Why does a stiff shaft feel so much better to me?

[Chipless]

I am a new golfer, just starting to use a driver.  My typical swing speed is only 80 to 89 mph, and everyone says it's clear that I should be using a regular flex shaft.

I have tried about a dozen different driver models, and am starting to notice a pattern.  I am MUCH more inconsistent with regular flex shafts, and seem to be able to hit the ball a lot better with the stiff shaft drivers.

Does this make any sense, or I am just imagining things?  And if it does make sense, what might be the explanation?

[Mr3Wiggle]

Perhaps you load the shaft particularly hard for someone with an 89 mph swing?

[Mr. Desmond]

I thought that was her line...

Anyway, you may be very quick and load the shaft more vigorously, and therefore when you unload, the stiff works for 'ya.

[GaijinGolfer]

Id agree your transition is probably quick and a stiff shaft doesnt whip as much as a reg flex shaft does.

[Chipless]

Today I borrowed a friend's R9 driver with stiff shaft, and hit it considerably better than I have ever hit any other driver.  I hit five fairways, and my average drive was 207 yards, which beat my previous bests of four and 176 respectively. So let me ask a related question...

What are the potential disadvantages of having a driver with a shaft that is technically too stiff for my measured swing speed?

[Chris Stewart]

What are the potential disadvantages of having a driver with a shaft that is technically too stiff for my measured swing speed?

Not getting the shaft to bend (being too stiff for your swing) will decrease the distance on your shots.

[Mordan]

Originally Posted by Chipless

I am a new golfer, just starting to use a driver.  My typical swing speed is only 80 to 89 mph, and everyone says it's clear that I should be using a regular flex shaft.

I have tried about a dozen different driver models, and am starting to notice a pattern.  I am MUCH more inconsistent with regular flex shafts, and seem to be able to hit the ball a lot better with the stiff shaft drivers.

Does this make any sense, or I am just imagining things?  And if it does make sense, what might be the explanation?

Are the stiff shafts in these drivers heavier than the regular shafts? I find shaft weight is often overlooked, but I struggle with a shaft that is too light as I can't feel the club as well as I can with a slightly heavier shaft.

[sliceshowbob]

Quote:

Why does a stiff shaft feel so much better to me?

*holds back for several seconds*

THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID.

[Mr. Desmond]

Originally Posted by Chipless

Today I borrowed a friend's R9 driver with stiff shaft, and hit it considerably better than I have ever hit any other driver.  I hit five fairways, and my average drive was 207 yards, which beat my previous bests of four and 176 respectively. So let me ask a related question...

What are the potential disadvantages of having a driver with a shaft that is technically too stiff for my measured swing speed?

I don't know but a stiff flex and getting 207 yards?

Something is up with that ... See if you can get someone to check out your swing.

[Chipless]

Originally Posted by Mr. Desmond

I don't know but a stiff flex and getting 207 yards?

Something is up with that ... See if you can get someone to check out your swing.

I am taking regular lessons.  Just started using the driver a couple months ago.  First time out my average drive was only 139 yards.  Even though I a couple balls 200 yards, the average was brought way down by my mis-hits.  As of today, my average good drive is ~ 230 yards, but my overall average is 207 because the mis-hits reduce the average.

[Mr. Desmond]

Originally Posted by Chipless

I am taking regular lessons.  Just started using the driver a couple months ago.  First time out my average drive was only 139 yards.  Even though I a couple balls 200 yards, the average was brought way down by my mis-hits.  As of today, my average good drive is ~ 230 yards, but my overall average is 207 because the mis-hits reduce the average.

Makes sense now. Thanks. I was going to say that even at 230, a regular flex may help you more than stiff. But if you load heavy, that will have an effect on flex. And it depends on the shaft, some OEM shafts in stiff flex probably CPM out to a regular flex.