🏒 Huge Post-Season SALE: Up to 50% OFF our entire range! Until March 8. 🔥

Hejduksport brings you a clear guide on how to choose the right hockey stick flex and improve your shot instantly

Flex determines how much force is required to bend a hockey stick shaft during a shot. The ideal value is approximately half of a player’s body weight in kilograms. The most common mistake among recreational players is choosing a stick that is too stiff, which reduces shot speed and energy transfer.
Published: 26. 2. 2026 14:07
stick bending with 75 flex during wrist shot

Contents

  1. What flex is and how it works
  2. How to determine the correct flex based on body weight
  3. What happens when you choose the wrong flex
  4. How stick length affects stiffness
  5. Differences between brands
  6. Frequently asked questions about stick flex

What Is Flex and How Does It Work

Flex is the numerical rating that indicates shaft stiffness. The higher the number, the stiffer the stick.

During a shot, a hockey stick works like a spring. It bends, stores energy, and then releases that energy into the puck. If the shaft is too stiff and does not bend properly, the energy transfer becomes inefficient.

Flex is measured in laboratory conditions by applying force between two fixed points on the shaft. However, the same flex rating may feel slightly different depending on brand construction and kick point design.

👉 Full hockey stick collection

Hockey stick bending with 75 flex during wrist shot

How to Determine the Correct Flex Based on Body Weight

Basic guideline:

Stick flex should be approximately half of your body weight in kilograms.

60 kg player – flex 60 to 65
75 kg player – flex 70 to 75
90 kg player – flex 85 to 90

A highly technical player may go slightly lower. A strong defenseman taking heavy slap shots may stay at the upper end.

The key indicator is visible shaft bend during the shot. If the stick remains almost straight, it is likely too stiff.

👉Senior hockey sticks
👉Junior hockey sticks
👉Youth hockey sticks

What Happens When You Choose the Wrong Flex

If the stick is too stiff:

  • the shaft does not bend properly
  • shot speed decreases
  • the player must apply excessive force
  • energy transfer becomes inefficient

If the stick is too soft:

  • excessive bending
  • reduced accuracy on slap shots
  • lower stability during powerful shooting

Among recreational leagues, the most common issue is using a flex that is too stiff.

How Stick Length Affects Stiffness

Cutting the shaft increases stiffness.

Shortening a stick by 2 to 3 centimeters can increase the effective flex by approximately 3 to 5 points. This is especially common among junior players, where the final stick often feels significantly stiffer after adjustment.

Cutting a hockey stick shaft increases effective flex

Differences Between Brands

Each manufacturer uses different shaft construction, carbon layering, and kick point positioning, which influences how flex feels in practice.

Bauer is known for quick shaft response, particularly in low kick designs.
CCM often delivers a balanced and linear flex profile depending on the chosen line.
True is recognized for strong energy transfer and a distinct release feel.
Sherwood combines puck feel with dynamic bending and excellent balance between responsiveness and control.

Hejduksport is the official Sherwood distributor for the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Comparison of Bauer hockey sticks with flex rating visible

Frequently Asked Questions About Stick Flex

What flex should I choose if I weigh 80 kg?

For players around 80 kg, flex 75 to 85 is typically ideal. Recreational players who rely more on wrist shots should lean toward 75.

Is it better to choose a softer or stiffer stick?

In most cases, choosing a slightly softer flex is safer. A softer shaft helps generate shot speed and compensates for technical imperfections.

Can you help me choose the right flex?

Yes. At Hejduksport, we select sticks based on body weight, playing style, frequency of play, and final stick length after adjustment.

👉 Contact and consultation

Do you carry Bauer, CCM, True and Sherwood?

Yes. We offer a full selection of major brands in various flex ratings, curves, and lengths.

👉 Hockey sticks category

Choosing the correct flex determines whether your shot is average or truly dangerous, so select your stick carefully at Hejduksport or visit us in-store and get expert advice from people who genuinely understand hockey sticks. 🏒

 
Professional References and Technical Background
Technical specifications of composite hockey sticks by Bauer Hockey
Construction materials and design information from CCM Hockey
Product documentation from True Hockey
Technical materials from Sherwood Hockey
Principles of material elasticity and Hooke’s Law
Long-term fitting experience and stick testing in the Czech and Slovak markets

 

 

Do you have any questions? Contact us.