Difference Between Stiff & Soft Driver Shafts

A golfer's swing speed dictates the ideal shaft flex. Whether you are a novice, intermediate or professional golfer, the proper shaft flex in your driver can make or break your performance. Shaft weight is also very important because it dictates how fast you will be able to swing the club. For this reason, most golfers in 2011 elect lightweight graphite for their drivers and other woods.

  1. A Flex

    • The softest flex available is regarded as A flex, signifying "amateur," and it is also known as "senior" flex. This shaft flex is able to achieve small amounts of torque in extremely soft swings (70 to 85 mph), which allows weaker golfers to whip through the ball and give it as much extra force as possible. This are the least accurate flex, but the idea is only golfers with soft swings will use them, so their miss-hits aren't going to go so far left or right as to ruin their day. This shaft flex would frustrate anyone with a normal or fast swing.

    R Flex

    • R flex shafts represent "regular" golfers with an average swing. These are the most popular and ideal flexes for most intermediate golfers. It can achieve a large amount of torque golfers with average swing speeds (80 to 95 mph) and give improved distance without sacrificing much accuracy. However, many golfers tend to swing harder than what feels natural when hitting a tee shot, which might be too fast for this flex to handle and cause an overwhelming slice of hook. Golfers can either swing naturally or go to the next step up.

    S Flex

    • S flex signifies "stiff" or "strong" flex. This type of shaft is ideal for golfers with a faster than average swing speed (90 to 105 mph). They sacrifice torque and assisted force for improved accuracy and consistency. The idea is that golfers who use S flex shafts don't need much help with force but an increase in accuracy because miss-hit shots are magnified. Golfers with less forceful swings will have difficulty swinging an S flex shaft and can experience low, short drives.

    X Flex

    • X flex represents "extra stiff" or "professional" flex. These shafts should only be used by golfers with extremely fast swing speeds (105 mph and higher). They offer the least amount of torque and amplified force but can maintain a square club face at impact in even the fastest professional swings. These shafts can provide the most accuracy to golfers with fast swings but also the most frustration to anyone with a less than extreme swing speed. Weaker golfers might have trouble even getting the ball airborne if they select an X flex shaft.