Choosing the right flex is one of the most important decisions you can make when buying a hockey stick. The correct flex can give you more shot power, a quicker release, and a smoother, easier shooting motion. The wrong flex — especially one that’s too stiff — can destroy your mechanics and make the game far harder than it needs to be.
And here’s the honest truth:
Most players choose sticks that are WAY too stiff.
This guide will explain why, how to fix it, and the exact flex you should be using in 2026.
Why Most Players Pick Flex That’s Too Stiff:
There are two big reasons:
A) They don’t have the wrist strength to load a stiff stick
If you can’t bend the stick, you can’t shoot it.
A stiff stick is built for players with elite wrist, forearm, and core strength.
B) Their shot suffers because the stick never loads
If the stick doesn’t bend, it works against you, not with you.
Unless you’re laying your entire body weight into one-timers all the time, like Alex Ovechkin or Nathan MacKinnon, you do NOT need a 90-flex stick. Most players — even strong ones — aren’t loading their shot anywhere close to that level.
When the stick is too stiff:
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Your release slows down
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Your accuracy drops
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Your shot feels heavy
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Your mechanics rely too much on arm strength instead of stick technology
Look at the Best Young Shooters Today:
Two of the best natural shooters in the world:
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Connor Bedard
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Macklin Celebrini
Both extremely strong individuals.
Both elite shooters.
Both use whippy sticks and let the technology do the work.
They load the stick — they don’t try to overpower it.
This is exactly how modern shooting is meant to work.
My Personal Recommendation:
I’m 205 pounds, 6'1", and I use a 75 flex.
That should tell you everything.
Your weight matters, yes — but not nearly as much as your shooting mechanics and how well you can load your stick.
Most adult players would shoot significantly better with:
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70–75 flex (stronger players)
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65 flex (average players)
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50–55 flex (younger or smaller players)
Going stiffer almost never improves performance unless it's pure personal preference.
The “Divide By Two” Rule — Not Accurate for Adults
You’ve probably heard: “Take half your body weight — that’s your flex.” That might work for kids, but once players get bigger, stronger, or stop taking heavy slapshots, it becomes unreliable. If you’re 5'9", 205 pounds, you definitely don’t need a 100-flex or even a 90-flex unless you've mastered that feel. Choosing flex based strictly on weight is outdated. Modern sticks are designed to bend and help you generate energy effortlessly.
Why a Whippier Stick Is Better for Most Players:
Players often switch from 85 to 75 and instantly feel better mechanics and more power.
Youth Players: Choose Whippy Sticks Early
For younger players, a whippier stick is essential.You want your kid learning:A softer flex:
Recommended Flex Chart for 2026:
Use this as a starting point:
Under 100 lbs:30–50 flex(early technique development)
100–140 lbs:50–65 flex(good for growing players)
140–180 lbs:65–75 flex(sweet spot for most high school & adult players)
180–210+ lbs:75–85 flex(best for stronger players or those who really lean into shots)
Above 85 flex:ONLY if:
How Cutting a Stick Changes Flex
Cutting a stick makes it stiffer.Cut 2–3 inches off a 75 flex?You might be shooting something closer to an 85–90 flex.This is why many players should choose a whippier stick to begin with — especially if they like to cut their sticks shorter.If you want the perfect height without cutting, use our custom stick builder, and we’ll trim it to the exact inch for you.Protecting Your Wrists & Long-Term Shooting
Here’s something players forget:Your wrists matter just as much as your shot.A stiff stick that never loads forces your wrists, elbows, and forearms to do all the work. Over time, this leads to:
Stick Flex Guide for 2026 — Final Thoughts
Choosing the right flex is all about finding a stick that helps you, not one that fights against you.Most players go too stiff.Most players lose shot power because of it.And most players shoot better the moment they switch to a whippier flex.Let the stick load.Let the technology work.Make shooting easier — not harder.
Need help choosing the perfect flex?Email Bailey or schedule a stick fitting, and we’ll guide you to the exact flex, height, and curve that fits your game.
