Hockey Stick Flex Calculator

Do you want to shoot like Matthews, Bedard, or Ovie? A large part of it is talent and practice, but a key ingredient is their stick flex. Your hockey stick flex directly influences your shooting, passing, and puck-handling abilities, and an incorrect fit can lead to poor performance. If you are unsure of your stick flex or looking for a second opinion, use this free online Hockey Stick Flex Calculator for an answer based on NHL player data.

For stick length, we are referring to the length from blade to nob (bottom to top).

How Do You Determine Stick Length?

Stick length is much more about personal preference and playstyle than mathematic calculation.

As a general rule of thumb, short sticks offer better control and are easier to handle, making quick maneuvers and accurate passes a breeze. They’re perfect for skilled players who love to play with the puck. On the other hand, long sticks give you a greater reach, which is fantastic for defense, letting you intercept pucks and keep opponents at bay.

Now, when it comes to general stick length guidelines, what I was taught at a hockey store is that the top (or nob) of the stick should reach your chin. This is generally about 8 inches shorter than your height. In simple numbers:

• If you are 6 feet tall (72 inches) the stick length we would suggest as a stick fitter is 64 inches.
• If you are 5 foot 5 (66 inches), a good starting point would be 58 inches.

Remember, when measuring and determining your stick length, stand on your tippy toes to mimic the extra height from your blades.

A long stick will generally be 2.5 inches higher than this, while a shorter stick will be 2.5 inches lower. This is not an exact science, but something that has been used by hockey stores for decades.

*If you are using feet, write it in this format (using six foot three as an example): 6.3

What Does Hockey Stick Flex Mean And Why Does it Matter?

Hockey stick flex refers to the stiffness of a hockey stick and dictates how many pounds of force it takes to bend. Flex is typically measured as a number, often ranging from about 40 to 120. For example, a stick with an 85 flex requires 85 pounds of force to bend one inch.

The flex of a hockey stick directly impacts shot power and accuracy. When a player takes a shot, the stick bends and then snaps back to its original shape, acting like a spring to propel the puck forward. A lower flex generates more whip and thus more power. So, why does it matter? The answer is in the details.

Opting for a lower stick benefits players who prefer quick wrist shots and snapshots, as the lower flex point (65 for example) allows them to generate more whip on the same amount of power compared to a higher stick flex (85).

However, players who can wield a high-flex stick often have booming slappers (Case in point, Zdeno Chara).

For players under 12, we often recommend starting at 30 or 40 flex.

What Are Kick Points & How Do They Impact Flex?

We’ve talked about flex here at the Hockey Stick Flex Calculator too, but there is another important variable we cannot overlook, the kick point. A kick point, or flex point, in hockey sticks, is the section of the shaft that bends the most when force is applied. This bend determines how the stick unleashes energy onto the puck, playing a vital role in shot power, speed, and control. Understanding the different types of kickpoints can help players select a stick that complements their playstyle, optimizing performance on the ice.

Low Kick Point

Designed for quick puck release, low kick point sticks flex near the blade, supporting rapid wrist shots and snapshots. These sticks are lighter to flex, and ideal for forwards and agile players who prioritize speed and finesse over brute shot power. The quick flex action helps you get a deadly wrister off in almost no time (think Bedard).

High Kick Point

A high kick point means the stick bends closer to the top, requiring more force to flex but yielding more whip and power. These sticks suit players who are strong on their sticks and want to maximize the energy transfer for powerful slap shots. Defensemen and power forwards who prefer wrist shots and slapshots benefit the most.

Mid Kick Point

Balancing between quick release and power, a mid-kick point will flex around the center of the shaft. A mid-kick point is one of the most popular as it compliments most playstyles with its mix of control, power, and agility. Players who like to stick handle, shoot, pass, and make plays will appreciate their versatility.

Hybrid/Variable Kick Point

Hybrid or variable kick points are similar to a mid-kick point but adapt based on the player’s hand positioning and shot type. These sticks adapt to various shooting styles, mimicking a low kick point for quick releases and a high kick point for long shots. Although they might not excel in any one aspect like specialized kick points, their adaptability makes them a jack-of-all-trades choice, particularly suited for players with dynamic roles on the ice.

To summarize, the kickpoint doesn’t directly impact the stiffness or “flex” rating of a hockey stick. Instead, the kick point determines where along the shaft the stick flexes most easily when force is applied.

Stick Flex is Often Personal

I’ve played with players who have a super stiff twig, and other players that prefer a wet noodle. At the end of the day, finding your preferred flex comes down to playstyle and experience. We suggest trying our Hockey Stick Flex Calculator to see what it suggests and trying your friend’s sticks, to see how different flex and kick points feel in your hands.

Hockey Stick Flex Calculator Resources

Thank you to everyone who helped us put the Hockey Stick Flex Calculator together. All the websites that we learned from are listed below.

https://www.thehockeyshop.com/blogs/buying-guides/hockey-stick-basics-kick-points

https://www.reddit.com/r/hockeyplayers/comments/14jl4si/dont_use_half_your_body_weight_as_your_stick_flex/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tQTIP5AsY4

https://prostockhockeysticks.com/pages/stick-tracker