Does the golf shaft affect distance?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 08, 2026
A shorter shaft will be a little stiffer, again think of the lever analogy, but it can actually lead to increased distance as well as accuracy. Shorter clubs are easier to use so you will hit more shots out of the middle which means longer straighter drives.
Can a golf shaft increase distance?
A heavier shaft will only increase distance for the golfers that have high swing speeds. For golfers with slow swing speeds, a heavier shaft will decrease the distance. Hitting a golf ball far is all about ball speed.
Do regular shafts go further?
The accuracy of a shaft is determined by different factors including its type, material, and swing speed. If your swing speed is good, consider a stiff shaft to land your ball more accurately on the targeted area. The regular shaft may help in increased distance, but would you want to hit your ball inaccurately?
Does iron shaft affect distance?
Generally speaking, the faster you swing, the heavier the shaft you can handle. For people will slower swing speeds, a heavy shaft is going to slow your swing down and cost you distance. Since a heavy golf shaft weighs more, it also tends to help when it comes to accuracy.
Does shaft flex matter for distance?
Shaft flex letters are 'essentially irrelevant,' according to an expert club fitter. The stiffness of a R shaft will differ by company. Most golfers in the world know that shaft flex makes a difference to performance and feel in golf.
27 related questions foundWill I lose distance with a regular shaft?
If you have a good swing but your average distance is short, there is a problem with your shaft flex. If the shaft flex is too stiff, your average distance will remain low. If you are struggling with a slice, it is highly likely you are using stiff club shafts.
Will senior flex increase distance?
Regular shafts, when they can't hit the ball beyond 180 yards, need to be swapped with Senior shafts. This sort of lighter, softer flex in the shaft increases distance by an additional 15 to 20 yards easily.
Will a heavier shaft increase distance?
Heavy shafts tend to produce more distance, accuracy, and lower ball trajectory for a golfer with faster swing speeds.
Does a lighter shaft increase distance?
Using a lighter shaft allows more weight to be placed in the clubhead through adjustable weights, hotmelt, etc. without increasing the total weight of the club. This “redistribution” of shaft weight into the clubhead can be one of the last tweaks in a fitting that unlocks more distance off the tee.
Do graphite shafts increase distance?
Graphite shafts are lighter than steel shafts, resulting in an increase in swing speed and distance. This is particularly beneficial to players with slow swing tempos. Most golfers can realize an increase of at least 5 yards for each club.
When should I switch to regular flex shafts?
If you have a slower swing speed, you are probably going to want to choose regular shafted clubs because the additional flex will provide a little more power and accuracy. When you swing harder, the stiff flex will be more controlled and give you the punch you need to hit better shots.
What happens if shaft is not stiff enough?
When the golf ball is struck it will generally have too much spin if the shaft is too flexible, this will cause a 'ballooning' effect on the shot and it will tend to go quite high. You might have an inconsistent shot shape if the shaft is too flexible.
Is there a big difference between stiff and regular flex?
The regular flex golf shaft is more flexible and easier for slower swing speed golfers to swing than the stiff flex golf shaft. A stiff flex golf shaft creates more resistance in the swing of a golfer. Therefore when they attempt to hit the ball with a bit more speed, they can get the incredible distance.
Why am I losing distance with my irons?
It can often be the result of casting, but when the clubhead passes the hands too early, you add too much loft to the club and lose distance as a result.
Are lighter iron shafts better?
To optimize the swing speed, golfers with slower swing speeds and slow tempo should use lighter golf shafts. The contrary is correct for heavier shafts, which are better for faster swing speeds. Utilizing heavier shafts may improve accuracy, whilst lighter shafts can enhance total distance.
What happens if golf shaft is too light?
A shaft that's too heavy will cause a “labored golf swing.” A shaft that's too light will hurt your ability to make solid contact. When you find the right shaft weight, you'll experience a “high energy swing” with uniform contact.
How far should you hit a 7 iron?
A standard amateur golfer can hit a 7 iron from 128 yards to 158 yards. The lower range will be for women and senior golfers. To hit the ball over 150 yards in total distance with a 7 iron club, an amateur golfer will have to have a good swing and be physically fit.
What shaft weight should I use for my driver?
The shafts in the drivers of most golfers are probably in the 60 gram bracket. These shafts are light enough to help with speed yet heavy enough to give that feeling of more stability during the swing. This shaft weight will be beneficial to most golfers out there.
What weight shaft should I use in my irons?
In general, golfers with slower swing speed and tempo can and should play a lighter shaft. Golfers with very fast speeds and tempo should play heavier shafts. Driver shafts typically weigh 55-60 grams for men and 45-50 grams for ladies. Iron shafts can be as light as 55 grams in graphite, and 130 grams in steel.
How many grams should my shaft be?
The shafts in most drivers typically weigh between 40 grams and 85 grams. Shaft manufacturers will offer stiff and regular flex in nearly all weight classes while most light and ladies flex clubs will weigh no more than 55 or 60 grams, but could be as light as 40 grams.
What weight shaft does Bryson DeChambeau use?
According to Schomin, along with the 190-gram head, Bryson is using a 48-inch version of the LA Golf Axis Blue 60 X shaft he plays on the PGA TOUR.
Is a 70 gram driver shaft too heavy?
A 70-gram driver shaft is considered to be pretty heavy but not the heaviest. It falls into the middle but is still on the heavier side when you consider you could go with 50 or 60 grams instead.
Whats the difference between senior flex and regular flex?
Senior flex shafts are appropriate for golfers who swing between 75 and 90 mph and carry a driver about 180 to 200 yards. Regular flex shafts are designed for golfers who swing 90 to 100 mph and carry a driver about 200 to 240 yards.
How can senior golfers get more distance?
Close your stance, flare out your back foot
One way for senior golfers to improve their distance with the driver is to generate more turn or rotation in the swing – but that can sometimes be difficult for older players.
Is lite flex the same as Senior Flex?
A Senior flex shaft is generally a graphite shaft and they have a consistent light weight throughout the set. A Lite Flex is a combination of Regular and Senior flex. The shorter Irons (PW-7) and more towards Regular and slightly heavier, whereas the longer Irons (6-3) are more towards a Senior flex and lighter.