Shaft Flex, what it means to you
What does Shaft Flex actually mean, and what is the shaft flex in your golf clubs
The vast majority of people do not know what their shaft flex, torque, or brand is, and don’t really understand what those terms mean. They are however important to your game, and have a huge impact on your score. If your shaft is too stiff, your shots will probably be low and to the right, if the torque on your shaft is too high, you will probably hook your shots high to the left. Experts say that the shaft is the most important part of the golf club, and choosing the right one is the only way to improve your handicap and provide you with the feel and control you need to play a good game. Modern golf shafts have a lot of variables which makes the process of selecting one rather difficult as it is both an art and a science to get it right. You want to talk to a pro to eliminate the many pitfalls, and at least aim in the right direction. When you have the right shaft in your club, it will feel right, you will get better distance and accuracy, and you will get lower scores.
What Is Shaft Flex And, More Importantly, What Is yours?
Shaft Flex is the amount of bend in a shaft, typically designated by one of five letters: L (ladies), A (senior), R (regular), S (stiff), and X (extra stiff), from most flexible to least. Swing tempo (elapsed time of your swing) and swing speed (club head speed at impact) are the two principal factors in determining your proper flex. If they’re fast, you’ll generally need a stiffer flex. If they’re slower, you can play a more whippy (softer) shaft. When trying to figure their flex, most people overestimate their swing speed and tempo. Get yours measured by a club fitter or at a golf shop equipped with a speed gun. Take your normal swing for an accurate read so that the club fitter can offer the correct shaft suggestions.
Why don’t the same shaft flexes feel the same
Because there are no standards among shaft manufacturers, one brand’s R flex (or any flex, for that matter) won’t feel or perform like another. Likewise, the same shaft installed in different club heads will feel different because of the heads’ specifications-geometry, weight, hosel length, and so on-and their effect on how the shaft reacts. Experts say this is why you’re best off trying several shafts in your current clubs if you’re re-shafting, or in new clubs if you’re considering a purchase. Also note that a shaft with a smaller tip diameter will usually feel soft, a larger tip will feel stiff.
Contact Better Golf clubs who will design a club for you with the right shaft flex, which will not only will help you play better golf, it will also increase your confidence, and optimize your game.
Source: Recreation Articles