What is the difference between a regular shaft and a senior shaft?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 20, 2026
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.
Do senior golf shafts make a difference?
The whole charm of Senior shafts is that they're lightweight, flexible, and easier to launch. As for heavy, stiff shafts, these are better suited for golfers with an above-average or faster swing speed (over 95 mph). When your swing speed is higher, getting the golf ball to launch higher is no concern.
Will a senior shaft give me more distance?
Senior golfers can gain more distance by selecting a longer driver shaft. A longer driver shaft will provide you with more wider swing arc and help get more distance from your driver.
What does a senior flex shaft do?
Senior flex shafts allow the golfer to launch the golf ball easily into the air. The shaft also allows for the feel and control that golfers seek when striking the ball.
What is the advantage of a senior shaft?
The flexibility of a senior shaft does not only impact the swing speed and the speed of the club head. It will also impact the angle at which the club head contacts the golf ball. With a slower swing speed, a flexible shaft may be able to impart more clubhead speed which will then impact the ball's speed.
36 related questions foundWhats 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.
When should I switch to regular flex shafts?
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.
Who should use regular flex shafts?
Swing Speed
In general, golfers with a fast swing should use a stiff shaft and slowed swings should use a regular flex shaft. To check your swing speed a shot tracking device will be the most accurate method. Based on your swing speeds here are our recommendations: 80-95 mph swing speeds should use regular shafts.
How do you choose between stiff and regular flex?
Typically speaking, if your Driver swing speed is above 100 mph, you should use a stiff flex drivers. For those with swing speeds in the upper 80s and 90s, the regular shaft flex options makes more sense. Remember that the shaft flex you choose may be different in your irons than in your driver.
How far should a 70 year old man hit a golf ball?
A 70-year-old man should be hitting a driver anywhere from 180 to 190 yards. This number has grown a bit in the last few years with the introduction of improved driver and shaft technology. At 70 years old, some golfers are having no trouble getting the ball to fly 200 yards or more.
Will 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.
What is the average swing speed for a 75 year old golfer?
What is the average swing speed of a senior golfer? Anyone over 50 belongs to the senior golfer category. Unlike women, who, on average, have a maximum 60 mph swing speed, men usually have a minimum 75 mph swing speed, with 90 mph being their average.
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.
What is the average swing speed for a senior golfer?
What is the average swing speed of a senior golfer? According to a study done by My TPI, the average speed for 50-60 year old golfers is between 72-86 mph. For golfers above 60 years old, it's between 71-79mph.
Do pro golfers 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 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.
What happens if 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 far should a 65 year old man hit a golf ball?
The ranges are very wide, as you'd expect, with 25-year-old scratch players averaging 271 yards and 65-year-old 30 handicappers averaging 180. Check out the fascinating data in this video and below...
How far should a 60 year old man hit a 7 iron?
7-Iron Smart Distance
On average, each bracket loses four yards, with those who are 60+ have a 140-yard Smart Distance with their 7-iron. Even though the older age brackets are hitting it shorter, their approach shot handicaps are actually improving.
Are graphite golf shafts better for seniors?
Are graphite shafts better for seniors in golf? Yes, graphite shafts are the best choice for most seniors. As I mentioned, the shaft plays a major role in ball striking, consistency, and distance. The overwhelming majority of senior players would benefit from using a graphite shaft.
Is senior flex good for beginners?
Senior flex can be an excellent choice for beginners with slower swing speeds and can benefit from this type of technology.
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.
Does stiff vs regular shaft matter?
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.
Can a slower swing speed Use a stiff shaft?
Let's get into it. Stiffer shafts are not ideal for learners or for golfers with slower swing speeds. Stiff shafts are not forgiving and can frustrate recreational players and even experienced players with slower swing speeds. The stiffer the shaft, the more it requires you to do the work.