The Advantages of Stiff Shaft Irons

The shaft is the most important component of any golf club. This is true whether the club is an iron, a wood or a hybrid. The stiffness or flex of the shaft (how much the shaft bends) is only one aspect, and it can be an advantage or a detriment, depending on other factors, such as swing speed.

  1. Swing Speed

    • Your swing speed determines the amount of stiffness (flex) your golf clubs should have.

      Only those golfers with a swing speed in excess of 93 mph should consider extra stiff shafts. At that speed, an 8 or 9 iron will travel 150 yards. Stiff shafts are for those with a swing speed of 84-93 mph, which will propel a ball 150 yards with a 6 or 7 iron. Below those speeds, a regular or senior shaft would be appropriate. 75-84 mph, with a 5 or 6 iron needed for 150 yards, would indicate a regular shaft. 60-75 mph, with a 4 iron for 150 yards, would indicate a senior shaft.

    Effects of Incorrect Shaft Flex

    • According to Scott Hennessy, President of True Temper, one of the largest manufacturers of golf shafts, if you use a shaft that is too flexible, your shots will fly too high and lack directional stability. In other words, you won't know where the ball is going. If your shaft is too stiff, directional stability will be better, but you will lose distance and height. He advises golfers to play the most flexible staff they can control. Shafts for irons should be somewhat less stiff than those for woods, since they are shorter and will feel stiffer. Most golfers, particularly men, play shafts that are too stiff for them.

    The Right Shaft For You

    • There are no standards for shaft flexibility. Each golf shaft manufacturer manufactures shafts to their own specifications. The only way to determine the proper shaft is by trial and error. Go to a professional, have your swing speed tested, then go out and hit balls with a number of different clubs. Any decent club outfitter will have a variety of clubs for you to try. The most important thing is to pick the clubs you hit the best and ignore the label. You may want a stiff shaft for your ego, but you might find you hit a senior shaft better than anything else.

    Other Factors

    • Prices for golf shafts range from about $25 to over $200. Steel shafts are the least expensive, followed by graphite and some more exotic materials. The more expensive the shaft, the more care goes into the manufacture and the more likely they are to match each other. That doesn't necessarily mean you will play better with them. While better equipment will help anyone, a golfer has to have the skill level to take full advantage of the benefits of the best equipment. Buy what works for you, within your budget.