How to Choose the Correct Hockey Stick Curve and Flex

Find the Right Flex

• 1

  Use the age of the player as a starting point for choosing a stick's flex. Youth players should start with 40 flex, Juniors use 50. Intermediate players should use 60-75 flex. Adults should use a stick in the range of 85-110 flex. The flex number is a measurement of how stiff or flexible the shaft of a stick is. The higher the number, the stiffer the shaft is. The lower the number, the more flexible the shaft is.

• 2

  Decide whether a "mid flex" or "low kick point" stick. A stick is "loaded" by striking the ice several inches before the puck; this allows the stick to flex backward and then release energy like a spring as the blade reaches the puck. Traditional wooden sticks are considered mid-flex, because they flex at the middle of the shaft, allowing a player to use his bottom hand to "load" the stick. If you wish to load your shot faster, you may opt for a "low kick" stick. The shafts of low kick sticks are tapered inward near the heel of the blade. When loading, these sticks flex further down the shaft, which happens faster than mid-flex sticks because there is less distance for the stick to move before being loaded. Many composite sticks are available in mid-flex or low-kick patterns.

• 3

  Test the flex of a stick at a pro shop or sporting goods store. Hold the stick so the blade is touching the floor. Push down with your lower hand. The stick should flex about an inch without using full strength. If the stick flexes more than an inch, consider a stiffer (higher) flex number. If the stick barely moves, consider a more flexible (lower) flex number.

Find the Right Blade Curve

• 4

  Determine your role and position on the team. Forwards typically use blades with larger curves to give them more control over high shots. Defensemen typically use straighter blades, which are better for poke-checking, breaking up passes, blocking shots, and making long, straight, outlet passes to forwards.

• 5

  Choose a "lie" for your stick. The lie is the angle between the blade and shaft of a stick. A stick's lie number is between 4 and 7. The lower the number, the larger the angle of the blade. When choosing a lie, the blade should be flat on the ice while you are in a skating stance. As the lie number increases, the toe of the blade will rise upward when the heel of the blade is flat on the ice.

• 6

  Try out lots of different patterns. Every company makes several patterns that correspond to the actual shape of the curve. Choosing a pattern and blade shape is usually a personal choice as to what feels right. Many hockey stores will allow customers to shoot pucks at a net to get a feel for a stick. Take your time and try various combinations until you find one that's comfortable.