How to Choose Your Hockey Stick Flex

Flex is one of the most misunderstood specs on a hockey stick — and one of the most important. Get it wrong and you'll lose power on your shot. Get it right and the puck practically launches off the blade.

Here's how to find yours.

What Is Flex?

Flex is a number that tells you how much force (in pounds) it takes to bend the stick one inch. A 75 flex stick requires 75 lbs of pressure to bend one inch. Lower number = more flex (softer). Higher number = less flex (stiffer).

The General Rule: Half Your Body Weight

The most reliable starting point is to take your body weight in pounds and divide by two.

120 lbs → 60 flex
150 lbs → 75 flex
180 lbs → 90 flex
200+ lbs → 100 flex

This is a starting point, not a rule. Your position and shot style matter too.

Adjust for Position and Shot Style

Go softer if you:

Rely on wrist shots and snap shots
Play forward and want a quicker release
Are newer to the game and still developing your shot

Go stiffer if you:

Shoot primarily slap shots
Play defense and want more power on point shots
Have a strong lower body and generate a lot of torque

What About Cutting the Stick?

Every inch you cut off the top of the shaft effectively increases the flex by about 3–5 points. If you order a 75 flex and cut 2 inches, you're playing closer to an 80–85. Factor this in before you order — especially on a custom stick where you're specifying exact length.

Kids and Youth Players

Junior sticks typically come in 30–50 flex. For young players, err on the softer side. A stick that's too stiff will cause them to compensate with poor mechanics just to load the shaft.

Bottom Line

Start with half your body weight, adjust one step softer if you're a forward who relies on quick releases, and remember that cutting the stick stiffens it. When in doubt, go slightly softer — it's easier to generate power with a whippy stick than to muscle through one that's too stiff.

→ Ready to build yours? Find your flex on our custom stick builder.
→ Not sure about sizing? Check our Stick Guide for a full breakdown.

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