12 replies to this topic

[Dishmaster]

I wish I would have done this years ago. I don't know if it's the stick (I just got the new Super Tacks 2.0s) but I took em to shinny tonight and I had crazy pop on my shots. Even my passes seemed to fly off harder. I was expecting it to just feel like a noodle but it was great, I've used an 85 for as long as I can remember so maybe I was just using the wrong flex for me all this time but I think I'm gonna be changing for good now. Anyone else find they've dropped flex and liked it? Maybe I just got weaker over the years I dunno

[Maligator175]

I actually just did the opposite. I went from a 65 flex intermediate to an 85 flex. For me, my shot is not as hard, but it is more accurate. Most importantly though, my stickhandling is WAY better and so is my pass reception. With the 65 flex, I'd catch a pass and it would bounce off my stick due to the flexing of the shaft and a "springboard" effect.

 

One other thing I noticed is that I'd occasionally fire slapshots wide of the net. I'm not doing that as much with the higher flex (sometimes I just suck). I think I was torquing the shaft and blade so it wasn't hitting the puck square.

 

As a reference, I'm 5'10" and 155 lbs. I play defense, so I like having a longer stick.

[DespicableChang]

I dropped flex about 10 years ago or so down to an intermediate and never went back.  I use a real short stick so if i was in an 85 it was a lot of work to flex it.  I'm 5'11" 270 so I guess I'm just really lazy - ha ha.  My kid plays with a 65-70 too and he's about 6 ft 190.  It does suck for one-timers but for snapping shots off and everything else, I can't go back.  It really is an individual kind of thing though.  The best part is that when you find what works for you then it's great.  

[gosinger]

5'9", 200lbs, also went from 85 to 75 over the years, with an entire season of even 55/70 intermediate sticks, finally settling on 75 (retail) - 77 (bauer pro-stock 1n) senior sticks my ideal area. Still stiff enough for heavy slapshots (which for me was not really possible with the intermediates) but still plenty of pop without having to lean in too much for quick snappers.

[TokenGoon]

I actually just did the opposite. I went from a 65 flex intermediate to an 85 flex.

Why didnt you try 75/77 flex first?

[Maligator175]

Why didnt you try 75/77 flex first?

I had a 67 flex, 75 flex, and 87 flex at a stick and puck session. Although my slap shot wasn't as powerful with the 87, I was making and receiving passes better, stickhandling better, and had a better backhand. I play men's league as D and don't take many full slappers anyways, so those other things won out for me.

I know I'll have to hone my technique with the 87, but I'd rather focus on good technique than letting the stick do all the work for me. That's what I was doing with the 67.

[Dishmaster]

I noticed today wasn't as sweet as the first skate with it. I found I need to find the balance between sending hard or soft passes now, maybe a tweak here or there but for the most part it was still fun. Kind of surprised myself with a shot, loved the way it launched.

[Mapleleafs-13]

Your weight and strength would also factor into flex as well as your shooting technique. I'm an 87, i've used 77 once and noticed a noodle affect right away. Everything was off, but i also weigh 20lbs more and am a little bit taller. I tried a 95 as well and noticed my snapshots were crisp but wrist shots didn't come off as hard stick handling was really nice cause of the stiffness but something else was off.

 

I recommend people trying a few different flexes out and figuring what's your go to. Sure it might be a little expensive but who knows, you may gain something you didn't know you had.

 

For myself i know i'm an 87 for sure because i tried the one above and below and the 87 still felt the best so this is what i shall stick with.  

 

But in saying that there are players that use flexes that are way different than what you'd think, P kane for instance uses a 107 or so, he's listed at 5'11 @ 175 lbs. The stiffness probably helps him with the stick handling a ton and he's definitely learned how to use it properly for shooting as most of us would struggle using a stick like that. 

[bmwguy73]

Here’s an interesting one...Was down @ ACC tonight to watch Matthews & Co. take on Ovi and was blown away to see as a 6’3” 220lb beast, Auston is actually using an 82 Flex Nexus 1N. Ya there’s no mistaking guy is a sick talent but that sweet release is partly the specs. on his noodle of a twig as well!

https://imgur.com/a/fpAUA

[AussieCanuckHockeyLover]

Here’s an interesting one...Was down @ ACC tonight to watch Matthews & Co. take on Ovi and was blown away to see as a 6’3” 220lb beast, Auston is actually using an 82 Flex Nexus 1N. Ya there’s no mistaking guy is a sick talent but that sweet release is partly the specs. on his noodle of a twig as well!

https://imgur.com/a/fpAUA

 

I think he has a couple different flexes. I remember seeing some 87 some 82. Maybe for when he's getting tired and wants an easier flex?! 

[Mapleleafs-13]

They were selling matthew's twig for $4k, marner's game used was $1500, then it drops down to $300 for JVR's twig. 

[asgoodasdead]

i dropped from 100 flex senior to 67 flex intermediate about 2 years ago along with cutting my sticks about 4" shorter and everything got way better.

[Bosik]

i am 154 lbs and i went from 85 flex to 100 flex. My stickhandling got much better as well as wristshots and passing.