Flex Choice vs Stickhandling

[flashyprince 0]

Does flex only influence your shot? or is it known to have some impact on stickhandling?

im a stickhandling freak...and i'm mostly a playmaker...so i rely a little less on my shot...what kind of flex would optimize stickhandling?

im 6'0 170 lbs.

only reply if you actually know what you're talking about. plz.

thx.

[Jarick 5]

My stickhandling's never been affected by flex, only by length, lie, toe shape, and weight.

[bdh13 1]

This is just personal opinion, but I think flex can have minimal impact in extreme cases. For example, I'm 6'4 and I tried a Louisville whip flex for fun once. Considering the length of my stick I swear I could feel the stick noodling when I pulled the puck all the way across my body. I definitely felt the stick flex on hard passes (mostly giving, not receiving). That being said I would still assume flex x stickhandling only matters in the extreme ends of the spectrum (70 flex and below, 120 flex and above).

[OldNSlow 3]

I've noticed that I have trouble with "redirections" or one-time tap-ins with a really whippy stick. For example, say I'm standing next to the net and in comes a hard pass, I bare down on the stick and attempt to redirect the puck into the open net. This happened recently and I ended up missing the net. It was an easy tap-in.

I'm just not sure if its because of the flex or a result of a tapered shaft flex. I don't have this problem with a 77 flex TotalOne shaft.

[sickwilly 37]

I prefer a stiffer shaft in general, mainly for shooting. I don't notice too much difference in stickhandling with a regular flex stick, but I definitely feel a difference receiving hard passes.

[fiimb 1]

as a generalization a stiffer flex is better for passing. stick handling is more effected by curve and stick length.

a heel curve will give you the best saucer passes, but the most difficult time puck handling.

having said that, it is my opinion a stiff shaft is better for stick handling as you get a more direct 1:1 response with it.

[thorbs 2]

I noticed a huge difference cradling passes and stickhandling with a 85-flex S15 shaft versus a 102-flex Bauer one95 (both with one95 blades in them). 90+ flex is what I need for stickhandling, imo

[Chadd 916]

I usually put a plug in every stick I use and as long as it isn't below 75 to start with, I don't have a problem. If you make jittery moves, a lighter flex could be problematic for you. It's all about being smooth with the softer flexes.

[RichardsIsTheMan 0]

I have never experienced a stick that had too much flex or that was too "whippy" when it came to my stickhandling. However, being 5'8" may have something to do with it. I normally use an 85 flex, but when I cut it down it's 90+. That may have something to do with it. My inclination would be that the flex of a stick isn't going to impact your puckhandling abilities.

[DolomaticDangles 13]

I have never experienced a stick that had too much flex or that was too "whippy" when it came to my stickhandling. However, being 5'8" may have something to do with it. I normally use an 85 flex, but when I cut it down it's 90+. That may have something to do with it. My inclination would be that the flex of a stick isn't going to impact your puckhandling abilities.

I had an intermediate TPS R8, it was amazing for wrists shots, but whenever I got a hard pass I could feel the stick flex a lot. But like others have said, only under 70 and 115+ will probably affect your stickhandling

[mack 44]

The one part I hate about a lower flex above all is the difference in feel with the (limited) stickhandling I do. I think I'm done going lower than 115 till my elbows or shoulder give out.

[Machinehead2k5 32]

As much of y'all know, I use sticks that are 50 flex on the low end and 75 on the top end. I can tell you that it's a slight difference to me in my stick handling or receiving hard passes.

[flyweightphantom 1]

I've recently been fiddling with different flexes and lengths (decided on having it at my chin). I had some difficulty in general with my whip flex tps especially with catching passes and somewhat with stick handling. I thought I was really cradling the puck softly but it would just bounce off my stick. After going to a dolomite 100 flex, everything seemed much more crisp especially stick handling. As a side not i'm not a huge guy 5'9 160lbs and have always faired better with a higher flex.

[Secti0n31 0]

When playing with a normal 6oz puck, or 3-4oz roller puck there's absolutely NO difference between my bendy and stiff sticks, however when stickhandling with the 8oz flypuck I can DEFINITELY feel my 35kp rbk 6k pro feel bending. It's blade heavy to begin with because I use a wooden blade, but that weighted puck makes the stick feel like a wet noodle.