Stick Flexes

[shooter27 117]

So I've been reading through this board for a while and I've noticed a lot of people talking about use what I would consider to be extremely whippy sticks (75, 85 flexes). I'm a fairly large guy 6'3", 215, played college hockey, always had a very strong, heavy shot and I never used a flex less than 105. In fact there was a time I actually used a pro-stock 120 Easton Ultralite. In fact, none of the guys I played with ever used anything less than 100 flex (at least in composites). So why is everyone moving to these sticks with more and more flex? Do OPS's have something to do with it? Have the manufacturers made some change in regards to flexes?

I will admit I graduated in 04 so while I did use an OPS for my last two years of school, they hadn't completely taken over that level yet, in fact my senior year I got a test model of the very first Stealth from our Easton rep, and haven't bought a stick since, but I'm finally out of stock so I'm wondering if I should try something new.

Thanks

[lee92 2]

I'm not a big guy, at only 5'8", 180lbs, and I tried the whip flexes (75 and 85) and I didn't quite find them to my liking. I ended up going back to 100's. The whippier sticks gave me a heavier, harder shot, but they tended to torque a bit, and there was lag when I shot. The stiffer sticks, I find, give me a more accurate and quicker release, although not as heavy of a shot, but I don't mind. I'm currently using a friends pro-stock synergy, 120 flex, which is now cut as a two piece, and the stick was made for my friend (6'9"). I love it, as I can really lean down and put all my weight into shots, without it having the sticks twist out on me.

[fatwabbit 93]

its all personal preference. I'm 6' tall, 215lbs, and have been using a 75 flex for the past 4 years or so. No problems with my shooting, i still shoot as hard as the next guy using a 100 flex. I dont have to put much effort into it either.

Brett Hull used to have a 80 flex, and he was quoted as saying 'let the stick do the work'... for someone who scored that many goals, i aint arguing...

[Done like dinner 0]

Where I play over 50% of guys use under 100 flex -- but they normally use over 100 flex. Explanation: I play "duffer" (5 days a week) with 17 other guys, 75% of whom are Jr. or pro players who want extra ice time -- I'm not at that level but playing this often with players of this caliber is great for my game. These guys can play and they play pretty hard. Apparently during their real games most use above 100 flex. The thing is, duffer is a no hitting situation with slappers allowed only if you have a wide open lane to the net. Plus, guys love making those dangles that their coach would freak out over (one too many plays!), get in close and roof-daddy while standing in blue paint. So a lot of guys like flexy twigs for this sort of stuff. One guy said something about all the snow on the ice during duffer games resulting in his using flexy sticks too but I didn't really catch what he meant.

I', 6 ft. 170 lbs and use an 87 that's had an inch cut off. It feels about right for me, I rarely slap'em and love to let quick wristers go while the goalie is still getting in position. When shooting it's all about how fast you can get it off I think.

PS, I'm a Kor skate user -- a very happy one, and was just emailed by an engineer their that they are offering Kor branded sticks now. He included a January only deal (under 120$!) and a bunch of good info/pics. Anyone tell me where I can post this stuff or want an email? I'm ordering one right away.

[thejackal 46]

i like whippier sticks for snap shots. that's where the biggest difference is for me.

[shooter27 117]

Those of you that have responded about using whippier sticks: Have you always used these flexes? Did you ever come down from a stiffer stick? If so, how was the transition?/

Thanks.

[Gwyren 0]

I am pretty new at this but I have found that a whippier stick gives me more velocity on my shot.

As I become better at this and improve my technique might that change? Possibly. But, right now I prefer my 340 Flex Dolomite as opposed to my 85 flex Pulse.

[mickz 107]

If you're always going for the big booming shot you're most likely going to favor the stiffer flex sticks. My style of play includes the occasional slap shot but I do snap and wrist shots more often, for which I prefer a whippy stick.

[srv2miker 0]

My wrist shot was way better at 85 flex, but it took way longer to get off. I use a reg flex TPS and find it a good medium between 100 and 85. Lets me still crank slappers but has enough whip to snap my wristers away.

Where I felt the 85 really suffered was on passing - I couldn't get used to the lag.

[JCYC5 0]

5'7, 165lb.

Started with a 100 flex woody, found that far too stiff, moved on the Typhoon shaft of 80 (or 85?) flex, found that better. Then got the first Stealth at 85 which felt quite a bit more flexy than the Typhoon even after cutting it by an inch.

Now I'm on a 67 flex Int stick, liking it a lot so far.

Missed out on the 400 flex Warrior shafts :(

[mack 44]

I use gorilla flexes and I'm a stick.

[zales17 0]

I used a 100-110 flex stick when playing jrs, but now I have moved down to a 95 flex tapered stick and find that I still get good velocity on my slappers from the point but can get wristers and snappers off much quicker. Just coming down a step or two can make a big difference. I will say that I tried an 85 flex OPS just to see how itd work and while my wristers were hot, my slap shot sucked. It completly torqued on me everytime. Its all about finding that happy medium. If your strong enough to flex a 120 with your wristers and they come off hot, than stick with it. if not try a 100 or 105

[swede 51]

i used to use 100-120flex wood sticks back when i played on a

"real" team like 7 years ago.. Last year i used 100 flex shafts. This year i started out with 85flex synergy st's, but i have now moved on to 77flex bauer endure shafts...

7 years ago i weigh'd like 180lbs @ 5,11" now i weigh ~240lbs @ same lenght, and i still cut down my sticks to the same lenght.

I dont take that many slappers, so i dont really need a stiff stick. I also think i have a better feel for the puck, easier recieving passes, better stickhandling etc when using a whippier stick..

[shooter27 117]

I used a 100-110 flex stick when playing jrs, but now I have moved down to a 95 flex tapered stick and find that I still get good velocity on my slappers from the point but can get wristers and snappers off much quicker. Just coming down a step or two can make a big difference. I will say that I tried an 85 flex OPS just to see how itd work and while my wristers were hot, my slap shot sucked. It completly torqued on me everytime. Its all about finding that happy medium. If your strong enough to flex a 120 with your wristers and they come off hot, than stick with it. if not try a 100 or 105

I see what you're saying. I think part of my issue is that I've always loved to wind up blast it. But, I guess given the fact that I don't think I've taken one in a game in months I may drop down on the flex and see how it feels in terms of wristers/snappers.

Thanks.

[wetwilly17 6]

Those of you that have responded about using whippier sticks: Have you always used these flexes? Did you ever come down from a stiffer stick? If so, how was the transition?/

Thanks.

i'm 6' 170#. i used to play defense and take lots of slaps. i used a 100flex when i played d. now i only play forward. since moving to forward, i have switched from 100 to 85. i like 85 as a forward because i'm taking more wristers and snaps. at first i didn't like the way the 85's felt when i took a slap because of the lag. but i am used to it and will take that trade for a better snapshot and wrist shot. i'm not strong enough and/or don't have good enough technique to really load a 100 flex with a snap or wrister. but 85 works great for me.

[adam14 182]

the whippier sticks are also much better for your shoulders and wrists, my frined used stiff sticks, 100 flex but he was only 5'6, these sticks hurt his wrists because there was no flex to absorb the impact, and they gave him tennis elbow aswell, because the vibrations from the shafts went up his arm and messed up his elbow, ive never gone over 85 flex, ever and im 16, 5'7 185

[Jarick 5]

I'm only 5'8", and I use a stick that goes up to my mouth in skates, so I need a whippy flex.

I started using 85 flex sticks and I couldn't get any real flex out of them. They worked well for stickhandling and slap shots, but I couldn't load up wrist or snap shots at all.

I even tried a couple 100 flex sticks, and I couldn't even lift wrist shots. Using them for a couple weeks gave me bad tennis elbow.

Moved down to 75 flex (intermediate) and at first all my shots were way high. But after a couple ice times, my wrist and snap shots were quicker than before and the accuracy was greatly improved. My snap shots aren't quite as fast as the 85 flex and receiving passes takes softer hands, but it's a good trade-off for me.

Any sticks I buy from here on out will be 65-70 flex. And yes I admit that I'm weak as hell!

[NYRfan 0]

most pros use less than 100 flex, just something to keep in mind.

[TBLfan 25]

I wouldn't say "most."

But definitely a lot.

[Chadd 916]

I wouldn't say "most."

But definitely a lot.

I would as we've actually had people document what they have found inside NHL locker rooms.

[wetwilly17 6]

I even tried a couple 100 flex sticks, and I couldn't even lift wrist shots.

if you couldn't elevate the puck, then your shooting technique was wrong. even if you are using a stick that is way too stiff for you, you should still be able to lift the puck.

[Jarick 5]

if you couldn't elevate the puck, then your shooting technique was wrong. even if you are using a stick that is way too stiff for you, you should still be able to lift the puck.

Technically, yes I could lift the puck, but I wouldn't be leaning into the stick at all, so my wrists and forearms would be doing all the work. That's why I got tennis elbow.

With the 70 flex, I push on it slightly and snap my wrists and point towards the target. I'd imagine that technique is a lot more correct.

[lee92 2]

The way I see it, if you're working out and getting stronger, why not let your arms do the work? Sticks can only do so much, so at some point your own body and strength has to come into play. If you're letting your stick do all the work, than there really isn't a point in training to become stronger. I love leaning into shots, and putting everything I have into it, and not simply letting the stick do the work.

Also, most pros use roughly 90-100 flex sticks, correct? I remember hearing about a lot of players using around 90-95.

On a side note, my 120 flex synergy shaft broke today, on a fluke one touch pass, and I am pissed now as I was in love with it. The search is on now for a sufficient replacement.

[Jarick 5]

You're disregarding those of us who aren't getting any stronger and play beer league :P

[dix0r 0]

i've gradually moved from regular flex sticks to those with more whip. i started off using 100, went to 85 / 87's, then 75 flex warrior, and now i'm using TPS whip. i think the flex chart rates the whip at about 70, but it feels pretty damn close to the warrior to me.

regardless, when i now try to use a stiffer stick, i cannot take snap shots to save my life. i shot around with an old 85 and 100 last night, and all my shots were really weak, and fluttered way off the mark. obviously i'm not blaming the equipment, so much as being used to different equipment and unable to adjust quickly. that said, they were different patterns - but it was definitely much easier for me to adjust from stiff -> whip than the other way around.

on the other hand, i definitely have much better slappers with a stiffer stick - but since i usually play up, i wouldn't be able to justify switching with how infrequently i use them vs snap shots.

just my 2 cents. or slightly less with USD -> CAD.