There’s one space of shopping for new golf golf equipment that almost all golfers nonetheless overlook: the shaft. There’s countless chatter about driver heads, new iron fashions, even grip choices, however the shaft? It not often will get the eye it deserves. Golf shafts are tough. There are a whole bunch of choices, complicated labels and little or no schooling.
Most golfers assume the shaft they’re given is “adequate.” In actuality, the flawed shaft can wreck your timing, value you distance and make good swings really feel like unhealthy ones. Listed here are six indicators your shaft flex is hurting your recreation.
1. You’re struggling to search out the middle of the face
If you happen to really feel such as you’re swinging properly however nonetheless lacking off the toe, heel, excessive or low, your shaft stands out as the subject. Consistency is tough in golf and whereas there may be at all times an opportunity your points are swing-related, a mismatch in flex, weight or kick level can throw off your timing and make it arduous to search out the candy spot.
If the shaft is:
- Too gentle? It could launch early and shut the face, resulting in heel strikes or hooks.
- Too stiff? It might delay the discharge, pushing the contact towards the toe.
- Kick level mismatch? Can alter dynamic loft and make the strike unpredictable.
Use impact tape or a launch monitor to trace your miss patterns. If you happen to discover it’s persistently in a single spot, chances are you’ll wish to have your shaft evaluated to verify it’s the most effective match. Attempting a couple of totally different shafts and monitoring the affect place might assist resolve the problem.
2. Your launch and spin numbers are method off
In case you are hitting golf photographs that journey straight up within the air or fly low and by no means attain peak top, your launch and spin numbers could also be impacting the ball flight.
Some indicators to observe for embrace:
- Too low: Shaft could also be too stiff or have a excessive kick level.
- Too excessive: Shaft could possibly be too gentle or have a low kick level.
- Extra spin: Probably from an early-releasing, soft-tipped shaft.
- Too little spin: Usually attributable to tip-stiff or heavy shafts.
The optimum launch angle for many drivers is between 12 and 15 levels. Relying on the swing pace, the perfect spin vary is normally between 2,000 and a pair of,800 rpm. Alter shaft flex and kick level based mostly in your current launch monitor information.
3. Your tempo doesn’t match the shaft
Tempo issues as a lot as swing pace. In case your transition and rhythm don’t match your shaft profile, you’ll battle with timing and consistency. A quick tempo with a gentle shaft makes the membership really feel prefer it lags.
Golfers who’ve a easy tempo however play with a stiff shaft will really feel like they should muscle the membership by the ball.
While you go for a becoming, take note of how the membership “masses” throughout your backswing. Heavier shafts may also help easy out fast transitions. Lighter shafts might really feel higher to gamers with easy and slower tempos.

4. You picked your shaft based mostly solely on the letter
Flex labels like “common” or “stiff” aren’t standardized throughout manufacturers. One firm’s “common” is likely to be one other’s “gentle stiff.” Letter designations don’t let you know something about weight, torque or kick level.
You should use clubhead pace as a information or place to begin however it’s not the total story
- 85–95 mph → Common
- 95–105 mph → Stiff
- 105+ mph → Additional Stiff
5. You misplaced distance after upgrading to a “newer, higher” driver
Have you ever misplaced distance after getting a brand new driver head? Was the ball pace impacted? The shaft could also be holding you again, not the brand new clubhead. Evaluate the burden and profile of your outdated shaft versus the brand new one.
You will have upgraded the motive force head however ended up with a shaft that’s not a match in your recreation.
New driver head, similar or decrease ball pace? It is likely to be the shaft holding you again, not the clubhead.
Becoming is important to guarantee the pinnacle and shaft work collectively successfully.

6. It simply feels off
Really feel is suggestions. If the shaft feels too gentle, too stiff or prefer it takes effort to swing, belief that intuition. Strive totally different weight/flex mixtures with related clubheads. Don’t assume “heavier means higher” or “lighter means sooner.” Take a look at each and see what the numbers present.
Ask a fitter to point out you profiles with totally different kick factors to see how the texture adjustments.
Last ideas
If you happen to’ve been grinding away at your swing however nothing feels fairly proper, your shaft could also be the issue. The flawed flex, weight or kick level could cause timing points, launch issues and inconsistent strikes even when your swing is ok.
A top quality becoming (with the fitting instruments and a educated fitter) may also help you get dialed in with a shaft that enhances your swing and helps you play your finest golf.
The submit 6 Signs Your Shaft Flex Is Hurting Your Game appeared first on MyGolfSpy.