I've been around adult players, mostly on the new-ish end, for a while now and I'm pretty sure most people are using a stick that's too stiff for them.

Rob Little told me once that most adult rec players should use 100 flex at the very stiffest. Since the men have more upper body strength, and I do not, I opted for a 65 flex on my Black Beauty "Warlock" (yes I know it sounds like Harry Potter or D&D, but it's a nice stick with a great low lie).

Amusingly, the product information states, "Any player between the ages of 11 and 14 who wants to realize the full potential of their game..." (Sadly, I am 12 in Hockey Years.)

I'm not short, but this "intermediate" stick has been a very good option for me. I didn't need to cut it at all, and as a result it's very whippy.

I hadn't realized this but of course it makes sense: cutting down a stick INCREASES its flex rating. If you buy an adult stick and then hack six inches off it, you're making it even stiffer than before. The shorter the stick, the harder it is to bend (think about breaking a new pencil versus a little stubby one, which is more difficult?). So buying one where you DON'T have to cut is a very good option.

I've really liked my 65 flex, I can bend it easily and still have control. I was really surprised at the difference this stick made. I won't ever go back to cutting down stiff adult sticks.

What do you use? Do you like it or not, and why?

I'm in a similar boat in that I'm just below average height for an adult male (5'8), not beefy (140 tops), so an intermediate stick is my only option, which limits my choices. I used to use a 65 flex, but as I got better at skating, shooting, and shooting while skating, I got a 70 flex intermediate stick and cut it down slightly (it's probably a 75 now). At first I couldn't handle the relative stiffness, and that weakened my shot. But after playing with it more and continually getting better at being able to torque it (and thus utilize the flex for the benefit of my shot), things got a lot better.

Being pretty new to hockey when I first started looking for a flashy, one piece composite, scores goals on its own, stick I was looking at the higher flex ratings. My instinct was that if they are rating the flex higher it must mean flexier. So it is important to note for brand new players that when choosing flex the lower the flex rating, the flexier the stick will be. Why don't they call it the stiffness rating? That would make more sense.

Me.
110 flex.
Makes for a wicked hard and fast slapshot when you get it to flex. And the kick point is key.

Also, I should note that a stick with a lower flex number (ie, under 100) doesn't automatically mean someone is a newbie. I've heard of NHLers using a whippy 80-flex just cause they like it (and then routinely breaking one every game).

According to Kim McCullough, of Total Female Hockey, pick a stick with a flex that is roughly half your weight.
Take your weight in pounds and divide it by 2.

The women's hockey players on the Canadian and American national teams weigh an average of 150 pounds, so a stick with a 75 flex would be perfect (150 divided by 2). Most of the Olympians use a stick with an intermediate flex (70-80 flex).

Mr. Kato, TPS makes an adult "Whip" that is = 75. I've used them for 5 years, although that isn't the most ringing of endorsements. TPS Red Lite XN10 shaft, if you can find one. Also the lightest shaft ever produced @ 250 grams.

When I first started playing 6 years ago, each company was using a different numbering system for flex. Like Bauer had 220, no idea what that meant, and I think Mission was really weird too (as was all of their product). I think eventually most manufacturers used the Easton model of 100 = 100 lbs of force to flex shaft 1".

The whippiest stick I ever used was an NHL pro-stock return from a Mr. Brett Hull. Maybe you've heard of him. He had quite the wrister. It was so whippy is barely stood up in the corner. I'd estimate it was a 60. A teammate had a couple of them, they were Easton Z-Bubbles marked 100, but clearly were not 100.

The TPS 75 (whip) flex feels a lot like the 70 Flex Easton shafts. They're really whippy compared to a 77 flex Bauer One95 shaft. I'm guessing they'd be idea for the smaller adult who wants a top notch shaft.


There was one on eBay that sold for $75 used the other day.

Funny you should mention that. The 65 flex stick I used to use was indeed a TPS Redlite Intermediate one piece. Found it by chance at a Play It Again Sports. Didn't even have to cut it.

and granted i know full well ones shot is all about the legs but i have NO upper body strength and just purchased a junior stick with a 52 flex. haven't used it enough (two or three times now) to see if it is helping my shot but so far i like it. and for those who don't know, i'm 5'4" and about 125#