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How To Choose The Right Shaft Flex For Your Golf Clubs
from: Jack MoorehouseAll low handicappers and golfers who are serious about shooting
the lowest scores possible consider flex in their clubs. It
makes the science of hitting the ball so much easier, which
translates to more enjoyment on the course. Now, when I say
"flex", I am referring to the ability of a golf shaft to bend as
forces are applied to it during the golf swing. Just go ahead
and "waggle" your club a little and see how much the shaft bends
and you will get an idea of what "flex" is. There are five basic
categories or types of shaft flex:
1. Extra Stiff 2. Stiff 3. Regular 4. Senior 5. Ladies Why is
the flex in your shaft important? Well, when you have a flex
that doesn't match the needs of your swing, the result is the
clubface being misaligned at impact, causing your shots to go
off-target. Not good. To be more specific, your flex will impact
how straight you hit the ball, how high or low it goes and how
long or short it travels. Keep in mind one very important thing
about the shaft of your club and its flex. As the shaft flexes
throughout the swing, the position of the clubhead will change.
This means you need a shaft that will properly match your swing
type and speed so that it can deliver the clubface back to a
square position at impact. For example, if the flex of your
clubs is too stiff, the clubface will tend to be open, sending
the ball in a slicing direction. Or, if you have clubs with a
shaft flex that is not very stiff, the clubhead will be tend to
be closed at impact, resulting in a hook. Choose Your Flex Type
I always am experimenting with different shafts and flex types
because I know that if my swing is on plane and accurate, my
shaft flex type can be adversely affecting my results.
Here's what I do: * Your driver will be your best gauge on which
flex you need. Not 100% accurate but the best club to use for
this purpose. If you can carry you driver 250 yards or more, go
with Stiff; 230-250 yards, Regular; 200-230 yards, Senior; less
than 200 yards, Ladies. What about Extra Stiff? I can count the
number of people on one hand that actually need or use an Extra
Stiff shaft. Only guys like John Daily and Long Drive Champions
need that type. * If shots with your driver tend to go left, you
might benefit from a stiffer flex; if your drives go right, you
might benefit from a softer flex.
* If you know (or have been told) you have a very smooth swing,
you might benefit from a softer flex even if you swing very
fast. Further, if you have a swing that gets jerky at the top,
especially starting the downswing, you'll probably need a
stiffer shaft. The Best (and most accurate way) to Choose Flex
Type If you are not comfortable determining which flex you
should choose on your own, go see your local pro at the course
you play at or your driving range. This will take a lot of the
guesswork out of the equation.
A good pro will take a lot of measurements, watch your swing,
measure your swing speed, watch your ball flight and be able to
tell you with certainty which flex is right for you. What you
want to do is to experiment by hitting lots of different clubs
and watching the effects on your shots of changing shaft flex.
If you find a flex that feels good and produces a good ball
flight, there's a good chance that's the right flex for you.
And lastly, here's the best advice I can give on choosing flex.
Most high-handicappers (especially men) tend to over-swing. If
this describes you (and you know who you are), you should
consider a softer flex to help you slow your swing down. Slowing
down the swing will certainly produce more accurate shots and
better distance control.
About the author:
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book
Like The Pros!"." He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man
that has helped thousands of golfers lower their handicaps
without quitting their day jobs.
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