Gear Lab
Hockey Stick Flex Calculator
Enter your on-ice profile and stick setup to get a dialed-in flex recommendation. The tool blends weight-based baselines with the way you actually play so the stick loads effortlessly and snaps back with power.
Player Profile
Adjust the sliders and dropdowns to match how you skate, shoot, and set up your twig. The recommendation updates in real-time.
Every inch you trim makes the shaft feel ~10 flex points stiffer. Include your knob and tape setup when you measure.
Your setup
Recommended Flex: 90
Buy a stick rated 90 flex to feel like a 90 after your cut and playstyle adjustments.
- Target feel at game length
- 90
- Flex window you can trust
- 85 – 95
- Expected feel after your cut
- 90
Flex tuning tips
- Stay within the flex window if you change curves or switch to a shorter cut during the season.
- Re-test after off-season strength phases — new power output can justify a stiffer stick.
- Demo sticks in 5 flex increments to feel the difference during stick handling and one-timers.
How we dialed it in
Each adjustment reflects how your profile influences how easily you can load the shaft and how much power you transfer into the puck.
- 1. Weight baseline+90
Start by halving your body weight — a classic rule of thumb for hockey stick flex.
- 2. Experience level0
A neutral baseline keeps your release consistent without overworking your hands.
- 3. Playing style0
Balanced flex keeps your stick versatile for shooting, passing, and board battles.
- 4. Position0
Forwards benefit from a flex that keeps the puck on the ice and loads quickly off the rush.
- 5. Feel preference0
A neutral setting lets the rest of your profile drive the recommendation.
- 6. Height influence0
Average height — no change needed. Focus on how the stick feels with your normal cut length.
Every inch matters
Cutting even one inch from the shaft can make the stick feel about 10 flex points stiffer. Account for your tape-to-tip setup before you buy.
Match your mechanics
The right flex should load during your stride and release without delay. If your shots sail high, the stick is likely too soft. If the puck dies off your blade, you might need to drop flex.
Check flex as you grow
Growing players and developing lifters should re-run this calculator every few months as weight, strength, and technique change.
Fine-tune your flex IQ
Use these checkpoints to make sure your new stick loads cleanly and keeps your shot on target.
1. Test at game pace
Flex is about movement, not the rack at the store. Take a few rushes, roll your wrists through a quick release, then step into a hard wrister. The shaft should rebound without feeling like a diving board.
2. Watch your follow-through
If the stick bows so much that your top hand finishes outside your shoulder line, the flex is too soft. If it barely bends, you are leaving power on the table.
3. Track puck flight
Shots that consistently sail high or float indicate you are over-loading the stick. Drop 5 flex or trim less off the top to bring the release back down.
Flex FAQ
Should I size down for ice vs. roller?
Roller hockey often uses a slightly softer flex because the game is less physical and shots come off in tighter spaces. Drop 5 flex points if roller is your main season.
How do pro players choose flex?
Pros work with equipment staff to dial flex by feel after each cut and curve change. They frequently carry multiple sticks with 5 flex increments to match different game situations.
What if I change my stick curve?
Deeper curves load faster, so you can often handle a stiffer flex. If you switch to a straighter blade, keep the same flex or even soften it to maintain feel.