Regular vs. Stiff Flex

[snoodlelvr]

Can someone explain to me the performance difference between regular and stiff flex? As a beginner, I know that it's easier for me to swing a regular flex as the shaft will be more "accomodating" to my swing. I also know that stiff flex has less room for error on the swing, but a good hit will produce greater yardage.

Two questions:
How great is the yardage difference between regular and stiff (for a driver, for example)?
How much more difficult is it to hit stiff flex clubs? Any recommended progression from moving from regular to stiff?

Thanks,
Andy

[Burg]

Can someone explain to me the performance difference between regular and stiff flex? As a beginner, I know that it's easier for me to swing a regular flex as the shaft will be more "accomodating" to my swing. I also know that stiff flex has less room for error on the swing, but a good hit will produce greater yardage.

Your shaft flex is determined by your swing speed and swing tempo. A fitter will choose the setup that will benefit you the most according to your individual swing characteristics. For example, I have a fast tempo and a high swing speed so I use a stiff flex shaft to maximize distance and accuracy. However, my father has a slower swing so uses regular flex to maximize his distance and accuracy.

Bottom line is that you should be fitted for clubs.

[jcrew]

the faster the swing speed, the stiffer the shaft needs to be to accomodate an adequate amount of control

if someone is using a shaft too stiff for them, they will lose distance but they will still probably have a good amount of control

[Jeepthrills]

A stiffer shaft does not always result in more distance. It is all based on what you need and your swing speed. A fast swing speed with a regular shaft will result in lost distance and accuracy. However, the same thing will happen with a slower speed and stiffer shaft. If you are getting serrious about the game, you owe it to yourself to be fitted for flex as well as length and lie.

[atrapasuenos]

I have a doubt. If I use Stiff Shaft in my Driver and Woods and I feel pretty comfortable and secure at impact. Is there the posibility that with the irons I need to use a regular shaft? Or I need to buy also Stiff Shafts?

Thank you.