Playing with a shaft that is too stiff can lead to:
- A leaking ball flight or fade because you won’t be able to flex the golf shaft enough when you swing to create a square impact position on the ball.
- A low ball flight, resulting in less distance.
- Inconsistent contact – your swing won’t feel solid, even when you get center hits.
Do I need a stiffer golf shaft?
When the shaft is too stiff, you won’t be able to get enough spin on the ball, causing it to come out very low, and look like it’s falling out of the sky. If it’s too stiff, your shot shape will be from left to right (slice), the clubhead won’t be able to return to square because the shaft is too stiff. If Your Shaft Is Too Flexible, Will It Cause A Hook Or Slice?
What makes a shaft stiffer or heavier?
Feb 06, 2020 · If your golf shaft is too stiff and your swing speed is too slow, your well-struck shot will be limited on both carry distance and shot trajectory; a too-stiff golf shaft will most often lead to weak fades or slices.
How does the golf shaft work?
The shaft with the most flex is called Ladies and that is for the shortest hitters. The Seniors flex is meant for golfers who swing a bit harder. A Regular shaft is used by golfers who hit the ball...
What are Extra Stiff shafts?
Aug 22, 2020 · One of the biggest indicators that your golf shaft is too stiff is that you are having trouble hitting the ball high. If you have a low swing speed and the shaft is too stiff, any well-struck ball will have a limit on the shot trajectory and the carry distance. This can result in …
What happens if golf shaft is too stiff?
What is the benefit of a stiff golf shaft?
Will a stiffer shaft help my slice?
Will a stiffer shaft increase distance?
Does Tiger Woods use a regular or stiff shaft?
Is Stiff flex good for beginners?
How do I know if I need a stiffer shaft?
What happens if your iron shafts are too soft?
Who needs stiff golf shafts?
Are Aldila shafts good?
Is stiff or regular shaft better?
Do pro golfers use graphite shafts?
How to tell if your golf club shaft is too stiff?
There are a few telltale signs that might give you an indication that your club shafts are too stiff. If you have a good swing, but your distance is lacking it may be the shaft is too stiff. It may also be that you tend to either slice the ball or fade towards the rough on the right of the fairway, for the same reason.
What is the shaft of a golf club?
The golf shaft is known as the ENGINE of the golf club. On the downswing, as the hips rotate, the weight transfer takes place and the body uncoils, the shaft of the club bends. This bend is also known as flex, and as this flex straightens out, power is transferred from the shaft to the club head and through to the ball.
What is stiffness in golf?
The stiffness or flex of the shaft is a much-neglected aspect of your golfing equipment as most golfers are more interested in the brand, or technical features, or looks of their clubs. What most golfers fail to appreciate is the effect that ‘swing speed’ has on selecting the correct amount of flex of the shaft.
Why are graphite shafts better than steel?
Graphite being a much lighter material than steel makes it easier to swing faster and see an increase in distance off the tee. For this reason, they were considered the correct shafts for beginners and intermediate golfers.
What to look for in short irons?
With the shorter irons, approaching the green, around the green, or from the bunkers control is critical. Here you would be looking for a stiffer shaft with less flex as the swing speed is not as great a factor in the short game.
What happens if you change your shaft too much?
Now you will find the club face will close before impact resulting in a right to left fade if not a slice. The trajectory will also be increased as will the spin and should this be combined with a windy day your golf round will become a grind.
Why does my golf club face close at impact?
In this case, the club head is unloading too soon causing the club face to close slightly at impact.
What is the shaft of a golf club?
Golf shafts are the engine of the golf club. But what does that mean? Since the very first golf clubs, club makers have considered how much or how little a golf shaft flexes; the golf shaft provides the power that is transferred to the clubhead and, ultimately, to the golf ball. Because the shaft flex directly facilitates this power transfer, your shaft choice can make or break your game.
How does the shaft affect the clubhead?
As the shaft flexes and releases, the golf club’s clubhead changes position; this directly affects whether the golf club’s clubface is open or closed and whether it adds or decreases loft.
Why is my golf shaft weak?
Swinging with a weak shaft flex can hurt you in both windy and wet conditions. Because the spin is so high when you hit it with a weaker flex, the wind will magnify the spin and decrease your distance and accuracy.
What is a slice in golf?
Typical Miss: Slice (left to right for right-handed golfer) If your golf shaft is too stiff and your swing speed is too slow, your well-struck shot will be limited on both carry distance and shot trajectory; a too-stiff golf shaft will most often lead to weak fades or slices.
What is graphite shaft?
Graphite is typically the best material for amateur golfers, though some low-handicap players and professionals enjoy the vibrations they can feel in their hands after hitting a golf ball with a steel shaft.
What to do after determining shaft flex?
After determining your shaft flex, you can then refine your selection based on a desired ball flight; for example, if you are between a regular and stiff shaft flex, how do you know what to choose?
What is a typical miss in golf?
Typical Miss: Draw (right to left for right-hand ed golfer) with too much spin
How to tell if you need a stiffer shaft?
There are several ways you can use to tell if you need a stiffer shaft. One and the most common is distance and direction. If you tend to hit long balls, but with high inaccuracies, you likely need to have a stiffer shaft.
What is the difference between a stiff shaft and a regular shaft?
You may ask yourself, what is the difference between a regular shaft and a stiff shaft? The answer to this is simple and quite self-explanatory. A stiff shaft is harder to bend and tends to be more firm, while the regular shaft is the opposite. Both of these shafts have their advantages and disadvantages.
What factors affect the flexibility of a golf club?
Factors such as your swing speed and the shaft material affect the flexibility of your golf club. If you often lose your direction despite having an impressive distance, then the problem might be that you are using a highly flexible golf club.
What are the factors that affect shaft flexibility?
Before we dive into the signs and outcomes of using a highly flexible shaft, there are factors that affect shaft flexibility that you need to know. Distance and accuracy, swing speed and golf club material affect shaft flexibility. In this article we look at their impact on highly flexible shafts and their effect on the turf.
Why is my golf club shaft so flexible?
Expect misdirected flight paths of the ball. This happens because when a golf club impacts with the ball, the shaft tends to move forward. A right-handed golfer with a flexible shaft will notice that the ball moves towards the left.
What to consider when buying a golf club?
When purchasing a golf club, always consider the type of material used to make the shaft. Different materials have different flexes. For instance, graphite shafts tend to be lighter than their steel counterparts. You are likely to have higher swing speeds when using shafts made from graphite than those made of steel.
Why does my golf club slice?
There is a high chance that your stiff golf club will cause a slice. This happens because the face remains slightly opened when it hits the ball. The shaft fails to unload appropriately, leading to a slice. When choosing a golf club, make a point of picking one that is neither too stiff nor too flexible.
How many yards is stiff shaft?
Anything more than 250 yards, stiff shafts are for you. Unless you are a huge hitter and average about 300 yards on your drives, stay away from Extra-stiff shafts. Nine times out of 10, this method works well, but you still need to be comfortable hitting with whichever shaft you choose.
What is a senior flex shaft?
The Seniors flex is meant for golfers who swing a bit harder. A Regular shaft is used by golfers who hit the ball an average or farther than average length. For those long hitters, there are Stiff and Extra-stiff shafts that flex little.
What is flex in golf?
Flex is the amount that the shaft will bend when it is swung. All of us have heard the admonition, “let the club do most of the work”. If you choose the right shaft, that can be true. With the right shaft, you'll swing the club easier and get more distance out of your shots.
Do clubs fitters charge?
Many retailers have professional club fitters on their staffs who provide the service free of charge because it's likely that you will purchase a set of their clubs. Others may charge for their services.
Why use stiff shafts?
Generally, stiff shafts are used more by elite players because they have the technique and swing speed required to put them to good use.
How to tell if your golf shaft is too stiff?
One of the biggest indicators that your golf shaft is too stiff is that you are having trouble hitting the ball high. If you have a low swing speed and the shaft is too stiff, any well-struck ball will have a limit on the shot trajectory and the carry distance.
How does shaft flex affect golf swing?
The amount of flex you need in your club’s shaft depends primarily on your swing speed. Once you find the right shaft flex, you’ll notice your distance and accuracy improving, and this can make the game so much more fun!
What does flex do on a golf swing?
When you pick the right flex for your swing speed, the clubface lands squarely on the ball, helping to improve your accuracy and maximize your distance.
Why is my golf ball leaking?
A leaking ball flight or fade because you won’t be able to flex the golf shaft enough when you swing to create a square impact position on the ball.
What happens if a golf shaft is too flexy?
On the other hand, a shaft with too much flex will create too much lag, making it difficult to control the clubface and achieve consistent contact.
What part of the golf club provides the power that is transferred to the head of the club and eventually the ball every time
The golf shaft is the part of the club that provides the power that is transferred to the head of the club and eventually the ball every time you swing.
Why is my iron shaft stiff?
This is because there’s very inefficient energy transfer from your club to your golf ball unless you hit your shot just right. The feeling you get is too firm.
What happens if your golf shaft is too heavy?
If your shaft is too heavy, then you’ll probably experience these side effects: You get less wrist-snap when you swing. You have decreased swing speed. Your golf ball speed is decreased. You get less spin on your golf ball. You lose distance on the course.
Why use a heavier shaft?
There are benefits to using a heavier golf shaft. Golfers that switch to a heavier shaft can experience improvements in their swing and their golf ball flights.
How to know if your golf club is dead?
You need to feel your club head when you swing and if your shaft is too stiff it’ll leave you unable to determine when the weight of your club head has loaded your golf shaft. It feels less like you’re swinging a golf club and more like you’re swinging a baseball bat.
What is a firm flex shaft?
A firm flex golf shaft is just that, a golf shaft that’s firm. They’re also called stiff shafts and are the preferred shafts of golfers that have a fast swing speed that regularly hit their golf ball out 250 yards or more. These golfers that tend to use firm flex golf shafts usually have club speed of about 90mph to 105mph.
What is the difference between a heavier shaft and a heavier shaft?
The heavier shaft has a weighted feel which gives you better control over your golf club, Heavier shafts have lower torque which keeps your club face more stable . The heavier shaft has a lower launch angle which helps you from hitting your golf ball too high.
How far can you drive a golf ball?
A good rule of thumb is that if your swing speed is 80 to 95mph but you aren’t able to drive your golf golf ball 200 to 220 yards, you have a shaft that’s too stiff.
Why do golf shafts get stiffer?
You will notice that as shafts get stiffer, they also get heavier. This is because there is usually a correlation between ball flight and player swing speed. The faster the swing speed, the easier it is to launch the ball.
What happens if your golf club shaft is too stiff?
If the shaft of your golf club is too stiff for you, you will have a tough time hitting the ball straight. Your swing speed will not be able to release the club to turn it over enough and square up the clubface at impact. Almost always, if a shaft is too stiff for you, then you will hit the ball to the right.
How to choose between stiff and regular shafts?
As we mentioned several times, make sure to take plenty of swings as you want to see how you perform when you are tired as well. If you are looking to go to a stiff shaft, play your friends clubs on the 18th hole, this is a much better indication of the shaft you need than a hitting booth inside a store when you make five swings.
How to lose distance with stiff shaft?
The only time a player will lose distance with a stiff shaft is if it is not the correct shaft for them, just as you will lose distance with a regular shaft if it is not the right shaft for you. Making sure that your swing speed can flex the shaft you are using correctly is what will give you the distance you need. If you are hitting a regular shaft and you lose a few yards, and it starts tailing to the right when you switch to stiff, then you are just not producing the swing speed necessary to hit a stiff shaft consistently. All regular swing speed players make a few fast swings in their round, but you want something that continually delivers.
How fast can you swing a golf club?
If you are continually swinging the club over 105 mph, then an extra stiff shaft is for you. Now, if you can go to the range and launch one and get a number of 125, that’s great news, but that is not your typical swing speed. When switching to an extra stiff shaft, you must be sure you can swing at this high speed for 18 holes, not two holes.
What is extra stiff shaft?
Extra stiff shafts are typically considered to be for better players, lower handicaps. This means that the majority of the models are blades or tour preferred irons.
What is flex in golf?
A golf club’s flex is the strength of the actual shaft. A golf shaft will also have a flex or a kick point that will affect the stiffness as well as the ball flight. If you are swinging a golf club that is not the correct flex for you, there will be effects on the golf shots you can hit. The five most common shaft flex options are Ladies, Senior, ...
Why don't professional golfers use stiff shafts?
Interestingly, many touring professional golfers do not use the stiffest shafts in their drivers because they allow the club to do more of the work. Read on for more information about the right shafts for you and your game.
How to choose shafts for golf?
Choose shafts that simply “feel” good to you. While there are technical ways to match shafts with clubs based on how you play , at the end of the day, the correct choice is one that gives you confidence. If there are doubts about which shafts to buy, hit some shots with various types of shafts to see which feel the most comfortable to you.
What does stiffness mean in golf?
Stiffness of a shaft indicates how much it will bend during a shot; different types of golfers require shafts with different stiffnesses. If you swing the club with little speed and your ball travels a short distance, you probably need a shaft that will bend a lot when you hit the ball.
How far can you hit a senior golf ball?
If you hit the ball about 200 to 225 yards, Seniors shafts are probably right for you. If you routinely can hit it about 250 yards, pick Regular shafts. But if you hit it longer, choose Stiff ones. And unless you pound the ball 300 yards or more, stay away from shafts that are Extra-stiff.
How far can you hit a golf ball with a driver?
For example, if you strain to make the ball fly about 175 yards, you probably should have Ladies shafts. If you hit the ball about 200 to 225 yards, Seniors shafts are probably right for you.
Do you have to have the same shafts on every golf club?
Realize that you don't have to have the same shafts in every club. For example, you might benefit from a less rigid shaft in your driver and possibly your hybrid clubs for more distance, but you may pick a stiffer shaft for your mid-irons and wedges where you place a great premium on accuracy and less on distance.
What does it mean when a golf shaft is stiff?
Simply put, golf shaft stiffness is how easy or difficult it is to bend the golf shaft. Easier to bend means the golf shaft is on the softer side. When it becomes very difficult to bend, it’s getting stiffer and stiffer.
What is the stiffness of a golf shaft?
TPT Head of Performance Jon Sinclair explains that “the stiffness of a golf shaft is the ‘kick’ in the shaft. This must be right so the player can get the maximum speed from the clubhead.” In other words, without getting properly fit into the best golf shaft for your swing, you’re leaving MPH and distance on the table.
What is TPT golf shaft?
With TPT golf shafts, the variances are eliminated. Every shaft that’s produced is identical to the one you tried during a professional fitting. And because of TPT’s automated manufacturing process, Continuous Fiber, golfers have more opportunity to find the ideal shaft stiffness rather than “getting close,” which is all other manufacturers can do. To that end, in Sinclair’s robot testing against hand-rolled shafts, “TPT was far superior at bringing the club back to the same spot with each swing.”
How to get the most out of golf clubs?
In order for you to get the most out of your golf clubs, you have to start by knowing your ideal golf shaft stiffness. Most golfers buy off-the-rack golf clubs with a regular or stiff shaft installed by the manufacturer. But is that golf shaft the correct stiffness for your swing and golf game?
Why is a regular shaft good?
Why is the regular shaft good for most golfers? Well, most golfers either don’t play a lot, don’t get properly fit, or simply don’t swing the golf club fast enough to need a stiffer golf shaft. However, getting properly fit for your golf swing, swing speed, and tempo is crucial to unlocking not only personal potential but maximum golf club performance. Luckily, with today’s launch monitor technology, years of data, and research it’s easier than ever to get fit with precision.
Why should the shaft be perfectly whipping through the hitting zone?
In other words, the golf shaft should be perfectly whipping through the hitting zone to maximize the speed of any player’s swing. Almost like bending a plastic spoon to fling food across the cafeteria. To do this also includes factoring in the launch conditions. Some players prefer a low launch while others require high launch shafts.
What happens when you don't fit your shaft?
Normally, when golfers aren’t fit for proper shafts they can struggle with dispersion. In other words, if you drew a circle around all a golfer’s shots with a single club, how big would that circle or oval be? In an ideal world, you want that oval to be as small as possible. That way, even your worst golf shots aren’t that bad.
Stiffness Or Flex
Graphite Or Steel?
- The introduction of graphite shafts has opened up a whole new dimension to golf club technology and performance. Graphite shafts offer the following benefits: 1. They are lighter than steel shafts. 2. Increase swing speeds and distance. 3. Better dispersion from the tee. 4. Assist golfers with slower swing tempos. BUT 1. They are usually more expensive. Graphite being a much light…
Summary
- As a right-handed player, do you tend to come off the tee with a left to right fade or even an occasional slice? Do you also have the feeling that you are striking the ball solidly, but it should be traveling further? Chances are your club shaft is too stiff for your swing speed.
Final Thoughts
- We all want to get the most enjoyment from our game as well as the best possible results. Before getting hung up on which brand of club to buy or what brand your favorite pro is using, first, admit that you are human and unique. Your clubs have to suit you, not your hero. Determine what your swing speed is and how much flex or stiffness your clubs are going to need to provide you with …
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Signs and Outcomes of Highly Flexible Shafts
- Unfortunately, most golfers overlook the importance of shaft flexibility following their swing speeds and general play type. If you purchase a light and highly flexible golf club, expect your strength to overpower the club. On the other hand, a very stiff golf club reduces your distance, and you will have a lot more misses here and there. Therefore...
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How do you know if you need a stiffer shaft?
There are several ways you can use to tell if you need a stiffer shaft. One and the most common is distance and direction. If you tend to hit long balls, but with high inaccuracies, you likely need to have a stiffer shaft. - Q: What happens if your shaft is not stiff enough?
The outcomes of a highly flexible shaft are quite detrimental. You will notice that the ball takes misdirected paths towards the opposite direction. The ball tends to go too high and spins a lot.