How to Choose the Right Ice Hockey Stick Size and Flex

Choosing the right hockey stick for your size, style of play and personal preference can really make or break your game play. But, there’s more to choosing the right hockey stick than you might think. This is why the experts here at Puck Stop have put together this ultimate guide on how to choose a hockey stick and flex. 

In this guide we will cover:

• Hockey Stick Sizing Overview
• How to Choose the Right Hockey Stick
• Flex Selecting the Right Hockey Stick Curve
• How to Choose Hockey Stick Length
• Guide to Hockey Stick Kick Points
• Grip and Finish Options
• Goalie Stick Sizing
• FAQs: Common Questions About Hockey Sticks

Choosing the right hockey stick involves understanding its different sizes, flex options (hockey stick flex is the term used for the bending of the stick during shooting) and features to match your playing style.

The three most important factors when picking a hockey stick size are length, flex, and curve pattern.

What You Need to Know Before Choosing an Ice Hockey Stick:

• Player’s Height and Weight: Different stick lengths and flex options are suitable for players of different shapes and sizes.
• Senior, Intermediate, Junior and Youth Hockey Stick Sizes: These categories help determine the appropriate stick dimensions and flex for each player group.
• Shaft Dimensions: Smaller shaft sizes are suited for younger players or those with smaller hands, and the opposite goes for larger built players.

The flex of a hockey stick is critical for the accuracy and power of your shots. ‘Flex’ refers to the overall stiffness of the stick when striking the puck, not to be confused with ‘kick point’, which is the point at which the stick bends.

The flex influences how the stick bends and releases energy during a shot. This affects shot speed and release time. By moving this kickpoint higher or lower on the shaft, the stick will perform differently during different shooting techniques.

Choosing the right hockey stick flex for your desired style of play ensures maximum performance.

Flex Numbers Explained: A flex number represents the amount of force needed to bend the stick. For example, a stick with a 85 flex requires 85 pounds of force to flex the shaft. So essentially, the higher the flex, the more power you’ll need to bend it.

The ‘kick point’ is often referred to alongside flex, which is the point at which the stick bends most. By moving this kick point higher or lower on the shaft, the stick will perform differently during different shooting techniques.

You can opt for a low, medium or hybrid kick point when choosing a hockey stick that’s right for you, with the hybrid option distributing the flex along the shaft, or bending where your bottom hand grips the stick.

• Senior Flex Options: Our experts recommend senior players choose flexes of 75, 85, 95, 100 and 110 for senior ice hockey sticks.
• Intermediate Flex Options: Our experts recommend intermediate players choose flexes of 55, 60, 65, 70 or 75 for their intermediate ice hockey sticks.
• Junior and Youth Flex Options: Our experts recommend junior players choose flex options of 20, 30, 40, 45 or 50 for their junior ice hockey sticks.

There are three main flex profiles to consider depending upon your game and shot preference. Each flex profile has the capability to perform in all aspects of the game - but each is designed and engineered to enhance certain styles of play.

Low-Kick Hockey Sticks - Quick Shots

• The game of hockey is faster than ever, which limits the space and time you have to take a quality shot on goal. As a result, players have adapted their shooting style for a quicker release.
• The low-kick point is engineered to get the puck off the stick as quickly as possible. While the maximum shot speed may not be as high, low-kick sticks offer a lightning quick release for shooters in and around the net. Capitalising on that short window before the shot can be blocked, or for the goalie to react to the shot.

Mid-Kick Hockey Sticks - Powerful Shots

• Mid-kick hockey sticks are designed to provide the maximum velocity on every shot. Players who excel with a mid-kick stick will take an extra split second to shoot in order to beat the goalie with pure speed alone. These players love to set up for big one-time shots or the big wind-up slap shot.
  
  

Hybrid / Variable Kick - Variable Shots

• Hybrid or variable kick hockey sticks provide a balance of a quick shot release and shot power. Because of the speed of today’s game, this flex profile is quickly gaining in popularity for the versatility it provides.

What is the rule of thumb for hockey stick flex size?

The general rule of thumb when it comes to choosing your hockey stick flex rating is to take the player’s weight (in pounds) and divide by two. For example, a plater weighing 190 pounds could opt for a 95 flex, whereas an 80 pound child could opt for a 40 flex.The best way to see which flex is best for you is to test out different options - don’t presume you’ll choose the perfect hockey stick flex straight away. Test out your teammates’ sticks to get a feel for your different options.

A stick curve influences puck control, shot accuracy and overall performance. Understanding the key differences between curve types is crucial for making the right decision.

What is a Hockey Stick Curve?

A hockey stick curve refers to the angle and shape of the blade of the stick. Some blades are designed for accuracy, but others are aimed at improving  power and control of the puck.

Most Popular Curve Patterns

• P28 Curve: Best for players who need a versatile curve for wrist shots and puck control.
• P29 Curve: Perfect for slap shots and providing more power in shots.

How to Choose the Best Hockey Sick Curve for You

• If you prioritise wrist and snap shots, our experts recommend choosing a curve that provides control and accuracy.
• If slap shots are more your thing, opt for a curve that offers a flatter blade for better shot power.

Choosing the correct hockey stick length helps improve balance, comfort and performance. Here’s how to choose the right size hockey stick for children and adults alike:

How Long Should Your Hockey Stick Be?

1. Standing with the Stick: We recommend standing with the stick against your body with the toe touching the ground. The ideal stick length should come up to between your nose and mouth.
2. For Kids: For players who are still growing, it’s best to keep the stick around eye level to accommodate their growth.

What Happens if Your Hockey Stick Size is Too Long or Too Short?

• Too Long: A stick that's too long is likely to negatively impact your puck handling and shooting accuracy.
• Too Short: A stick that’s too short can limit your reach and can make slap shots harder to execute.

Can You Cut Your Hockey Stick to Adjust its Size?

If necessary, you can trim your stick down. But remember, the shorter the stick, the stiffer it becomes, which increases by 3% for every inch you cut.

Goalie sticks differ significantly from player sticks in terms of size, weight and paddle length. Selecting the right size is crucial for a goalie’s performance.

Here are the things to consider when choosing the size of your goalie stick:

• Paddle Length: Based on the goalie’s height and preference for stick handling. A typical rule is to match the paddle length to the player’s torso height.

Ice Hockey Goalie Stick Sizing Chart

• Height of Goalie → Recommended Paddle Length
• 5’6” - 5’9”: 26” – 28”
• 5’10” - 6’2”: 28” – 30”
• 6’3” and up: 30” – 32”

Adjusting the Paddle Length

Goalies often adjust the paddle length based on their playing style, with shorter paddles offering quicker handling and longer paddles improving coverage.

Choosing the right ice hockey stick size is crucial for maximising your performance and game play. By understanding the key factors to hockey stick sizing, such as stick length, flex and kickpoint, you can choose a stick that enhances your shooting power, accuracy and overall comfort.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned ice hockey player, making the right choice will elevate your game to no end. To fuel your game even further, don’t forget to check out our hockey stick bags to keep your equipment organised and stick tape and grip for that extra control and durability.