How do I choose the right hockey stick?

How do I choose the right hockey stick?

Try Bladetech Hockey's Hockey Stick Assessment

We've all asked it at one point in our lives - what is the right hockey stick for me (or for my kid)?

There's a lot of varying information out there, but at Bladetech Hockey we like to distill everything into some concise advice that we think will work best for most players. In this article, we will be focused specifically on selecting the right FLEX and CURVE for you.  

Firstly, if you haven't yet, please check out our Hockey Stick Assessment tool.  This will give you the best information on where to start, or to see if you're using something to stiff, whippy, or can get more benefit from a different curve based on your position and style of play.

FLEX 

Finding the best flex for your hockey stick is key to maximizing your shot power, accuracy, and overall feel. Here's a breakdown to help you choose the right flex:


🔍 What is "Flex" in a Hockey Stick?

Flex is the amount of force (in pounds) required to bend the stick one inch. A 77 flex stick takes 77 pounds of pressure to bend an inch.


How to Find the Right Flex for You

1. Use the General Rule of Thumb

  • Take your body weight in pounds and divide it by 2.
    • Example: If you weigh 160 lbs → 160 ÷ 2 = 80 flex.

2. Adjust Based on Style & Strength

  • +5–10 flex if you're strong or take a lot of slap shots.
  • -5–10 flex if you're more finesse, take quick wrist shots, or are still developing strength.

3. Consider Your Position

  • Forwards tend to like lower flex (67–87) for quicker shots.
  • Defensemen may prefer higher flex (87-95) for powerful slapshots and clearing the puck.

4. Height & Stick Length Matter

  • Cutting down a stick increases the flex. For every inch cut, the stick gets about 5 flex points stiffer.
  • If you cut your stick significantly, consider starting with a lower flex.

🧠 Pro Tip:

If you're stuck between two options (e.g., 67 vs. 77), go lower unless you’re a heavy shooter. Most players benefit from a bit more whip in their shot.


Want help finding a specific flex based on your height/weight/playstyle? Use our HOCKEY STICK ASSESSMENT.

CURVE

Finding the best curve for your hockey stick depends a lot on your position, shooting style, puck handling, and even personal preference. Here's a full breakdown to help you figure it out:


🌀 What Is a Stick Curve?

The curve is how the blade of the stick is shaped — it affects how you shoot, pass, and handle the puck. The main types are:

Type Best For
Toe Curve Quick snapshots, toe drags, dekes
Mid Curve Versatile, balanced for shooting/passing
Heel Curve Slap shots, backhand passes, long passes

🔍 Key Factors to Consider

1. Your Position & Playstyle

  • Forwards often like toe or mid curves for quick releases and puck control.

  • Defensemen might prefer a heel curve for slap shots and clearing the zone.

2. Shooting Style

  • Wrist/Snap Shots → Go for a toe or mid curve (e.g., P28 or P92).

  • Slap Shots → Consider a heel curve (e.g., P88, P77).

  • Backhands → Less open face (e.g., mid/heel curves) is better.

3. Puck Handling / Passing

  • If you're all about stickhandling and quick dekes → toe curve.

  • If you're a playmaker passing more → mid curve for control.


📚 Common Curves to Know (names vary by brand)

Name Type Good For
P28 Toe Curve Quick shots, toe drags, sniping
P92 Mid-Toe All-around (probably most popular curve)
P88 Mid Curve Balanced for shooting, passing, backhands

 


⚖️ Final Tip:

If you’re new or not sure, go with a P92-style mid curve — it’s the most versatile and beginner-friendly. Once you dial in your style, you can experiment with toe or heel curves.


Want help choosing the right curve for your game? Use our HOCKEY STICK ASSESSMENT.


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