If you hit the ball longer than that, say 225-250 yards, you should probably choose regular shafts. Anything more than 250 yards, stiff shafts are for you. Unless you are a huge hitter and average about 300 yards on your drives, stay away from Extra-stiff shafts.
Is your golf shaft too stiff?
Is Your Golf Shaft Too Stiff? 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.
When is it time to get stiff shafts?
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.
Do I need a stiffer shaft?
If you tend to hit long balls, but with high inaccuracies, you likely need to have a stiffer shaft. Q: What happens if your shaft is not stiff enough?
Should I change my golf shafts?
If you are using a regular golf club and having inaccurate long hits, you may want to change to a stiffer shaft. With such a shaft, you will achieve more control. You won’t need much energy when taking swings and hitting the ball. All in all, distance without accuracy is not what a golfer wants.
How do you know if you need a stiff shaft in golf?
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 club speed do you need for a stiff shaft?
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 you know if you need a stiff or regular shaft for irons?
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 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.
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.
Will I lose distance with a stiff shaft?
If the shaft flex is too stiff, your average distance will remain low.
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.
Are stiff shafts harder to hit?
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.
Do any pros use regular flex shafts?
Kramer's 2006 “Golf Magazine” article cites a survey showing that just 2 percent of PGA Tour players and 10 percent of PGA Champions Tour players used regular flex shafts in their irons. He also notes that PGA Tour swing speeds average 110 mph, so the players favor a stiffer shaft to better control the club.
Do any pros use stiff shafts?
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 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 flex do I need for my driver?
– 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 is the most important choice when buying golf clubs?
One of the most important choices you have to make when buying golf clubs is which shaft flex to use , with 80% of golfers being suited to either regular or stiff shafts.
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.
Is graphite shaft better than steel?
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.
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.
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.
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 use to reduce fade off tee?
Mix and Match. There is nothing wrong with the idea of mix and match and is becoming more common. Using graphite shafts on your driver, woods and long irons will help reduce the fade off the tee, increase the distance and soften the feel if you are to slightly miss-hit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What Happens If Your Driver Shaft Is Too Stiff?
Playing with the correct shaft in your driver is incredibly important. With the correct shaft flex you will be able to deliver the club at optimum speeds, and produce the correct numbers in terms of launch and spin on the golf ball.
What is Shaft Flex, And Why Is It Important In Drivers
Shaft flex is how much the shaft bends while you swing the club, if you swing it slowly you will need a more flexible shaft, while if you swing it fast you will need a stiffer shaft.
What Are The Signs Your Driver 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 the course.
Will You Adapt Your Swing To The Incorrect Shaft Flex
Yes you will, if your shaft is too stiff you will adapt your swing in more ways than one.
How Does Weight, Kick Point And Torque Affect Shaft Flex
90% of the time shaft flex is impacted by weight, the heavier the shaft is the stiffer it is, and the lighter the shaft is the more flexible it is.
How Does Swing Speed Affect What Shaft Flex You Should Use?
Swing speed is the main influencer in what shaft you should use. The faster you swing the more the shaft will bend, so the more you need to control it.
How To Discover Your Swing Speed?
By using a very fancy piece of machinery called a launch monitor, you are able to track how fast your swing speed is. The most popular companies are Trackman, Flightscope and GC Quad.
Why do you need regular shafted clubs?
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. One of the most common problems that many golfers face is ...
How many yards did Dave hit a steel driver?
Driver Dave hits a regular shafted steel driver 240 yards. Then, he used a graphite driver and hits it about 250 because of the increased clubhead speed. You need to be aware of the type of shaft material you are measuring with and make sure that it matches the clubs you would use when out on the course.
What is the most accurate depiction of your the type of flex you should have in your clubs?
Swing Speed. This is the most accurate depiction of your the type of flex you should have in your clubs. If you cannot get properly evaluated in your area, you can consider the other two options. If you have the right type of cellular device, you may be able to find an application that can assist you.
Should I hit a golf ball a mile?
Hitting the golf ball a mile can be a confidence booster and impress everyone around you, but if you aren’t hitting it where you want this can be a problem. If you have a driver with a regular flex and are hitting the ball long but inaccurately, you may want to consider going to a stiffer shaft. The stiffer shafts should provide you ...
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 is the best mph for senior flex?
Between 72 and 83 mph signifies you need to be hitting senior flex. Ladies – By no means do all women’s golfers will fall in this category, but this is where many of the recreational women’s players find themselves.
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.
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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Signs and Outcomes of Highly Flexible Shafts
- Unfortunately, most golfers overlook the importance of shaft flexibility following their swing speeds and general play type. If you purchase a light and highly flexible golf club, expect your strength to overpower the club. On the other hand, a very stiff golf club reduces your distance, and you will have a lot more misses here and there. Therefore you need to be true to yourself and un…
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How do you know 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. - Q: What happens if your shaft is not stiff enough?
The outcomes of a highly flexible shaft are quite detrimental. You will notice that the ball takes misdirected paths towards the opposite direction. The ball tends to go too high and spins a lot.