Question about club selection (shafts?)

[scott71law]

I think I may know the answer to this already but I will throw it out there anyway...I use a stiff shaft Burner driver and also have a 10 year old basic TaylorMade 5 wood with a regular flex graphite shaft and I typically can hit the 5 wood almost as far as my drives (with more control as well). I would say an average drive for me will go about 230-250 yards, and I can hit this 5 wood about 220 pretty consistently and even draw it on purpose once in a while.

My question is, should I be hitting a driver with a regular flex shaft? I know the answer to this is to go get my swing measured, but I thought I would ask this in case anyone has experience with switching from stiff shafts to regular ones and can chime in. I am guessing the stiff shaft is a bit much for my swing, hence the long 5 wood shots (if that is considered long). I have a pretty basic swing speed tool (it's a spring loaded plastic thingy) that tells me my swing is about 85-90 mph, which on charts I have seen is right on the line for regular/stiff.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Scott

[WUTiger]

If control is not a problem, I would consider going to the regular flex shaft.

If you do so, also take into account total shaft weight and kick point.

A lighter weight shaft will give you better clubhead speed (less weight resistance,) providing the club doesn't feel too light.

The kick point indicates where the shaft flexes. A low kick shaft gives you a high ball height, while a high kick gives you a low ball flight ("boring flight" as they say in the ads). Mid kick = medium height.

Try some things and see what happens.

Note: See if you can get an electronic swing-speed check on your driver before spending $$.

[ControlJunkie]

I agree with WUTiger. The general rule of thumb is to play the "flexiest" shaft you can control.

As far as weight goes, I'm sacrificing a small amount of clubhead speed because I like a heavier shaft. If I go too light, I'm all over the place, but I feel like the heavier shaft kinda "keeps me in check", if you know what I mean. I think that's more of a personal preference and a feel thing.

What I'm getting at is if you're borderline Reg/Stiff, I'd say go R flex, with a little heavier shaft, instead of a lighter, stiff shaft.

Also remember that there's no industry standard for flex, so one man's Reg. is another one's Stiff. And yes, it is quite annoying, IMHO.