Brand/stick type flex discrepancies

[fleadeluxe 0]

From what I understand about how stick flex is calculated, it's based on amount of force required to produce a certain amount of flex (could very well be wrong). To me, this sounds like it should be a universal measurement across brands, but I've been around hockey long enough to know that this isn't a likely scenario. How do flex ratings compare between brands?

I ask because I currently use a SynergyII intermediate shaft, which is rated at 85 flex. It's pretty whippy, but still holds up nicely for slappers. I'm looking at a new OPS, but all the intermediates i've found are 65 flex. Is this comparable to the shaft/blade combo @ 85 flex due to some differences between how the different sticks are built? I wouldn't mind going down to about a 75-80 flex, but 65 seems like a massive drop and I don't want to be skating round with something comparable to a noodle.

I'm also looking at getting some new gloves. I'm currently using 13" TPS responses that are about 6 years old (they were new stock when I was in Canada in 2004). I love these gloves, but i've always had the inkling that they may be a little too big. Doesn't really bother me, I like my gloves relatively loose (which leads me to believe I'd be a 4-roll fan, correct?). What sizes should I be looking at in other brands based on the above info?

[hockeyfan77 0]

I'm not much help for you question about flex between brands. However, from my personal experience, I find the Nike/Bauer (now Bauer) ratings to be stiffer than Easton (i.e. an 87 flex One95 feels more than 2 points stiffer than an 85 flex z-bubble). This doesn't even begin to explain the differences in flex,with regards to tapered vs. standard system, mid vs. low kickpoint, etc. Your 85 flex Synergy II is more than likely actually a standard shaft. If you're looking for a new OPS, I would think an 85 flex Easton stick or a 77 flex Bauer would feel most comparable. The problem is, like I mentioned before, you still need to account for the location of the kick-point in the particular stick you are looking at to try and replicate the flex of your current Synergy II. (I apologize if you're looking for a stick other than Bauer or Easton- these are the two primary brands I use and I don't want to talk out of line on another brand, such as Reebok, Warrior, CCM, etc- I'll let someone else talk about the flex of these brands) If you're happy with your Easton 85 flex right now, you're right- the 65 will feel like a noodle. I wouldn't go lower than a 75 easton and I think a 67 Bauer would be too whippy as well. The flex difference between an OPS and shaft blade combo, provided within the same brand, is not as drastic as the flex difference between brands, say like between an 85 flex SE16 and an 87 flex X60.

As for gloves, I would suggest a 13" Bauer 4 roll or 13" PPFi. The PPFs are currently for sale on a certain website for and absolute steal. More info can be found in the Good deal thread at the top of the page. Sorry for the ramble, but I hope at least some of this is helpful.

[fleadeluxe 0]

Thanks for the reply, and the heads up on that deal! If i'm finding my current 13" a bit loose, would the 12.5" intermediate PPFi's do the trick? (Sorry for all the questions, nowhere out here to try on gloves so I've got to go off previous experiences)

[hockeyfan77 0]

Yeah, I'm not so sure the 12.5" is correct. I seem to recall it was 13" for the PPFi's, 14" for the PPFs, and 14.5" for the PPF+. However, the PPF is a little tighter than a traditional 4 roll glove. Not much, but definitely not as loose as a Bauer 4 roll. If a 13" TPS 4-roll style glove is a little loose, I would definitely give the PPFi a shot. Besides, the tufftek and MSH2 palm combo is a true thing of beauty. I don't think you will be disappointed.

[tamtamg 12]

I wouldn't consider ppfi's as a loose fitting glove. they are definitely tighter fitting than 4rolls. IMO, they fit between the supreme and vapor line of gloves.

as for the descrepency in rated flexes feeling different is due to a few different reasons. 1. Easton rates flex after the stick has been cut a couple of inches (maybe 3, I can't remeber ofthe top of my head). where as all other companies rate the flex at standard length. 2nd is that the kickpoint of the stick can make a stick feel whippier or stiffer than rated. Standard kickpoint sticks feel whippier because the flex point is at your lower hand. Low kickpoint sticks are below your lower hand and feel stiffer.

[Chadd 916]

I wouldn't consider ppfi's as a loose fitting glove.

The original version was much looser than the current version.

[tamtamg 12]

The original version was much looser than the current version.

yah, that's why i sold my new pair right after getting them in the mail. i was expecting a loose 4roll style glove, instead i got a tight fitting glove instead.

[Chadd 916]

As for the flex thing, I've talked to Joe at Oggie and we're going to put a couple sticks to the test and see how close the manufacturer markings are.

[fleadeluxe 0]

With regards to the stick, I can't find any intermediates anywhere that would offer me the same flex rating i'm currently using. If I was to get a senior, it'd be an 85 flex and by the time i've cut off the mammoth amount needed i'd be sitting in at least the mid 90's. Any suggestions?

[Speedz98 15]

Doesn't a flex mean half the amount of pounds it takes to flex. Say, a 75 flex stick would take 150lbs of force to bend it?

[fatwabbit 93]

No .... the flex rating is how much force is required for it to move 1inch over a specific distance or something along those lines.

http://hockeystickexpert.com/pro-hockey-st...its-made-video/

[bostonjuniorblackhawks 1]

With regards to the stick, I can't find any intermediates anywhere that would offer me the same flex rating i'm currently using. If I was to get a senior, it'd be an 85 flex and by the time i've cut off the mammoth amount needed i'd be sitting in at least the mid 90's. Any suggestions?

Maybe tps whip flex. 70 flex at 60 inches so maybe that might work. Also I find that the intermediate easton st's "feel" stiffer than 65 if that helps

[rachael7 1]

Maybe tps whip flex. 70 flex at 60 inches so maybe that might work. Also I find that the intermediate easton st's "feel" stiffer than 65 if that helps

+1 for TPS whip flex. Feels like the whippiest of the senior sticks to me, although still gets a bit stiff for my taste by the time I take 5-6 inches off.

[fleadeluxe 0]

Cool thanks, i'll have a look at the TPS.

Turns out the glove deal is no longer, back to a price that's still way cheap, but expensive enough after conversion (stupid aussie dollar) for me to have second thoughts.

[bostonjuniorblackhawks 1]

I got them down to $70 on mission pro stocks. I wish they had more M-1 gloves