Regular or Stiff flex?

[Rukus43]

I know a club fitter could tell me, but I was curious as to any suggestions you all may have. If I am 145yds out I will hit a 9 iron, and if it is a 150-155yd par 3 and i can tee the ball I will also hit a 9 iron. So, from this info is there any way to tell if I need to go up to a stiff shaft (currently hit r-flex) in the new clubs I am going to buy off ebay? Also, is it better to have too stiff a shaft, or not stiff enough if it is not a perfect fit?

[Shindig]

I know a club fitter could tell me, but I was curious as to any suggestions you all may have. If I am 145yds out I will hit a 9 iron, and if it is a 150-155yd par 3 and i can tee the ball I will also hit a 9 iron. So, from this info is there any way to tell if I need to go up to a stiff shaft (currently hit r-flex) in the new clubs I am going to buy off ebay? Also, is it better to have too stiff a shaft, or not stiff enough if it is not a perfect fit?

I can select a 9-iron from 145 yards out too. It's just that if I do it, the ball will come up 140 yards short

Assuming your quoted distance is accurate, and your 9-iron has a reasonable loft for a 9-iron, I would say stiff flex. You could go to a golf shop and see if you can grab a stiff and regular and take them to the range for a few shots. Also, if you're currently hitting r-flex, what kind of ball flight are you getting? I'm not sure if the direct link will work, but if you go to mizunousa.com > golf > custom fitting > helpful tips , you can see what observations might tell you about your club settings.

[umpiremark]

Also, is it better to have too stiff a shaft, or not stiff enough if it is not a perfect fit?

From all the club fitting and club building books I've read, they all say it is better to err on the side of too flexible than too stiff. Tom Wishon, the author of many club fitting books (of which I have) states the same thing.

[tricky]

If you're a 20 handicapper hitting a nine iron 145 yards, my immediate thought is to look at your ball flight and swing mechanics. For example it's more likely that you are de-lofting the club (changing the impact angle of the club, converting your nine iron into - say - a seven iron) than swinging like a pro.

It's best not to get hung up on how far you hit individual clubs. It will definitely change as you get better. I was one of those rare high handicappers with a fast swing speed, and a very high launch angle. I didn't get any better, I just could hit the ball further into trouble.

I've tried to do things to make myself more consistent. I've had clubs fitted, adjusted my swing to avoid hitting the ball at the bottom of my swing ( instead nipping the ball into the turf and controlling the ball better). I've also taken some of the grunt out of my swing. Initially I lost about a club in length, but that's coming back as the tempo and clubhead speed through the ball improves.

Try not to get too excited about how far you hit each club. Instead try to know how far you hit each club in control, with a good ball flight. Then select the appropriate club for the distance shot that you have. That's what the set of clubs is for - each one has a purpose. Lee Trevino could play a round 25 shots better than you or I with a seven iron alone. He could hit it 250 yards, or 25. Even he preferred to use a set of clubs, and properly use the lofts that the clubs were designed for.

In answer to your question, it's best to have the least stiff shaft that you can control. You'll hit the ball further with a whippier shaft, but you'll have better feel and control with a stiffer one. If you are de-lofting the club, and not swinging fast, you will almost certainly lose substantial distance with a stiffer shaft.

[CG031]

I know a club fitter could tell me, but I was curious as to any suggestions you all may have. If I am 145yds out I will hit a 9 iron, and if it is a 150-155yd par 3 and i can tee the ball I will also hit a 9 iron. So, from this info is there any way to tell if I need to go up to a stiff shaft (currently hit r-flex) in the new clubs I am going to buy off ebay? Also, is it better to have too stiff a shaft, or not stiff enough if it is not a perfect fit?

I'd say get on a launch monitor because that doesn't really tell us anything. on the course I hit my 9 iron 125-135 depending on the swing I'm taking, wind, lie, etc...but if I really wanted to I could hit my 9 iron 145 too.

So it's best to go and see on a launch monitor what shaft gives you the best control, and distance combination.

[ham_man]

I'll make it simple: get the stiff flex. If you swing fast enough to hit a 9 iron 145 yards, you need stiff flex.

[Crey23]

If you're a 20 handicapper hitting a nine iron 145 yards, my immediate thought is to look at your ball flight and swing mechanics.

I am thinking along the lines of delofting here... are you swining in control? Do your shots go where you want them to? if you answer no, then I would back off a little from the power swing. If you are constantly slicing the ball, a stiff shaft will make that worst.

I'll make it simple: get the stiff flex. If you swing fast enough to hit a 9 iron 145 yards, you need stiff flex.

Um NO ... see above

Bottom line, get fitted. A pro can tell you if you are swinging correctly, and what would actually fit you swing better.

[woodzie264]

get fitted - just got first set of new clubs after getting fitted - amazing difference! Get fitted, well worth the money (usually free fitting if you purchase clubs there)

[kevin.chan]

I am hitting about the same for a 9 Iron . My club fitter recommended 6.0 Flex but i opt for 5.5.

Easier to control and less tiring ....

[Al Czervik]

all depends on your swing speed