
You 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”. While the flex is sometimes written on the shaft, many times it isn’t, leaving only the number to inform you of the flex.
What do the numbers on golf shafts mean?
When buying a golf shaft, you’ll see many different numbers in the name of the shaft. For example: These numbers are the weight of the shaft in grams. 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.
Do you rate golf shaft stiffness 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 a golf shaft?
Either way, the golf shaft is where power is stored and released at impact. Sitting in between the golf grip and club head, a solid connection is what allows the golf shaft to do its job. So when choosing a shaft, it's important to know what specifications to look for.
What happens if you play a soft shaft in golf?
The common assumption is that you will be hitting a large fade or slice because it is too soft. This is incorrect. You can play a softer shaft and be penalized less than playing a shaft that is too stiff.

What stiffness of shaft do I need?
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).
How do I know what golf 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 stiffness of shaft do pros use?
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.
What do the numbers on Hzrdus shaft mean?
The Project X flex system uses numbers to denote flex. A scale of 5.0 to 7.0 is used to mark flexes between regular and Tour-extra-stiff. The HZRDUS Black comes in 60- and 70-gram weights with 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5 flexes, regular+, stiff, and extra-stiff respectively.
What flex do I need for my irons?
Determine the Proper Shaft Flex for Your SwingIf 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
What swing speed requires a stiff shaft?
between 97 and 104 mphStiff – 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. Regular – Now we are getting into the range where a majority of recreational golfers fall, and also where many LPGA pros fall.
Can I put a 5 wood shaft in my driver?
8:3812:03I Putt MY 5 WOOD SHAFT in my DRIVER IT WENT ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo my average carry with my 5 wood in my driver.MoreSo my average carry with my 5 wood in my driver.
What happens if 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 ...
How do I know if I need a stiff shaft?
When To Move To A Stiffer Shaft?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.You ball spins to much on the greens when you approach with your irons.Your accuracy has dropped.You start hitting hooks.More items...
Is a 6.0 shaft Stiff?
5.0 out of 5 stars 6.0 62g is VERY stiff! Great shaft! The only thing I would say to someone who is looking at this is if you normally play a stiff shaft you should go with the 5.5 62g variant. the 6.0 62g shaft is extra stiff in my opinion.
How do I know if I need a stiff shaft?
When To Move To A Stiffer Shaft?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.You ball spins to much on the greens when you approach with your irons.Your accuracy has dropped.You start hitting hooks.More items...
What does 4.5 shaft flex mean?
senior shaftYes the 4.5 means senior shaft the 70 means the grams and the flex of the shaft that's what the guy from Mizuno told me like 70 is extra stiff the way I understood it is that right or wrong thank you.
What does 6.0 mean on a golf shaft?
StiffRegular – 5.0. Regular Plus – 5.5. Stiff – 6.0. Extra Stiff – 6.5. Extra Stiff Plus – 7.0.
How do I know what driver shaft I need?
Another crucial thing to consider in your shaft is its weight. Shafts can range anywhere from 40 to 85 grams. Typically, the rule of thumb is that a golfer with a slow swing might use lighter shaft, and he/she would add weight as swing speed increases.
What Do Shaft Flex Numbers Mean?
When it comes to flex in a shaft, there is no industry standard McCormack added. “Thus, one company’s ‘Stiff’ could be another company’s ‘X,’ and vice versa.’ So relying just on the small letter on the shaft’s side is essentially meaningless.
Does Golf Shaft Flex Make a Difference?
Golfers should get fit before buying a shaft with the wrong flex for their swing, according to McCormack. Through statistical input, personal feel, and expert counsel, a golf club fitting may help golfers properly match a club and shaft to their swing. The only way to know for sure if a shaft is right for your game is to compare it to others.
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.
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 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.
Is the flex on the shaft?
While the flex is sometimes written on the shaft, many times it isn’t, leaving only the number to inform you of the flex. The only problem? The flex that corresponds with each number often changes based on the shaft model.
Is Flex a project X shaft?
A “stiff” flex from one shaft producer will not always equal a “stiff” flex from another. While these codes are accurate based on the flex that Project X indicates, your mileage may vary on how well the feel of the shaft matches the maker’s designation.
What is a golf shaft?
Many consider the golf shaft the "engine of the club". Golf shafts are either made from graphite or steel. Both types have its benefits and disadvantages. Either way, the golf shaft is where power is stored and released at impact. Sitting in between the golf grip and club head, a solid connection is what allows the golf shaft to do its job. So when choosing a shaft, it's important to know what specifications to look for. The golf club head and golf grip will each have their own specifications/measurements as well, and having all this information on hand can guide you to choose the right shaft, as well as ensure the club assembly process goes smoothly. Here are 5 golf shaft specifications you'll want to know:
What size shaft tip for golf club?
The shaft tip size is the the diameter of the tip portion of the shaft. For irons, this will usually be 0.370" (parallel) or 0.355" (tapered). For woods, it will be either 0.335" or 0.350". To choose the tip size needed, you'll want to match it with the ID (inside diameter) of the hosel of the golf club head.
What is shaft flex?
Shaft flex is a description of how much a shaft will bend under the force of a golf swing with a head attached at the tip end. The speed and frequency of your swing will determine what flex you need. There are generally 5 different flex notations (from most bendable to least bendable): A-flex (Senior), L-flex (Ladies), R-flex (Regular), ...
How long is a 0.370" iron shaft?
decreasing in length from #3-PW). 0.370" parallel iron shafts arrive in uncut lengths, usually 41" or 42" for irons or 46" or more for woods.
What happens if you swing too heavy?
If the overall club is too heavy, you can lose swing speed which can result in a loss of yardage. Too light of a club will be hard to guide and control which can lead to mishits. Players with faster swing speeds or more accelerated tempos can benefit from heavier shafts.
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 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.
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 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.
How much does a graphite shaft weigh?
Graphite shafts are also much lighter weight (50-85 grams) while steel shafts can start at 120 grams in most cases.
What do the letters on a golf shaft mean?
Golf shafts are designated with a letter code, the letters most commonly being X, S, R, A, and L . What do these letters represent? Those letters tell golfers flex—the relative stiffness—of that 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.
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.
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.
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.
Why is senior flex represented by an A or M?
Why is senior flex represented by an A or M? " A" originally stood for "amateur." The "M" stands for "mature" or "medium." Also, of course, "S" is taken by "stiff."
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 ...
What is the X stiff range?
X-stiff – This is the range where most high-level players fall. If you’re swinging the driver above 105 mph, it might be time to get some X stiff shafts in your set.
What is the average speed of a senior swinger?
Senior – Slower swingers fall into this category. Between 72 and 83 mph signifies you need to be hitting senior flex.
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.
Is True Spec Golf affiliated with 8AM?
Our friends over at True Spec Golf shared some data with us that illustrates the shaft that’s right for you based on your swing speed throughout the bag. ( True Spec and GOLF.com are affiliates of 8AM Golf ).
What happens when a golf shaft is too stiff?
A too flexible shaft causes a nasty hook or a pop-up, whereas an extra stiff shaft pushes the golf ball onto the next fairway.
How to know flex for shaft?
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.
Why is my golf ball too low?
Golfers using a too stiff shaft and having a lower swing speed tend to abrupt the clubface angle at the point of impact, which pushes the ball too early. It results in hitting the golf ball too low.
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 many different shaft flex categories are there?
These are the five different shaft flex categories. You can select the right shaft flex as per your requirements.
Why is it important to have the right golf equipment?
Every golfer knows that having the right set of golf equipment is essential to unleash the best performance on the course. Players often underestimate the shaft flex and use the golf shafts that were not suitable for them.
What is extra stiff flex?
Extra stiff flex is for players with a swing speed over 100 mph, and their shots cover the 300-yard range. This flex is the right choice for professionals.
