Find your optimal shaft flex based on swing speed, ball flight, and tempo. Professional recommendations for all skill levels.
Our shaft flex calculator analyzes your swing speed, ball flight tendencies, and tempo to recommend the optimal shaft flex. Proper shaft fitting can improve distance, accuracy, and overall consistency with every club in your bag.
Use a launch monitor or estimate based on distance
Shaft flex is one of the most critical factors in club fitting, yet it's often misunderstood. The flex of your shaft determines how the club loads and releases energy during your swing, directly affecting ball flight, distance, and accuracy. Getting the right flex can transform your game.
Shaft flex refers to how much the shaft bends during the downswing and through impact. This bending stores and releases energy, affecting the clubface angle, launch angle, and spin rate at impact.
Ladies (L) Flex
Swing Speed: <75 mph - Most flexible, highest launch
Senior/Amateur (A) Flex
Swing Speed: 75-85 mph - Soft flex for moderate speeds
Regular (R) Flex
Swing Speed: 85-95 mph - Most common, balanced performance
Stiff (S) Flex
Swing Speed: 95-105 mph - Firm flex for faster speeds
Extra Stiff (X) Flex
Swing Speed: >105 mph - Firmest, for tour-level speeds
Softer flexes promote higher launch angles, while stiffer flexes produce lower, more penetrating ball flights.
Proper flex maximizes distance by optimizing energy transfer while maintaining directional control.
The right flex provides better feel and helps maintain consistent swing timing and rhythm.
Consider your swing tempo and transition speed, not just clubhead speed. Aggressive tempo may require stiffer flex even at moderate speeds.
Playing with the wrong shaft flex can significantly hurt your performance. Here are the telltale signs that your current shaft flex isn't optimized for your swing, and how the right flex can improve your game.
While swing speed is the primary factor in shaft flex selection, professional fitters consider multiple variables to optimize performance. Understanding these factors can help you make more informed equipment decisions.
Fast tempo or aggressive transition may require stiffer flex even with moderate swing speeds. Smooth tempo allows for more flexible shafts.
Early release benefits from stiffer flex, while late release (more lag) works better with softer flex to help square the clubface.
Steep angle of attack may need softer flex for better launch, while shallow attack angle works well with stiffer flex.
Professional analysis of swing speed, tempo, transition, release point, and attack angle using launch monitor technology.
Hit multiple shaft options to compare ball flight, feel, dispersion, and distance with consistent clubheads.
Adjust based on personal preferences for feel, ball flight, and performance goals. Consider different flex for driver vs. irons.
Professional fitting costs £100-200 but can dramatically improve performance and enjoyment. Many golfers see immediate improvements in distance and accuracy.