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.
Full Answer
What are the disadvantages of lofted golf balls?
1. The ball flies lower for any given loft, and possibly shorter in distance, because the golfer's best launch angle for maximum distance cannot be achieved. 2.
Does loft affect a golfer's range?
If the golfer is using the proper loft for his or her swing mechanics, this could cause a slight decrease from the golfer's maximum potential distance.
What happens if the shaft is too stiff on a club?
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 to the loft of a golf ball during flight?
The ball flies lower for any given loft, and possibly shorter in distance, because the golfer's best launch angle for maximum distance cannot be achieved. 2.
Why are loft drivers low?
Lower lofts can provide more energy transfer at impact because there's less of an oblique angle. It's why your 7-iron flies farther than your 8-iron. In our test, drivers with less loft consistently produced more ball speed, even for low swing-speed golfers (3.2 mph more compared to the 10.5 and 12-degree drivers).
Why do game improvement irons have less loft?
The lofts on the game improvement irons are usually quite a bit lower to help promote more distance. However, the center of gravity in the game improvement irons is lower to promote higher ball flight.
Does adding loft close the clubface?
Being able to adjust the loft allows golfers to achieve launch angles and spin rates that are suited well to the way that they deliver the club. When you adjust a hosel to increase loft, you are actually closing the face fractionally. Conversely when you reduce loft you are open the face slightly.
Why do I hit my golf irons low?
If your head moves forward during your downswing you'll hit down on the ball too much resulting in a lower than optimal ball flight. So many golfers I come across hit the ball too low. Some of those golfers even try to hit the ball low.
What is a normal 7-iron loft?
7-Iron Loft | 28 to 35 Degrees A more standard loft for a 7-iron is 34 to 35 degrees, but you can find game improvement 7-iron lofts pushed as low as 28 degrees or less.
How much does 1 degree of loft affect distance?
How Much Does 1 Degree of Loft Affect Distance? Given that you're at your maximum clubhead speed, just 1-degree change in the loft angle of a golf driver can affect your driving distance by 2-4 yards.
Does higher loft reduce slice?
A higher driver loft can help a slice because it will help to encourage a bit more forgiveness and backspin on the driver. These features of a higher lofted driver are going to help improve a slice and straighten out overall ball flight. A slice is often caused by a bit too much side spin being applied to a golf ball.
Is my driver loft too low?
Choose a loft to try based on your assessed club-head speed. If it is between 95 and 104 mph, a 10- or 11-degree loft will be appropriate. If it is between 105 and 115 mph, a loft between 7 and 9 degrees should be considered. Golfers with club-head speeds below 85 mph should use a loft angle between 14 and 20 degrees.
Does changing lie angle change loft?
If you have the proper lie angle, the center of the sole will rest squarely on the ground when you put the club down behind the ball. Then the lie angle is the space created between the shaft and the ground on the heel side of the club head. Lie angle also increases as the loft increases.
How do I stop hitting the golf ball so low?
6:018:32Why You Hit The Ball Too Low - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you look at a dimple on the back of the ball. There. It is okay that would keep you behind itMoreSo you look at a dimple on the back of the ball. There. It is okay that would keep you behind it just feel your head right here move it over your back foot keep it there as you hit the ball.
How do you get higher launch with irons?
3:435:50How To Hit Your Irons HIGHER… - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEnter one range basket you may want to put a range basket. Just behind your target. Line becauseMoreEnter one range basket you may want to put a range basket. Just behind your target. Line because what we're going to do instead of picking the club up to the top of the backswing.
How do I stop hitting the golf ball low?
1:364:48Why Your Golf Ball Goes Too Low - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you set up what I like to see golfers do is put the feet either side of the ball if they haveMoreIf you set up what I like to see golfers do is put the feet either side of the ball if they have like a 7-iron or an 8-iron or a six I know something middle of the stance.
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 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.
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.
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.
What happens if you change your shaft too much?
Now you will find the club face will close before impact resulting in a right to left fade if not a slice. The trajectory will also be increased as will the spin and should this be combined with a windy day your golf round will become a grind.
What Happens If Your Shaft Isn’t Stiff Enough?
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.
Why does my golf ball come out low?
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.
What Happens If Your Shaft Flex Is Too Flexible?
If the shaft is too flexible, you will have a ‘whippy’ feeling in your hands, and you won’t be able to feel the clubhead on the downswing.
How Can You Measure Your Swing Speed To See What Shaft You Should Use?
These are called launch monitors , they track your swing speed, loads of other parameters.
When To Move To A Stiffer Shaft?
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
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 to determine shaft flex?
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).
What happens if a golf shaft is too flexible?
If a golfer is using a shaft that is too flexible, here are the likely results: 1. The ball will possibly fly higher for any given loft. If the golfer is using the proper loft for his or her swing mechanics, this could cause a slight decrease from ...
Why does a golf shot feel more solid?
3. The shot will feel more solid because impact vibrations transmitted up to the hands along a shaft which is both more flexible and more bent will feel more solid .
How to make sure your shaft flex is well matched to your swing?
The best thing to do is make sure your shaft flex is well-matched to your swing (by meeting with a clubfitter or at least a teaching pro in a hitting bay when buying new clubs). But when in doubt, always err on the side of more flexibility in the shaft.
Why does my golf ball flies lower?
1. The ball flies lower for any given loft, and possibly shorter in distance, because the golfer's best launch angle for maximum distance cannot be achieved. 2. The ball may tend to "leak" to the fade side of the target because the golfer cannot cause the desired forward bending of the shaft at impact, which helps bring ...
Can a golfer's loft decrease?
If the golfer is using the proper loft for his or her swing mechanics, this could cause a slight decrease from the golfer's maximum potential distance. On the other hand, if the golfer is using too little loft, which is the case with a very high percentage of players today with the driver and 3-wood, the more flexible shaft could bring his launch ...
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 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!
What does flex do on a golf swing?
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.
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.
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 is the biggest indicator of flex?
The speed of your swing will be one of the biggest indicators of the flex you need.
Why use stiff shafts?
Generally, stiff shafts are used more by elite players because they have the technique and swing speed required to put them to good use.
How does lengthening a shaft affect swing?
Timing and Feel. In many ways, the biggest effect of lengthening a club shaft is how it affects your ability to swing the club. The combined changes in length and swing weight make the club feel different. In turn, these changes will affect your timing and even your mechanics, perhaps without you even realizing it.
What does swing weight mean?
Swing Weight. Swing weight isn't an actual weight so much as a comparison of the difference in weight between the club head and the butt end of the shaft. It's expressed as a letter-number combination, such as C9 or D2. Lengthening the shaft increases the swing weight, which makes the club head feel heavier. It may even make the club too heavy ...
Can you use extenders to lengthen a golf club?
However, using extenders to lengthen a club will change the flex of the club, sometimes by an unpredictable amount. Not only does the shaft become more flexible than before, thus further affecting accuracy, but it lowers the kick (or bend) ...
Does lengthening the shaft make the club head heavier?
Lengthening the shaft increases the swing weight, which makes the club head feel heavier. It may even make the club too heavy for you, which will slow down your swing speed and actually reduce your distance.
Does lengthening a golf club shaft affect accuracy?
Accuracy. As a general rule, lengthening any club's shaft will reduce your accuracy with that club. The longer the club, the more difficult it becomes to hit the ball solidly. This is especially true when the ball is on the ground rather than on a tee, since hitting the ball fat is more likely.
Is shaft length a factor?
Shaft length is certainly a factor in how far you hit a given club. However, some clubs benefit more than others. Installing longer shafts in wedges and short irons will almost always result in more distance, as most players have little trouble swinging the shorter clubs.
Do golf clubs have longer shafts?
Effects of Lengthening a Golf Club Shaft. Tall players like Bubba Watson have to use longer shafts in all of their clubs. Most players consider using longer shafts in their clubs at some time or another, believing that longer shafts equal more distance, although that isn't necessarily true. There are two ways to lengthen your shafts.
What Is Golf Shaft Flex?
When we talk about golf shaft flex, we are referring to the ability of the club to flex during the swing.
What Problems Will I Have If The Shaft Is Too Flexible?
One of the biggest issues you will face when using a golf shaft that is too flexible is that the ball will not travel in a straight line.
How Do I Know If A Golf Shaft Is Right For Me?
As we have just discussed, the flight of the ball may be well off when you use a shaft that is too flexible.
Does Shaft Flex Influence Weight?
A lot of the weight of your golf club will be related to its flex but that doesn’t mean that the weight and flex of the shaft are the same thing.
Conclusion
Finding the right golf equipment is essential to getting the best performance and playing to your strengths.
Why do golf clubs have X Flex shafts?
It is true that most of the best players in the world use an x-flex shaft in their clubs, but that is because they have the power and speed to use them properly. Don’t get caught up copying them – head to a local club fitter and find out exactly what golf club shaft flex is the right fit for you.
How to determine shaft flex?
In order to find out what golf club shaft flex you should be using, a fitting session with a professional club fitter ( like those that are AGCP certified) is a great idea. The fitter will have all of the necessary equipment and technology to measure your swing and produce some shaft options for you to consider. While swing speed is important to determining the flex that you should use, it is actually not the only element. Your swing technique, and your personal tempo, can also play a role in the fitting. A good fitter will be able to analyze all of these inputs and help guide you to a shaft that provides the ball flight you desire.
What is shaft flex?
The whole point behind the golf club shaft flex is finding a club that is going to flex just the right amount so you can unload it into the ball at the bottom of your swing. A shaft that is too soft of a flex for your swing can bend too much and not recover by the time you reach impact.
Can a shaft flex be too stiff?
On the other hand, a shaft flex that is too stiff may not bend enough and could rob you of power. You may be able to work it out to hit pretty straight drives, buy you may never be satisfied with the distance you are getting.
Do you need flex in your driver to hit long drives?
One of the things that some golfers believe is that in order to hit long drives, you need to have almost no golf club shaft flex in your driver.
Can you get the same performance from a stiff shaft?
So, if you just decide to copy the pros and buy a driver with an extra-stiff shaft, you aren’t necessarily going to get the same performance from that shaft that they do. Unless you are able to swing the club in a similar fashion to your favorite players on TV, you are better off picking a shaft that is suited to your swing.
Is it better to pick a stiffer shaft or a stiffer shaft?
If you try to force your way into a stiffer shaft, you are likely to end up losing track of your fundamentals and may harm your game in the process. In fact, if you are in between two shaft flexes and not sure which one to go with, it is often better to pick the softer of the two. It is true that most of the best players in ...
What is effective loft?
Effective loft is the actual loft of your club head at impact as opposed to the stated loft on the club you are hitting. If your hands are ahead of your club head at impact you have a good chance of matching the effective loft to the actual loft of the club. If the club head passes your hands at impact (flipping) the effective loft of the club will increase and the ball will fly a shorter distance.
How many yards does a club head carry?
At lower swing speeds, around 90 miles per hour, each MPH of club head speed generates approximately 2.3 yards of carry. Again as a point of reference, the average swing speed on the LPGA is 94 miles per hour which works out to an average carry distance of 220 yards.
How many yards does a golf driver carry?
A couple of issues come into play. With the driver each MPH of club head speed generates approximately 2.4 yards of carry if the swing speed is in the 110 MPH range. Just as a point of reference the average swing speed on the PGA Tour is 112 MPH, which translates into an average carry of 269 yards.
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 expen...
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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