What Flex Does Connor Bedard Use

Okay, so picture this: I'm at my local rink, watching a bunch of mite hockey players stumble around like baby deer on ice (no offense, kids, we've all been there!). One of the dads is loudly proclaiming that his kid's slapshot issues are definitely because he's using a stick with the wrong flex. "He needs a Bedard-like whippy stick!" he yells. Which got me thinking... what flex does Connor Bedard actually use? Is it some kind of closely guarded secret? Is there a magic number that unlocks instant hockey stardom? Let's dive in, shall we?

We're all obsessed with gear, let's be real. Whether it's the newest skate model promising +5 speed or the curve that's supposed to give you laser-accurate snipes, the gear conversation is always buzzing. And naturally, when a generational talent like Bedard emerges, everyone wants to know: what's he using? Because, you know, that's totally going to make us play like him. (Spoiler alert: it probably won't, but hey, no harm in dreaming!).

The Mystery of the Bedard Flex: Unveiled (Sort Of)

Alright, let's cut to the chase. Finding the exact flex Bedard uses is a bit like trying to find Bigfoot. There's a lot of speculation, some fuzzy photos, and very little concrete evidence directly from the source. Players, especially those at the pro level, are often reluctant to disclose every single detail about their equipment. Why? Well, for a few reasons:

• Competitive Advantage: Even a small detail can give an opponent an edge if they know what to expect. (Imagine the opposing goalie psyching himself out knowing exactly how whippy Bedard's stick is!).
• Sponsorship Deals: Stick manufacturers often have clauses in their contracts that prevent players from publicly discussing their setup. They want to control the narrative, you know?
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, a player's stick setup is a deeply personal thing. It's fine-tuned over years of practice and experimentation. They might not want to share all the secrets to their sauce.

That being said, through some good old-fashioned internet sleuthing, scouting reports, and educated guesses from various hockey gurus, we can piece together a pretty good idea of what Bedard's swinging.

So, What's the Educated Guess?

The consensus seems to be that Connor Bedard uses a relatively low flex stick, somewhere in the range of 55-65. This is considerably lower than what many other NHL players use. Most adult players, especially those with a decent build, tend to use flexes in the 75-100+ range. So why the low flex for Bedard?

Think about it: Bedard isn't the biggest guy on the ice. He's listed at around 5'10" and 185 pounds (depending on who you ask and whether they're being generous). A lower flex allows him to really load up his shot, generating more whip and velocity with his relatively smaller frame. It’s all about leverage and technique, folks!

Side Note: Just because he uses a low flex doesn’t mean you should. Don’t go chopping down your 85 flex stick just yet! We'll get to how to find the right flex for you later.

Why the Low Flex Matters: Bedard's Snipes Explained

The low flex plays a crucial role in Bedard’s deadly shooting abilities. Here's why:

• Faster Release: A whippier stick allows for a faster release. The puck comes off the blade quicker, giving goalies less time to react. This is especially important in tight spaces and when shooting through traffic.
• Increased Velocity: While a heavier flex might generate more power for a bigger player, a lighter flex, when used correctly, can actually increase the velocity of a shot for a smaller, more agile player. It's all about maximizing energy transfer.
• Better Puck Control: A more flexible stick can also improve puck control. It allows for softer hands and a better feel for the puck, which is essential for stickhandling and making quick passes. Bedard's hands are legendary, so it makes sense he'd want a stick that complements his soft touch.
• Deception: The whippiness of the stick can add an element of deception to his shot. Goalies often have a harder time reading where the puck is going because the stick flexes so much. It’s like a magic trick, but with a slapshot.

Basically, the low flex helps Bedard maximize his strengths: his incredible hands, his quick release, and his deceptive shooting technique. He's not relying on brute strength; he's relying on finesse and precision. Think of it like a martial artist using leverage rather than just raw power.

But What About His Curve? The Other Half of the Equation

Okay, we've talked flex, but the curve is equally important. Again, getting precise details is tough, but it's widely believed that Bedard uses a fairly open curve with a moderate lie. This combination allows him to:

• Elevate the Puck Easily: An open curve makes it easier to get the puck airborne, which is crucial for snipes over goalies' shoulders. Think top cheese, baby!
• Quick Release in Tight: The curve helps him get the puck off his stick quickly, even when he's being pressured by defenders.
• Accurate Shots from Various Angles: The moderate lie helps him maintain control and accuracy when shooting from different positions on the ice.

The open curve is almost certainly a custom curve too. He's probably had years of fine-tuning to get exactly what he needs. You're not going to walk into your local hockey shop and find a "Bedard Curve" on the shelf (although, I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens eventually). Custom curves are often expensive and require a lot of trial and error. So, maybe stick with the P92 or P28 for now!

Finding Your Ideal Flex: The Bedard Effect (Without the Bedard Talent... Yet)

Okay, so you're inspired by Bedard's whippy stick and you're ready to ditch your lumberjack-strength flex. Hold your horses! Choosing the right flex is a highly personal process. Here’s a breakdown:

The Basic Rule: Weight Matters (Sort Of)

A general guideline is to use a flex that's roughly half your body weight. So, if you weigh 160 pounds, a flex around 80 might be a good starting point. But this is just a starting point. There's way more to it.

Factors to Consider: Beyond Just Weight

• Height: Taller players generally need stiffer flexes because they have more leverage.
• Strength: Stronger players can handle stiffer flexes without losing power. Weaker players (no offense!) might benefit from a softer flex.
• Shooting Style: Do you prefer a wrist shot with a quick release, or a booming slapshot? Wrist shot specialists often prefer lower flexes, while slapshot enthusiasts might prefer higher flexes.
• Playing Position: Forwards who need a quick release in tight might prefer lower flexes, while defensemen who need to clear the zone with powerful shots might prefer higher flexes.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best flex is the one that feels the best. Experiment and see what works for you! Don’t be afraid to try different flexes at a stick demo or by borrowing a teammate's stick (with their permission, of course!).

The Importance of Cut Length

This is huge! Cutting a stick significantly increases its flex. So, if you buy an 85 flex stick and then cut it down a few inches, you might end up with something closer to a 95 flex. Make sure you account for the length of your stick when choosing your flex. A good rule of thumb is that your stick should come up to somewhere between your nose and your chin when standing on skates.

The Trial-and-Error Method

Honestly, the best way to find your ideal flex is to try different sticks and see what works. Go to a stick demo at your local rink. Borrow sticks from friends (again, with permission!). Pay attention to how the stick feels when you shoot. Do you feel like you can load it up properly? Does the puck come off the blade quickly and accurately? Does it feel comfortable in your hands? If you're not sure, ask a knowledgeable coach or hockey shop employee for advice.

Pro Tip: Don't get too caught up in trying to copy Bedard's setup. What works for him might not work for you. Focus on finding a flex that complements your own strengths and weaknesses.

In Conclusion: The Flex is Just One Piece of the Puzzle

While knowing what flex Connor Bedard uses is interesting, remember that it's just one small piece of the puzzle. His incredible talent, work ethic, and hockey IQ are far more important than any particular equipment setup. Don't expect to suddenly become a scoring machine just by switching to a 60 flex stick!

Instead, focus on improving your own skills, practicing hard, and developing your own unique style of play. And don't forget to have fun! After all, that's what hockey is all about. Now go out there and snipe some goals (with whatever flex feels right for you)! Good luck!