All golfers want to perform at their best, regardless of ability. Understanding the concepts of playing the proper shaft flex for your swing speed will ensure that your equipment is maximizing your ability to play the game. Golfers that play the proper equipment shoot lower scores and generally receive more enjoyment from the game.
Slow Swings
Golfers that swing the club slowly will benefit the most from a flexible shaft. This allows the club to flex properly during the swing, and for the club face to return to square at impact. Golfers with iron swings of less than 80 miles per hour should consider playing a women's shaft, uniflex shaft or senior shaft. These shafts also create more whip and lag for slower swing speeds, leading to a greater transfer of energy to the golf ball.
Regular Swings
Golfers with iron swings between 80-90 miles per hour are well suited to play a regular flex shaft. There are two major types of shaft material, steel and graphite, and both these shaft types in a regular flex will provide average swing speed golfers with the stability they need through the down swing and into impact. Regular shafts have enough flexibility to provide extra distance, but enough stability to increase consistency and feel throughout the swing.
Fast Swings
Golfers with swing speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour with irons, or 105 miles per hour with the driver, should definitely consider playing stiff flex shafts. The golf club needs some stability to load and fire through the golf ball, and stiff shafts give that ability to stronger golfers. Stiff shafts will also lead to a tighter shot dispersion and greater consistency, inherently because of their construction. Stiff shafts are the shaft of choice for high swing speeds.
Special Occasions
In certain instances, golfers that understand the relationship between shaft flex and swing speed will opt to play a shaft that is outside the norm to receive an added benefit. For instance, flexible shafts will generally provide golfers with more distance but less accuracy because of their construction. Golfers looking for an extra 10 to 15 yards of the tee will employ a regular flex shaft, even though they might swing the club fast. They sacrifice accuracy for the added distance.
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