Let’s go over the mechanics of why there are different shaft flexes, then we can get into how the shafts can affect your game differently. Golfers swing clubs at different speeds. When you swing your golf club, the speed and force of your swing gets carried through the shaft to the head. By the time the head makes contact with the golf ball, average golfers head speed is around 85 mph and professional golfers head speed is around 100 mph. Hitting a golf ball at 85 mph with a driver will carry the ball about 195 yards. If you have a slower swing, the flexibility of the club can assist you by adding a whipping affect to the club just before it hits the ball. Remember your high school locker room when you would twist your towel up, swing it back, then quickly whip it forward and give your friend a huge welt on his leg? Well a flexible club gives a similar affect. Just before contact, the head of the club will give that extra kick to push the ball off the tee faster. If you are not swinging at 85 mph or more, you should be looking at a regular shaft or, if you really want more distance, you should be using a seniors club. Yes, yes I know, but if you can put your ego away for a little bit and really want to improve your game, go ahead and try the seniors shaft.
Here are the different types of shafts:
Extra stiff (X)
Stiff (S)
Regular (R)
Seniors (A)
Ladies (L)
If the shaft of your club is too stiff, your ball will most likely not go as far or as high as it should. If your shaft is too soft, your ball may fly much higher than it should and possibly keep going left when you feel you are hitting the ball straight. Pick the right shaft and watch your drives soar!