Regular vs. Stiff Shaft - Looking for new Driver

[lmkhl]

Hello,

So I am on the market for a new driver and I've narrowed it down to either the new Taylormade M2 or the Cobra Max driver. I am currently using an older TaylorMade Burner Draw driver with a regular stock shaft. I've always struggled with a slice and even after several lessons, I've only managed to get my shot shape into more of a slight fade (with the slice still coming into play at times). I know I should really focus on correcting my swing, but I also want to have fun playing when I do and finding me a driver that can really help me hit more fairways and enjoy the game.

I've tested out both the M2 and Cobra Max in the regular and stiff shaft and I have to say I hit the Cobra the best due to it's offset design. I know the M2 received great reviews, but I was not hitting it as consistently straight or in play compared to the Cobra. I'm now trying to decide between a regular or stiff shaft. My instructor says I should move up to a stiff as my speed with a driver is typically around 95-100. However, with the stiff shaft, I feel like I am definitely slicing it more than when I hit the regular shaft. With my swing speed, is it advised to go with the regular or should I just really buckle down and learn to hit the stiff shaft? I just dont want to end up getting the stiff shaft and get so frustrated with not being able to hit it in play, that i stop using that driver all together.

I'm also planning on cutting the shaft about 3/4 - 1inch due to my height and WTF measurements. I have my current driver cut down and it really feels a lot more comfortable in my hands and at address. If I go with the regular and cut it down, will that make it "stiffer"?

So, should I go stiff or regular??

Edited October 6, 2016 by lmkhl

[moparman426]

If you feel like you should be going after it (trying to knock the cover off the ball) all of the time, I'd stick with the stiff.  if you want to practise a more controlled swing, get the reg flex.  I have both stiff and x-stiff for both of my drivers, but tend to use the stiff more these days, as I try to not have such an abrupt transition from backswing to downswing.  I actually tell myself "Nice and smooth" on the takeaway with the softer flex and "Kill it" when I have the x-stiff in there (yes, silly, I know).  That's the only reason I buy adjustable drivers, just so I can try out different shafts without having to replace the entire club.  Seeing as the Cobra you're looking at doesn't have the option of swapping shafts, you may need to test it out some more before making a decision.

[Kalnoky]

7 hours ago, lmkhl said:

I know I should really focus on correcting my swing, but I also want to have fun playing

HOW DARE YOU SIR

Just kidding. Let me know how it turns out. I think we're in the same boat. When I asked my instructor if I should go for a stiff shaft he kind of hemmed and hawed.. but he would not say no. My dispersion is all over the place and the driver is my worst club by far. I don't even hit it off the tee anymore.

 

 

 

 

[moparman426]

27 minutes ago, Kalnoky said:

HOW DARE YOU SIR

Just kidding. Let me know how it turns out. I think we're in the same boat. When I asked my instructor if I should go for a stiff shaft he kind of hemmed and hawed.. but he would not say no. My dispersion is all over the place and the driver is my worst club by far. I don't even hit it off the tee anymore.

 

 

 

 

In theory, a stiffer shaft should help with shot dispersion, but at a cost of distance if you don't carry the "recommended" swing speed for the flex. Ideally, you'd want to use the softest flex you can get away with.

Edited October 6, 2016 by moparman426

[IndianaDundee]

I would not buy a driver if you are slicing.  Offsets, draw bias, and stiff shafts won't fix a slice.  You spend a bunch of money now trying to find a magic club and as soon as you get your swing fixed you now have a club that doesn't match your swing.

[lmkhl]

dont get me wrong, I am still definitely trying to work on my swing so I can ret rid of the dreaded slice, but I want to make sure I'm playing with the right club.

If my ss dictates a stiff shaft, but I'm a slicer, should I really be hitting a stiff shaft? I guess that's my question. OR, would it benefit me to stick with regular while I work on my swing as I do hit more consistent straight shots (or slight fades) with the regular shaft.  

It would really be a bummer if I fixed my swing with the regular and then moved up to the stiff and had to start all over. To the last guys point, should i just get the stiff and then work on my building my swing with that?

 

[moparman426]

If your natural swing dictates the need for a stiff flex shaft, then that should be your starting point.  Two wrongs don't make a right.  As pointed out, the flex won't fix a slice, as the flex isn't the cause of the slice.   A slice is caused by the club face being open to the swing path, not the flex of the shaft.  Don't confuse my comment about shot dispersion with a slice.