How to Choose the Right Hockey Stick Flex
Barn Garb Hockey ThreadsWalk into any hockey shop and you’ll see sticks lined up with numbers on them:
65. 75. 85. 100.
That number is your stick flex.
And it matters more than most players think.
What is hockey stick flex?
Flex is how much your stick bends when you shoot.
A simple way to think about it:
- Lower number = more flexible stick
- Higher number = stiffer stick
So:
- 65 flex bends easily
- 85 flex is more standard
- 100 flex is stiff
When you shoot, that bend stores energy and releases it into the puck.
More bend (when used properly) = more power.
Why flex actually matters
If your stick is too stiff:
- it won’t load properly
- you’ll lose power
- shots feel “dead”
If your stick is too whippy:
- you lose accuracy
- timing feels off
- puck control can feel sloppy
The right flex gives you:
- better shot release
- more consistent accuracy
- more pop without forcing it
The simple starting point (this is what most people use)
There’s a reason you hear this all the time:
👉 Start around half your body weight
Examples:
- 160 lb player → ~80 flex
- 180 lb player → ~85–90 flex
- 200 lb player → ~95–100 flex
It’s not perfect, but it’s a really solid baseline.
Flex is just one part of your overall stick setup.
Flex is just one part of your overall stick setup.
Dial In Your Stick Setup
Flex is just one piece — your full stick setup matters too.
Why that rule works
Stronger, heavier players naturally put more force into the stick.
So they can:
- load a stiffer stick
- control it better
- get more energy transfer
Lighter players:
- need a softer stick to get that same bend
- otherwise they’re just swinging a rigid piece of carbon
But here’s where it gets interesting
The “half your body weight” rule is just a starting point.
A lot of players don’t stay there.
Playing style changes everything
Quick release / close-range shooter
You might want a lower flex
Why:
- easier to load quickly
- better for snapshots and wrist shots
-
less effort to generate power
Heavy shooter / slapshots
You might prefer a higher flex
Why:
- more stability
- better for big wind-ups
- more control under force
Most adult rec players
End up going:
Improve Your Shot Mechanics
Your flex works best when your shooting mechanics are dialed in.
👉 slightly lower than half body weight
Because:
- it feels easier
- helps get shots off quicker
- makes the game more fun
One thing most people overlook
Cutting your stick changes the flex
When you cut a stick:
👉 it becomes stiffer
Rule of thumb:
- cut down = +5 to +10 flex feel
So:
- an 85 flex stick might feel like 95 after cutting
This is a big reason people accidentally end up using sticks that feel too stiff.
Stick length also plays a big role in how your flex actually feels.
Get the Right Fit First
Stick flex changes with length and overall fit — make sure your setup matches your body.
Signs your flex might be wrong
Too stiff:
- shots feel weak
- hard to load the stick
- you rely only on arms
Too whippy:
- puck launches too high
- inconsistent accuracy
- feels unstable
Final takeaway
If you want a simple answer:
👉 Start at half your body weight
👉 If it feels stiff, go lower
👉 If it feels too soft, go higher
And most importantly:
Pay attention to how it feels—not what the number says.
Because the best flex isn’t the one someone tells you to use.
It’s the one that actually works when you shoot.
Built for players dialing in every detail. Barn Garb Hockey Threads makes hockey-inspired streetwear built for life at the barn.