My reg shaft...

[clonewars222]

Could my reg. shaft on my driver be making me not hit as straight as I could be? People have been telling me that my shaft is bending at the top of my backswing. I've been fading most of my shots these days as well. Should I switch?

[Shindig]

I suspected that the flex of my driver might be holding me back, too. I borrowed a friend's MX-500 (10.5 degrees) in S-Flex, and hit that about as far as my driver, but with a fade bias instead of a draw bias. So I suspect I need a good deal more swing speed before I make a switch.

What's your typical driver stats? Carry and roll (in non-internet yards, please )

[clonewars222]

well right now not that far at all, only like 230-240, 250 on a good drive. Over the summer it was like 280 with roll.

[Shindig]

well right now not that far at all, only like 230-240, 250 on a good drive. Over the summer it was like 280 with roll.

Okay, here's what I think is happening:

* Yes, your shaft is bending during your swing. * This is a good thing! * Watch some golf on TV (or on PGATour.com, or Youtube, etc) and you'll see the shafts of their clubs tend to bend, too. It isn't that they have mis-fit equipment, it's that that's how they load the shafts. If the goal was that the shaft stayed perfectly unbent the whole time, we'd all be better off with the 3X-flex that you see at LDA events. * Why more bend than others? You're at the upper range of your flex. I've heard a general rule of wrist being 250 average before needing S-flex.

[deronsizemore]

The thing is that there is no set standard for shaft stiffness. So your "Regular" flex may actually be the same as another companies "Senior" flex or maybe it's even the same as another companies "Stiff" Flex. You cannot get anything from the letter printed on the shaft; except maybe an ego boost?

If you have this type of question, the fool proof answer is to go get fitted at a course/range where you can actually see your ball flight. Try different drivers and shaft combinations to see what works and what doesn't. Typically if the shaft is too weak, you're more likely to hit a hook than a fade. The main problem is likely your clubface at impact; it's open. If you go with a stiffer shaft, you'll likely still fade the ball just maybe not as bad (or it could possibly get worse).

That's why the best thing to do is get fitted, especially when no one here can actually see your swing. Giving advice based on driving distance really means nothing.