How is Flex Achieved?

[Vapor 0]

I always wondered how sticks which are made via the same process, weigh the same, etc have varying flexes. Does anybody know how it works?

[mack 44]

My guess is more material to make it stiffer because I remember hearing stiffer sticks weighed a tad more than flexier models of the same stick.

[thejackal 46]

I heard that the orientation of the graphite has something to do with the flex.

[Chadd 916]

Generally, the temperature and/or pressure applied during the heating process are the main variables as I understand it.

[G.M. 0]

Generally, the temperature and/or pressure applied during the heating process are the main variables as I understand it.

Having worked with graphite and carbon fibre materials in a race car atmosphere, it is not acheived through different temperatures.

thejackal and mack both have it right. The way the graphite is laid, as well as the amount would be the main two contributing factors.

However, I believe that when it comes to graphite hockey shafts, the material is rolled on a mandrel, thus, if you used more material in one flex over another, it would make that shaft larger in diameter. I think here is where you might find that "alternate" materials, such as fibreglas, or some type of nylon might be used to achieve a whippier shaft.

[habsfan87 0]

If that's true (material wrapped tighter or differently) does that mean stiffer shafts are stronger?

[G.M. 0]

If that's true (material wrapped tighter or differently) does that mean stiffer shafts are stronger?

No, actually whipper shafts are stronger due to the amount of forgiveness that they contain. The stiffer the shaft the more brittle it will be.