Hockey Stick Flex Rating Explained

By Sarah Miller · September 26, 2026

What Is Flex Rating?

A hockey stick's flex rating measures how many pounds of force are needed to bend the shaft one inch. A 85-flex stick requires 85 pounds of force; a 105-flex requires 105 pounds. Lower numbers mean a whippier stick; higher numbers mean a stiffer stick.

How Flex Affects Your Shot

When you take a slap shot or wrist shot, the stick bends as it contacts the ice before the puck. This stored energy releases as the stick straightens, adding velocity to the puck. A stick with the right flex acts like a spring — too stiff and you can't load it; too whippy and it over-flexes, reducing accuracy.

Choosing by Body Weight

A general guideline: your flex should be roughly half your body weight in pounds.

Under 120 lbs: 50-65 flex (youth/junior sticks)
120-150 lbs: 65-75 flex
150-180 lbs: 75-85 flex
180-210 lbs: 85-95 flex
210+ lbs: 95-110 flex

Position-Specific Preferences

Forwards

Tend to prefer lower flex (75-85) for quick wrist shots and snap shots. The whippier shaft loads faster on quick-release shots, which is crucial when you have limited time and space in the offensive zone.

Defensemen

Often choose higher flex (85-105) for powerful slap shots from the point. Stiffer sticks also provide better passing accuracy on long breakout passes and more stability when blocking shots.

Goalies

Goalie sticks have their own flex ratings, typically much stiffer (120-150) to handle puck impact and provide solid rebound control.

The Kick Point Factor

Flex works in conjunction with the kick point (where the stick bends most):

Low kick: Bends near the blade. Quick release, ideal for wrist shots.
Mid kick: Bends in the middle. Versatile, works for all shot types.
High kick: Bends near the top hand. Maximum power for slap shots.

Testing Your Flex

Hold the stick with your normal grip and lean into it as if taking a shot. If you can feel a distinct "loading" sensation and the stick snaps back quickly, the flex is right for you. If it feels like a board, go lower. If it feels noodle-like, go higher.