who needs stiff shaft golf clubs

Who should use a stiff shaft golf club?

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 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...

At what swing speed do you need 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).

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.

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 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 happens if my golf 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.

How do I know if I need stiff or regular flex 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?

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.

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

How do I know what golf shaft to use?

A player with a very fast swing will require a shaft with less flex, while a player with a slower swing will need a shaft with greater flex. Flex is generally rated as Extra Stiff (XS), Stiff(S), Firm(F), Regular(R), Senior(S), Amateur(A) and Ladies(L).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 the shaft of a golf club?

A shaft determines the success of the ball flying straight and far by deflecting or bending during a golf swing. This causes the clubface to be in the right position that is relative to the grip of the club and launches the golf ball accordingly.

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 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.

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.

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.

What is the biggest indicator of flex?

The speed of your swing will be one of the biggest indicators of the flex you need.

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:

Factors Affecting Golf Club Flexibility

Signs and Outcomes of Highly Flexible Shafts

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.

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