Switching from stiff shafts to regular?

[NevinW]

I'm 64, a 5 handicap and have been playing stiff shafts in everything since I was 16. I currently have stiff Aerofiber i95 stiff shafts in my irons and a Fubuki zt60 stuff shaft in my driver. That shaft has been with me for about 4 years, I've always been happy with it. After an extensive stretching regime my swing speed is now up to 95 mph average from 90 last fall (I was at 105 about 12 years ago). I'm carrying my driver about 220-230 but we aren't getting any roll due to soft conditions. 7 iron about 150. My flight is a mid to high draw with my bad miss being a hook. There isn't a club fitting facility within 100 miles of where I live.

My question is whether I have a reason to consider switching to regular shafts at this point. What would be likely to happen if I switched to a Fubuki regular shaft in my driver. Would I gain any distance? What would happen to my control. If I wander into a Golf Store, they always steer me to the regular shafts, is it time to listen?

[third-times-a-charm]

Would need to test it out. You may gain distance, but lose dispersion or exaggerate a miss tendency by going softer - or you may gain distance and all else stays the same. Depends on the player and shaft.

[Stuart_G]

First of all, realize that flex labels (stiff, reg, x-stiff, senior) are poor representation of the actual stiffness profile and feel. It's only really relevant in the context of changing stiffness for the exact same shaft model and weight (e.g. going to the i95 regular instead of stiff). So the any answer will only be valid if you only consider going down in flex for the same shafts you are already playing. If you want to try to move to a different shaft model, the answer may change.

As far as swing speed goes, from a purely physics standpoint, there is no inherent advantage to changing flex or any actual performance relationship between stiffness and swing speed. What that means is that if a robot were swinging the club, you would see the same swing speed regardless of stiffness for any swing speed or any stiffness.

But we are not robots. So what it really comes down to is 1) how well the actual feel of the shaft loading or unloading matches your particular expectations for how it should feel and 2) what happens to your swing when the feel is different from those expectations. And the answers are completely subjective.

So bottom line, if you want to find out how changing the flex will change the swing speed or any other aspect of the results, the only way to find out is to go demo the softer flex and see what happens. Just realize you need to pay attention to more than just swing speed. Other aspects of the results can be effected as well. Dispersion, shot shape, accuracy, launch/spin, etc... In general, if the current shaft/flex feels good to you, then it's unlikely you'll get any improvement - but even that's not a sure thing so it's still best to test it out.

 

[dbleag]

What is the biggest thing you hope to change with a shaft-flex switch?

To be longer, straighter, more consistent, easier, higher?

Answer that question and it will make your search/decision easier.

I am doing the same test with my equipment - I have a set of stiff shaft clubs (irons in Steelfiber 95S and woods/hybrid in stiff) and another set, nearly identical of regular flex clubs. I am 65 and have an upper 90's driver speed. When I compare both sets, I could play well with either one, provided I don't switch them every day. Getting used to the flex change can affect my timing/tempo. I'm also learning that I don't need 95g graphite shafts in my irons due to a medium to fast tempo.

Good luck with your search - if you can do a test similar to mine, many of your questions will be answered.

[RainShadow]

I went with a heavier, "softer" flex shaft in my driver with good results. HZRDUS Yellow 75 5.5. Tried the 6.0 but ar that weight I got better results w/ the 5.5 with out having to swing hard. I've considered going to a 63gm in the 5.5 just to see if I can pick up a little speed/distance, but I'm very happy with the current set up.

I'm almost 59 and have the same SS as you.

I play Steel Fiber 95 Regular flex in my irons. Got fit at Hot Stix in Phoenix. Love them

I still play stiff in my hybrids (80gm) and my fairways (70gm).

Since you can't get fit nearby, spend a little on ebay and try what you think you might like.

That's what I used to do when I lived in the sticks.....

[mjguzik]

Went from stiff to regular shaft this past year. It has made a big difference for me personally as I do not feel the need to "red line" my iron swing. No real loss in consistency. Keeping the stiff shafts in my woods as these work just fine. T o compare, 7 iron is 155 yds for a forced carry, driver is about 235-245yds.