How to Choose a Golf Shaft Flex

Swing speed will determine what shaft flex will give optimum shot trajectory, distance and accuracy. The type of shaft can significantly improve a golf club. If the wrong shaft is installed, it will have a negative impact on shot distance, accuracy and trajectory. It is highly recommended to visit a club fitting specialist to find the best product to match an individual's swing. A fitting specialist will custom-fit the correct shaft flex and other factors to better match equipment to your swing.

Things You'll Need

  • Golf club
  • Golf ball
  • Golf practice range
  • Launch monitor
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select the correct flex for your swing speed. Amateurs often use equipment with the wrong shaft flex. Men are often at fault, trying to play equipment that is too stiff. Women often use their husband's old clubs. Obviously, this will not match their swing speed. Equipment that is too stiff will result in a lower ball flight and cause shots to miss to the right. Equipment that is not stiff enough produces higher shots that tend to miss to the left.

    • 2

      Allow for a slight pause at the top of the backswing. Transition in a golf swing is the slight pause between the backswing and forward swing. Transition can play a role in which shaft is selected. A player with smooth transition is able to play a more flexible shaft. A player with a quick and jerky transition might need a slightly stiffer shaft than what is recommended from swing speed.

    • 3

      Measure your swing speed with a launch monitor. A launch monitor also will measure launch angle and spin rate. This will help take any guesswork out of correctly establishing what shaft to use. A club fitting specialist will correctly fit you to the correct shaft. However, if you do not have access to a fitting specialist, the following will give an idea of what shaft to use:

      If you swing up to 70 mph, try a ladies' flex shaft. Swing speeds of 71 to 80 mph are suited for a senior flex -- also known as "A" flex. Regular flex is for swing speeds of 81 to 90 mph. Stiff flex is for swing speeds of 91 to 100 mph. An extra stiff flex is used for more than 100 mph. Other factors can help determine what shaft flex to use.

    • 4

      Determine which kick point will be most beneficial. The kick point in a golf shaft will help determine the trajectory of the shot. The kick point is where the shaft bends the most throughout the swing. A high kick point will lower the trajectory of a shot. A low kick point will produce a higher ball flight. Obviously, a mid-kick point will produce a mid-ball flight.