You’ll have several factors to consider when choosing golf clubs . The most important factor is the shaft flex of the golf clubs you’ve selected. If the flex choice is not right, you probably will not hit good shots .

So, first you should study shaft flex to be able to choose the perfect shaft that fits your swing. The shaft is the motor of the golf club and will flex during your swing. The amount of flex depends on how fast you swing the club.

There are five major flex ratings. They are L, A, R, S and XS. The definition for each is Ladies (L), Senior (A), Regular (R), Stiff (S), and Extra Stiff (XS). Normally, R or S will work for the average male golfer.

Some Guidelines

• How far do you hit your driver? Here are some guidelines:

250 yards or more – Stiff

230-250 yards – Regular

200-230 yards – Senior

Less than 200 yards – Ladies.

Only the really big hitter is going to need Extra Stiff.

• For a very smooth swing, you can use a softer flex even if you swing fast. A swing that’s jerky near the top will probably require a stiffer shaft.

When The Flex Is Too Stiff

1. The ball flies lower and shorter.

2. The ball may tend to go to the right, or fade side, for right-handed golfers.

When The Flex Isn’t Stiff Enough

1. The ball might fly higher.

2. The ball may tend to go left, or to the draw side , for a right-handed golfer.

The Best Methods to Choose Flex

Visit a local golf professional to get fitted for the proper flex. The pro will do several measurements, consider your swing, measure your swing speed, look at your ball flight and make a recommendation of the proper flex for you .

If you can’t afford a personal fitting, look for demo days that the manufacturers will hold at courses and shops near you. At demo days, you can hit several types of clubs with different types of shafts. It’s best to hit many different clubs and watching the effect that changing shaft flex has on your shots. If you find a flex that feels good and produces a good ball flight, it’s probably right for you.

Online retailers that sell discount golf clubs and clone golf clubs will provide charts that may help in your shaft flex selection.

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