"Flex" refers to the ability of a golf shaft to bend as forces are applied to it during the golf swing. Those forces are generated by the type of swing that you have: fast or slow, smooth or jerky.
What does regular flex mean in a golf club?
Types of Flex in Golf Shafts
- Overview. The flex in a golf shaft affects the distance, accuracy and trajectory of your golf shot. ...
- Extra Stiff. Extra stiff shafts should generally be reserved for really long hitters (about 300 off the tee) and this flex can be difficult to find, as it is not ...
- Stiff Shaft. ...
- Regular Flex. ...
- Senior Flex
- Ladies Flex. ...
What is Flex on a golf club?
Nestled within a gently sloping site, the CS2 facility sits on a golf course in an undisclosed neighbourhood in ... its surrounding and immediate environment" while also offering a flexible interior space, the architects said. One of the project's two ...
Why use senior flex golf clubs?
- Speed Improvement
- Trajectory control
- Weight
- Loft
- Shaft
- Value for Money
What is a senior flex Golf Club?
- Flexibility – In terms of shaft flexibility, a senior flex golf club is more pliant than a regular flex one. ...
- Distance – Senior flex clubs are best for players who can consistently drive their balls to a distance between 180 and 200 yards. ...
- Swing Speeds – In general, swing speeds of senior golfers are lower compared to their younger counterparts. ...
What does flex mean in golf?
What is the key to a club fitting?
Why is softer flex better for macho men?
What shaft do you need for a jerky swing?
What are the ratings for shaft flex?
What is a club fitting demo day?
See more
What flex should my clubs be?
– Golf Shaft Flex ChartCarry DistanceSwing SpeedFlexUnder 200 yardsUnder 75 mphLadies or Senior200 to 240 yards75 to 95 mphRegular240 to 275 yards95 to 110 mphStiffOver 275 yardsOver 110 mphStiff or Extra StiffOct 15, 2019
How do you determine the flex of a golf shaft?
Start by using a launch monitor to analyze your golf swing speed. If your swing ranges between 85 mph and 95 mph then you should start with a regular flex. If your swing speed is faster than 95 mph, then you should try a stiff shaft.
What flex should I have on my irons?
In general, golfers with driver swing speeds over 95 mph should play stiff flex shafts, and those under 95 mph should play regular flex. Shafts also come in extra stiff (105+ mph) and senior flex (under 85 mph).
What does shaft flex 5.0 mean?
extra stiff plusYou know, the 5.0, 6.0, 6.5 and so on printed on the shaft. These numbers correspond with flexes from “regular” to “extra stiff plus”.
What happens if shaft is too flexible?
Having a shaft that is too flexible can also cause the ball to hook uncontrollably, because the shaft bends incorrectly, it will come through with a closed clubface causing the ball to go left, this is because the shaft can't handle your swing speed, and the head is rotating too much.
Is regular or stiff flex better?
The regular flex golf shaft is more flexible and easier for slower swing speed golfers to swing than the stiff flex golf shaft. A stiff flex golf shaft creates more resistance in the swing of a golfer. Therefore when they attempt to hit the ball with a bit more speed, they can get the incredible distance.
How do I know if I need stiff or regular flex irons?
If you have a slower swing speed, you are probably going to want to choose regular shafted clubs because the additional flex will provide a little more power and accuracy. When you swing harder, the stiff flex will be more controlled and give you the punch you need to hit better shots.
How do I know if I need a stiff or regular shaft?
To check your swing speed a shot tracking device will be the most accurate method. Based on your swing speeds here are our recommendations: 80-95 mph swing speeds should use regular shafts. 90-105 mph swing speeds should use stiff shafts.
How to determine golf shaft flex?
Start by using a launch monitor to analyze your golf swing speed. If your swing ranges between 85 mph and 95 mph then you should start with a regular flex. If your swing speed is faster than 95 mph, then you should try a stiff shaft.
Why do golf clubs have shafts?
During the golf swing the shaft causes deflection (bend) that causes the clubhead to be in a forward and toe downward position relative to the grip of the club.
What is the best shaft for golf?
Steel – A steel golf shaft is usually stronger and more durable (less likely to snap) than a graphite shaft. It’s also less expensive and sometimes stainless steel is used in the creation of the steel shaft. There is also two variations, stepped steel and rifle steel.
Why does my golf shaft have a slice?
When the golf shaft is too stiff, it doesn’t unload properly at impact. This can lead to the face staying open and result in a slice golf shot. Beware, a slice isn’t always an indication the shaft is too stiff so if you already have a slice, it could be caused by another fault in your golf swing.
What shafts do golfers use?
For most golfers, a graphite shaft works great. Most iron sets are made with graphite shafts as well so you get that material type by default usually unless you specifically seek out steel shafted irons. With steel shafts, you may find that golf shots are easier to control.
What is the most common shaft material used in golf clubs?
Graphite Shafts. Graphite – this type of shaft is usually lighter weight compared to a steel shaft but it’s less durable and more expensive to make. Graphite is one of the most common shaft types used in golf clubs and can arguably be considered the main shaft material used, beating out steel.
What to know about golf shafts?
In today’s guide we will review everything you need to know about golf shafts. Picking out the proper golf shaft is very important as it will impact several components of your golf swing. For example, picking the wrong golf shaft flex can cause you to hook or slice the golf ball. It also can hinder the total distance the ball flies by having too much spin or too low of launch. But don’t worry, at the end of reading today’s guide you’ll be much more educated on the buying process and how to pick out the right golf shaft. Lets Get Started!
What Is Shaft Flex?
Shaft flex is the degree to which the shaft will bend or flex during the swing. A more flexible shaft bends easily during the swing and has the potential to produce a longer-ranged shot.
How Does Shaft Flex Impact Your Golf Game?
The shaft flex of your golf club has an immense effect on the game’s outcome as a whole. From high irons to wedges and drivers, you have to make sure they have the correct flex for trajectory, accuracy, and distance.
How to Choose the Shaft Flex for You?
You can know the correct flex for your shaft by evaluating your swing at a golf equipment store. They’ll check all kinds of things like ball speed, distance, clubhead speed, spin, and many other factors. They also try several shafts in the same driver head to give the most accurate results.
What Shaft Flex Should You Use for The Driver?
It would be best if you choose the stiffest shaft flex for your driver because it is often the club that has the maximum swing speed. Since it carries the maximum swing speed, you may consider choosing the most accurate shaft flex.
How to Determine the Right Flex for Your Iron?
Choosing the right flex for the iron depends on the club you use for hitting a 150-yard shot. If you’re about to take a 150-yard shot, consider using these flex for your irons.
Final Thoughts
When selecting a flex for the shaft in your clubs, the tradeoff is between accuracy and distance. Choosing a senior flex helps you to achieve greater distance due to its flexibility but at the cost of lower accuracy.
Golf Practice Plans with Step by Step Schedules to Follow
Or hop onto our email newsletter and get the free weekly golf tips we send out to our community plus updates and other announcements you don’t want to miss!
What does Flex mean in golf clubs?
Golf club shaft flex refers to the bend in a club when a player swings and makes an impact with the golf ball. The shaft flex can have a significant impact on a player’s swing and should be selected based on a few different factors identified by a proper club fitting session.
Swing Speed vs. Swing Tempo
Swing speed is measured in miles per hour. It is very easy to measure this, as most golf courses have speed sticks available to members and customers. But speed isn’t everything. The tempo of the swing is very important. For instance, look at the swing of 2021 Masters Champion Hideki Matsuyama compared to the 2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson.
Different Club Flex Options
It is important to use the correct flex option that suits your swing. If the shaft is too soft, it will typically flex more through impact and cause the clubhead to close and start the ball to the left with added spin.
Club Shaft Kick Point
The kick point is mistakenly thought of as being a wide variance; the high kick point being up by the grip and the low kick point being down by the clubhead. But this isn’t true. The kick point is actually a small 6” section in the middle of the shaft.
How to Choose the Correct Club Flex
So, let’s take what we have learned from above and apply it to selecting a new driver.
What is flex point in golf?
He notes that a shaft’s flex point, also known as the kick point, is the spot where the shaft will bend the most.
What happens if your golf shaft is flexed?
If the energy isn’t released quickly enough -- in other words, if the shaft is still flexed on impact -- you’ve wasted potential energy. If the shaft straightens prior to impact, the potential energy you have built is gone and, again, you’ll lose distance on your shot.
How does the shaft work in golf?
A golf shaft stores energy when it flexes during the backswing and the start of the downswing. The energy is released at impact when the shaft whips forward. As the Leaderboard website notes, if you put the grip end of a club into a vise, then pull back on the clubhead, you’ll feel tension in the club. This tension is the stored energy, which will spring the club head forward if you release the club. To achieve maximum distance, Leaderboard.com explains, the stored energy must be released at the moment of impact during a golf swing. If the energy isn’t released quickly enough -- in other words, if the shaft is still flexed on impact -- you’ve wasted potential energy. If the shaft straightens prior to impact, the potential energy you have built is gone and, again, you’ll lose distance on your shot.
What is the difference between a higher flex point and a lower flex point?
All else being equal, Thomas explains, a higher flex point produces lower ball flight, while a lower flex point results in a higher launch angle.
How fast should a golfer swing?
Longtime USGA technical director Frank Thomas advises golfers with swing speeds of 80 to 95 mph to start ...
Is there a flex standard for golf shafts?
Unfortunately, as “Golf Magazine” editor Scott Kramer notes, there is no industry standard regarding flex. In other words, two S shafts manufactured by two different companies may have different amounts of flex.
How does flex affect golf?
The flex in a golf shaft affects the distance, accuracy and trajectory of your golf shot. Because the shaft flexes during a swing, the position of the clubhead changes and it is important to select the proper flex in a club so that the clubface will be square on the ball when it makes contact.
How many flex ratings are there for golf clubs?
There are five flex ratings for golf clubs--extra stiff (X), stiff (S), regular (R), senior (A) and ladies (L). Generally, the faster your club speed, the stiffer the shaft, but use care when selecting a flex. If you are not certain or in between flexes, it is better to select a softer flex than a stiffer one.
Why is it important to use a more flexible shaft?
The flex in a golf shaft affects the distance, accuracy and trajectory of your golf shot. Because the shaft flexes during a swing, the position of the clubhead changes and it is important to select the proper flex in a club so that the clubface will be square on the ball when it makes contact.
What is the softest flex for golf?
Women generally have the lowest club speed of all golfers and should select a ladies flex. This is the softest of all the flex ratings. If you consistently hit the ball less than 200 yards off the tee , this is an appropriate flex. Women who hit further may want to consider either senior or regular flex clubs.
What happens if your golf shaft is too stiff?
It is important to note that if you select a shaft that is too stiff, you will lose loft and control on your shots.
What is stiff shaft?
Stiff Shaft. The stiff shaft is quite popular and should be chosen by those who consistently drive the ball 250 or more yards off the tee. This shaft generally appropriate for mid-low handicaps, but be sure to have your clubhead speed measured before choosing between a stiff and regular flex.
Why do golf clubs have X Flex shafts?
It is true that most of the best players in the world use an x-flex shaft in their clubs, but that is because they have the power and speed to use them properly. Don’t get caught up copying them – head to a local club fitter and find out exactly what golf club shaft flex is the right fit for you.
What is the best way to find out what golf club shaft flex you should be using?
Club Fitting is the Best Option. In order to find out what golf club shaft flex you should be using, a fitting session with a professional club fitter (like those that are AGCP certified) is a great idea. The fitter will have all of the necessary equipment and technology to measure your swing and produce some shaft options for you to consider.
What is shaft flex?
The whole point behind the golf club shaft flex is finding a club that is going to flex just the right amount so you can unload it into the ball at the bottom of your swing. A shaft that is too soft of a flex for your swing can bend too much and not recover by the time you reach impact.
Can a shaft flex be too stiff?
On the other hand, a shaft flex that is too stiff may not bend enough and could rob you of power. You may be able to work it out to hit pretty straight drives, buy you may never be satisfied with the distance you are getting.
Do you need flex in your driver to hit long drives?
One of the things that some golfers believe is that in order to hit long drives, you need to have almost no golf club shaft flex in your driver.
Is it better to pick a stiffer shaft or a stiffer shaft?
If you try to force your way into a stiffer shaft, you are likely to end up losing track of your fundamentals and may harm your game in the process. In fact, if you are in between two shaft flexes and not sure which one to go with, it is often better to pick the softer of the two. It is true that most of the best players in ...
Do you need a flex shaft in your driver?
One of the things that some golfers believe is that in order to hit long drives, you need to have almost no golf club shaft flex in your driver. Most of the players on the professional tours use x-flex shafts, so one might think that you have to have one in your club to hit long drives, right? Well, yes and no.
What is flex in golf?
In simple terms, the definition of flex is the amount of bend in the shaft when under the load of the swing. Another way to express it is the stiffness or the softness of the shaft. It is generally accepted that the grading system of flex is universal. Contents [ show] The Different Types of Club Flex Available.
What is flex in golf shafts?
In simple terms, the definition of flex is the amount of bend in the shaft when under the load of the swing.
What is the kick point of a golf shaft?
Kick point is the part of the shaft that bends the most on the downswing. The kick point determines the trajectory of the shot. Senior golfers should select a low kick point shaft which enables a high trajectory and ball flight. The bend in the shaft is close to the clubhead. A medium trajectory is attained by a shaft with ...
What are the benefits of graphite shafts?
The modern graphite shafts have many benefits: 1 They are lighter and the golfer will swing the clubhead faster through impact without trying to force the speed. 2 Speed equals distance. 3 They launch the ball into the air easily. They offer control, stability, and less vibration through impact. 4 Confidence in every swing.
What is the best mph for senior flex?
Between 72 and 83 mph signifies you need to be hitting senior flex. Ladies – By no means do all women’s golfers will fall in this category, but this is where many of the recreational women’s players find themselves.
Can you extrapolate your swing speed to driver?
You should consider that your swing speed for your irons might not extrapolate perfectly to driver (and vice versa), so while a certain flex might be right in some clubs, that might not be the case in others.
Where is Matt from Plugged In Golf?
He's worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking. Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
Do you know the loft of a six iron?
Most of the specs of your golf clubs remain a secret from you playing partners. No one in your group will ever know the loft of your six iron, the length of your driver, or if the grooves on you wedges are conforming.
Can your buddies see if you're a soft swinging wimp?
With a quick glance, your buddies can see if you’re playing something “manly” or if you’re a “soft-swinging wimp.”. And because it’s so visible, many golfers choose their shaft flex based on ego. We wanted to know if this matters to the performance of the clubs.
Is flex a variable?
First, flex is only one variable in fitting. Shafts can have the same flex but different weight, bend profile, or torque. Also, the player’s tempo has a big impact on how they load the shaft. A player with a slower swing and aggressive tempo may bend the shaft just as much as a player with a faster swing and slower tempo.
What does flex mean in golf?
"Flex" refers to the ability of a golf shaft to bend as forces are applied to it during the golf swing. Those forces are generated by the type of swing that you have: fast or slow, smooth or jerky.
What is the key to a club fitting?
The key, short of a club fitting, is hitting lots of different clubs and watching the effect that changing shaft flex has on your shots. If you find a flex that feels good and produces a good ball flight, there's a good chance that's the right flex for you.
Why is softer flex better for macho men?
Choosing a softer flex often has the effect of forcing macho men to slow down their swings. And slowing down the swing often makes those macho men into better golfers. And the fact is, the harm in hitting a shaft that is too flexible is much less than the harm in hitting a shaft that is too stiff.
What shaft do you need for a jerky swing?
A swing that gets jerky at the top—when transitioning into the downswing—will probably need a stiffer shaft. If your drives go left, you might benefit from a stiffer flex; if your drives go right, you might benefit from a softer flex.
What are the ratings for shaft flex?
There are five generally used ratings for shaft flex: Extra Stiff, Stiff, Regular, Senior and Ladies, usually denoted by the letters X, S, R, A and L ("A" is used for Senior because this flex was originally called "amateur").
What is a club fitting demo day?
At demo days, you'll be able to hit many different types of clubs with different types of shafts. Or find a good pro shop with swing bays where you can try before you buy. The key, short of a club fitting, is hitting lots of different clubs and watching the effect ...
