How to Choose the Right Hockey Stick Flex

Choosing the right hockey stick flex can make a noticeable difference to your shot, puck control and confidence on the ice. A stick that is too stiff can be difficult to load, while one that is too soft may feel unstable during hard passes, faceoffs and battles.

This guide gives you a practical starting point for choosing your flex. There is no single perfect number for every player, but your weight, strength, stick length and playing style can quickly narrow down the best range.

What does hockey stick flex mean?

Flex is a measure of how much force is required to bend the shaft. A lower flex bends more easily, while a higher flex feels stiffer and requires more force to load.

For example, a 55 flex stick is easier to bend than a 75 flex stick. Being able to flex the shaft helps the stick store and release energy through the shot. This is why simply choosing the stiffest stick you can handle does not automatically create a harder shot.

Hockey stick flex chart

A traditional starting point is to choose a flex close to half your body weight in pounds. That rule is useful, but it should be treated as a starting point rather than a strict requirement.

Many players now prefer a softer flex than the old half-body-weight rule suggests. A slightly softer stick can be easier to load quickly, particularly for wrist shots, snapshots and shots taken in traffic.

Signs your stick may be too stiff

• You struggle to visibly bend the shaft during a normal shot.
• Your shots feel flat or lack release speed.
• You need a large wind-up to generate power.
• The stick feels unresponsive when shooting in motion.
• You are a lighter player using a high senior flex simply because it matches your height.

If this sounds familiar, dropping by 5–10 flex points may make the stick easier to load and improve your release.

Signs your stick may be too soft

• The shaft feels unstable when receiving hard passes.
• The stick twists or feels delayed during powerful shots.
• You regularly overpower the shaft during faceoffs or board battles.
• Your shots become less accurate when you lean heavily into the stick.

In that case, moving slightly stiffer may provide more control. However, do not confuse normal shaft flex with weakness—the stick is designed to bend when loaded correctly.

How cutting a hockey stick affects flex

Cutting a stick shorter makes it feel stiffer because you have less shaft available to bend. The flex number printed on the stick does not physically change, but its effective feel does.

The exact change depends on the stick construction and how much is removed, so there is no perfect universal conversion. The important point is to choose your flex with your finished stick length in mind. If you normally cut several inches from a senior stick, starting with a lower flex may give you the feel you actually want after cutting.

Adding an extension does the opposite and can make a stick feel softer.

Should forwards and defence use different flexes?

Your position can influence your preference, but it should not decide your flex by itself.

Forwards who take quick wrist shots and snapshots often prefer a softer flex that loads rapidly. Defence players who take heavier shots, battle along the boards or want a more stable shaft may prefer something slightly stiffer.

That said, plenty of defence players use softer flexes and plenty of forwards prefer stiff sticks. Your shooting technique and strength matter more than the position printed beside your name.

What flex should younger players use?

Young players should be able to flex their stick with good technique. A stick that is much too stiff can make it harder to learn how to load the shaft and may encourage poor shooting mechanics.

Do not automatically move a growing player into a stiff senior stick just because they need more length. Junior and intermediate options can provide the right combination of length, shaft dimensions and flex. An extension can also be useful in some situations, provided the finished stick still feels balanced.

Our practical recommendation

If you are choosing between two flexes and are not an especially strong shooter, we generally recommend starting with the softer option. It is usually easier to generate a quick release with a stick you can load properly than with a shaft that is too stiff.

Remember to account for:

• Your body weight and strength
• Your finished stick length
• Your shooting technique
• Your preferred shot type
• Whether you like a quick or more stable feel

If you are still unsure, contact MAC Hockey with your height, weight, current stick and preferred length. We can help narrow down the best option before you order.

You can also shop our current hockey stick range or read our complete hockey stick selection guide.