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what does flex do in a golf club

by Mr. Fausto Hudson Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • 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. ...

The flex is a rating of a golf club shaft's ability to bend during the golf swing. All shafts, no matter how stiff, exhibit flex under the forces of the golf swing. A player with a very fast swing will require a shaft with less flex, while a player with a slower swing will need a shaft with greater flex.

Full Answer

How do you determine golf shaft flex?

May 07, 2022 · Types of Flex in The Golf Club Extra Stiff Flex. Extra stiff flexed shafts are very straight and harder to move while hitting the ball by the golf club... Stiff Flex. Stiff flex is widely used by most golfers as it also doesn’t bend while hitting, but its smoothness is more... Regular …

What shaft should a senior golfer use?

Sep 01, 2003 · "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 Golf Club shaft stiffness should I use?

Types of Flex in Golf Shafts Overview. The flex in a golf shaft affects the distance, accuracy and trajectory of your golf shot. Because the shaft... Extra Stiff. Extra stiff shafts should generally be reserved for really long hitters (about 300 off the tee) and this... Stiff Shaft. The stiff shaft ...

What is golf shaft flex is right for me?

Aug 10, 2021 · Golf Club Shaft Flex Guide. Every golfer knows that having the right set of golf equipment is essential to unleash the best performance on the course. Players often …

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Is flex good in golf clubs?

When selecting golf club shafts, it is better to buy a softer flex than a stiffer one. Flex is related to ball trajectory, so if you choose a shaft that is too soft, you might have trouble getting air under the ball. If you slice, a softer shaft may help. If you hook, a stiffer shaft may help.

What flex golf clubs should I use?

– Golf Shaft Flex Chart
Carry DistanceSwing SpeedFlex
Under 200 yardsUnder 75 mphLadies or Senior
200 to 240 yards75 to 95 mphRegular
240 to 275 yards95 to 110 mphStiff
Over 275 yardsOver 110 mphStiff or Extra Stiff
Oct 15, 2019

How does flex affect your golf shot?

The shaft will flex during a swing, which changes the position of the club head. When you select the right flex, the club face will be square on the ball improving accuracy. If the shaft flex is too stiff, you lose loft and won't control your shots easily.Dec 22, 2016

What flex do I need for my irons?

Determine the Proper Shaft Flex for Your Swing
If You Can Hit 150 Yards with a...Then Your Optimal Shaft Flex Is...
6- or 7-IronRegular Flex (R)
5-Iron/Hybrid or 4-Iron/Hybrid(Male or Female)Senior Flex (A/M)
Any Iron/Hybrid lower than 4 or any Fairway Wood (Females or Juniors)Ladies Flex (L)
1 more row
Apr 6, 2022

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

What happens if your golf 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.

How do I know if I need a stiffer shaft?

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

Can a flexible shaft cause a slice?

When the clubhead gets to the ball, the shaft won't unload properly and the face will remain slightly open, causing a slice. Other swing problems also can cause a slice, of course, but shafts that are too stiff can make the problem worse.

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.Apr 20, 2022

How fast should you swing a 7 iron?

An average golfer will swing a seven iron about 75 mph. This number can change based on the weight of the club and if it is steel or graphite. The faster you swing a seven iron, the further it will go. If you can swing at about 85 mph, you will see distances closer to 165 yards.

How far should you hit a 7 iron?

A standard amateur golfer can hit a 7 iron from 128 yards to 158 yards. The lower range will be for women and senior golfers. To hit the ball over 150 yards in total distance with a 7 iron club, an amateur golfer will have to have a good swing and be physically fit.

How can I tell my swing speed?

Divide the ball speed by 1.5 to get the estimated swing speed for your drive. Alternatively, you can divide the carry distance by 2.3 to estimate the swing speed at impact, but the result will not be as accurate.

What is flex in golf shafts?

Types of Flex in Golf Shafts. Beginners should use more flexible shafts. 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 ...

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.

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 is extra stiff shaft?

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 popular. 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 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.

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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.

Why use steel shafts in golf?

With steel shafts, you may find that golf shots are easier to control. Steel shafts place a greater focus on accuracy as opposed to distance. Since they don’t get as much distance as graphite shafts, steel shafts require faster swing speed to make up for the loss of distance compared to graphite.

What is the difference between a steel shaft and a graphite shaft?

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. Stepped is the use of steps down the shaft or ridges you see while rifle is smooth all the way.

What is a multi material shaft?

Multi-material – this shaft uses both steel and graphite to create a multi-material that offers the best of both worlds. Usually the shaft is steel with graphite at the tip to help limit whip. A multi-material shaft can be found in both irons and drivers.

What is titanium shaft?

Titanium Shafts – this is a newer material type being used to build golf shafts with. It’s much lighter in weight as compared to steel but still offers that same strong support you get from steel compared to graphite.

How much does a golf shaft weigh?

Shaft weights typically range between 50 grams and 85 grams with the 50-60 numbers being pretty common as seen in the example shafts above. Shaft Weight is important because it can help you generate club head speed and increase the distance you hit the golf ball.

Why is shaft weight important?

Shaft Weight is important because it can help you generate club head speed and increase the distance you hit the golf ball. Lighter weight shafts tend to be swung faster (since they are lighter), increasing club speed. However, we don’t recommend looking automatically at the lightest shaft and disregarding heavier shafts.

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 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 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 a flight scope?

Modern technology has developed a Flight scope that is readily available in most golf retail outlets or driving ranges. Before deciding on the type of shaft you must have this test, as it will not only show your swing speed but also your ball flight and other important factors.

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 is a high kick point shaft?

A medium trajectory is attained by a shaft with the kick point close to the center of the shaft. A high kick point is for high-speed swings and offers the lowest trajectory.

Who is Nick Lomas?

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.

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.

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.

Who is Matt Saternus?

Matt Saternus. Matt is the Founder and Editor in Chief of 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.

Where does Matt live?

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.

Possible Outcomes When Using a Shaft Whose Flex Is Too Stiff for Your Swing

If a golfer is using a shaft that is too stiff for his or her swing mechanics and swing speed, any or all of the following may result:

Possible Outcomes When Using a Shaft That Is Too Flexible for Your Swing

If a golfer is using a shaft that is too flexible, here are the likely results:

It's Better to Err on the Side of More Flexibility

The best thing to do is make sure your shaft flex is well-matched to your swing (by meeting with a clubfitter or at least a teaching pro in a hitting bay when buying new clubs). But when in doubt, always err on the side of more flexibility in the shaft.

What happens if you mismatch your golf shaft?

If your swing is mismatched to your golf shaft flex—if you are using an X flex shaft, for example, when you should be using an R flex shaft—you will have a harder time squaring the clubface at impact. The way your shots are flying can clue you into the possibility you might be using the wrong flex.

Who is Brent Kelley?

Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism. Golf shafts are designated with a letter code, the letters most commonly being X, S, R, A, and L.

When were steel shafts invented?

Alas, no. Golf industry veteran Tom Wishon, of Tom Wishon Golf Technologies, explains: "Shortly after steel shafts were introduced in the 1920s, steel shaft makers discovered they could change the diameter and wall thickness of the tubes to create shafts with different amounts of stiffness to better match to the different swing speeds ...

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