When you hear this term used in golf circles, it is referring to the angle of the club shaft at impact. If the shaft of the club is leaning toward the target when the ball is struck, your swing is said to have forward shaft lean.
Full Answer
What do the letters on golf shafts mean?
Those letters tell golfers flex—the relative stiffness—of that shaft. "L" is the most flexible shaft and "X" is the stiffest shaft: "A" or "M" denotes "senior flex" (might also be designated "AM" or "A/M," or "Senior")
What type of shafts are used in golf clubs?
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. Graphite shafts weight between 50-85 grams.
What do shaft flex codes mean on golf clubs?
Those letters tell golfers flex—the relative stiffness—of that shaft. What Shaft Flex Codes Mean "L" is the most flexible shaft and "X" is the stiffest shaft: "L" denotes "ladies flex"
Why do golf shafts have different amounts of stiffness?
Shaft makers vary the amount of stiffness because golfers have different types of swings—different swing speeds, different tempos—and different amounts of stiffness in a shaft better match up to those different swings. The slower a golfer's swing, generally speaking, the more flex he or she requires in the shafts that are in their golf clubs.
What does S stand for on a golf shaft?
stiff flex"L" is the most flexible shaft and "X" is the stiffest shaft: "L" denotes "ladies flex" "A" or "M" denotes "senior flex" (might also be designated "AM" or "A/M," or "Senior") "R" denotes "regular flex" "S" denotes "stiff flex" (might also be designated "Firm")
What is an S flex shaft?
Firm Shaft More commonly known as the stiff shaft (S), this flex is favored by golfers who have a fairly fast swing and drive the ball 250 yards on a consistent basis. Golfers who play a firm or stiff shaft have club speeds between 90-105 mph.
How do you know what shaft stiffness to use?
Take a look at the distance you hit your driver. This is a good, but very general, indicator. If you carry you driver 250 yards or more, go with Stiff; 230-250 yards, Regular; 200-230 yards, Senior; less than 200 yards, Ladies. Only the biggest of the big hitters is going to need Extra Stiff.
What does SR mean on a golf shaft?
The basics of shaft flex The SR (Senior) and R (Regular) flexes are geared for slower swing speeds and golfers who need help getting the ball airborne. As your game improves and you start to generate more speed, you'll likely find yourself in an S (Stiff) or XS (Extra Stiff) flex.
Is the S on a shaft senior or stiff?
The typical range of shaft flexes available on the market range as follows: TX (most stiff), X (extra stiff), S (stiff), R (regular), A (senior) and L (ladies, least stiff). Some companies use different denominations such as numbers or colors to denote flex, but golfers are most familiar with the letters listed above.
What shaft is best for my swing speed?
– 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
What flex do I need for my irons?
Should You Use Regular or Stiff Flex Shafts?6-iron Carry Distance6-iron Swing SpeedShaft flex (all clubs)< 130 yards60 – 70 mphSenior Flex131 – 155 yards71 – 80 mphRegular Flex156 – 175 yards81 – 90 mphStiff Flex> 176 yards91 + mphX-Stiff FlexApr 13, 2021
What happens if a shaft is too stiff?
There are a few tell tale signs that your shafts are too stiff, firstly you will lose the ball to the right, because the shaft is to stiff it will be hard to square up at impact, causing the face to be open when you hit the ball, this is going to produce a fade or slice shot, generally ending up on the right side of ...
What kind of flex should my driver be?
The most common flex, regular, is designated as "R" on the flex chart and is recommended for golfers who regularly drive the ball 210 to 240 yards and have a swing speed between 75 and 84 mph. Steel and graphite shafts are available in regular flex, which is appropriate for men with mid to high handicaps.
Who should use senior flex shafts?
Senior flex shafts are appropriate for golfers who swing between 75 and 90 mph and carry a driver about 180 to 200 yards. Regular flex shafts are designed for golfers who swing 90 to 100 mph and carry a driver about 200 to 240 yards.
What shaft flex is SR?
A senior flex golf shaft is a graphite shaft built to accommodate the needs of a slower swing. Players that use a senior flex golf shaft will typically have swing speeds below 85mph. These golfers struggle to get both distance and launch.
What golf club shaft is best for seniors?
The overwhelming majority of senior players would benefit from using a graphite shaft. Not just any graphite shaft, you want to find one that is lightweight and has enough flex.
Why do golf shafts bend?
Shaft makers vary the amount of stiffness because golfers have different types of swings—different swing speeds, different tempos—and different amounts of stiffness in a shaft better match up to those different swings.
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.
What does it mean when a golfer's swing is slower?
The slower a golfer's swing, generally speaking, the more flex he or she requires in the shafts that are in their golf clubs. And the faster the swing, the more stiffness. Tempo also matters: A jerkier swing requires more stiffness, a smoother swing less stiffness, generally speaking.
How to choose shaft flex?
These are just general guidelines, however; the best way to choose shaft flex is to go through a club fitting. Not every golfer can (or is willing) to do that, though.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Is shaft frequency used to measure stiffness?
Shaft frequency is not of much use in evaluating shaft stiffness. The problem for club makers and fitters who recognized the importance of shaft profiling was that there was not an affordable EI instrument until I designed and manufactured one. They used the frequency instruments they had.
Do golf shaft stiffness rates work across brands?
The systems we have to rate golf shaft stiffness do not work across brands or even across models within brands. Most experienced club fitters use their experience to understand golf shaft stiffness. Many use some systematic method, most often frequency, to rate the shafts they work with.
What is the kick point of a golf shaft?
KICK POINT: Modern shafts, particularly graphite shafts, can produce kick in different sections of the shaft — high kick, mid kick and low kick being three obvious points of reference. Fitters often spend considerable time matching a golfer’s swing with a particular kick.
What does low torque mean on a golf swing?
Normal measurements are in the 2- to 6-degree range. A low torque number means less twisting of the shaft but also can mean a harsher feel . A high torque number is associated with a soft-feeling shaft, although there may be a sacrifice in accuracy. FLEX: The strength of a shaft as it bends during the swing.
How much does a true temper iron shaft weigh?
True Temper’s Dynamic Gold, the most popular steel iron shaft on the PGA Tour, weighs abourt 130 grams. At the other end of the spectrum, Mitsubishi Rayon has a Bassara graphite driver shaft that weighs about 35 grams. RAW: A raw shaft is an uncut shaft that has not been installed in a clubhead.
What is a raw shaft?
RAW: A raw shaft is an uncut shaft that has not been installed in a clubhead. BLANK: This is another word for a raw shaft. When clubmakers refer to a blank, they mean a raw shaft. SPINE ALIGNMENT: Golf shafts, because they are round and hollow, have a spine that is a result of the manufacturing process.
What is the tip of a golf club called?
TIPPING: The tip end of the shaft, which is inserted into the clubhead, sometimes is cut or trimmed to provide more stiffness in the shaft. This is called tipping. While the practice is common on professional tours, it is not widely used among amateur golfers.
Where is the ferrule on a golf club?
FERRULE: The ferrule is an oval piece, commonly made of plastic, that is located just above the neck of the clubhead. Modern ferrules not only are decorative, they are made with great precision to provide accurate and secure bonding between the shaft and clubhead. BUTT: The top end of the shaft, called the butt, is located underneath the grip.
What is torque in swing?
TORQUE: A measurement of the circular rotation of the shaft during the swing.
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 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.
How is shaft flex determined?
Your shaft flex will be determined mainly by your swing speed, and then by your ability, age and personal preference. Within each shaft flex there are different weights and kick points (bend points). Shaft flex is very important as it will help with your distance and accuracy.
How to know if you need to go stiffer?
You should move to a stiff shaft once your swing speed moves into the next bracket, if you can’t track your swing speed here are some signs you need to go stiffer. Feels ‘whippy’ in your hands. Feels too light. Your ball is ballooning in the air. Your ball is behind your pitch mark when you hit your driver.
What monitors your swing speed?
These are called launch monitors, they track your swing speed, loads of other parameters. Unfortunately they do cost quite a bit of money, which makes it hard to get your hands on one.
Why does my golf ball go high?
When the golf ball is struck it will generally have too much spin if the shaft is too flexible, this will cause a ‘ballooning’ effect on the shot and it will tend to go quite high. You might have an inconsistent shot shape if the shaft is too flexible.Having a shaft that is too flexible can also cause the ball to hook uncontrollably, ...
Can you change shafts in golf clubs?
Can I Change The Shafts In My Clubs. Absolutely yes. Changing shafts in a driver is a little easier than irons, as nowadays the shafts in Drivers can be screwed out, this makes it easy to chop and change different options. Iron shafts are a little different, firstly you have to buy 7 or 8 depending on your set make up, ...
Matching Trajectory and Spin
Spin and Trajectory Differential
- The reality of shaft fitting is that the differential in spin and trajectory from lowest to highest is actually quite modest. In a typical driver fitting, for example, a Low trajectory shaft may produce a 9 degree launch while a Mid-High trajectory shaft may only increase the launch to 11 degrees, and spin may only increase from 2,500 to 2,900. Of course this can be significant in optimizing dista…
Fitting Wizard Recommendations
- When you input your Tempo, Transition, Release and desired trajectory, the TrueFitClubs Fitting Wizard uses that information to determine a shaft profile (Trajectory and Spin) that will give you the desired results. That, in conjunction with your distance, determines the butt stiffness, or flex, shaft weight and swing weight recommendation.
Building Clubs and Shafts to Your Recommendations
- When we build your clubs or shaft with tip adapter, we build to the EXACT specifications recommended. Learn More. We DO NOT just install an A, R, S or X Flex and hope the results are correct. We know that each shaft has its own characteristics (weight, CPM(cycle per minute), loading curve profile). This means that we may have to use a different flex than what is labeled …