Here is one point that is extremely important to understand – there are absolutely no standards when it comes to shaft flex. One company's “stiff” might be another company's “regular.” They all have different profiles.
What Flex is a regular shaft?
The most common flex, regular, is designated as "R" on the flex chart and is recommended for golfers who regularly drive the ball 210 to 240 yards and have a swing speed between 75 and 84 mph. Steel and graphite shafts are available in regular flex, which is appropriate for men with mid to high handicaps.
Do any PGA players 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.
How do I know if I need a stiff or regular shaft?
To check your swing speed a shot tracking device will be the most accurate method. Based on your swing speeds here are our recommendations: 80-95 mph swing speeds should use regular shafts. 90-105 mph swing speeds should use stiff shafts.
How do I know what flex my shaft is?
"L" is the most flexible shaft and "X" is the stiffest shaft:
- "L" denotes "ladies flex"
- "A" or "M" denotes "senior flex" (might also be designated "AM" or "A/M," or "Senior")
- "R" denotes "regular flex"
- "S" denotes "stiff flex" (might also be designated "Firm")
Whats the difference between senior flex and regular flex?
Senior flex shafts are appropriate for golfers who swing between 75 and 90 mph and carry a driver about 180 to 200 yards. Regular flex shafts are designed for golfers who swing 90 to 100 mph and carry a driver about 200 to 240 yards.
Whats the difference between stiff flex and regular flex?
The regular flex golf shaft is more flexible and easier for slower swing speed golfers to swing than the stiff flex golf shaft. A stiff flex golf shaft creates more resistance in the swing of a golfer. Therefore when they attempt to hit the ball with a bit more speed, they can get the incredible distance.
Can a regular flex shaft cause a slice?
When the clubhead gets to the ball, the shaft won't unload properly and the face will remain slightly open, causing a slice. Other swing problems also can cause a slice, of course, but shafts that are too stiff can make the problem worse.
What happens if my shaft is too flexible?
Having a shaft that is too flexible can also cause the ball to hook uncontrollably, because the shaft bends incorrectly, it will come through with a closed clubface causing the ball to go left, this is because the shaft can't handle your swing speed, and the head is rotating too much.
Are all steel shafts stiff?
Steel shafts, which are heavier than graphite, are stiff and less forgiving than graphite. According to Golf.com, graphite shafts are lighter and can help increase swing speed. Selecting the right flex for your shaft is key to good ball striking.
What shaft does DeChambeau use?
DeChambeau's driver is Cobra's King Speedzone with an L.A. Golf prototype shaft made just for DeChambeau. The loft is 5.5 degrees—similar to what most long-drive competitors use.
Do all pro golfers 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.
Does Tiger Woods use a regular shaft?
Tiger knows his equipment better than you know yourself! For almost all of his career he has used Mitsubishi Rayon shafts. This year he remains loyal to this brand with a TaylorMade SIM driver loaded with a Mitsubishi Diamana “White Board” TX (tour extra-stiff).
Does shaft flex really matter?
Shaft flex letters are 'essentially irrelevant,' according to an expert club fitter. The stiffness of a R shaft will differ by company. Most golfers in the world know that shaft flex makes a difference to performance and feel in golf.
Who are regular shafts for?
If a regular shaft is right for you, you have three choices. The shaft with the most flex is called Ladies and that is for the shortest hitters. 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.
Can you hit a 300 yard drive with a regular flex shaft?
Let me put it bluntly – No You Can't! If some guys on the PGA Tour can't hit it 300 yards – you can't either. Understanding the 'true distance' you hit the golf ball is more important than the 'bragging distance' you can hit it.
What is soft regular flex?
With a relatively low swing speed, the senior flex helps you square the clubhead at impact and generate more power. PING recommends its “soft regular” shaft flex for players who swing their drivers at 90 mph or less.
What happens if your iron shafts are too soft?
It also will be hard to square the clubhead at impact, meaning you will have a tendency to hit your shots to the right. "Play the most flexible shaft you can control," said Scott Hennessey, president of True Temper shafts. "If it's too soft, you'll spray the ball all over the place."
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.
How can I tell my swing speed?
Divide the average yardage by 2.3. This number represents your average club head speed in miles per hour, according to the book "Science and Golf III." If 195 is your average drive distance yardage, 84.7 mph is your approximate swing speed.
Can steel shaft be regular flex?
The steel regular flex shafts are some of the most common that there are on the golf market. The average golf swing speed player is going to need a steel regular golf shaft that will work for average golf swing speeds.
How can I measure my swing speed at home?
Using a launch monitor at a practice range or golf shop is the most accurate way to have your swing speed measured. There only truly accurate way to find out your swing speed is to measure it on a launch monitor as you hit balls out onto a range.
Will a senior shaft give me more distance?
Senior golfers can gain more distance by selecting a longer driver shaft. A longer driver shaft will provide you with more wider swing arc and help get more distance from your driver.
Will a senior shaft add distance?
Regular shafts, when they can't hit the ball beyond 180 yards, need to be swapped with Senior shafts. This sort of lighter, softer flex in the shaft increases distance by an additional 15 to 20 yards easily.
