Golfers of all skill levels know that the right driver can make or break their game. One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a driver is the shaft’s stiffness. The two most common options are stiff and extra stiff, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
Stiff shafts are ideal for golfers with moderate to fast swing speeds. They provide a balance between control and distance, making them a popular choice for many players.
Extra stiff shafts, on the other hand, are designed for golfers with exceptionally fast swing speeds.
They offer more control and accuracy but may sacrifice some distance. It’s important to note that swing speed is the most significant factor when choosing between the two options.
Understanding Shaft Flex
Golfers must understand the importance of the shaft flex when choosing a driver. The shaft flex pertains to the stiffness of the shaft and its ability to bend during the swing. The golfer’s swing speed determines the appropriate shaft flex, with faster swing speeds requiring stiffer shafts.
There are several types of shaft flexes available, including regular, stiff, extra stiff, ladies, and senior. The regular shaft flex is the most flexible, making it ideal for golfers with slower swing speeds.
The stiff shaft flex is stiffer than the regular, making it suitable for golfers with faster swing speeds. The extra stiff shaft flex is the stiffest option, designed for golfers with the fastest swing speeds.
Shaft stiffness affects the launch angle, ball spin, and accuracy of the shot. A shaft that is too flexible may cause the ball to fly too high, resulting in a loss of distance.
On the other hand, a shaft that is too stiff may cause the ball to fly too low, also resulting in a loss of distance.
Golfers can determine the appropriate shaft flex by measuring their swing speed. A swing speed of less than 85 mph is ideal for a regular shaft flex, while a swing speed between 85 and 95 mph is suitable for a stiff shaft flex. Golfers with swing speeds above 95 mph may require an extra stiff shaft flex.
The Role of Swing Speed
Swing speed is a crucial factor in determining which driver shaft flex to use. The speed at which a golfer swings the club determines the amount of flex the shaft needs to have to optimize performance.
A golfer with a slower swing speed requires a more flexible shaft, while a golfer with a faster swing speed requires a stiffer shaft.
Fast swing speeds typically range from 105 mph and above. For golfers with fast swing speeds, an extra stiff driver shaft is recommended.
This range is where most high-level players fall. X-stiff shafts provide more stability and control, which is essential for golfers who swing exceptionally fast.
On the other hand, golfers with swing speeds in the range of 95-105 mph should use a stiff driver shaft. Stiff shafts provide the perfect balance of control and flexibility for golfers with moderate swing speeds. It is the most common flex used by amateur golfers.
For golfers with swing speeds below 95 mph, a regular flex driver shaft is recommended. Regular flex shafts are more flexible, which helps generate more clubhead speed and distance for golfers with slower swing speeds.
Stiff vs Extra Stiff Driver Shafts
When it comes to choosing a driver shaft, one of the most important factors to consider is the flex. The flex of a shaft refers to how much it bends during the swing, and it has a significant impact on the launch, spin, and accuracy of the ball.
There are several different flex options available, but two of the most popular options are stiff and extra stiff.
A stiff shaft is designed for golfers with a faster swing speed. It is less flexible than a regular shaft, which means that it doesn’t bend as much during the swing.
This results in a lower ball flight and less spin, which can be beneficial for golfers who tend to hit the ball too high or with too much spin.
Stiff shafts are also more stable and provide better control, which can help golfers hit the ball straighter.
On the other hand, an extra stiff shaft is even less flexible than a stiff shaft. It is designed for golfers with an exceptionally fast swing speed, typically above 105 mph.
Extra stiff shafts are becoming more popular as golfers continue to swing clubs faster with the help of modern club technology.
The extra stiffness of the shaft can help reduce spin and provide even more control, which can be especially beneficial for golfers who struggle with accuracy.
When deciding between a stiff and extra stiff shaft, it’s important to consider your swing speed. If you swing the driver above 95 mph, a stiff shaft may be a good choice. If you swing the driver above 105 mph, an extra stiff shaft may be a better option.
However, it’s also important to consider your ball flight and spin rate, as well as your personal preferences and feel.
Impact on Ball Flight and Distance
The stiffness of a driver shaft has a significant impact on the ball flight and distance. A stiff shaft will generally produce a lower ball flight with less spin, resulting in a longer carry distance.
An extra stiff shaft will produce an even lower ball flight, with even less spin, resulting in even more carry distance.
However, a lower ball flight may not be suitable for golfers who need more height to carry obstacles or stop the ball on the green.
The launch angle of the ball off the clubface is also affected by the stiffness of the shaft. A stiff shaft will produce a lower launch angle than an extra stiff shaft.
This can be an advantage for golfers who need to keep the ball flight low to avoid wind or to get more roll on the fairway.
However, golfers who need a higher launch angle to carry obstacles or stop the ball on the green may benefit from using an extra stiff shaft.
The impact of the ball on the clubface is also affected by the stiffness of the shaft. A stiffer shaft will transmit more of the impact force to the golfer’s hands and arms, resulting in more feedback and control.
An extra stiff shaft will transmit even more impact force, resulting in even more feedback and control. However, golfers who have a slower swing speed may find it difficult to control an extra stiff shaft.
Choosing the Right Shaft for Your Game
Choosing the right shaft for your driver is crucial to your game. A shaft that’s too stiff or too flexible can significantly impact your performance on the course. Therefore, it’s essential to select the correct shaft that matches your swing speed, tempo, and ball flight.
Factors to Consider
When choosing between a stiff and extra stiff driver shaft, several factors come into play. The most important factor is your swing speed. Golfers with a swing speed of 95 to 105 mph will do best with a stiff flex golf shaft.
On the other hand, golfers who swing their driver more than 105 mph will be best suited using an extra stiff flex.
Another factor to consider is your ball flight. Golfers who tend to hit high shots should opt for a stiffer shaft, while golfers who hit low shots should choose a more flexible shaft.
Additionally, the type of club head you use can also impact your shaft choice. A club head with a closed face may require a more flexible shaft, while an open face may require a stiffer shaft.
Fitting Process
It’s essential to get fitted for your driver shaft to ensure that you’re using the correct one for your swing. A club fitter can help you determine the best shaft for your game by analyzing your swing speed, tempo, and ball flight. They will also consider other factors such as your height, weight, and strength.
True Spec Golf is one of the leading club-fitting companies in the industry. They use state-of-the-art technology to analyze your swing and help you select the perfect shaft for your game.
Material Considerations
When deciding between a stiff and extra stiff driver shaft, one important factor to consider is the material of the shaft. The two most common materials used in driver shafts are graphite and steel.
Graphite shafts are typically lighter and more flexible than steel shafts, which can help increase swing speed and distance. They also tend to have a softer feel, which can be more comfortable for some golfers. However, graphite shafts can be more expensive than steel shafts and may not be as durable.
Steel shafts, on the other hand, are generally heavier and stiffer than graphite shafts. This can help provide more control and accuracy, especially for golfers with a faster swing speed. Steel shafts are also typically more affordable and durable than graphite shafts.
When it comes to choosing between a stiff and extra stiff shaft, the material of the shaft can impact the overall stiffness of the club.
Impact on Accuracy and Control
The stiffness of a driver shaft can have a significant impact on the accuracy and control of a golfer’s shots.
A shaft that is too flexible can result in inconsistent shots and a lack of control, while a shaft that is too stiff can cause the ball to go off in the wrong direction.
One of the main factors that affects accuracy and control is the dispersion of shots. A stiffer shaft can help to reduce the dispersion of shots, which means that the ball will be more likely to go where the golfer wants it to go.
This is because a stiffer shaft will provide more stability and control, which can help to prevent the clubhead from twisting at impact.
Another important factor is the direction of shots. A stiffer shaft can help to promote a straighter ball flight, which can be especially beneficial for golfers who tend to slice or hook the ball.
This is because a stiffer shaft can help to reduce the amount of spin on the ball, which can help to keep it on a straighter path.
Understanding Loft and Spin
Loft and spin are two key factors that affect the trajectory and distance of a golf ball. The loft of a driver refers to the angle between the face of the club and the ground.
Higher lofted drivers tend to launch the ball higher and with more backspin, while lower lofted drivers tend to launch the ball lower and with less backspin.
Spin, on the other hand, refers to the amount of rotation that the ball has while it is in the air.
Too much spin can cause the ball to balloon and lose distance, while too little spin can cause the ball to fall out of the air too quickly and also lose distance.
When it comes to choosing between a stiff and extra stiff driver shaft, the amount of spin that the shaft generates can be a key factor to consider.
Generally speaking, a stiffer shaft will produce less spin, while a more flexible shaft will produce more spin.
Players with faster swing speeds may benefit from a stiffer shaft that produces lower spin rates, as this can help them achieve a more penetrating ball flight and maximize their distance.
However, it’s important to note that using a shaft that is too stiff can also lead to inconsistent ball flight and a loss of accuracy.
It’s also worth noting that the loft of a driver can have a significant impact on spin rates. In general, lower-lofted drivers will produce less spin, while higher-lofted drivers will produce more spin. However, the optimal loft for a player will depend on their swing characteristics and launch conditions.
Signs You Need a Stiffer Shaft
Golfers who want to get the most out of their game need to make sure they have the right equipment. One of the most important pieces of golf equipment is the driver shaft.
The driver shaft is responsible for transferring the energy from the golfer’s swing to the ball, which is why it’s critical to have the right flex.
Here are some signs that a golfer may need a stiffer shaft:
- Loss of Distance: If a golfer is losing distance on their drives, it could be a sign that their driver shaft is too flexible. When a shaft is too flexible, it can cause the clubhead to lag behind the golfer’s swing, resulting in a loss of distance.
- Inconsistent Ball Flight: If a golfer is experiencing inconsistent ball flight, it could be a sign that their driver shaft is too flexible. When a shaft is too flexible, it can cause the clubhead to twist at impact, resulting in a hook or slice.
- Poor Accuracy: If a golfer is struggling with accuracy, it could be a sign that their driver shaft is too flexible. When a shaft is too flexible, it can cause the club head to open or close at impact, resulting in shots that miss the target.
So, should a golfer use a stiff or extra stiff shaft? It depends on their swing speed. Golfers with a swing speed of 95 to 105 mph will do best with a stiff flex golf shaft.
If a golfer’s swing speed is over 105 mph, they may need an extra stiff shaft to get the most out of their game.
Professional Insights
Professional golfers often rely on their equipment to help them perform at the highest level. When it comes to driver shafts, there are two main options: stiff and extra stiff. Here are some insights from professionals on the topic.
Pros and Cons
One of the main advantages of using an extra stiff driver shaft is increased accuracy. This is because the shaft is less likely to flex during the swing, resulting in a more consistent shot.
Additionally, extra stiff shafts can help increase ball speed and distance for golfers with fast swing speeds.
On the other hand, a stiff driver shaft can provide more flex, which can be beneficial for golfers with slower swing speeds.
This can help them generate more clubhead speed and distance. However, a stiff shaft may also result in less accuracy and consistency.
Tour Insights
According to a breakdown of the top 100 PGA Tour players, over 80% of them use extra stiff or tour extra stiff driver shafts.
This is because these players typically have fast swing speeds and need the added stability and control that an extra stiff shaft provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an extra stiff shaft good for beginners?
Extra stiff shafts are generally not recommended for beginners. They require a higher level of skill and physical ability to use effectively. Beginners should start with a regular or stiff shaft.
Do all PGA pros use extra stiff shafts?
No, not all PGA pros use extra stiff shafts. The choice of shaft stiffness is a personal preference and depends on the golfer’s swing speed, skill level, and other factors.
