getting the right flex in shafts

Question
I have hit steal stiff shaft clubs since I started playing golf 15 years ago. I have learned to swing more smoothly and I have not lost distance. Recently I have tried graphite shafts that were a regular flex. Although I hit the ball well I found I didn't have to work as hard. I am presently looking at going back to still shafts. I hit a five iron from 180-190 yards with steal shafts. Would I benefit from swinging regular flex steal shaft irons.

Answer
Hi Hilton,

Today's graphite shafts don't twist as much as yesterday's, meaning that they can perform about as well as steel shafts. Because of their lighter weight, however, more of the total club's weight is in the head which can result in greater club head speed and thus more distance. This all depends on how the distribution of mass matches your own golf swing.

Since you already hit the ball plenty far enough, distance is not a factor. I would go with what feels best and what you can control the best.

If the graphite clubs feel better and you get better results, like more consistent distance control, I'd go with the graphite. Keep track of your shot dispersion statistics with each one and compare. See http://probablegolfinstruction.com/golf-shot-pattern.htm
for more.


Hope this helps.

Best regards,
Ken Tannar