Golf clubs are designed to have one of the following flex ratings:
- Extra Stiff (X). This shaft is difficult to find because of its limited popularity. ...
- Stiff (S). The swing speed for stiff shafts makes them capable of driving the ball for over 250 yards off the tee. ...
- Regular Flex (R). It is one of the most popular flexes due to its forgiving quality. ...
- Senior Flex (A). ...
- Ladies Flex (L). ...
Full Answer
How to tell if your golf shafts are too stiff?
Stiff shafts are for golfers that swing fast; the extra stiff are for those that swing exceptionally fast. In years past, the extra stiff shafts were a bit hard to find and rare to see a player using. With modern club technology and the golfer’s ability to swing clubs faster, the extra stiff shafts are becoming more and more popular.
Should golf beginners play with a stiff shaft?
Mar 11, 2021 · If you are using a regular golf club and having inaccurate long hits, you may want to change to a stiffer shaft. With such a shaft, you will achieve more control. You won’t need much energy when taking swings and hitting the ball. All in all, distance without accuracy is not what a golfer wants. Swing Speed First, let’s define swing speed.
What happens when a golf shaft is too flexible?
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.
What happens if shafts are too stiff?
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...
Who should use an extra stiff golf shaft?
What is this? If your driver swings are clocking in at more than 105 miles per hour, you are going to need an extra stiff shaft. If, however, you are closer to 95 mph, the stiff should be the right fit.
What happens if golf shaft is too stiff?
If your driver's shaft is too stiff, the clubhead may not square with the ball at the point of impact, causing slices and fades. If you can't feel the weight of the clubhead loading through the shaft, it's probably too stiff, and can cause errors and issues associated with accuracy such as these.Aug 31, 2021
Is extra stiff shaft good?
If you're swinging the driver above 105 mph, it might be time to get some X stiff shafts in your set. Stiff – This range is still considered fast, but you most likely won't be out on Tour anytime soon. If you're between 97 and 104 mph with the driver, you need a stiff flex.Jun 12, 2020
Do pros use stiff or extra stiff?
Most PGA Tour pros will use stiff or extra stiff in their shafts. It is rare to find someone swinging a regular shaft with the amount of swing speed those guys have.
Are stiff shafts harder to hit?
The main difference is that a stiff shaft is harder to bend than a regular shaft. This is usually created by adding more material to make the shaft up which can often also make them slightly heavier. The more force you create in your golf swing (higher swing speed) the stiffer you will want your shaft.
Will I lose distance with a stiff shaft?
If the shaft flex is too stiff, your average distance will remain low.Dec 22, 2016
How fast should you swing a 7 iron?
75 mphAccording to TrackMan statistics, the average 7-iron clubhead speed on the PGA Tour is 90 mph. The average male recreational golfer, on the other hand, swings the same club at closer to 75 mph, which is why he hits his 7-iron about 140 yards, compared with 170 to 180 yards for the Tour guys.Dec 22, 2017
At what swing speed do you need an extra stiff shaft?
95 to 110 mph– 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
Is Stiff flex good for beginners?
Beginners may acquire clubs from friends or family and not consider the flex of their shafts. Shaft options include senior, ladies, regular, firm, stiff, x-stiff. Length – shafts can be cut different lengths – for most beginners, standard length is fine, unless you are an abnormal height.Sep 24, 2021
Should a high handicapper use a stiff shaft?
Most high-handicappers (especially men) tend to over-swing. If this describes you (and you know who you are), you should consider a softer flex to help you slow your swing down. Slowing down the swing will certainly produce more accurate shots and better distance control.Apr 15, 2015
Do PGA Tour players use extra stiff shafts?
Over 80% of the top 100 PGA Tour Players play an extra stiff or Tour extra stiff golf shaft in their driver. Only a select few players, including Brian Harman, Louis Oosthuizen and Jason Day use only a stiff shaft.
What shaft flex do PGA players use?
Step 2. Extra-stiff flex may be used by golfers who consistently hit the ball 300 yards off the tee. This shaft is generally reserved for professional golfers.
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.
Who is Nick Lomas?
Nick Lomas is the founder of GolfSpan, an avid golfer, not quite a pro but has over 15-years of experience playing and coaching golfers from all over the world. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience then it comes to choosing the right golf gear, and finding the right set up for your game.
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.
How fast can a pro swing?
Pros are top athletes and would have a swing speed of 110 mph on average, while amateurs would be swinging between 80 to 95 mph. There are various ways to determine your swing speed, from clip-on devices, iPhone Apps, range monitors, and at the pro shop.
Is graphite shaft stiff?
On the shorter, irons accuracy and control are more important thus the extra flexibility of the graphite shaft may be a disadvantage. Graphite shafts are also graded Ladies, Senior, Regular, Stiff, and Extra Stiff, but remember the actual flex will vary from one manufacture r to another.
What happens if your golf shaft is too stiff?
If your golf shaft is too stiff you are going to spend a lot of time on the right side of the golf course. The ball is very hard to release and hit straight when your golf shaft is too stiff. If your golf shaft is too stiff, you may also lose a bit of distance.
What is a golf shaft?
Golf shafts have both material and flex options. Golf shafts are offered in steel, titanium and graphite shafts. Most driver shafts are going to be graphite for increase swing speed but the flex of the shaft is most important when a golfer makes their final decision on a new club. Stiff shafts are for golfers that swing fast;
How does flex affect golf?
How Does Flex Effect Performance Exactly. When you don’t have the proper shaft in your golf clubs, the ball will not travel with the proper flight or trajectory. The performance of the shot is going to be very much impacted by the shaft being incorrect.
What is flex in golf?
Flex is one of the most essential features of a golf driver shaft. If you swing a club that is the wrong flex, it will have significant impacts on the distance and the direction that you can hit the ball. It’s important to have a golf shaft that is both stiff enough, yet not too stiff.
How fast should a driver swing be?
If your driver swings are clocking in at more than 105 miles per hour, you are going to need an extra stiff shaft. If, however, you are closer to 95 mph, the stiff should be the right fit.
Is graphite shaft stiffer than steel shaft?
A graphite shaft in extra stiff will be a little easier to swing than a steel shaft in extra stiff . The lighter weight and more flexible materials will help golfers hit the shots that they want.
What is a Project X even flow blue?
The Project X Even Flow Blue is a bit of a heavier driver or fairway extra stiff shaft. This is an excellent option for those that tend to hit the ball a bit high, and they want to knock down the spin a bit.
What happens 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.
What is the shaft of a golf club?
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. The flex of your golf club’s shaft is the thing that will directly dictate how your club transfers power, so getting a shaft with too much or not enough flex can significantly affect your ...
How to feel when swinging a golf club?
If you prefer a “springy” feel, consider opting for a more flexible shaft. If you don’t like to feel the clubhead moving during your swing, a stiffer shaft will likely feel more comfortable for you.
Why does my golf ball fade?
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.
What happens if your golf shaft is not stiff?
Your ball flight will be higher for any loft and the ball may not move in the direction that you intended it to. It may also leave you under an illusion that your strokes are solid and strong even when they are not even close.
What is stiff shaft?
Material. This is also a determining factor of swing speed for stiff shafts because the material itself accounts for the flexibility and durability of a shaft. Stiff shafts are made of materials including: Graphite: lighter and less durable than steel. Steel: very strong and durable.
What is the shaft of a golf club?
A shaft determines the success of the ball flying straight and far by deflecting or bending during a golf swing. This causes the clubface to be in the right position that is relative to the grip of the club and launches the golf ball accordingly.
How does shaft flex affect golf?
smooth, fast, etc. A shaft flex tends to directly affect the trajectory, accuracy, and distance of your golf stroke. Choosing the right flex will prevent you from misaligning the clubface that could make your shots miss the target.
What is torque in golf?
Torque. Torque refers to the twisting motion of the clubhead at the moment of impact on the golf ball. It can also be understood as the shaft’s resistance to twisting. If you are a beginner, you should consider getting a shaft with high torque rating because it will help you make long and straight shots.
How fast can a stiff shaft swing?
This is due to a stiff shaft’s ability to generate a swing speed that lies between 95 and 110 miles per hour (mph).
How does shaft weight affect swing speed?
Weight. Shaft weights directly impact the swing speed for stiff shafts by helping you generate clubhead speed that could hit long-distance strokes. These weights can fall anywhere between 50 to 85 grams, with lighter weights swinging faster and producing greater distance.
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.
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.
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.
What is swing speed?
Swing Speed. First, let’s define swing speed. It is the speed in miles per hour at which the clubhead travels through the hitting area. On that note, it would be great knowing that if you are a fast swinger, a highly flexible shaft is not for you. It makes it difficult for you to control the clubhead.
Do golf clubs have flexibility?
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.
What happens if your golf shaft is too stiff?
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 ...
What is shaft flex?
Shaft flex is how much the shaft bends throughout the swing, someone that swings it slow will need a more flexible shaft, while someone that swings it fast will need a stiffer shaft. You get Ladies, Senior, Regular, Stiff and X-Stiff shafts in Woods and Irons, generally your Woods and Irons will be the same flex.
Is a ladies shaft heavier than a regular shaft?
Generally a Ladies shaft will be lighter than a Regular and so on, there are alternatives where you get heavier Regular shafts and lighter Stiffer shafts, but these are less common.
Do golf clubs come cheap?
100% yes, golf clubs don’t come cheap these days. You won’t buy a car without test driving it, and you definitely won’t buy a Ferrari if you need to go off-roading. Buying the wrong equipment can really put you on the back foot. Having the right shafts for your game can give you a real advantage, and make the game much easier.
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.
Who is Bill Herrfeldt?
Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic.". He graduated from the University of Louisville.
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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