Which stick hits harder? (one is stiff and other can be bent slightly)

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In summary, the comparison between a stiff stick and a slightly bendable stick in terms of hitting power depends on various factors such as material, flexibility, and the mechanics of the swing. A stiff stick typically transfers energy more efficiently at impact, potentially delivering a harder hit, while a bendable stick may absorb some energy but can also provide a whip-like effect, enhancing the strike if used correctly. Ultimately, the effectiveness of each stick may vary based on the user's technique and the specific context of use.
  • #1
yungman
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This is really not supposedly a physics question, more a stick fight question. But of cause people into stick fight knows nothing about physics.

I have 2 sticks, one made of Hickory wood that is very hard, you cannot bend it even you put whole body weight to lean on it. Diameter is about 1 1/16". another is a nylon stick that is 15/16". It is almost unbreakable, but it can be flex a little if leaning on it. BOTH are of same length.

Let's assume they weight the same of 20oz with the rubber boot. the hickory stick itself is about 1oz lighter, but I put a little extra weight on the rubber boot to make it almost the same as the nylon one.

I test it force by tapping on my chin bone(of cause lightly) with the rubber boot, the hickory hard stick definitely hurts a lot more with the same force. BUT, when I practice on a heavy kicking bag by the rubber boot, I actually feel the nylon stick(a little flexible) seem to hit a little harder judging by the sound( how deep and how loud).

Is it possible? My initial thinking is the hickory with a slightly heavier boot should hit harder as more weight concentrates at the tip, but judging by the sound and the echo from the bag, it's not. I am confused.

Can air resistance play a part as the smaller diameter nylon stick experience less resistance? From my experience swinging in air, the nylon stick make a little louder whipping sound than the thicker hickory stick.

Anyone can explain in physics.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
The hickory stick will break bones at or near the point of impact. The more flexible Nylon stick will accelerate the part of the body that is hit. Do you intend to fracture a skull or break a jaw, or do you want to knock them unconscious, without breaking bones?

The physics of the impact is to do with impedance matching, to transfer energy from your arm, to the stick, and then to the target. The energy could be delivered very locally, or spread over a much wider area.

Your arm is better matched to the more flexible stick, so the flexible stick impact will jar, or damage your arm less.
 
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  • #3
Thanks for the reply, It's for self defense, just want to stop the attacker whatever it takes.

What is impedance matching? I intend to hit with the tip at one point, that's how I test. I have to try again hitting with the body of the stick.

Of cause there are technique combine rotation of the body, shoulder and squeeze the arm/hand at the point of contact. Those are technique I practice. Assume I am doing the same with both sticks, so that eliminate the variable. Both sticks don't hurt my arm swinging and hitting, so I am not worry about injury.

My concern is which one hits harder, that's the ultimate question. I feel more secured with the nylon as it will not break, where as the Hickory stick might break if accidentally hit something hard on the way.

thanks
 
  • #4
yungman said:
What is impedance matching?
High impedance, in the mechanical sense, involves a high force, moving a short way (A 5kg brick hitting your skull).
Low impedance would involve a low force acting over a longer distance (A 5kg lump of foam bumping into you.

To get the maximum energy transfer from your stick, the impedance of the target would best be high to break bones (a high impedance target) and low to push you over without breaking bones but squashing your muscles.
 
  • #5
yungman said:
Thanks for the reply, It's for self defense, just want to stop the attacker whatever it takes.
Well, police batons and ASPs are rigid, so most likely that is the best choice for a weapon.

Please be careful thinking about carrying or possessing a baton or similar as a self-defense weapon, though. In my home state of California, it is illegal (a felony) to carry one when you are not an on-duty law enforcement officer who has a "baton card" (similar to a "gun card") which certifies them as being trained.

I once had the same thought as you and went to a police supply business to purchase an ASP for self defense. The very helpful clerk asked me if I could show him my "baton card", and when I explained that I didn't have one, he explained the laws about needing the certification card and carrying it on duty only.

Probably best to look into taking a mace class instead... :wink:

1696540017809.png
 
  • #6
berkeman said:
Well, police batons and ASPs are rigid, so most likely that is the best choice for a weapon.

Please be careful thinking about carrying or possessing a baton or similar as a self-defense weapon, though. In my home state of California, it is illegal (a felony) to carry one when you are not an on-duty law enforcement officer who has a "baton card" (similar to a "gun card") which certifies them as being trained.

I once had the same thought as you and went to a police supply business to purchase an ASP for self defense. The very helpful clerk asked me if I could show him my "baton card", and when I explained that I didn't have one, he explained the laws about needing the certification card and being on duty only.

Probably best to look into taking a mace class instead... :wink:
This is a walking crook cane. There are a lot of attacks unprovoked on older Asians.
My canes.jpg

How about the physics part, I am curious on the physics portion. I am not a mechanical engineer, so this might sound stupid.
 
  • #7
I would encourage you to speak with a trusted martial arts instructor about learning how to use a normal object like a walking cane (not weighted in any way, and not concealing a long blade, etc.). If you are untrained and try to use a normal walking cane in self defense, there is a good chance that your attacker will take it from you and use it against you.

You should also do some research on what is legal and not legal to carry in your area, and what sort of training and licensing may be required for things that you are considering carrying. For example, for California I found this helpful resource:

https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/blog/legal-self-defense-weapons-in-california/

I think that I need to close this thread now, since there are so many potential legal issues for you and for others that may read this thread in the future. Please check your local laws, get some self-defense training from a trusted source, and please be careful.
 

FAQ: Which stick hits harder? (one is stiff and other can be bent slightly)

Which stick hits harder, the stiff one or the slightly bendable one?

The stiff stick generally hits harder because it transfers more of the impact energy directly to the target, whereas the slightly bendable stick absorbs some of the energy through its flexion.

How does the stiffness of a stick affect its impact force?

The stiffness of a stick affects its ability to transfer energy. A stiffer stick transfers more energy to the target, resulting in a harder hit, while a more flexible stick absorbs some of the impact energy, reducing the force delivered to the target.

Can the material of the sticks influence which one hits harder?

Yes, the material of the sticks can significantly influence their impact force. Different materials have varying properties of stiffness and flexibility, which affect how much energy is absorbed or transferred during impact. Generally, harder materials will hit harder if they are also stiffer.

Does the weight of the sticks play a role in determining which hits harder?

Yes, the weight of the sticks can play a role. A heavier stick can transfer more momentum to the target, potentially resulting in a harder hit. However, if the stick is too heavy, it may be difficult to swing effectively, which can reduce the impact force.

How does the speed of the swing affect the impact force of the stiff and bendable sticks?

The speed of the swing is crucial for both types of sticks. A faster swing increases the kinetic energy, leading to a harder hit. For a stiff stick, the increased speed directly translates to more impact force. For a bendable stick, a faster swing can cause more flexion, which might reduce the effective transfer of energy, depending on the degree of flexibility.

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