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Is there much difference between regular and stiff shafts?

Author

Daniel Moore

Published Jan 24, 2026

What's the difference between regular and stiff shafts? A stiff shaft is firmer and harder to bend than a regular shaft, and so more often than not, they're also heavier in weight. As a rough rule of thumb, the more speed you generate, the stiffer your shafts should be.

Does regular vs stiff shaft make a difference?

Regular shafts are more flexible compared to stiff shafts. They're also a little lighter in weight which means they're going to flex more. This flex produced by regular shafts can benefit when you're hitting the ball at a slower swing speed.

Will I lose distance with a stiff shaft?

If the shaft flex is too stiff, your average distance will remain low.

Will a regular shaft increase distance?

If you use a 6- or 7-iron to hit that 150 yard shot then a regular shaft will be the best for your game. By using a shaft-flex that is right for you, the club will work better and you will gain distance with much less effort.

What flex shaft does Tiger Woods use?

He currently uses a 60-gram Diamana D+ driver shaft in his TaylorMade M5 driver.

41 related questions found

Do pro golfers use stiff or regular shafts?

Most PGA Tour pros will use stiff or extra stiff in their shafts. It is rare to find someone swinging a regular shaft with the amount of swing speed those guys have.

Is Stiff flex good for beginners?

Beginners may acquire clubs from friends or family and not consider the flex of their shafts. Shaft options include senior, ladies, regular, firm, stiff, x-stiff. Length – shafts can be cut different lengths – for most beginners, standard length is fine, unless you are an abnormal height.

When should I switch from stiff to regular?

If you're between 97 and 104 mph with the driver, you need a stiff flex. Regular – Now we are getting into the range where a majority of recreational golfers fall, and also where many LPGA pros fall. If you're between 84 and 96 mph, regular is going to be best for you.

What is better stiff or 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.

What happens if a shaft is too stiff?

If your driver's shaft is too stiff, the clubhead may not square with the ball at the point of impact, causing slices and fades. If you can't feel the weight of the clubhead loading through the shaft, it's probably too stiff, and can cause errors and issues associated with accuracy such as these.

Do any PGA players use regular flex shafts?

Kramer's 2006 “Golf Magazine” article cites a survey showing that just 2 percent of PGA Tour players and 10 percent of PGA Champions Tour players used regular flex shafts in their irons. He also notes that PGA Tour swing speeds average 110 mph, so the players favor a stiffer shaft to better control the club.

Are regular or stiff irons better?

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.

How do I know what flex shaft to use?

Some General Guidelines About Shaft Flex

  1. Take a look at the distance you hit your driver. ...
  2. If you have a very smooth swing, you might benefit from a softer flex even if you swing fast. ...
  3. If your drives go left, you might benefit from a stiffer flex; if your drives go right, you might benefit from a softer flex.

Should a high handicapper use a stiff shaft?

Designated as "S" on the flex chart, stiff shafts are recommended for golfers who regularly drive the ball 240 to 260 yards and have a swing speed 84 to 93 mph. Stiff shafts are appropriate for men with single-digit handicaps as well as some with handicaps 10 to 15 who have high clubhead speed.

How fast should you swing a 7 iron?

An average golfer will swing a seven iron about 75 mph. This number can change based on the weight of the club and if it is steel or graphite. The faster you swing a seven iron, the further it will go. If you can swing at about 85 mph, you will see distances closer to 165 yards.

Are all steel shafts stiff?

Steel shafts, which are heavier than graphite, are stiff and less forgiving than graphite. According to Golf.com, graphite shafts are lighter and can help increase swing speed. Selecting the right flex for your shaft is key to good ball striking.

What happens if your golf shaft is too flexible?

Having a shaft that is too flexible can also cause the ball to hook uncontrollably, because the shaft bends incorrectly, it will come through with a closed clubface causing the ball to go left, this is because the shaft can't handle your swing speed, and the head is rotating too much.

How can I tell my swing speed?

Divide the ball speed by 1.5 to get the estimated swing speed for your drive. Alternatively, you can divide the carry distance by 2.3 to estimate the swing speed at impact, but the result will not be as accurate.

What shaft weight should I use?

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.

Does shaft flex affect slice?

When the clubhead gets to the ball, the shaft won't unload properly and the face will remain slightly open, causing a slice. Other swing problems also can cause a slice, of course, but shafts that are too stiff can make the problem worse.

What shaft pros use?

True Temper's Dynamic Golf steel shaft has been the most popular shaft on the PGA Tour, and according to the True Temper website, 90 percent of golfers in any particular tournament play True Temper shafts.

What shaft does DeChambeau use?

DeChambeau's driver is Cobra's King Speedzone with an L.A. Golf prototype shaft made just for DeChambeau. The loft is 5.5 degrees—similar to what most long-drive competitors use.

Are all regular shafts the same flex?

Here is one point that is extremely important to understand – there are absolutely no standards when it comes to shaft flex. One company's “stiff” might be another company's “regular.” They all have different profiles.

How much do golf shafts matter?

Some manufacturers emphasize the importance of an individual's game: Heavier shafts may be better for control, while lighter shafts may help with distance. At the same time, a short swing can produce the same speed as a long one if the shaft weight is better for the individual golfer's swing.

What happens if your iron shafts are too soft?

It also will be hard to square the clubhead at impact, meaning you will have a tendency to hit your shots to the right. "Play the most flexible shaft you can control," said Scott Hennessey, president of True Temper shafts. "If it's too soft, you'll spray the ball all over the place."