How to choose a shaft for playing golf well?

If you are a golfer who is using a shaft that is too stiff for your swing, you may be cheating yourself of some costly strokes on the course. Conversely, using a club shaft that is too soft for your swing can also rob you of some valuable strokes in your rounds. This article will discuss ways to tell if you would be better off with a different club shaft flex. If your ball flies at a lower trajectory than you expect, perhaps the ideal launch angle is not being achieved. If you notice that your ball has a slight fade, you may also be using a shaft that is stiffer than need be. This is because if you cannot cause the correct bending of the shaft at ball impact, the clubface will be at a less open position at impact.

On the other hand, if you are using a shaft that is too flexible, you may notice a few different symptoms. First, your ball may fly higher for a given loft. Your ball may also draw, due to the shaft being bent forward at impact. The flexible shaft causes the face to rotate past the optimal square position at impact. In order to decide which shaft is the right one for you, take a look at your natural swing before choosing the shaft flex for your game. A good idea is to get your swing speed clocked. Take a natural swing, and if it measures at less than 100 miles per hour, you will probably be better off with shafts that have more flex. Here are some additional rules of thumb when choosing a shaft type. If your 7 iron goes about 150 yards, then a regular flex shaft might be best for you. If your 5 iron goes 150 yards, you want an even more flexible shaft.

Most golfers play with clubs that are too stiff for their swings. First, determine what your swing speed is, then choose your shaft material and flex to correspond with it. In addition to shaft flex and composition, if you find your ball flight being too low or too high, then changing your club's bend point might help as well. If you want to hit the ball lower, select a high bend point. If you want a higher trajectory, select a lower bend point. Every shaft has a bend point, just as it has a flex rating. In summary, there are numerous things to consider when buying replacement shafts for your clubs. Take them all into consideration, and try out different options. Once you find a shaft that feels right in your hands, go with it and improve your game.


Written by Joshua Beldon