Golf shaft flex chart
Which flex suits your swing? Find your driver swing speed or distance below, then see today's used drivers, woods and irons in that flex.
| Flex | Driver swing speed | Driver distance | Usually suits | Used drivers today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ladies (L) | Under 70 mph | Under 180 yds | Most lady golfers and slower swingers | 15 (0%) |
| Senior (A) (A) | 70–80 mph | 180–210 yds | Seniors and steady, smooth swingers | 202 (6%) |
| Regular (R) | 80–95 mph | 210–240 yds | Most club golfers | 1,199 (33%) |
| Stiff (S) | 95–110 mph | 240–275 yds | Strong, fast swingers and low handicaps | 1,829 (50%) |
| Extra stiff (X) | Over 110 mph | Over 275 yds | Very fast swingers and tour players | 418 (11%) |
Distances are carry plus roll with a driver. Flex ratings vary between brands and shafts, so treat this as a starting point.
Questions
What shaft flex do I need?
Go by your driver swing speed if you know it (a launch monitor or fitting will tell you), or by how far you hit your driver. Most club golfers are regular flex. Stiff only helps once you swing over about 95mph; too stiff a shaft costs height and distance and tends to push the ball right (for a right-hander).
What happens if my shaft is too stiff or too soft?
Too stiff: a lower flight, less distance and shots that leak right, and the club feels "boardy". Too soft: a higher, spinny flight, shots that hook left, and less control. Between two flexes, the softer is usually the safer choice for club golfers.
What do the letters on a shaft mean?
L is ladies, A (or M, or "senior") is the softest men's flex, R is regular, S is stiff and X is extra stiff. Japanese shafts often use SR (stiff-regular) between R and S. Numbers like 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5 (Project X) are roughly R, S and X.
Is flex the same across brands?
No. One brand's stiff can play like another's regular, and the shaft's weight and kick point matter too. Use the chart as a starting point, and try before you buy if you can.