STick Fitting Guide
The Evolution of the Hockey Stick Flex: Beyond the Old Rules
Rethink Your Hockey Stick Flex
The game of hockey has never been faster, and neither has the technology behind your gear. Today's advanced composite sticks deliver performance unthinkable just a decade ago.
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Because of these innovations, the old "rule of thumb"—that your stick flex should simply be 50% of your body weight—is outdated. That approach is old-school thinking and can seriously limit your potential on the ice.
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To unlock maximum performance, shot speed, and puck feel, you need a flex tailored precisely to your unique playing style, strength, and height, not just your weight. It’s about finding the right kick point and flex profile for you.
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Don't settle for yesterday’s advice. Explore our fitting guide to learn how modern fitting can optimize your game.
** We carry the most extensive online selection of flex options to ensure growing players are perfectly equipped to develop their skills and reach their full potential. **
Defining Your Game: Key Factors in Choosing a Hockey Stick
A player's height in relation to stick length directly impacts stick-handling and shot control, as well as the pendulum swing motion used during a shot, which generates the speed and power applied to the puck.
Player Height
A player's weight matters for flex because it directly relates to the amount of force they can apply to the stick to make it bend, or "load". Their ability to apply that force aka their shooting mechanics will help determine which flex to use.
Player Weight
Forwards and players who prioritize puck handling, quick shots, and agility in tight spaces need different tools than defensemen who reach for poke checks, intercept passes, and need more leverage for powerful slap shots.
Style Of Play
​Optimize Your Stick: A Guide to Height, Flex, and Kick Point
Fit : The correct height for your hockey stick is generally between your chin and the tip of your nose when you are standing on your skates.
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Shorter Sticks (closer to chin or lower): Preferred by forwards for controlled puck handling, quick shots, and agility in tight spaces.
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Longer Sticks (closer to nose or higher) : Preferred by defensemen for wall checks, intercepting passes, and longer more powerful shots.
Stick Height
Possibly equally as important as weight, a player's mechanics are crucial for loading a hockey stick's flex because proper technique is how the player transfers energy into the stick, effectively turning it into a spring.
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Advanced Players : Higher rated flex
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Beginner - Intermediate Players : Lower to mid-range flex
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**see chart below**
Stick Flex
Defined as the specific area along the shaft where the stick is designed to bend the most when a player applies force (loads the stick) during a shot or pass.
Low Kick Point: Flex point is lower on the shaft, closer to the blade, with a quicker release that generates less maximum power. Often preferred by forwards who need rapid-fire shots.
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Mid Kick Point: Flex point is in the middle of the shaft and has a slower release allowing for more powerful shots. Often preferred by defensemen and power fowards with more time to wind up.
Kick Point
Boy's NYX Flex Recommendation
Age (Years) | Approx. Height Range (50th - 95th) | Approx. Weight Range (50th - 95th) | Recommended Flex |
|---|---|---|---|
8 | ~4'4" - 4'7" | ~60 lbs - 78 lbs | 25 |
9 | ~4'6" - 4'9" | ~70 lbs - 90 lbs | 25, 35 |
10 | ~4'8" - 5'0" | ~70 lbs - 102 lbs | 25, 35, 40 |
11 | ~4'11" - 5'2" | ~80 lbs - 115 lbs | 35, 40, 45 |
12 | ~5'1" - 5'5" | ~89 lbs - 130 lbs | 35, 40, 45 |
13 | ~5'3" - 5'7" | ~100 lbs - 145 lbs | 35, 40, 45, 55 |
14 | ~5'5" - 5'9" | ~112 lbs - 160 lbs | 45, 55, 65 |
15 | ~5'7" - 5'11" | ~123.5 lbs - 175 lbs | 45, 55, 65 |
16 | ~5'8" - 6'0" | ~134 lbs - 186 lbs | 55, 65, 70 |
17 | ~5'9" - 6'1" | ~142 lbs - 185 lbs | 55, 65, 70 |
18 | ~5'9.5" - 6'2" | ~160 lbs - 227 lbs | 65, 70, 80, 85 |
Girl's NYX Flex Recommendation
Age (Years) | Approx. Height Range (50th - 95th) | Approx. Weight Range (50th - 95th) | Recommended Flex |
|---|---|---|---|
8 | ~4'3" - 4'6" | ~60 lbs - 80 lbs | 25 |
9 | ~4'5" - 4'9" | ~67 lbs - 90 lbs | 25, 35 |
10 | ~4'8" - 5'0" | ~76 lbs - 106 lbs | 35, 40 |
11 | ~4'11" - 5'2" | ~80 lbs - 118 lbs | 35, 40, 45 |
12 | ~5'1" - 5'5" | ~93 lbs - 136 lbs | 35, 40, 45 |
13 | ~5'3" - 5'6" | ~101 lbs - 149 lbs | 35, 40, 45, 55 |
14 | ~5'4" - 5'7" | ~110 lbs - 160 lbs | 40, 45, 55 |
15 | ~5'5" - 5'8" | ~115 lbs - 165 lbs | 40, 45, 55 |
16 | ~5'5.5" - 5'8.5" | ~120 lbs - 170 lbs | 45, 55, 65 |
17 | ~5'6" - 5'9" | ~125 lbs - 175 lbs | 45, 55, 65 |
18 | ~5'6" - 5'9" | ~128 lbs - 178 lbs | 45, 55, 65 |
Length of NYX Sticks
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