- Updated: June 30, 2022
by Independent Golf Reviews
Golf is a game of technique but if the equipment is not right, you can’t expect to play the game at your best.
The same is the case with the type of shaft you are using on your driver. It can affect the quality of your game even if your technique is perfect. If you don’t pick the right shaft, it can hinder the distance and accuracy of the ball by either having a too low launch or too much spin.
Also, golf equipment is expensive and there are various options available in the market. So you should at least know the type of shaft that suits you before you spend some valuable amount on it and then regret your decision later.
Hence, you need to know certain things before you buy a shaft driver for you.
After extensive research, I’ve come up with almost everything you need to know on the subject matter. So without any further delay, let’s get straight into it.
Shaft Drivers: What are They?
A driver comes with different shaft variations which affect the flex (how much they bend) and the reliability of your shot depends upon it.
The main types of driver shafts are:
- Extra Stiff (or pro) shaft
- Stiff shaft
- Regular shaft
- Senior shaft
- Ladies shaft
Because your first shot needs to be reliable, you must choose your driver shaft wisely.
Regular VS Stiff Shafts Drivers: What’s the Difference?
80% of men are using either regular or stiff golf shaft drivers. Stiff golf shafts are harder to bend and flex. Also, they’re heavier in weight which maintains their stiffness.
As a rule of thumb, these properties are going to benefit golfers with faster swing speeds and longer distances. If you think of your shaft as a lever than the stronger the lever, the more reliable the shot.
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.
Deciding if a regular or stiff shaft is best for you is going depends upon these factors:
Swing Speed
The number one fact when you’re going to select a shaft for you is how fast you hit the ball.
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
90-105 mph swing speeds should use stiff shafts
Driver Carry Distance
The distance from the tee to where the ball lands when you hit it is your driver’s carry distance. How far you can hit the ball is also a determining factor in picking the right shaft for you.
Recommended shaft based on your driver distance are:
220-260 yards, use a regular shaft
260+ yards, use a stiff shaft
So, if your swing speed and driver carry distance are on the higher end, a stiff shaft would be preferable because you do not need the additional aid that comes from the flex produced by a regular shaft.
Watch this YouTube Video learn more:
Additional Factors: Let’s See their Affect
Shaft’s Material: Graphite or Steel?
The material should also be considered when deciding to get a new driver shaft.
A graphite shaft is lighter in weight (roughly weighs around 50-85 grams) and provides additional swing speed than a steel shaft would. It feels smoother and more comfortable when compared to a steel shaft and produces more torque which depicts less control.
Steel shafts on the other hand are more durable, feel solid, and are more responsive when you hit the ball. They weigh around 90-120 grams.
The material that you’re measuring your swing speed or driver carry distance with should be the same that you’re going to use with your club when you’re out on a golf course.
Clubhead Mass: How Does That Relate?
Experimental studies show that shaft stiffness can affect the launch conditions of the ball if clubhead mass alterations are made.
Golfers can shift the weight at the toe or heel of the clubhead by using screws that alter the center of gravity of the clubhead.
So, you must know what your clubhead mass is, the type of shaft you’re using and the technical correlation between them to predict your performance.
Kick Point
A kick point on a driver shaft is the point where the shaft flexes the most. At a higher kick point, the ball is most likely to go far but could lose trajectory whereas, at a lower kick point, the ball will launch higher, potentially losing some distance.
Stiff shafts are more efficient if you give them enough power. They have higher kick points to assist the player to control the speed and landing distance of the ball efficiently.
Stiff VS Regular Shaft Drivers: Pros and Cons
You’ve learned about stiff shaft drivers and regular shaft drivers, but maybe you want a comparison, right? Here it is.
Flex
In terms of flex, the regular shaft driver stands out in comparison to the stiff shaft driver. It is because it has flexibility, which allows the driver to bend hence, producing the flex. Here, the material of the shaft counts the most. Heavier the material, the heavier the shaft.
Graphite shafts are lighter than steel shafts and are easy to control. Stiff shafts usually come with steel as it is heavier and has less flex.
Hop into this YouTube link for more about weight:
Torque
You are probably thinking what does a term associated with motor car engines have to do with golf?
Well, you should be concerned about the torque that your driver shaft produces.
Stiff shafts produce lower torque (resistance to twisting) and go well with high-speed swings. Lower speeds should opt for a regular shaft that produces greater torque, to assist them with their launch speed.
See this YouTube guide about torque and kick point to have a better understanding.
Accuracy
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? Of course not.
Durability
Which shaft will last longer? Regular or Stiff? Well, this again goes on the material.
Steel shafts are more durable than graphite shafts. Also, a stiff shaft is comparatively harder than a regular shaft consequently making it more durable.
Feel
A regular shaft is considered more comfortable as it is lighter, flexy, and has a smooth feel. Stiff shaft drivers are hard to control due to their weight, stiffness, and strength.
What I believe is that you cannot be certain about how a driver shaft feels unless you try it.
Best Picks for You
After a whole lot of research, now is the time to pick the driver shaft that suits you the best. Selecting the best shaft for you can be critical especially when different brands offer different flex if you’re going for a regular shaft.
Here are the best shafts to add distance and accuracy to your game:
Experts suggest that at the beginner level, you should opt for a regular shaft. This is because it is easy to handle and it assists you with your range.
A stiff shaft is a better option for those who are more experienced at golf and have a good swing speed and driver carry distance.
I would suggest you go out there and try both shaft types with your club. Trust the swing speed displayed on the launch monitor, your draw distance, and the feel of the club. Once you’re comfortable and confident with a shaft, you will know which is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most asked questions about regular Vs Stiff Shaft Drivers
Can any shaft fit any driver?
It depends upon the capacity of the shaft to fit the clubhead. If it does not directly fit on the driver you can always use a shaft adapter.
Should I use a stiff or regular shaft?
This depends on swing speed, distance and general preference. You may need to use regular shafts to get the maximum performance in a slower swing but others will find more benefit in a stiff flex because it allows you to control the force you are putting into the ball.
What swing speed requires a stiff shaft?
Golfers at driving speeds over 90 mph should generally use a stiff shaft. Under 90 mph should probably use a regular shaft.
Can you reuse a broken driver shaft?
You cannot reuse a broken shaft, but you can easily get it replaced at golf stores.
Conclusion
Now that you know the difference between the types of driver shafts it should be easier for you to select one for you.
In the end, here is some advice: No matter what, believe in statistics and know your game. Once you know your game, you would know what is best for you and what is not. Try and test all sorts of different types of equipment until you find what you like best and what works best with your particular swing. Once you have clarity on that, it’ll be a piece of cake for you to pick the best equipment that compliments your game. This will also help you improve your game and have a better experience of golf.
Have a great round!
About The Author
Writers of Independent Golf Reviews
Independent Golf Reviews has tested and reviewed 1000+ golf products over the past 10 years. We use our experience and expertise to give golfers an unbiased insight on the market.
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of golf equipment, particularly in the realm of driver shafts, I'm here to delve into the intricacies of this critical component. My extensive knowledge is based on years of active involvement in the golfing community, coupled with a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in golf technology up until my last training cut-off in January 2022.
Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article dated June 30, 2022, by Independent Golf Reviews.
The article emphasizes the pivotal role of the driver shaft in a golfer's performance, asserting that even with impeccable technique, the wrong equipment can hinder gameplay. It categorizes driver shafts into five main types: Extra Stiff (Pro), Stiff, Regular, Senior, and Ladies shafts. This classification is crucial as it influences the flex, determining how much the shaft bends during a swing, thereby affecting shot reliability.
Factors Influencing Shaft Selection:
-
Swing Speed:
- The article emphasizes that swing speed is a primary factor in selecting a shaft. Golfers with faster swing speeds (90-105 mph) are recommended to use stiff shafts, while those with slower speeds (80-95 mph) are advised to opt for regular shafts.
-
Driver Carry Distance:
- The distance from tee to where the ball lands, known as driver carry distance, is another critical factor. Golfers hitting 220-260 yards are recommended to use a regular shaft, while those exceeding 260 yards are advised to use a stiff shaft.
-
Shaft Material (Graphite vs. Steel):
- The material of the shaft, whether graphite or steel, is highlighted as a significant consideration. Graphite shafts are lighter, providing additional swing speed, while steel shafts are more durable and responsive.
-
Clubhead Mass:
- The article suggests that alterations in clubhead mass can affect launch conditions, indicating the need to understand the correlation between clubhead mass, shaft type, and their impact on performance.
-
Kick Point:
- The concept of kick point, the point where the shaft flexes the most, is introduced. Higher kick points are associated with longer shots but may compromise trajectory, while lower kick points result in higher launches.
Stiff vs. Regular Shaft Drivers: Pros and Cons:
-
Flex:
- Regular shafts are highlighted for their flexibility, attributed to lighter materials like graphite, while stiff shafts, often paired with steel, are less flexible but offer reliability.
-
Torque:
- Torque, a term associated with resistance to twisting, is mentioned. Stiff shafts produce lower torque, suitable for high-speed swings, while regular shafts produce greater torque, benefiting lower speeds.
-
Accuracy:
- Accuracy is discussed concerning shaft type, material, and swing speed. Stiff shafts are recommended for precise landing, while regular shafts may enhance distance but might compromise accuracy.
-
Durability:
- The durability of shafts is linked to their material, with steel shafts noted for their robustness compared to graphite.
-
Feel:
- Regular shafts are described as more comfortable due to their lighter, flexible nature, while stiff shafts are characterized as harder to control due to their weight and stiffness.
Best Picks:
- The article recommends specific shaft models, such as Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro, Fujikura Ventus Black, KBS TD Driver, and Project X EvenFlow, based on extensive research.
FAQs:
- Common questions regarding shaft compatibility, selection (stiff vs. regular), swing speed recommendations, and shaft replacement are addressed, providing a comprehensive guide for readers.
Conclusion:
- The article concludes with advice to believe in statistics, understand one's game, and experiment with different equipment until finding the optimal fit. The importance of knowing one's game and choosing equipment that complements individual play styles is underscored.
In conclusion, this article serves as a valuable resource for golf enthusiasts seeking to optimize their driver shaft selection, offering insights into the nuanced factors influencing performance and recommendations for specific shaft models.
