The kickpoint of your hockey stick determines where it flexes during a shot — and it has a direct impact on release speed, shot power, and versatility. Here's everything you need to know to choose the right one.
In This Guide
The kickpoint — also called the flex point — is the part of the shaft that bends most when you load your shot. Where that flex happens directly affects how quickly the puck releases off the blade, how much power transfers into the shot, and what types of shots feel most natural.
Most modern hockey sticks fall into one of three kickpoint categories: low, mid, and hybrid. Each is optimized for a different style of play — and choosing the right one can make a meaningful difference to your game.
Positioned at the bottom third of the shaft, the low kickpoint is designed for players who prioritize quick puck release. The flex happens close to the blade, which loads and releases energy faster — ideal for rapid snapshots, wrist shots, and getting the puck off your blade before a defender can react.
Best for: Forwards who shoot in tight spaces, players with a quick release, those who favour wrist shots and snap shots over slap shots.
Popular sticks: Bauer Vapor series, CCM Ribcor, True Hzrdus, Warrior Covert.
Located at the middle of the shaft, the mid kickpoint is favoured by players seeking maximum power — particularly for powerful slapshots from the point or blue line. The higher flex point provides more stability and leverage when loading the shot, transferring more energy into the puck.
Best for: Defensemen, power forwards, and players with heavy shots who prioritize force over release speed.
Popular sticks: CCM Tacks series, Warrior Novium, True Catalyst.
The hybrid kickpoint offers a blend of quickness and power by flexing where the bottom hand is positioned during loading and shooting. Rather than a fixed point, the flex adapts to the player's hand position — making it the most versatile option on the market.
This option caters to players of all positions, providing the benefits of both low and mid kickpoints depending on the shot type being taken.
Best for: All-round players who take a variety of shot types, or those who are still figuring out their preferred style.
Popular sticks: CCM Jetspeed series.
Selecting the right kickpoint involves weighing three key factors:
Quick Reference
| Kickpoint | Best for | Shot types |
|---|---|---|
| Low kick | Forwards, quick release | Wrist shot, snap shot |
| Mid kick | Defence, power | Slap shot, full wind-up |
| Hybrid kick | All positions | All shot types |
Yes — mid kickpoint sticks generally produce more power on slapshots because the flex loads more energy through a longer lever. Low kickpoint sticks sacrifice some raw power in exchange for a faster release.
A hybrid or mid kickpoint is often the best starting point for beginners — it's forgiving across different shot types and doesn't lock you into a specific style before you've developed your game.
Yes — it comes down to personal preference. Some defensemen prefer low kick for quick outlet passes and snap shots from the point. However, if slapshots from the blue line are a key part of your game, a mid kick stick will generally serve you better.
Flex rating and kickpoint are separate properties — flex measures how much force is needed to bend the stick, while kickpoint determines where it bends. A low kick 87 flex and a mid kick 87 flex require the same force to bend, but the energy releases from different points on the shaft.
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