have over the puck.
The best way to determine the right flex for you is to experiment with different flexes and find one that works best for you.
When testing different flexes, you should consider the size of the player, the type of shot they take, and the strength of their wrists and arms.
Generally, lighter players should look for a stick with a lower flex, while heavier players should look for a higher flex.
If you take powerful slap shots or wrist shots, you should look for a stick with a higher flex.
It is also important to know that the flex rating of the stick is not the only factor to consider when choosing the right flex.
The weight of the stick and the type of blade are also important factors.
A heavier stick with a stiffer blade may feel too stiff for some players, while a lighter stick with a lighter blade may feel too flexible.
When testing different flexes, it can be helpful to have a coach or a teammate help you.
This will ensure that you are using the same technique and power when testing different flexes.
You should also pay attention to how each flex feels when you are shooting and passing the puck.
Does the stick feel too stiff or too flexible? Does the puck come off the stick faster or slower than when you are using a different flex?
Ultimately, choosing the right flex is a personal preference.
You should experiment with different flexes and find the one that works best for you.
With the right flex, you will be able to take shots with more speed and power, and have more control over the puck.
Final Thoughts
By taking the time to consider your size, the type of shot you take, and the strength of your wrists and arms, you can determine the hockey stick flex that is best for you.
If you are a smaller player, you should opt for a lower flex hockey stick, while a higher flex hockey stick is better for those taking powerful slap shots.
Ultimately, the best way to find out which flex is best for you is to experiment with different flexes and find the one that works best for you.
Now that you know the basics of how to determine hockey stick flex, it’s time to get out there and give it a try!