Why is it recommended to err soft on shafts?

Anyone ever figured this out? I think for me I've always felt more comfortable with a stiffer shaft, I just feel more in control.

My first driver had a regular shaft and it was terrible, all over the place. I now have a Fuji E360 stiff which according to most accounts plays more like an X-stiff and I couldn't be happier - an immediate and drastic improvement, despite the fact that my typical driver swing speed is only 95-100. I even feel like I've gained distance with the stiffer shaft just because I'm more confident to go after it hard without worrying too much about a massive pull hook or sky-slice.

I'm contemplating new irons (since mine are regular shafted and not fitted) and think I'd like to err stiff again, given my experience with the driver. I am a big digger (take huge divots most of the time) and I don't know if that makes a difference in shaft selection or not.

I'm thinking about some used X-20 tours fitted to my length/lie with the Project X 6.0 flighted, which are supposed play pretty stiff. Anyone think that's too much shaft for me? (current index is 14.5 - but its a by the book honest 14.5).

I don't think you've hit a driver that's too stiff yet. Once you hit a few with an extremely stiff shaft (one that's way to stiff for you), you'll realize it's much easier hitting a slightly softer shaft. Thus, why it's recommended if you're going err on one side or the other, you err on the softer side.

It's probably recommended to avoid over-swinging. Nice smooth swing, let the club do the work, etc etc. Get fitted.

I test-hit both X20 Tours (w/5.0 rifles) and X22 Tours (w/ stiff shaft) this spring. Both clubs had really good feedback - you knew on impact just how good a shot you had hit.

Next factor is the shaft - here's specs (from GolfWorks 2009 catalog) on PX 6.0 flighted: * Average weight = 125 grams (bit on heavy side) * Mid-high bend point (alone it would mean lower trajectory, but the flighting gives a bit of help up on longer irons) * Medium-firm tip stiffness Your driver swingspeed is into the stiff range, so the 6.0 shaft should work, assuming you don't have trouble getting the ball airborne. This shaft is heavier than average, so you might lose clubhead speed because of extra weight. If you do lose clubhead speed and therefore distance, it's a matter of whether the loss is noticeable. (If you lose 2 yards per club, who cares?) Just something to be aware of when you test-fire the clubs. ------------ I really liked the X20/22 Tours, but don't yet have the swing for them. I got standard X20s instead (used, for a great price). If my swing stabilizes, I might try X22 Tours with lightweight metal regular shaft. -----------

Great advice. Live and learn. I am no longer a "grip and rip" golfer. Getting fitted professionally is a must.

If you swing consistantly between 95-100 thats more than enough to be using stiff shafts anyway. Its probably why you feel you have more control with the stiffer shafts.

The main reason that I have heard is that as you got through the round and you get tired your swing speed is likely to slow down as well. But to each his own in regards to this.

i heard from an ex-pga tour pro that a fitting van told him it was actually a little stiffer was better.

My understanding, for maximum distance, a softer shaft is a bit better. For maximum accuracy, a stiffer shaft is a bit better. All else equal of course. I had some older drivers with stiff shafts I found a bit wippy. I could kill them at times, but hit less than half the fairways. My current shaft, a Matrix OZIK XCON 6 stiff is firmer than most my other shafts. I am not hitting it quite as far, but finding the short grass more than ever. My vote goes with the slightly firm shaft for accuracy. The few extra yards are not worth it. Particularly if those few extra yards be yards in the woods

Also, avoid the egos you may hear here and other places. Most golfers with aftermarket shafts are hitting shafts far too stiff for their swing speeds. A macho thing of some sorts I have yet to figure out. The only way to know what you need is to be professionally fit. Period. It is a humbling experience for many. It was for me at any rate. I hit at least one ball over 300 every time I play yet I was fitted for a stiff shaft. I have snapped two graphite shafts over the years. I would have thought xx stiff for sure. Nope. Most golfers would be fitted for a regular flex in my opinion. So why does everyone want x stiff, xx stiff, etc...? I have no idea.

honestly it confuses me...... I'm with the OP... I'm much more comfortabel erring on the side of more stiff.

I mean i've read tons of stuff about shaft stiffness... and what I don't get is, to me, it seems the the general consensus is err soft or whatever. But I think it's easier to hit the ball straighter with a stiffer shaft. Of course distance may suffer.... but if you ask all those people saying erring soft is better.... their also spouting out about how golf is a game of accuracy and not a game of distance.

I have seen one or two "whats in the bag" things where the pro said to go stiffer because distance isnt important.

who knows

Yeah it is confusing. But you are on the right track if you ask me. I say go a bit stiffer and enjoy the short grass. A whippy shaft will hit it a bit further, but who knows where the hell it is going.

Below is from another thread. Read post #9 as it makes an excellent point about choosing reg, stiff, etc.. and why a pro fitting is required.... http://thesandtrap.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30798 It is from Ryohazukki who posted before me here. Peril of wisdom below...

The above quote is largely why when I say this (read bold print)...

That's not too stiff at all -- I've got Project X 6.0 in my MP-57s and its just about perfect for my SS (100-103). I've hit flighted in that flex and it was almost as nice. I also play my X-forged irons with 6.5 and they aren't too stiff either -- I can swing as hard as I want and they just go farther.

OP, read this again....

I was fitted for a set of irons and fell 'in between shaft flexes, so the fitter recommended that I err on the softer side . At the time there was no launch monitor, so it was just a case of evaluating feel and ballflight on the driving range. In hindsight, this was a bad move.

The softer shafts meant I was generating a ton of backspin which was robbing me of distance and accuracy.

During a later fitting, using a launch monitor, the stiffer shafts proved to be much better for me. Less spin, more distance and tighter dispertion. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

As others have mentioned here, it is not enough to simply use swing speed as a determining factor for shaft selection. The numbers do not lie.

Update...

I played yesterday (with my current Adams regular shafted clubs) and hit them pretty well. Shot an 85 which included a 9 and a pair of doubles, so without the blowups would have been close to breaking 80.

I hit my irons very well, but this was a shortish course so I only needed more than a 7 iron for one approach - I was killing my driver and leaving myself wedges or short irons on every hole. I did tee off with my 5-iron twice on long par 3's and my 3 hybrid on a longer one, and on a short par 4, and they were somewhat wild. Good contact but off line.

So I think in my short irons the shorter length is allowing me to get away with having regular shafts but I think I do see the need for stiffer shafts given the wildness with the long irons and hybrids. The hybrids are the worst, being graphite shafted; I've actually started choking up on them for more control. I've also noticed that I hit my irons very high compared to my dad, who is a solid single digit handicapper, so I'm probably losing some distance there (he hits low spinners and has no trouble holding greens)

My dimensions call for +1/2 inch and 1-2 deg upright which I think is close enough to "standard" that I'm not being really penalized by length/lie on the Adams clubs. I really like them just wish I had gotten them in stiff shafts when I bought them 2 years ago (I was about a 25-28 hdcp back then with a swing speed that was probably under 90).

I know it sounds stupid but these clubs have gotten me to be a "decent" golfer and I'm almost sad to replace them but I think I've outgrown them.