Selecting The Proper Shaft For Your Game – Shaft Flex

Hello Golf Circuit Fans!

I’m back with another blog post to help you get the most out of your game, and today I am kicking off a series of posts on a popular topic in the equipment world today – shaft fitting.  The new interchangeable shaft technology that manufacturers like TaylorMade, Callaway, Nike, and now Ping have introduced makes it a snap to alter the performance of your driver.

When it comes to selecting the proper shaft there are a few elements that every golfer should be aware of to ensure maximum performance for their unique swing – flex, weight, and torque.  In the first edition of my series on shaft fitting I want to focus on shaft flex.

Shaft flex has a significant bearing on performance.  Most graphite shaft manufacturers engineer their shafts in multiple flexes which refer to how easily the shaft bends during the swing, including the following:

• “A-Flex” or “Soft-R” are often designated as mens senior flexes (“A” originally referred to amateur).  These can also be great for strong juniors or ladies with higher swing speeds, and also for men with extremely smooth swings.

• “R-Flex” is designated as a mens regular flex, but can also be great for ladies with strong or quick swings.

• “S-Flex” is designated as a mens stiff flex.

• “X-Flex” or “Tour-S” are mens extra stiff flex.  These shafts are most often reserved for expert players, but they can be great for stronger men who have extremely quick swings.

• “L-Flex” is designated as a ladies regular flex but can also be great for seniors with slower swing speeds.

Golfers should be aware that selecting a shaft which is too flexible for their swing will likely cause a wild shot pattern and unpredictable ball flight.  While a small boost in distance may result from a shaft that is too soft or flexible, the benefit is usually outweighed by the loss of directional control.  On the other hand, when golfers select a shaft that is too stiff they will likely experience enhanced control but a significant loss in distance.

Golfers can also utilize these different flex properties to match various courses and playing conditions.  A stiffer shaft may be better suited for a tight short course or windy conditions, while a softer shaft might be better suited to a wide open course in calm conditions.

Keeping these ideas in mind should help you find the right shaft(s) for your game and get the most out of today’s modern driver technology.  Stay tuned because next time we will be focusing in on another element of proper shaft fitting – shaft weight.

Until then keep it in the short stuff!

Your Friend,

James

Golf Circuit PGA Professional

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