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when should you use a stiff shaft golf club

by Prof. Gay Becker Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Golfers at driving speeds over 90 mph should generally use a stiff shaft. Under 90 mph should probably use a regular shaft.Mar 12, 2022

Who should use a stiff shaft golf club?

Who should use stiff flex irons? The starting point for this is swing speed, if you swing your driver between 90-105 mph then you will probably need a stiff shaft. This will benefit you by delivering great control of your club during your swing and stop you spraying it everywhere.

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 swing speed is needed for stiff shafts?

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.

Should I use stiff or regular golf shafts?

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.

Will I lose distance with a stiff shaft?

If the shaft flex is too stiff, your average distance will remain low.

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.

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 is a good swing speed for 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 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

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 golf shaft is 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.

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.

What is the difference between a stiff shaft and a regular shaft?

You may ask yourself, what is the difference between a regular shaft and a stiff shaft? The answer to this is simple and quite self-explanatory. A stiff shaft is harder to bend and tends to be more firm, while the regular shaft is the opposite. Both of these shafts have their advantages and disadvantages.

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.

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.

Why does my golf ball go in the opposite direction?

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.

Is it normal to have wild shots on a golf ball?

This makes the ball lose direction quite easily. It is normal to have wild shots when using a flexible shaft. However, if you notice that your shots vary hugely every time you hit the ball, then your shaft might be too flexible. Expect misdirected flight paths of the ball.

Do golf clubs have flexibility?

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

Why is stiff flex important in golf?

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 finding the right flex. You could have a smooth and mechanically-proper swing but still not play your best golf because of the flex in the shafts.

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.

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.

Is it better to hit a golf ball a mile?

Hitting the golf ball a mile can be a confidence boost er 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.

Do stiff shafted golf clubs flex?

The stiff shafted clubs are going to flex less during the swing than the regular shafted clubs. Conversely, the regular shafted clubs are going to flex more. 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.

Is a driver better than an iron?

It is also important to realize that the shaft you choose for your driver may be different than the shafts you use for your irons. You typically swing a driver with a wide arc and hit your irons with a more shallow swing. This variation could be the main reason why you may hit a driver better than your irons or vice versa.

Do stiffer shafts help you swing faster?

The stiffer shafts should provide you with a little more control with your swing without having to swing faster provided you have the right club in your hands.

How many yards is stiff shaft?

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. Nine times out of 10, this method works well, but you still need to be comfortable hitting with whichever shaft you choose.

What is a senior flex shaft?

The Seniors flex is meant for golfers who swing a bit harder. A Regular shaft is used by golfers who hit the ball an average or farther than average length. For those long hitters, there are Stiff and Extra-stiff shafts that flex little.

What is flex in golf?

Flex is the amount that the shaft will bend when it is swung. All of us have heard the admonition, “let the club do most of the work”. If you choose the right shaft, that can be true. With the right shaft, you'll swing the club easier and get more distance out of your shots.

Do clubs fitters charge?

Many retailers have professional club fitters on their staffs who provide the service free of charge because it's likely that you will purchase a set of their clubs. Others may charge for their services.

How to tell 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 a golf shaft is too flexy?

On the other hand, a shaft with too much flex will create too much lag, making it difficult to control the clubface and achieve consistent contact.

How to tighten up your swing?

Matching the correct flex with your swing speed will help you tighten up the dispersion of your shots while maximizing your distance.

How does shaft flex affect golf swing?

The amount of flex you need in your club’s shaft depends primarily on your swing speed. Once you find the right shaft flex, you’ll notice your distance and accuracy improving, and this can make the game so much more fun!

Which side of the golf ball tends to miss?

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.

What happens when you hit a golf ball with a shaft that has too much flex?

When you hit the ball with a shaft that has too much flex, it decreases your accuracy and distance while magnifying the ball’s spin. 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:

Why is my golf ball leaking?

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.

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.

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 ).

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.

What happens if you use a stiff shaft?

The shaft affects the swing speed , if you use a shaft that is too light or flexible, then it is likely that your swing will be too much than what is needed for your shot.

What is the difference between stiff shafts and regular shafts?

Difference between stiff shafts and regular shafts. A regular shaft is also considered as the “stock” shaft for golf clubs when you purchase them directly from the store. A stiff shaft is sometimes not included in these golf clubs, and you may have to purchase them separately. The regular shaft normally has a lower flex rating and weight, ...

How many swing sticks does a sandbox come with?

The product also comes with three swing sticks. The first one is lighter than your driver, which you can use to get a feel of swinging faster. The second one weighs just like your driver. Lastly, the third one is heavier than your driver, which will help you build your body composition and strength.

Why is flexibility important in golf?

Golf ultimately requires flexibility in order to generate faster club swings! This is why you should include flexibility training in your regular routine!

What muscles do you need to hit a golf club faster?

Many amateur players reading golf swing speed guide think that having enormous biceps, chest, and shoulders helps in hitting the golf club faster. But, we need to poke that bubble as early as now!

How to get faster swings in golf?

The first way that you can find in many golf swing speed guide is strength training. Improving your muscles on the body parts that you usually utilize when playing golf will surely help you achieve your goal to swing your club faster. You can do weight training, which is an exercise typically done in a gym.

Can you compromise your golf swing speed?

Therefore, you should not make this mistake as you can compromise your golf swing speed and your overall gameplay.

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Factors Affecting Golf Club Flexibility

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Before we dive into the signs and outcomes of using a highly flexible shaft, there are factors that affect shaft flexibility that you need to know. Distance and accuracy, swing speed and golf club material affect shaft flexibility. In this article we look at their impact on highly flexible shafts and their effect on the turf.
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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…
See more on modestomunigolf.com

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.
See more on modestomunigolf.com

Stiffness Or Flex

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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. Rick Shiels …
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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…
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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.
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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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