Hockey Stick School
Everything you need to know about choosing the perfect hockey stick. From flex to curves to kick points — become an expert.
Understanding Flex
Flex refers to the force (in pounds) required to make the stick bend when you shoot the puck. To experience the most benefit from a premium stick, you need to engage the flex properly.
A common starting point: your flex should be no more than half your body weight. For example, if you weigh 180 lbs, try no more than an 85/90 flex.
However, this is just a guideline. Playing style, position, and personal preference all play a role. Forwards who take quick wrist shots often prefer a lower flex, while defensemen who take slap shots from the point may prefer a stiffer stick.
Flex Quick Reference
Curve Patterns
The curve of your blade affects how the puck sits on the stick, how your shots release, and how easy it is to handle the puck. Here are the most popular patterns and what they're best for.
T92
Mid-Toe Curve, Open Face
The gold standard. A mid-toe curve with a moderately open face that creates a natural pocket for cradling the puck. Provides an excellent release point for wrist and snap shots while maintaining solid backhand control. If you're unsure which curve to choose, start here.
Best for: All-around play, wrist shots, passing — the most popular curve in hockey
T28
Toe Curve, Very Open Face
An aggressive toe curve with the blade staying relatively straight from heel to mid-blade, then hooking dramatically at the toe. The very open face makes elevating the puck effortless. Deadly for dekes and shooting off the toe, but demands skill to control. Not recommended for beginners.
Best for: Dangles, toe drags, quick release — built for skilled forwards
T88
Mid Curve, Slightly Open
A classic, gradual mid-curve with the most closed face of any popular pattern. The large flat striking surface provides the best backhand performance and the most predictable puck control. Ideal for players who value accuracy and consistency over lift.
Best for: Accuracy, stickhandling, backhand — the most traditional curve
T91A
Heel Curve, Open Face
A long blade with a deep heel curve and very open face. The pocket sits near the heel, leaving a large flat surface from mid-blade to toe. The extra blade length gives more reach for poke checks and board battles. Excellent for chipping pucks out and point shots.
Best for: Defensemen, clearing, slap shots, deflections — an old-school workhorse
T90
Mid-Toe Hybrid, Open Face
A hybrid that takes the familiar T92 body and adds a T28-style toe kink. The taller blade height gives more surface area for faceoffs and board battles, while the lower lie keeps the puck out front. Think of it as a more offensive T92 with added toe-drag ability.
Best for: Centermen, faceoffs, versatile offense — the T92/T28 hybrid
T02
Heel Curve, Open Face
The only curve with a square toe, which lets you get the blade flush against the boards to dig out pucks. A pronounced heel curve with a large flat striking area for powerful slap shots and one-timers. Old-school and increasingly rare, but unmatched for board work and point shots.
Best for: Defensemen, slap shots, board play — the Lidstrom classic
Kick Points
The kick point is the area of the stick that flexes the most during a shot. It directly affects your release speed and shot power.
Low Kick
Best for Forwards
The most requested option. Flexes near the bottom of the shaft for the quickest release on snap shots and wrist shots. Ideal for close-range scoring and quick-release situations.
- Fastest release speed
- Best for snap shots & wrist shots
- Ideal for quick-play scoring
Mid Kick
Best for All Positions
Flexes in the middle of the shaft for a balanced combination of release speed and shot power. The most versatile option that works for any play style.
- Balanced power & release
- Versatile for all shot types
- Great for two-way players
High Kick
Best for Defensemen
Flexes near the top of the shaft, loading maximum energy for the most powerful shots. Best for players who take hard slap shots from the point or need maximum velocity.
- Maximum shot power
- Best for slap shots
- Ideal for point shots
Getting the Right Length
Skip the Saw — Order Your Exact Size
Unlike the big brands that sell only a few standard lengths, Tilt offers custom lengths at every 2-inch increment. That means you can order the exact length you need without ever having to cut your stick.
This matters because cutting a stick changes the flex. Every inch you cut off adds approximately 5 flex points, making the stick stiffer. When you order the right length from the start, you get the exact flex performance the stick was designed to deliver.
How to Measure for Your Stick
Put on your skates (or shoes if you don't have skates handy — just add about 2 inches to account for skate height).
Stand up straight and hold the stick in front of you with the blade flat on the ground. The end of the shaft should reach somewhere between your chin and your nose. This is the sweet spot for most players.
Adjust for your play style. Forwards who like to stickhandle often prefer a shorter stick (around chin height) for better puck control. Defensemen who need extra reach typically go longer (nose height or above).
Don't have a stick to compare? Stand against a wall in your skates (or shoes + 2") and have someone measure from the floor to your chin and nose. Your ideal stick length falls in that range. Match it to the closest Tilt size below.
How we measure our sticks: All Tilt sizes refer to the length from the floor to the top of the shaft when the stick is stood straight up flat against a wall with the blade on the ground. This is the standard way to measure a hockey stick.
Available Lengths
If You Do Need to Cut
We always recommend ordering the right length. But if you have a stick that's slightly too long, here's what cutting does to the flex.
Flex Change After Cutting
Each inch cut adds ~5 flex points, making the stick stiffer.
Pro tip: If you must cut, factor the flex increase into your order. Planning to cut 2 inches off an 85? It'll play like a 95. Order a lower flex to compensate — or better yet, just order the right length from Tilt.
Knowledge Is Power
The right stick setup makes all the difference in your game
Ready to Build Your Stick?
Now that you know what you need, build your perfect custom stick with Tilt. Choose your curve, flex, and kick point.
Build Your Custom Stick