Stiff vs. Regular Iron Shafts

[erwintrace08]

Hi Guys,

I'm picking up either some MP-52s or MP 60s (or even 62s). I have a swing speed ranging 99-105 and a stiff shaft on my driver.

Does anyone here use Stiff shafts (or even the other types) and is there a big difference between the regular? Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks,
e

[joshtpa]

There can be a huge difference in what kind of shafts you put on your clubs. I suggest getting them fitted to match your swing speed.

[erwintrace08]

Thanks for the quick response Birdieman. So is it safe to say that even though someone may swing the driver at a certain speed (requiring a stiff shaft), it doesn't necessarily mean that the irons require the same shaft and are swung at the same speed?

Thanks again,
e

[dragonflyin]

Thanks for the quick response Birdieman. So is it safe to say that even though someone may swing the driver at a certain speed (requiring a stiff shaft), it doesn't necessarily mean that the irons require the same shaft and are swung at the same speed?

Yes, that's a fair assumption. At your swing speed, you're barely breaking the barrier into stiff driver shaft. So get fitted, and there's a good chance you'll end up with regular flex irons.

[joshtpa]

I actually think at his swing speed he is very well into the stiff category. I was under the impression that 90 mph is about the cutoff. I may be wrong, but I thought 90 was the cutoff to go stiff and 95 you should definately be at stiff. At 100 I am almost sure he is there.

[Pyranha]

Thanks for the quick response Birdieman. So is it safe to say that even though someone may swing the driver at a certain speed (requiring a stiff shaft), it doesn't necessarily mean that the irons require the same shaft and are swung at the same speed?

Swing speeds go down markedly as the club in your hand gets shorter, but the shaft you get fitted to isn't all about swing speed. Tempo and how aggressively you transition from the top of the swing also play a large role. My average driver SS is 112 (measured by Adro's Custom Golf in Rockville MD) and my driver is a 905R w/Stiff Proforce V2. After fitting me the Adro's guys determined that rifle 5.5's were the best shaft for my irons despite 5.5 being somewhat 'soft' for someone with a relatively high SS.

Anyway....definitely don't get trapped into thinking you HAVE to have stiff shafts in your irons just because you do in your driver. Get fit professionally and trust the judgement of your fitter. -C

[erwintrace08]

You guys are great and I really appreciate everyone's help. I will get fitted.

[bm303]

I was wondering the same thing. Hopefully you get some more responses so that I can get some feedback also.

[erwintrace08]

It looks like "getting fitted" is the best way from what everyone says. I had my driver fitted which really helped me. My handicap is high because I'm having inconsistent ball striking right now. Hopefully with fitted irons and the Stack and Tilt will help get my handicap down.

[erwintrace08]

I know the Admin, Erik has Project X shafts.

Any idea on what those are supposed to do?

[wrx_junki]

I think I'm in the same boat. I have a SS of around 95 mph for my driver and went with a stiff shaft but my irons I believe should be in regular. What's the downside in using a shaft too stiff?

[erwintrace08]

From being a student of the game and addict, I've learned from others and physics that the stiff shaft:

1) You won't get the true distance

2) If you aren't swinging fast enough (also under control), you'll tend to go right with stiff shafts since the shaft is less flexible.

I tend to hook and draw more than slice and fade, so the stiff shaft evens it out for me.

e

[wrx_junki]

I haven't gone onto a course for a few weeks now and been to the range only a few times. I've been working on my slice and over the top movement. Lately my slices have turned into draws and in turn resulted in sometimes hooking even with my stiff shafts so I guess they aren't too stiff for me.

[erwintrace08]

Can we exchange swings Keith??? On my irons, I usually draw but I'm now slicing. Luckily, I was able to correct it though big time with 1) my grip - my right hand V wasn't pointing to my right shoulder, so I would slice because my right hand was open at impact 2) I ensured my plane was inside 3) I was standing too close to the ball which made me come outside in.

When I get the "hooks," it's usually from my hands coming across to fast. My uncle who is a 3 HC said to get rid of the hook, just use "less hands" when swinging and swing more with the body. If your hands and body make contact at the same time with the ball, it should logically go straight.

I hope these quick fixes can help. I'm going to try the Stack & Tilt tomorrow or Wednesday at the range. Heard so much good stuff about it from low handicappers. I'm sure it will help us out.

Thanks,
e

[907golfer12]

I have about the same swing speed as you, and from everything that I have read my SS puts me into stiff shafts, but my tempo is very smooth and I don't look like I swing hard. This makes it harder for me to swing a stiff, but it makes it almost impossible for me to swing stiff irons shafts. But I would also say you should get fitted as we don't know how you swing.

[907golfer12]

I know the Admin, Erik has Project X shafts.

The Project X shaft has a higher kick point, which produces a lower ball flight. The Project X Flighted has a variable kick point, so in the lower irons the shaft gives you a low ball flight, the mid irons it gives you an mid ball flight, and the long iron shafts give you a high ball flight.

[erwintrace08]

I have about the same swing speed as you, and from everything that I have read my SS puts me into stiff shafts, but my tempo is very smooth and I don't look like I swing hard. This makes it harder for me to swing a stiff, but it makes it almost impossible for me to swing stiff irons shafts. But I would also say you should get fitted as we don't know how you swing.

I definitely will. I also like the smooth tempo and don't like to swing for the fences. Learning this game, the harder you try to hit it, the worse it is. The easier/smoother you swing, the further it goes which makes it so challenging.

The Project X shaft has a higher kick point, which produces a lower ball flight. The Project X Flighted has a variable kick point, so in the lower irons the shaft gives you a low ball flight, the mid irons it gives you an mid ball flight, and the long iron shafts give you a high ball flight.

Good to know. Doesn't sound like I need that.

By the way, how do you like your Tour Burner Wood? I have a R7 I got as a demo for $50, but like the burners because of the bigger head. Thanks, e

[907golfer12]

I definitely will. I also like the smooth tempo and don't like to swing for the fences. Learning this game, the harder you try to hit it, the worse it is. The easier/smoother you swing, the further it goes which makes it so challenging.

Well the fairway wood that I have is actually smaller then the fairway wood since it is the Tour Launch, but man that thing is a beast from the tee and the deck. Plus it is very workable, right-to-left and left-to-right. My only complaint is the shaft, it puts the ball way to high for my liking, but that is easily changeable, so other then that it is a great fairway wood.