Shaft Flex

[nkjordan2323]

So I play in a league every Wednesday and have been going to the range atleast once a week to practice. My swing has been pretty good for the most part (for me), but one thing that is constantly messed up is my drive. I have slowed my swing down a lot because I feel like my club is behind on me or flexes too much. Most of the time I either hook the ball or the club stubs the ground and gives me a nasty shot. Out of 9 holes, I probably drive one stright.

I am using a Taylormade R7 Quad 10.5 degree loft. It has a grafalloy blue shaft on it. From what I have read, the blue is a stiff flex. However, I tried the same exact club my partner owns with s stiff taylormade shaft and the difference was so noticeable. The club didnt "wobble" at all on a hard swing and I crushed the ball using it both times off of the tee. Is the grafalloy blue shaft really a stiff flex? Or does stiff flex mean something different for every shaft? In other words, is one stiff flex shaft "stiffer" than another flex? I want to go get a new shaft, but wanted to make sure I am on the right path.

[Peano]

Your absoulutly right-Shafts vary in stiffness from company to company. There isn't an industry standard as far as the flex goes. I would recommend you have a heavier and stiffer shaft if your ball flight is hooking. The stiffer the shaft, the lower your ball flight will be however. This is a game of trade-offs.....keep playing with it

[jcrew]

Are you sure it isn't the prolaunch blue? The blue is actually a fairly hefty shaft (in terms of stiffness) and should keep your ball flight low and right if you don't have the swing speed for it. Especially if it's a stiff, it shouldn't feel weaker than the other stiff taylormade shaft. On the other hand, the pl blue is designed to get the ball higher so it'll be a bit tip softer and you'd be more likely to hook it.

[nkjordan2323]

I will have to check it again, but i am pretty sure it was the grafalloy blue. I am pretty sure I have the swing speed too so I dont think that is the issue. The last thing I will mention is I did purchase on EBAY and never actually measured the length. Could the length of a a driver make a difference? Say cutting an inch off or two? I am only 5'8".

[DJYoshi]

i would think the graffaloy would be better than the standard shaft on the taylormade. those reax shafts aren't horrible, but they're pretty whippy.

the prolaunch has a lower torque I believe which should make it play stiffer than the stock shafts that normally have a torque of 3.5 and a medium kickpoint.

the kickpoint also makes a huge difference in trajectory.
you'll see a difference in a mid to a mid/high kickpoint.

the higher the kickpoint, the lower your ball flight.