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 the shaft is too stiff on a ball?
When the shaft is too stiff, it’s going to feel hard to swing, it’s going to feel heavy, and make you tired after a few swings. 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.
Does swing speed affect shaft stiffness?
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.
Is a stiff shaft important in golf?
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 a flexible shaft affect your golf game?
A right-handed golfer with a flexible shaft will notice that the ball moves towards the left. The driver’s face gets a bit closer which makes the ball go in the opposite direction. Unlike professional golfers, amateurs will find it challenging to maintain the tempo of a highly flexible golf club.
At what ball speed should you use a stiff shaft?
What swing speed requires a stiff shaft? Golfers at driving speeds over 90 mph should generally use a stiff shaft. Under 90 mph should probably use a regular shaft.
How does a golf shaft affect spin?
A shaft that launches the ball 2-degrees higher for a golfer with an 80 mph clubhead speed would typically increase spin by 350-to-400 rpm, while a shaft that launches the ball 2-degrees higher for a golfer with a 100 mph clubhead speed would typically increase spin by 500-to-600 rpm – that is, of course, given the ...
What happens if your golf club 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 ...
Does shaft stiffness affect swing speed?
faster swing speeds equal stiffer shafts. slower swing speeds equal weaker shafts. A softer flex gives you more “kick” and ballspeed. A stronger flex makes the ball fly straighter.
Does stiffer shaft reduce spin?
So the stiffer the shaft and/or more tip stiff the shaft in relation to your clubhead speed and point of release, the less the shaft bends forward at impact and the more that shaft becomes a lower launch and lower spin shaft.
Will a heavier shaft reduce spin?
Heavier shafts have lower launch angles to lower the ball trajectory if you hit your shots too high and it reduces the amount of spin generated off the clubhead.
Does shaft stiffness affect ball flight?
Generally, the stiffer the shaft, the lower the ball flight. The higher the bend point, the lower the ball flight (minor affect).
Do you lose distance with stiffer shafts?
If the shaft flex is too stiff, your average distance will remain low.
How do I know if I 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...
What happens if shaft is too soft?
Incorrect flex A golfer using a shaft that is too flexible may experience a ball flight that is too high, a ball that spins too much, or a shot pattern that has inconsistent dispersion.
Can a high handicapper use stiff shafts?
Stiff shafts are appropriate for men with single-digit handicaps as well as some with handicaps 10 to 15 who have high clubhead speed. Stiff flex is available in graphite or steel.
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.
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 ...
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, ...
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.
How to know if you need to go more flexible?
You should move to a more flexible shaft once your swing speed drops into the next bracket, if you can’t track your swing speed here are some signs you need to go more flexible. Feels to heavy. Feels like a ‘broomstick’ in your hands. You struggle to get the ball up in the air with your driver.
Why is my golf shaft weak?
Swinging with a weak shaft flex can hurt you in both windy and wet conditions. Because the spin is so high when you hit it with a weaker flex, the wind will magnify the spin and decrease your distance and accuracy.
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.
What is a slice in golf?
Typical Miss: Slice (left to right for right-handed golfer) If your golf shaft is too stiff and your swing speed is too slow, your well-struck shot will be limited on both carry distance and shot trajectory; a too-stiff golf shaft will most often lead to weak fades or slices.
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.
Do golf clubs pair with shafts?
No matter what you play with, it is important to pair your golf clubs with the right golf shafts. Insider Tip: Swing Tempo Matters A person’s swing tempo will correlate with how he/she will “load” the golf shaft during the swing.
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.
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.
How many irons do you need to hit 150 yards?
If you can hit 150 yards with a wedge, 9, or 8 iron you probably need stiff shafts. Using a 6 or 7 iron on 150 yards, go for a Regular flex, and 5 iron or more than Senior or Ladies shaft flex would be the way to go.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
Why is my golf club shaft so flexible?
Expect misdirected flight paths of the ball. This happens because when a golf club impacts with the ball, the shaft tends to move forward. A right-handed golfer with a flexible shaft will notice that the ball moves towards the left.
What factors affect the flexibility of a golf club?
Factors such as your swing speed and the shaft material affect the flexibility of your golf club. If you often lose your direction despite having an impressive distance, then the problem might be that you are using a highly flexible golf club.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can you lose clubhead control with a graphite shaft?
For anyone with lower swing speeds, graphite shafts will only make you lose clubhead control. Therefore pick a golf club with a steel shaft since it is stiffer than the graphite shaft and offers more control on the clubhead.
What is the difference between a low trajectory shaft and a mid high shaft?
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.
How many categories of shafts are there?
Shafts are typically identified by launch or trajectory characteristics in five categories: Low, Low-Mid, Mid, Mid-High and High. The same categories apply to the spin characteristics.
How Do I Know That My Golf Shaft Is Too Stiff?
A few indicators will help you decipher if, indeed, your golf shaft is too stiff for you. A too stiff golf shaft will rear its ugly head in various areas of your game, and changing to the right shaft will automatically improve your game from the get-go.
What Happens If My Shaft Is Too Stiff?
If any of the following is observable in your own game, it may be indicative that you are using too stiff shafts. Getting your game analyzed on a launch monitor by a professional would be the ideal way to rectify any gremlins concerning your golfing form.
Steel Or Graphite Golf Shafts?
Graphite golf shafts are much lighter than stee l. Choosing this material in golf shafts makes it easier to swing faster, and you will see an increase in driving distance from the tee. Graphite is considered to be the correct shafts for beginners and intermediate golfers.
What Happens When My Shaft Is Too Flexible?
After discussing the indicators of playing with golf shafts that are too stiff, let us look at some indicators that suggest that your golf shafts are too flexible.
Conclusion
Playing with too stiff or too flexible shafts will negatively affect your game. The best advice is to analyze your game thoroughly by seeing a professional, getting fitted when buying new golf clubs, analyzing your swing speed, and more by way of a launch monitor.
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 happens if you play with a golf shaft that has too much flex?
If you play with a golf shaft that has too much flex, you can find yourself hitting draws with a lot of spin on them. Any golf shaft that has too much flex for your style will flex too much from the start to the finish of the swing, and this allows for inconsistent release points.
How does a club shaft flex affect your swing?
During your swing, your club’s shaft will flex, changing the club head’s position. When you pick the right flex for your swing speed, the clubface lands squarely on the ball, helping to improve your accuracy and maximize your distance. A shaft flex that is too stiff will result in less lag throughout the swing and at impact, ...
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 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 fly so high?
If the course is wet, your ball will fly too high, the distance will be shorter, or it can limit roll out because it can plug when it lands. You can experience: A ball that tends to misses or pulls mostly to the left on each swing for right-handed golfers and to the right for left-handed golfers. A draw flight.
What does spin do to a golf ball?
Spin makes your golf ball rise into the air. The dimples on a golf ball are like the wings of an airplane. They create rushes of air across the ball that go at different speeds. When this occurs, the air that passes across the dimples creates a low pressure zone.
What are the two types of spin in golf?
Types of Spin. You have two types of spin when you hit your golf shot--back spin and forward spin. Back spin will cause your ball to rise high and stay close to where it lands with little forward roll. Sometimes, depending on spin rate, your ball may even roll back after it hits the ground. A forward spin will make your ball stay lower to ...
What is the loft angle of a golf driver?
PGA Tour members have drivers with lofts as low as 7.5 degrees. With less loft, your ball will roll much farther but you will have less control over your shot's distance.
What is loft in golf?
Loft is the angle that the club will launch the ball into the air. If you have a higher launch angle, you will have a higher ball flight and more back spin. The proper loft and trajectory for these clubs is always dependent on hitting the ball with a downward strike.
What is a shorter club?
Your shorter clubs are designed to produce more loft and shorter distances. They give you more control over where the ball lands. The shorter clubs, such as the sand wedge, pitching wedge, lob and gap wedges, all have club faces with high lofts. Loft is the angle that the club will launch the ball into the air. If you have a higher launch angle, you will have a higher ball flight and more back spin. The proper loft and trajectory for these clubs is always dependent on hitting the ball with a downward strike.
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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