What's the difference between stiff, regular and flex for golf club shafts?

Question

I don't know what the difference is. I'm trying to buy regular, but didn't know if flex or stiff would make too much of a difference for a beginner.

Answer 1

This answer really depends on the maker of the shafts...

The term Reg. means nothing if the shaft is made by Yonex...because they make shafts stiffer, as compared to other companys and yet call it Regular.

Each company will try to give you information on its shafts based on SWINGSPEED...this is a bare bones guage in trying to fit a shaft for a player.  This by all means is not the main focus on the fit of the player.

The basic understanding is aside from the flex to consider, you have the KICKPOINT of the shaft.  This is where the shaft bend the most...and depending where this bend point is, does effect the flight of your ball...The lower the kickpoint is, the easier it is to get the ball in the air to a higher flight (typical).

The most effective means of determining a shaft for you, is not based on brand alone...but, how it reacts to your swing style...Smooooth Swinger such as I am, easy takeaway, and effortless follow through yeilds lengths that is equal to others in distance...how is this possible?...the shaft is the engine of your driver, wood, & iron...by utilizing the intent of the shaft for my swing, I am able to get the most out of the design.  

There are times, in which, it is time to step up and notch, and swing away with more effort, the right shaft will adopt to this effort, and reward you in distance that will drop jaws...This has to do with the shafts ability to LOAD the shaft and RELEASE this stored energy in the most effective manner.

The Shaft is the engine...The head of the club is the Body...and your swing is the fuel.  Find the happy Medium, and enjoy.  

Answer 2

Stiff and regular are the flex of the shaft of the golf clubs (I'm pretty sure you talk about this right).

Go to the pro shop and have them measure your swing speed. This is determine the flex of the shaft of the golf clubs that suit you; e.g. 90 miles per hour down should be regular, 100-110 up should be stiff, and more 110 up extra stiff, etc..

Answer 3

Your skill level doesn't really make a difference in the shaft type, shafts are all about swing speed.

If you generate a lot of club speed you will want a stiff shaft - This will keep the club from flexing to much in your swing and forcing you to hit offline shots

If you have a problem generating club speed and are a slow speed swinger then you would want to get a flex shaft - This will alow the shaft of the club to flex more through the swing to give you more of a whipping action and help you gain distance that you lack with club speed

Same rule goes for medium swing speed - it is just in between a fast swing and slow swing speed.

by rule of thumb you can get an acurate answer to what shaft you need by knowing how far you can hit certain clubs.  Please use the link below as this is a tool as to what shaft you have.  However no ego involved be honest it will only hurt you in the long run.

Answer 4

The 'rule of thumb' is that the faster you swing, the more you should increase shaft stiffness to avoid loss of accuracy. Of course it's not that simple, because when it comes down to finding the right shaft to suit your swing there are other factors (e.g. kick-point) to take into account. But, as a beginner you will probably find regular flex shafts are fine.  

Answer 5

Regular flex is probably the shaft for you. It isn't as rigid as the stiff shaft and fits the normal golf swing. Do get instruction from a golf pro or a good friend who is a golfer and has teaching ability.

Answer 6

If you're a beginner stick to regular flex. May be an idea if you can afford it to have your clubs custom fitted, this will make sure that you have clubs that suit you. The shaft will not only be the right flex but will also be the correct length as well. Most custom fitters will do this free if you buy your clubs or shafts from them!

Answer 7

I should have answered this question first.  Shaft flex is based on swing speed.  If you have a fast swing, go for the stiff flex.  If not, go for the regular flex.  If you're not sure, base it on upper body strength.  If you're strong in your upper body, go with the stiff flex.  

Answer 8

check out www.beagolfer.info

Answer 9

The flex of the shaft is how much it will bend during your swing.  For players with high swing speeds (100mph+) a stiff swing shaft will improve your accuracy.  Most players have too high shaft stiffness which causes them to lose a lot of distance.  To see which type of shaft is best for you visit your local pro shop or golf store to get fit for clubs.