The Advantages of Stiff-Shaft Irons
- Increased Control. Stiff shafts are recommended for players who generate high club head speed. ...
- Better Results for Fast Swing Tempos. The United States Golf Teachers Federation states that a player with a fast swing tempo and/or a short backswing will play better with stiff ...
- Better Short Game Control. ...
- Considerations. ...
What are stiff golf shafts used for?
Advantages Of A Stiff Shaft If you find that your swing speed is a good fit for a stiff golf shaft, these are the benefits that you will notice. Easier to release the club than an extra stiff shaft It …
Are stiff or regular shafts better for You?
· Stiff shafts tend to impact distance, resulting in shorter distance. This is because the typical swing speed and the stiffness of the shaft have a contradictory effect on one …
Do stiffer shaft flexes make a better golf shot?
· The swing speed for stiff shafts makes them capable of driving the ball for over 250 yards off the tee. Hence, they are ideal for mid-low handicap golfers who consistently …
Does swing speed affect shaft stiffness?
The shaft flex is a very, very important matter when choosing golf clubs, whether you’re a senior, beginner, average, or Tour-level player.Even though 80-percent of the golfing population seems …
What does a stiff shaft do in golf?
Stiff golf shafts are harder to bend and flex. Also, they're heavier in weight which maintains their stiffness. As a rule of thumb, these properties are going to benefit golfers with faster swing speeds and longer distances. If you think of your shaft as a lever than the stronger the lever, the more reliable the shot.
What golfers should use a stiff shaft?
Stiff shafts are recommended for players who generate high club head speed. If your swing speed is 90 mph or higher, a stiff shaft or an x-stiff shaft should be a good fit.
Will I lose distance with a stiff shaft?
If the shaft flex is too stiff, your average distance will remain low.
Do any pros use a stiff shaft?
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 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.
Does Tiger Woods use a regular or stiff shaft?
For example, Tiger Woods who consistently hits shots longer than 300 yards has a Regular shaft in his driver.
How do you know if you need a stiffer 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 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.
How can I tell my swing speed?
Divide the average yardage by 2.3. This number represents your average club head speed in miles per hour, according to the book "Science and Golf III." If 195 is your average drive distance yardage, 84.7 mph is your approximate swing speed.
Should a high handicapper use stiff shafts?
Designated as "S" on the flex chart, stiff shafts are recommended for golfers who regularly drive the ball 240 to 260 yards and have a swing speed 84 to 93 mph. Stiff shafts are appropriate for men with single-digit handicaps as well as some with handicaps 10 to 15 who have high clubhead speed.
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.
What happens if shaft is too flexible?
When a golf shaft is too flexible, you will not be able to hit the ball straight. You will also end up losing a bit of distance. When a golf shaft is too flexible, it isn't easy to control the clubface and get it to square up at impact.
How do you know if you need a regular or stiff shaft?
If you have a slower swing speed, you are probably going to want to choose regular shafted clubs because the additional flex will provide a little more power and accuracy. When you swing harder, the stiff flex will be more controlled and give you the punch you need to hit better shots.
Should beginners use regular or stiff shafts?
The faster you swing, the stiffer your shaft flex needs to be. This is where a lot of beginner's get mismatched. For example, if you are a younger player with an aggressive swing, but you have a senior shaft in your driver, it will be tough to consistently hit the ball solid and straight.
How do you know if you need a stiffer 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...
Are stiff shafts good for beginner golfers?
With the proper fit, the new golfer can learn without making compensations for clubs that are too stiff or too flexible. In general, the faster a golfer's swing speed the stiffer a golf shaft should be in order to provide more control over the ball's flight.
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 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.
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.
Is graphite shaft better than iron shaft?
Graphite shafts are of greater benefit on the distance clubs where you may be prepared to sacrifice a bit of accuracy. On the shorter, irons accuracy and control are more important thus the extra flexibility of the graphite shaft may be a disadvantage.
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.
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.
Who is the founder of GolfSpan?
Golf Shafts – The Ultimate Guide – All You Need To Know To Choose The Right Shaft. 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.
What happens if your golf shaft is too weak?
A golf shaft that is too weak will flex excessively throughout the golf swing, creating an inconsistent release point .
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.
Can you use two versions of the same golf club?
Are you not quite ready to make the purchase? By using our UTry ® program, you can choose two versions of the same club – each with a different golf shaft or shaft flex – and test them out yourself!
Does shaft flex help golf?
Ensuring you get golf clubs with the appropriate shaft flex will not only significantly improve your game, but also make your time on the golf course much more enjoyable.
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?
Do all golf shafts bend the same?
As golf shaft technology continues to advance, manufacturers are experimenting more with bend profiles within golf shaft flex segments; in other words, not all stiff golf shafts bend the same.
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 is stiff shaft?
A stiff shaft is firmer and harder to bend than a regular shaft, and so more often than not, they're also heavier in weight.
What happens if you swing a shaft too heavy?
Choose a shaft too heavy and too stiff and you will inevitably swing a touch slower and consequently struggle to square the face at impact, causing you to miss more shots low and right .
Why do golf irons have higher kick points?
Because stiffer shafts need more power or a more efficient action to work at their best, they usually feature higher kick points to help players control their ball flights. RELATED: Best Golf Irons. The right weight and kick point also play a part in finding the right shaft.
Do irons have graphite shafts?
This is a question that relates specifically to your irons (your woods will almost certainly have graphite shafts). On the whole graphite shafts are a little lighter than steel alternatives and will help slower swingers find better, longer ball flights. For some golfers, lighter graphite shafts feel easier to use - helping to generate good ball flights with less effort. This is certainly something to consider, and ask about, during a fitting.
Does a slow accelerating arc cause more lag?
This doesn’t just relate to players who swing quickly though, often a slow accelerating arc can generate more lag and power than someone who swings with a quicker tempo. Of course, the distance you hit the ball is one of the tell-tale signs about the shafts you need to be playing.
How to tell if you need a shaft?
Of course, the distance you hit the ball is one of the tell-tale signs about the shafts you need to be playing. Longer hitters will tend to suit stiffer shafts while mid to short hitters will benefit from the extra speed through impact provided by regular shafts. If you are unsure about where you sit on the scale, a fitting session with a professional will really help.
Is a stiff shaft stiffer than a regular shaft?
A stiff shaft is firmer and harder to bend than a regular shaft, and so more often than not, they’re also heavier in weight. As a rough rule of thumb, the more speed you generate, the stiffer your shafts should be.
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.
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.
Can you put graphite in a wedge?
If nothing else, make sure to try and get a graphite shaft in the wedge to make it a bit easier to release. On the other hand, if you have a breakneck swing speed and plan on needing full swing length wedge shots to fill in distance gaps in your bag, you should get the wedges custom fit with extra stiff shaft.
Is a wedge a driver?
A wedge is usually quite a bit heavier as it is not swung as hard or as fast as something like a driver. The weight in the wedge also helps give you the feeling that you need around the greens. For players with slow swing speeds, shaft flex in the wedges may matter a bit more.
Do wedges come in flex?
You might have noticed that wedges tend to come in “wedge flex”. It is possible to custom order many wedges with the exact shafts that you have in your irons, but most players tend to stick with the standard wedge flex.
How to lower the ball flight?
If you are hitting a regular shaft straight, but the ball seems to be ballooning in the air, try something heavier. The weight in the shaft will help lower the ball flight.
Can you measure swing speed with driver?
Even though swing speed is mostly measured when using the driver you can apply that number to the rest of your clubs. Except, of course, in the instance where you fall in between two shafts. When that happens, it does benefit you to test out both options and see which one feels best.
What happens if you play golf with a stiff shaft?
Golfers playing with a shaft that is too stiff will have a hard time getting the ball to fly straight. Most of the shots are going to be left out to the right. In addition, you will notice that the ball flight will be a bit too low.
How to know if you need a stiff golf shaft?
How To Know If You Need Stiff Or X Stiff Flex. To know what golf shaft you need, you will need to know your swing speed. The faster your swing, the more stiff of a golf shaft you are going to need. When you swing the club fast, the club needs more resistance and a stiffer shaft.
How does a heavier shaft affect a golfer?
The heavier golf shafts will impact the club head speed a player can generate and the ball’s height.
Why does my golf swing end up left of the target?
Golfers that have this extra swing speed can tend to swing across their body a bit quicker than intended and cause the shot to end up left of the target.
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.
How to find your swing speed?
There are a few ways that you can find out your swing speed. The easiest way is to go to a local golf retail store and use their golf simulator.
What is the best swing speed for a golf shaft?
Golfers with a swing speed of 95 to 105 mph will do best with a stiff flex golf shaft.
Two Main Effects of a Too-Stiff Golf Shaft
The distance will be shorter. Stiff shafts tend to impact distance, resulting in shorter distance. This is because the typical swing speed and the stiffness of the shaft have a contradictory effect on one another.
Fairway Jockey: Custom-Made Shaft Superstore
To determine which shaft is right for you and your swing, peruse our thousands of custom shaft options online. On the left hand navigation bar, filter by type of shaft (wood, hybrid, iron, or putter) and other preferences such as launch and spin rate.
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 happens if you don't have a stiff shaft?
Top 3 Stiff Shafts. Not having a stiff shaft can have an enormous impact on your golf game. 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.
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.
What is the difference between a stiff shaft and a low kick point?
Swing speed for stiff shafts with a low kick point will be enough to carry the golf ball longer and at a greater distance. The difference between the two kick points is around 2 inches, but it is best to get a club with mid-range kick points.
What is a kick point in golf?
A kick point is the point or location on a shaft that flexes when a force is applied to it. It correlates with the ball flight and trajectory of your stroke. This means that if your shaft has a high kick point rating, the bending point is closer to the grip and will be effective in the lower trajectory of the ball. Swing speed for stiff shafts with a low kick point will be enough to carry the golf ball longer and at a greater distance. The difference between the two kick points is around 2 inches, but it is best to get a club with mid-range kick points.
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).
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 …
Related Articles