Measuring flex

[silverclrk 0]

What meathod is used my the manufacturer to measure the flex of a stick? I assume everyone does it the same way.

[goblue9280 33]

Check at 0:37 -

Also this -

[silverclrk 0]

Thanks GOblue

[Chadd 916]

That looks like the Inno system of measuring flex, not the same method most other manufacturers use. I think the method shown provides a more accurate indication of flex as knowing how much force it takes to load the stick X amount is more realistic than making the stick bend X amount in the middle of the shaft.

[silverclrk 0]

Chadd are you refering to the Base hockey meathod of testing?

[Chadd 916]

Yes

[JR Boucicaut 3815]

To add to Chadd's point; the founders of Base have Innovative and Warrior roots. So, understandable if they use that method.

[goblue9280 33]

The first vid I believe shows the other method Chadd is referencing. The shaft is clamped at either end, and then the machine measures the force required to bend the midpoint of the shaft an inch.

[silverclrk 0]

Thanks guys

[Chadd 916]

The first vid I believe shows the other method Chadd is referencing. The shaft is clamped at either end, and then the machine measures the force required to bend the midpoint of the shaft an inch.

Correct. That method is accurate and applicable for standard sticks, but is not for tapered sticks or low kickpoint sticks.

[silverclrk 0]

My father holds patents to a variable flex technology product that could change the flex profile of a single hockey stick on the fly. Does anyone see any benefit to having an application like this applied to a hockey stick.

[steelnation248 102]

My father holds patents to a variable flex technology product that could change the flex profile of a single hockey stick on the fly. Does anyone see any benefit to having an application like this applied to a hockey stick.

I would be interested but I would have to hear how the process works. I'm no carbon fiber expert but it seems like changing the flex profile of an already engineered stick would require adding material to or removing material from the stick.

[silverclrk 0]

I can not really get into the specifics of how it would all work becauseI really do not know myself.

[Chadd 916]

Without knowing how it works, there is no way to know if it would be beneficial

[silverclrk 0]

I am going to try to get more detail released. I just have to get premission first. I think I'll be able to have more info over the weekend.

[innotastic 12]

i think being able to change teh flex point will only be beneficial so far as helping a player find waht flex profile they prefer, kinda like the old mission pitch holders. the average player won't actually fiddle with it that much after finding what they like, and when they do nothing is stopping them from buying other products with that flex profile.

[silverclrk 0]

I know some guys walk around with 3 different sticks. I play D most of the time and usually like a stiffer flex but on offense I like to use a little more mid flex. Not having to pay 400 bills for those 2 sticks is interesting.

[Chadd 916]

Having a mechanical device change the flex profile is going to add weight and impact balance. Some sticks already claim to have a variable kickpoint based on hand position, but I don't find that to be accurate or effective. I would be interested to see how it works but I am extremely skeptical that it would be practical or effective. If you give us the patent numbers we could look at the patent numbers, it would certainly help us understand the method he uses. The patents are publicly available information and the numbers would save significant time as we wouldn't have to search for them.

[goblue9280 33]

I know some guys walk around with 3 different sticks. I play D most of the time and usually like a stiffer flex but on offense I like to use a little more mid flex. Not having to pay 400 bills for those 2 sticks is interesting.

But who doesn't bring at least 2 sticks with them to a game/practice?

Is this the patent you are talking about? http://www.google.com/patents/US6257997

[silverclrk 0]

Yes although the absract does not reflect the newest applied techniology.

Everyone should just in case the one breaks, but to be able to have different flex profiles on the same stick would offer more customization to the players different needs during the game even during the same shift. I know both sticks I carry around are the same flex and most of the time the same stick.

[silverclrk 0]

I should be able to get some testing data this weekend. I will be able to post it. There also is some other patent numbers I will have for patent pending stuff.

[Chadd 916]

Interesting concept but it will be a very tough sell in the hockey market for a number of reasons. Weight will be a huge issue on its own, one that you will have a hard time overcoming in the near future.

[silverclrk 0]

Increase in weight will be as minimal as possible I personal have held the inserts being used in another bigger application that is about 5 feet and it was not heavy. The person who is measuring grams though will see an increase in weight.

Do you think weight plays that big of a factor to the overall player proformance in the end. Some of the greats used wood sticks and they did fine. If say 20 grams is added in the end is that huge?

[Chadd 916]

Increase in weight will be as minimal as possible I personal have held the inserts being used in another bigger application that is about 5 feet and it was not heavy. The person who is measuring grams though will see an increase in weight.

Do you think weight plays that big of a factor to the overall player proformance in the end. Some of the greats used wood sticks and they did fine. If say 20 grams is added in the end is that huge?

It makes a huge difference in the balance of hockey sticks and 20 grams is a very, very large number for the insert in a hockey stick. It may not have a negative impact on the overall performance of the stick, but it will have a negative impact on the sales.

[silverclrk 0]

What's about the average what of a stick now a days?

if balance is not affected Would the weight gain still be that big of a deal.

I've played hockey a long time mostly roller I can rember getting my first Busch one piece and evey since then I have been chasing the newest and lightest sticks so I have bought into the whole marketing concept of lighter is better. But what is there really to say that lighter is actually better besides the manufacturer?