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Golf
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What is Shaft Flex? Golf Club Flexibility Explained
Shaft flex refers to how much a golf shaft bends during the swing, rated from Ladies through Extra Stiff, and should match your swing speed.
Shaft flex refers to the amount a golf shaft bends during the swing, rated from Ladies (most flexible) through Regular, Stiff, to Extra Stiff (least flexible), and should match your swing speed for optimal performance.
Shaft Flex Categories
| Flex | Code | Swing Speed (Driver) | Typical Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ladies | L | Under 60 mph | Most women, senior women |
| Senior | A | 60-75 mph | Senior men, some women |
| Regular | R | 75-95 mph | Average male golfer |
| Stiff | S | 95-110 mph | Athletic, experienced players |
| Extra Stiff | X | 110+ mph | Tour pros, long drivers |
Why Flex Matters
The wrong shaft flex affects your ball flight:
- Too stiff: Ball flies low and right (for right-handers), feels dead at impact
- Too flexible: Ball flies high and left, inconsistent timing, hooks
Finding Your Ideal Flex
The most accurate method is measuring your driver swing speed with a launch monitor. As a rough guide:
- Driver carry distance 180-210 yards: Regular flex
- Driver carry distance 210-240 yards: Stiff flex
- Driver carry distance 240+ yards: Extra stiff
Related Resources
- Golf Shaft Flex Calculator - Find your ideal flex
- What Shaft Flex Do I Need? - Complete guide
- Driver Distance by Swing Speed - Distance charts