About Golf Club Shaft Flex
When choosing golf clubs there are many specifications to consider . The the major consideration is the shaft flex of the golf clubs you’ve selected. If the flex choice is not right, you probably will not hit good shots .
You must learn about shaft flex to be able to choose the perfect shaft that fits your swing. The shaft is the motor of the golf club and flexes, or bends, during your swing. The degree of flex will depend primarily on how fast you swing the club.
There are five major flex ratings. They are L, A, R, S and XS. The definition for each is Ladies (L), Senior (A), Regular (R), Stiff (S), and Extra Stiff (XS). Normally, R or S will work for the average male golfer.
Some Guidelines
• How far do you hit your driver? Here are some guidelines:
250 yards or more – Stiff
230-250 yards – Regular
200-230 yards – Senior
Less than 200 yards – Ladies.
Only the really big hitter is going to need Extra Stiff.
• For a very smooth swing, you can use a softer flex even if you swing fast. A swing that’s jerky near the top will probably require a stiffer shaft.
When The Flex Is Too Stiff
1. The ball will probably fly lower and shorter.
2. The ball tends to fly to the right, or fade side, for right-handed golfers.
When The Flex Isn’t Stiff Enough
1. The ball tends to fly higher.
2. The ball may tend to go left, or to the draw side , for a right-handed golfer.
The Best Methods to Choose Flex
Visit a local golf professional to get fitted for the proper flex. The pro will do several measurements, look at your swing, measure your swing speed, examine your ball flight and recommend the correct flex .
If you can’t afford a personal fitting, watch for demo days that the manufacturers will hold at courses and shops near you. At demo days, you can hit several types of clubs with different types of shafts. It’s best to hit many different clubs and watching the effect that changing shaft flex has on your shots. If you find a flex that feels good and produces a good ball flight, it’s probably right for you.
Online retailers that sell discount golf clubs and clone golf clubs will provide charts that may help in your shaft flex selection.
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