Shaft flex, what's the impact if there's too much flex for your swing speed?

Question

Let me start by explaining that I've got a bad lower back from a car accident I had 13 years ago and that 3 years ago, when I began to work my way back into shape to play golf, I stumbled on a buying opportunity and picked up a new set of clubs. Given my condition, the pro recommended graphite shafts. My old clubs, which had steel shafts, were ancient (20+ years old), so I went for it.

Now that I'm improving and some strength has started to return (sooner than I anticipated, thankfully), I'm wondering if the graphite shafts are still the right choice.

I need to stop by Golfsmith and have my swing speed measured, but right now I'm just looking to understand the impact to my game if my clubs have too much flex.

These clubs have a 75 mph rating, and I suspect my swing is now considerably above that. Not where it was before the accident, as I'll not likely get back to that point anyway. But I'm certainly swinging faster than the average senior golfer.

So, just what is the impact if your clubs have the wrong flex? In particular, if they have too much flex.

Thanks

Answer 1

I don't forsee any loss in distance if a shaft is too flexible, but you will definitely spray the ball all over the place with shafts that are too flexible for your swing speed.  Graphite is definitely a good idea, but try some demo clubs at a local facility with a real outdoor range/course to practice on before spending the dough.  

Chances are, the stiffer graphite shaft will be a good fit, and will help partially straighten out some of the poor shots you hit.  The main benefit will be knowing that if you make a poor swing, it will be your fault and not the shaft's fault.  So that's one less excuse you'll have!  Good luck!  If you have any questions, please feel free to visit my website and contact me - www.freewebs.com/egolf

Answer 2

If the golf clubs are working for you then there is no reason to go buy a new set. I think if there's too much flex in a shaft, it makes you fade/slice the ball, I think, well that's what happens to me anyway.

Have a good one...

Answer 3

A weak flex shaft will affect your accuracy more than distance although it will potentially lose you distance as well.  depending on your timing you may see more fades, Slices, draws and hooks  as your timeing may be off due to the whippiness of the shafts.  Graphite or steel would have the same effect if the flex is too soft.

Answer 4

if they have too much flex you can also hit them too high(balooning).and lose distance