Adults using intermediate sticks?

[bunnyman666 445]

Please accept my apologies if this has been covered before, but an intermediate stick fits me well. I know that I am increasing the flex number significantly by cutting off 6" of shaft from a senior stick. I am just wondering, especially since I have a hard time getting a good, hard shot off if I wouldn't be served by a lower flex stick cut down.

Please advise, oh great gurus of stick and puck.

[Sliwka 0]

Have you tried a 75 flex senior?

[bunnyman666 445]

Everything I see is like 85 or higher. Maybe a 75 would not turn into a super-stiff stick after I cut off 6" or so, eh?

[joshy207 15]

One of my teammates uses an intermediate stick, but he's a small guy.

[bunnyman666 445]

I'm 5'8" and 165-170-ish.

[EBondo 233]

Look for a 75 flex senior stick, I'd say. Most companies now make one. BASE Hockey actually makes a intermediate stick with senior flex options for those with smaller hands. I'm 175 pounds and feel like 75 cut down a few inches works perfect for me.

[Capt.Hook 23]

It's all preference. I'm 5' 11" about 250lbs and use a very short stick. It's at my adams apple in street shoes. I'm all about shooting snap shots and getting them on net quick. I'm a BIG fan of the intermediate stick. Use an intermediate total one shaft and wood blade. Very happy with it. However, it can be a crap shoot - even the intermediates of different companies all vary in their flex.

I'd encourage you to go for it though especially if you are cutting off a lot of inches like me. It really screws up your game having something you can't flex and flex quickly.

[minnsy 15]

I'm a smaller guy too, and here's something a bit funny I noticed about Easton's intermediate sticks vs. their seniors, and about the difference in quality.

I have two sticks:

1. Easton Mako (first gen) Sr. 75 flex w/ Parise pattern

2. Easton V1E Int. 65 flex w/ Hall/Sakic pattern

both cut to about the same length, so by strict numbers the Mako should be quite a bit stiffer, right?

wrong.

I can flex and get the Mako to kick very well, right where it should (mid low, almost mid kick). The V1E? Unbelievable feel, love the stiffness for puck handling, but I can't get the darn thing to flex when I'm shooting. It's like trying to shoot with a steel rod.

The reason for this I suspect is the fact that low end sticks like the V1E aren't going to kick that well in the first place. I just didn't expect it to be so stiff.

Point is, numbers can be decieving. In some cases, a stiffer flex rated senior stick of good quality will flex better than a low end stick w/ a whippier flex.

[MrDucksworth 1]

It's all preference. I'm 5' 11" about 250lbs and use a very short stick. It's at my adams apple in street shoes. I'm all about shooting snap shots and getting them on net quick. I'm a BIG fan of the intermediate stick. Use an intermediate total one shaft and wood blade. Very happy with it. However, it can be a crap shoot - even the intermediates of different companies all vary in their flex.

I'd encourage you to go for it though especially if you are cutting off a lot of inches like me. It really screws up your game having something you can't flex and flex quickly.

So Hook do you use a 67 I'm guessing? Or around there? I'm 5'11" 170, cut my sticks 8-9" from the original 60" seniors... Debating on getting a 67 or 60 (Bauer). Should I go 60? You're bigger and if you like the higher intermediate, I was thinking I should go even lower than I originally thought...?

But Bunny I'm in the same boat...My sticks are crazy stiff because of how much I cut 'em , and I haven't thought about using an intermediate until now, but I think its the correct way to go for guys like us who cut our sticks so much.

Keep in mind that when you cut 6" and have a 75 flex stick, it's increasing it by about 20+ flex, which for someone your size is still too high in my opinion. But it is a lot personal preference like others have said, and style of play.

Keep us informed, since I'm looking at going the same route!

Here's a Bauer chart from another post on here just to give you an idea.

[Souldriver 64]

The warrior rep on here is saying their 75 flex sticks can take off about 5" before any the sticks feel changes. Their 75 flexers also start at 60" compared to some that are 63"

[Stewie 721]

I'm pretty sure the mako was just made from leftover linguini bound together with eggwash

[minnsy 15]

I'm pretty sure the mako was just made from leftover linguini bound together with eggwash

Perhaps. All i know is that I can't stickhandle worth a lick with it. the puck feels almost squishy on the blade, if you know what i mean.

[Capt.Hook 23]

Yes Mr Ducksworth. I use a 67. It is fantabulous. It is all preference though - you are correct. I've arrived at this after years of playing with lots of sticks that were WAY too stiff for me.

In my opinion one of the biggest mistakes I see kids and many adults making is playing with sticks that are FAR too stiff for them. If you aren't able to flex that stick and use that energy in the shot - go lighter. And just because you can flex it when you are putting all your power into it, doesn't mean you'll be able to do that quickly in a game.

I think it's a worthwhile experiment for you my friend. Best of luck to you.

[Stewie 721]

Perhaps. All i know is that I can't stickhandle worth a lick with it. the puck feels almost squishy on the blade, if you know what i mean.

I never got it on the ice much. Tried one at winter fest last year, it was way too soft, I though I accidentally grabbed an int

[bunnyman666 445]

So Hook do you use a 67 I'm guessing? Or around there? I'm 5'11" 170, cut my sticks 8-9" from the original 60" seniors... Debating on getting a 67 or 60 (Bauer). Should I go 60? You're bigger and if you like the higher intermediate, I was thinking I should go even lower than I originally thought...?

But Bunny I'm in the same boat...My sticks are crazy stiff because of how much I cut 'em , and I haven't thought about using an intermediate until now, but I think its the correct way to go for guys like us who cut our sticks so much.

Keep in mind that when you cut 6" and have a 75 flex stick, it's increasing it by about 20+ flex, which for someone your size is still too high in my opinion. But it is a lot personal preference like others have said, and style of play.

Keep us informed, since I'm looking at going the same route!

Here's a Bauer chart from another post on here just to give you an idea.

Bloody fuggin hell!!! I am playing with a pro flex. I am a bloody rank amateur. No wonder why a kitten could stop my shots!!!

Thanks for the chart and the confirmation that I play with waaaaaay too stiff of a stick.

[Rynofan23 2]

im about the same size as you. Using an intermidate 70 flex has made shooting so much better. Use an intermidate unless you super strong.

[bunnyman666 445]

My ideal stick was right under my nose. I shoot better with the Montreal shaft, even though it is a bit on the weighty side. I played with my Tour wave stick on Friday and it was not good. I could clear the puck well with it, however! A bloke on e bay has these intermediate flex Montreal shafts pretty cheaply. They are a 60-70 flex, which takes them to about an 85-7-ish flex when I cut 6" off. The other sticks I am using are easily up to 100-110 flex.

[Capt.Hook 23]

Those montreal shafts are really flexible They are kind of spongy. I know them because I bought one. They may be too flexible for you but they are cheap and worth a shot.

[SCOMPL 14]

Try Warrior, Brother, you'll be impressed. Their flex ratings are measured lowered on the shaft. You can cut several inches and not affect the true flex rating. I'm absolutely in love with my Warrior Covert DT1 75 Flex W03 Dopitar (yes, the "D" key is very far from the "K" key) pattern.

[bunnyman666 445]

Those montreal shafts are really flexible They are kind of spongy. I know them because I bought one. They may be too flexible for you but they are cheap and worth a shot.

I have one right now. My only beef is that it's a bit heavier than the other sticks I have. I cut a goodly amount off (about 6"), so the flex probably gets back up a bit.

I will try a Warrior, however. I figure with hockey sticks, it's like drum sticks and heads- always an area to experiment, especially as ability improves.

[Chadd 916]

I have one right now. My only beef is that it's a bit heavier than the other sticks I have. I cut a goodly amount off (about 6"), so the flex probably gets back up a bit.

I will try a Warrior, however. I figure with hockey sticks, it's like drum sticks and heads- always an area to experiment, especially as ability improves.

We always had good luck with Evans Hydraulics when I was working in the studio.

[bunnyman666 445]

We always had good luck with Evans Hydraulics when I was working in the studio.

No overtones on those old heads. I wish they'd do them in red again.

I like coated ambassadors on top with a CS on the bottom these days.

[ID Rollerpop 4]

^{Sherewood like Warrior measures their flex lower on the stick meaning you can cut off at least 4 inches before the rated flex is impacted and right now their T100 is a darn good deal for $50+ lees than their competitors although I know they are not for everyone.}

[osicks 6]

I score a crap-load of goals using my intermediate CCM U+ CL - 65 flex Crazy Ovi - not cut down at all.

It handles like a wet noodle sometimes, but my shot is harder & faster because I can get flex out of the stick that I have difficulty getting with an 85 flex Senior cut down 2"

FWIW I'm 5'10" - 180 lbs - 30 yrs old. lol

I don't tell some of the guys I play with that I'm using an INT stick otherwise I'll never hear the end of it

[fatwabbit 93]

6ft tall, now at 185lbs, 38yrs old. I use a 80 flex for ice, and a 70 flex for inline. When I play in my hometown, I've got a converted 65 flex shaft that I use