What would be the best flex for me when it comes to my golf driver?

Question

I am not a very good golfer but I love playing. I have always used a regular flex club when it comes to my driver. However, I went by one of our local golf shops and had my golf swing speed tested and started out at 88 mph but averaged in the 90's and once I actually went over 100 mph. Should I get a stiff flex shaft or stay with the regular shaft??

Answer 1

I would generally say the regular flex is better for you because you need to control the shot not just redline it.  That said use the launch monitor that they have at most of the bigger golf shops.  What makes sense in theory might not actually be true because of the quirks of your swing.  

I just got a 9 degree driver with a stiff flex because the launch monitor showed that the shot pattern would be more consistent than the high lofted driver with regular flex that I was using.  In theory the high lofted driver would keep shots in the fairway but I have a slight uptick in the hitting area that makes the loft and extra flex counterproductive.  You might find similar counter intuitive results.

Answer 2

Swing speed isn't the only thing that determines the flex of your shaft, you also have to look at ball speed, which is generally 1.5 times what your swing speed is.  I would recommend staying with the regular flex and try to slow down your swing a little in the tee box to stay accurate.  

Ive heard it's better to stick with regular flex even if you should be in stiff, instead of going to stiff when you should be in regular.

You may also want to talk to a local pro and see what they think.

Answer 3

I think for a not very good golfer that has an above average swing speed, a reguar flex shaft is harder to control because of the timing of the lag....most cannot wait for the head to come around to square and push their shots to the right.

A stiff shaft in this situation should produce a tighter shot group.  Most people don't recommend stiff shatfs for beginners or average golfers which I have always thought was short sighted.  I have always thought that as you get older, you will benefit from less flex as long as your timing is good.

Answer 4

I have found that the shaft flex depends on many different factors.  Sometimes ever if you have a swing speed that says you should use a regular shaft you may need a stiff because you only take a 3/4 swing and come down like gang busters. The opposite is also true, if your swing tempo is like Ernie Ells you can use a regular shaft.

Answer 5

most regular flexes are for swing 80-94 mph. In my opinion if your swing is over 90 mph and tend to fade the ball get a stiff flex. You will be suprised will the results. Good luck!! Golf is a great game

Answer 6

You say you are not a good golfer with a speed over 90 no wonder dont change your club shaft change your swing speed if you can slow down a bit you should notice a difference in distance and accuracy almost at once GOOD LUCK

Answer 7

Stay with the regular, you probably are not swinging over 100 on each tee shot. The stiff will end up costing you distance and accuracy.

If you are CARRYING the driver 250 plus then you should use the stiff.

Answer 8

Define "Not a very good golfer".  A fast swing speed in and of itself isn't necessarily a prescription for a stiff shaft on your driver.  If you're a high handicapper, usually scoring over 100 for 18 holes on a full length course I'd recommend you stay with the regular flex.  If you are consistently shooting in the 90s or better you might consider going to a stiff flex.  Swinging the club fast doesn't mean that you swing the club well.