Should My Golf Clubs Have Regular Or Stiff Shafts?

Around 80% of golfers are suited to either regular or stiff shafts and getting the flex right to suit your swing is one of the most important choices you have to make when buying new clubs.

If you choose a shaft that is overly flexible, and too light, you'll have too much power for the club. You'll miss shots high and left and the club will be out of control through the swing.

What Happens If A Golf Shaft Is Too Stiff?

Opting for a shaft that is too stiff and heavy for your game will make you swing more slowly and miss more shots low and right - that's because you'll struggle to bring the face back square at impact.

To make the right decision when it comes to swing flex, you have to make an honest appraisal of your game. What is your bad miss? What is the weakness of your game and could the flex of your shafts be to blame?

What's the difference between regular and stiff shafts?

A stiff shaft is firmer and harder to bend than a regular shaft. Generally, they also weigh more than a regular shaft.

As a rough guide, the more speed you generate through your swing, the stiffer your shafts need to be. That is not to say that only players with a quick tempo should use stiff shafts. Players who swing slowly but accelerate hard through the ball can generate significant lag and power and will benefit from using stiffer shafts in their clubs.

The distance you hit the ball gives a good indication of what shafts you should be using. Those who naturally hit the ball a long way tend to benefit from having stiffer shafts in their clubs. Shorter hitters will get more out of a regular shaft as these will flex more and help create speed through impact. Organise a fitting with a qualified PGA professional to get more of an understanding of your personal requirements.

In the end, the objective when selecting shafts is to match your swing with the correct shaft flex, thereby maximising distance whilst maintaining optimum control. One of the often forgotten fundamentals of golf is how many rather than how. Don't be too proud to opt for a regular or lightweight shaft if that is going to deliver improved performance. What does the shaft spec of your club matter if you're hitting it further and straighter?!

What is kick point in a golf shaft?

The kick point is where the shaft flexes the most. A club with a high kick point will generally produce a lower trajectory. This will help players who lose distance from a higher, spinnier flight. A low kick point in a shaft, on the other hand, will launch the ball higher. 

Stiffer shafts need more power or a more efficient action to perform at an optimum level. Stiff shafts will usually have a higher kick point as they're generally used by better players who are looking to control their ball flight, rather than get the ball up in the air.

Should I Use Graphite Or Steel Shafts?

This is a question that really relates to your irons, as your woods and driver will almost certainly have graphite shafts. Generally speaking, graphite shafts are slightly lighter than steel ones and that will help those with slower swings gain distance. A lighter graphite shaft will help some golfers improve their ball flight and gain yardage. It's worth asking about graphite shafts if you go for a fitting and are looking to gain distance and forgiveness.

What happens if you use a stiff shaft with a slow swing?

If you use a stiff shaft with a slow swing, you will not get the most from your shots.

You need to work out which shaft will be best for your swing and your game - stiff or regular. There are a few ways you can work this out. You could test both stiff and regular shafts side-by-side on a driving range or out on the course. Take a look at the typical ball flights with each. You should notice a difference, plus feel a difference through swing and strike. Then you can decide which one is working best in terms of both distance and accuracy.

Measuring your swing speed on a launch monitor is a useful exercise. Book a session with a professional and they will be able to advise you on what shafts will help you get the most from your game.

Really, the best way to find your ideal flex is to go for a custom fitting session. In one of those, you'll be able to try various shafts with varying flexes and weights to see which delivers the best results. Launch monitor data will give you definitive evidence of which shaft is right for you.