Titleist AP1 Stiff Flex Question - Advice Needed

[Kalipari]

My club pro shop has a great deal on a set of demo titleist AP1's. I was really excited until I found out they were a stiff flex steel shaft. I am currently gaming Callaway X-18R uniflex steel shafts. As you see I am a 17 handicap golfer with a mid speed swing. Earlier this year I had a low ball flight but it got higher as the year went on. So my question for you is would you let the stiff flex scare you away from a good deal?

[Shindig]

I would let the wrong shaft flex scare me away from a deal: too light or too strong.

If I remember correctly, the AP1s come standard with light steel shafts: Nippon I think? If I also remember correctly, their standard stiff (for the default shafts) is not as stiff as S300. In fact, when I got recommended shafts for my current irons, I think it was Nippon stiff (not soft stepped or anything) or take KBS Tour Stiff, and soft step them.

[ohiolefty]

If they're already a 'demo' set, will your pro just let you hit them? That might alleviate your concerns.

[Kalipari]

Yeah.. He told me to keep them for a week and see if I like them. He's a great guy.. However the more I read online the more i'm talking myself into a stiff flex shaft for my irons. I know a club fitting is the best approach but these being "used" clubs that's not an option. I will have to take them to the range as soon as it's warm enough. I've read if you hit your 7 iron over 150 that you should use a stiff flex shaft. I hit my 7 iron about 155-160.

[TaylorMadeTaylor]

Yeah.. He told me to keep them for a week and see if I like them. He's a great guy.. However the more I read online the more i'm talking myself into a stiff flex shaft for my irons. I know a club fitting is the best approach but these being "used" clubs that's not an option. I will have to take them to the range as soon as it's warm enough. I've read if you hit your 7 iron over 150 that you should use a stiff flex shaft. I hit my 7 iron about 155-160.

If your hitting your 7 iron 155-160 then stiff flex should be just fine. But, you definitely should take 'em for a spin to make your decision.

[dbwood]

If It were me, I'd jump at the chance to try something new without risk. I'm right at point between regular and stiff and not all stiffs feel "stiff".

[ohiolefty]

Further...

I play shafts a touch too light for me in my irons and my hybrids. It's about what you like the best and what performs the best, not what you 'should' have.

[i-Guy]

It's about what you like the best and what performs the best, not what you 'should' have.

Exactly ...I think there are many ways to get an idea for what stiffness you "should" play...but the bottom line is what works for you and your swing For instance I did the Mizuno fitting club last year and was fitted for KBS Tour X-stiff (soft stepped)...check out my sig as I play KBS Tour stiff...the X-stiff (even soft stepped just felt to hard for my taste)...I have also played multiple Dynamic Gold shafts and "for me" the KBS Tour shaft just works best (feel, ball flight, etc...) P.S. I play the AP1 irons and they are AWE...wait for it...SOME irons. I had to special order mine to get the KBS Tour shafts and my Pro let me use a set with stock shafts (stiff) while I waited. I still like my KBS better as they are heavier and I like that feel but the stock shafts worked fine and I would think they would be a nice shaft for someone going from "regular" to "stiff"...but like other post have said...try them out as much as you can before you decide but if you really like the AP1 heads and this is a good deal go ahead and get them and then you can play around with different shafts...just my 2 cents.