Beginners: Just starting hockey, what flex should I use?

[Runeskor]

As the title says, I'm just getting in to hockey and for the new stick that I might get, there are 3 flex options: 75, 85, 100.

I'm 6'1, 165 lbs and I'm looking at playing center.

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[KuralySnipes]

As the title says, I'm just getting in to hockey and for the new stick that I might get, there are 3 flex options: 75, 85, 100.

I'm 6'1, 165 lbs and I'm looking at playing center.

I'd get a 75 flex, you might have problems flexing some of the higher ones at first.

 

[Runeskor]

75? Is that too low?

I don't want a whippy stick or one that flexes easily, but is 100 or even 85 too high for a long term stick?

 

[IonizedCookie]

85 should be okay, not recommended. Might end up hurting your wrists.

 

[Sykora|39]

85 should be okay, not recommended. Might end up hurting your wrists.

Have flex ratings changed over the years?

I have an Easton Synergy 85 flex from around 2003 and I can't flex it for my life. I mean on carpet I can get it to bend a little but nothing much...


edit: misread your comment. basically saying an 85 is a lot for a beginner.

 

[Runeskor]

Also, another question:

When I want to purchase the stick, its asking me for a curve.

The options are:

C211 Drury
C121 Lidstrom/Getzlaf
C011 Iginla
C010 Zetterberg
C101 Sakic

So my question is, what difference will the curve make on my shooting? Which one is better for a snap shot? Which one is better for a wrist shot? Which one is better for a slapshot?

Which ones are better for shooting at certain areas of the net?

 

[Guffaw]

Just starting+165 lbs= 75 Flex

As you get more experience i would experiment with different brands/flex ratings as some of this is subjective.

Essentially you want the stiffest stick that you can actually flex with the type of shots you are taking. Heavier, stronger, take a lot of slapshots, etc will tend to need a higher flex. Lighter, not as strong, favor wrist and snap shots will benefit more from a lower flex.

Im 6'2 170-175lbs,mostly wrist and snap shots, playing out(ex goalie)around 5 years and its 75 all day for me. I've tried everything. 75 is also easier on my elbow tendonitis

 

[nystromshairstylist]

As the title says, I'm just getting in to hockey and for the new stick that I might get, there are 3 flex options: 75, 85, 100.

I'm 6'1, 165 lbs and I'm looking at playing center.

I'm 5-10.5, 168lbs and much prefer the 102 flex sticks, but I use a snapshot 99% of the time. If you are looking to use a slapper then maybe the 87 flex is more suitable.

 

[tarheelhockey]

If you're a normal human being, the flex on your first stick is going to be nearly irrelevant. You're not going to be out there bending sticks for a while anyway, so just get something middle of the road in the 75-85 range and you'll be fine.

I would just suggest not going much lower than 75, simply to avoid something featherweight that could potentially break by leaning on it too much as a beginner.

Also, another question:

When I want to purchase the stick, its asking me for a curve.

The options are:

C211 Drury
C121 Lidstrom/Getzlaf
C011 Iginla
C010 Zetterberg
C101 Sakic

So my question is, what difference will the curve make on my shooting? Which one is better for a snap shot? Which one is better for a wrist shot? Which one is better for a slapshot?

Which ones are better for shooting at certain areas of the net?

Blade patterns depend on which company you're using. Here's a helpful reference:

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/blade-pattern-chart.html

For a beginner, I would suggest a modest curve (like the Drury or Zetterberg if you're looking at the ones I'm thinking of) and I would definitely stay away from a Sakic until you have your basic puck skills down pat. The more dramatic the curve, the more skill you'll need in order to control the puck for basic passes and stickhandling which will be 95% of your touches in the early stages of your development.

 

[Guffaw]

As you can see from all the conflicting comments it's very subjective so you really have to try and see what works for you.

For example, in the one post above the guy is taking almost all snapshots at 160 some pounds, but prefers a 100 flex. The biggest and strongest player on our team, think bodybuilder, takes all snapshots, well over 200 pounds, scores a boatload of goals and uses a 75. Physics will tell you that one of those guys is using the wrong flex, but that's where the subjective part comes in. Some people don't like to feel the stick bending in their hands.

 

[Guffaw]

Watch any NHL replay, show etc. where they show shots being taken in slow motion. Look at the flex on the stick, it's incredible. You want the stick to flex.

 

[MattGTI]

Basically every aspect of what people like/dislike about a certain stick is subjective(length, flex, lie, curve, blade pattern, so on and so forth). What two people of the same height, weight, size, and skill level might drastically differ between the two.

The general rule of thumb with flex used to be to take your weight, and cut it in half, and start with the flex closest to it. Not sure if people even go by that anymore.

In all honesty, its best to start with one and work your way into trying a bunch if different flexes, blade patterns, etc. Guys are usually more than willing to let you get the puck feel with a stick they are using, so you can get the idea of different types of sticks.

Personally, if I were you, start at an 85, play with it, get used to it, then try a bunch of others, and compare your findings.

I'm 6'2", and over 200 lbs. Though I don't consider myself extremely strong, I find 100 flex sticks(for the most part, it varies between manufacturer) feel the best to me overall.

 

[Jarick]

Welcome!

If you haven't already, check out the big sticky thread on stick buying guide, it should answer some questions for you.

Here's what I would recommend:

1. At your height with average strength, I would recommend 85 flex stick, but if you are a true beginner and haven't learned to shoot and skate well, start with a 75 flex stick. That would help you to feel your way through the shot, and eventually once you get stronger and quicker, you can bump up to 85 flex if you need to.

2. I would recommend the Iginla curve, or similar curves from other companies (like P88). It's a mild, neutral mid curve that's not great or terrible at anything but good all around. It should help as you learn to handle the puck, make and receive passes, and learn to shoot on the forehand and backhand.

3. If you're on a budget, I would recommend an older high-end stick on clearance. You get much more for you money. Don't worry about durability now as you will have to TRY to break your stick.