Hockey Sticks

Flex refers to the stiffness of the stick – technically, the "flex number" is the amount of pressure required to bend the stick one inch.

In determining what flex is best for you, a good rule of thumb is to divide your body weight (in pounds) by 2. Example: If you weigh 160 pounds, a good starting point would be an 80 flex stick.

But it's also important to bake in height, as shown here:

TLDR? Watch the video here instead: 

A hockey stick pattern refers to the specific shape and curve of the blade. Different patterns are designed to optimize performance for various playing styles and positions.

Finding the right pattern for you is about fit – but there are a few important things to keep in mind.

The heel, mid, and toe refer to where in the blade most of the "curve" lies. Players focused on generating high-velocity slapshots (like defensemen) might prefer a heel; those whose games center on handling and control may prefer toe, and most will find "mid" curves to their liking. Many patterns fall between two of the three.

Pro stock sticks are custom-made sticks created by manufacturers for high-level hockey players - anywhere from the NHL down to major junior. These customizations can apply to features such as flex profiles, blade patterns, shaft dimensions, paint jobs, and almost anything else you can think of.

Generally, pro stock sticks are made with slightly different (and higher quality) materials than their retail counterparts, often leading to better durability and overall performance. Players and resellers alike can get a hold of these sticks - new and used - from pro, college, and junior teams, and many of them end up for sale on SidelineSwap.

Pro stock sticks will sometimes be “dressed” to look like different models, so always check descriptions and ask sellers to make sure you know what you’re buying.

Cheaper sticks, which typically start around $50, are significantly heavier, making them less maneuverable and harder to handle. As you move up in price, sticks become lighter, offering improved responsiveness and control.

Higher-end sticks are also designed with advanced materials and technology, which not only reduce weight but also enhance performance and precision. However, these premium models tend to be slightly less durable due to their lighter construction. Major brands like CCM often offer multiple models of the same stick at different price points, each tailored to balance weight, durability, and cost.