Shaft Flex Question

[sinclac]

Is there a big difference between a regular flex and a senior flex?

Chuck

[Zeph]

Yes. Big enough that you shouldn't change from one to the other without at least testing it first.

Moving from most flexible to most stiff: L (ladies), A (senior), R (regular), S (stiff), X (x-stiff).

There are more variations within these also. Additionally you've got graphite vs steel, which feels different. This does not mean that a Project X Regular shaft feels the same as a True Temper Regular shaft. They may, but they may not. There are no definitive guidelines on the shaft flex, so every manufacturer can get it different. The alphabetic range is a good start, but you always want to test them out first.

[sinclac]

  Zeph said:

Originally Posted by Zeph

Yes. Big enough that you shouldn't change from one to the other without at least testing it first.

Moving from most flexible to most stiff: L (ladies), A (senior), R (regular), S (stiff), X (x-stiff).

There are more variations within these also. Additionally you've got graphite vs steel, which feels different. This does not mean that a Project X Regular shaft feels the same as a True Temper Regular shaft. They may, but they may not. There are no definitive guidelines on the shaft flex, so every manufacturer can get it different. The alphabetic range is a good start, but you always want to test them out first.

Thank you, for the info much appreciated.

[tweaky]

There's also a BIG difference between regular flex shafts from the same company.  one product line can be quite a bit different from another product line.  not to mention the fact that there's a BIG difference between various different companies' regular (or any other flex) shats.  being that there are no "standards" in golf.

[erock9174]

I can attest to the "regular flex in one company may not equal another's".

I have been recently looking to buy a 3 hybrid.  I am used to Taylormade shafts which are normally Aldila shafts.  Their regular flex is fairly soft which works with my slower tempo swing.  I am right around 80 degrees with a hybrid.  To where an Adams regular flex which is a usually a Graffaloy shaft seems pretty firm to me.

As a general rule of thumb, the fitters at my local store say that a swing speed of under 80 usually requires a senior flex and above 80 they recommend a regular flex shaft.

I was incorrectly playing ladies flex shafts for the past 3 years thinking my swing speed was too slow for anything else.   Boy was I wrong, switched this season and already seeing much improvement distance wise at the range.  Irons are about a club longer than before per club and my driver probably 20-30 yds longer.

Take the time and have the fitters recommend the right flex for you.