Types of Flex in Golf Shafts
Using a driver with a flexible shaft can greatly improve your game or be disastrous to your score, depending on whether you're using the appropriate "flex" for the force of your swing. The force of your swing is generated by the type of your swing--smooth or jerky, fast or slow.
Ratings for shaft flex generally fall into one of five basic categories: Extra Stiff, Stiff,
Regular, Senior or Ladies. All things being equal, the flex of a golf club shaft will influence how straight the golf ball is hit, how high or low it goes and the distance of the shot.
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Extra Stiff (X)
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Extra-Stiff flexible shafts on drivers are only for golfers with the fastest, strongest swings. Usually only a professional golfer will attempt to golf with Extra-Stiff-shaft golf clubs. If you don't have a powerful swing, this degree of shaft stiffness will reduce the height and distance of the shot. If the length of your average drive is over 250 yards, the Extra-Stiff shaft is a good choice and will work well.
Stiff (S)
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If the average length of your drive is between 30 and 250 yards, a Stiff-shaft golf club may be the best choice. However, if, after trying out the degree of flex in several clubs, you can't decide between a Stiff and Regular flex, go with the Regular; one of the biggest errors a golfer can make is playing with a golf shaft that is too stiff for his swing. For an experienced golfer, who has a strong swing and needs to have more control over the ball and club-face, a stiffer flex is more desirable.
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Regular (R)
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Just as the name implies, the Regular flexible-shaft rated golf club is the "middle of the road" as far as stiffness in flex and is found in most golf bags and at golf shops. An average drive length of 175 to 220 yards would be the benchmark for selecting a Regular-rated flexible shaft.
It's a proven fact that eight out of ten consumers select a flex that's too stiff for their swing and should play a Regular flex instead of using a Stiff-rated club (see References). A common problem among male high-handicappers is over-swinging. Selecting a softer flex can often have the effect of forcing the golfer to slow down his swing. And, a slower swing often makes for a better player.
Senior (A)
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Originally found on amateur golf clubs, which accounts for the "A" rating, Senior-rated shafts are now mostly found on senior golf clubs. The flexibility is designed for a player with a slower swing speed and an average drive length of about 165 to 185 yards.
A senior or amateur who uses a stiffer flex that does not match the golfer's swing will discover that the ball does not travel as far and will have a lower loft in the air.
Ladies (L)
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The most flexible of golf shafts is the Ladies rated, so-called because it is most commonly best suited for a woman's slower, less forceful swing speed and average drive length of under 160 yards, though many beginners will find this flex rate suitable. A Ladies-rated flex shaft allows for a higher arched ball and longer distance.
Final Thoughts
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If you are still unsure which flex rate shaft you need for your golf clubs, the best way to make the choice is to be fitted by a golf professional from a pro shop, golf school or a custom golf fitter. The pro should first take several measurements: your swing speed, the actual mechanics of your swing and your ball flight and distance. Then she will be able to recommend the best degree of flex for your game. You should also find out if the local golf store or driving range will let you try out drivers with different shaft flex.
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