Senior Flex Vs. Regular Flex – Must-Know Differences
A golf club’s shaft is a critical component because it greatly influences the flight and distance of your golf shots. Let’s take a closer look at the two most common golf shaft types – Senior flex and regular flex.
Beginners and senior golfers alike can benefit from using senior golf shafts, while regular flex shafts are best suited for those with a powerful swing.
We will here compare and analyze the two most commonly used shafts – senior flex vs. regular flex to help you choose the right shaft for your swing and improve your game.
Senior flex vs regular flex – The difference
Choosing between a senior flex and a regular flex golf club can be difficult for amateur golfers.
Here are the main differences between the two:
1. The flexibility of the shaft
The flexibility of the shaft is defined by the degree the shaft bends during the golf swing. The primary difference between the two types of shafts is their stiffness.
Senior flex shafts have a more flexible shaft than regular flex shafts. This means they absorb more of the force in your swing and allow you to generate more trajectory with less effort.
However, this can also lead to lower accuracy and shorter distances.
On the other hand, regular flex shafts are much stiffer than senior flex shafts. They absorb less of the force from your swing, giving you more accuracy and distance but at the cost of needing more effort to achieve the same trajectory.
2. The strength of the golfer
Although age doesn’t make a huge difference in the strength of a golfer, it can still influence which flex shaft is best for you.
Senior golf shafts are typically recommended for beginner or senior golfers who have weaker swings and need more help to generate distance and trajectory. Moreover, the senior flex golf shaft is lightweight, making it a great choice for seniors.
Regular flex shafts are better for golfers with a stronger swing and can generate more force.
3. The swing speed
The golfer’s swing speed is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing between a senior flex and a regular flex shaft.
The regular flex golf shafts are typically made for swing speeds in the 80-95 mph range.
A senior flex golf shaft is suitable for golfers with slower swing speeds between 75-85 mph.
Tip: Utilizing the driver speed is the most widely-accepted approach to club fittings. While there are methods that estimate speeds from other clubs, using a driver will provide more accurate results.
4. The distance
Another way to figure out the ideal golf shaft flex is by evaluating your current distance off the tee.
If your driver distance is 180-200 yards, a senior flex shaft is the best for you. A regular flex shaft is suitable for golfers with a driving distance of 230-250 yards.
Furthermore, factor in how far you can hit your irons. A senior shaft is suitable if you can hit more than 135 yards with a 7-iron.
High-handicap male golfers should opt for a regular shaft as this flex is one of the most popular and forgiving.
5. The accuracy
A flexible shaft might give you more club head speed and distance. However, it can also lead to decreased accuracy.
Conversely, a stiffer shaft will generate less torque and improve accuracy but may cost you the distance.
Read more: Stiff Vs. Regular Flex
Other characteristics of the club shaft that impact the game
Here are some shaft characteristics you must consider before choosing the flex for you.
1. Material
Different materials are used to make golf shafts, such as steel, graphite, and titanium.
Steel shafts are typically heavier and firmer than graphite and titanium shafts. Graphite shafts, on the other hand, are lighter and have the added benefit of reduced vibration on impact.
Similar to graphite, titanium is lighter than steel and can help you increase your swing speed.
At times a regular steel shaft can only give seniors a 130. However, switching to a graphite shaft can give them a 140.
Graphite shafts tend to travel further, but they are not entirely as accurate.
On the other hand, golf clubs made with steel are heavier and have a stiff shaft that may cost you a few yards, but they are easier to control.
Most often, senior shafts are made of graphite as they are lighter and help seniors get the ball flight and the distance.
However, if you are a golfer working on your control, a steel shaft will help you with it.
Read More: Graphite vs. Steel Shaft
2. Kick point
A golf shaft’s kick point is where the shaft starts to flex during your swing.
Low kick-point shafts have a higher launch angle, and high kick-point shafts provide a lower launch angle.
Seniors should ideally select a shaft with a low kick point. This will help them launch the golf ball higher on the tee and give a better ball flight as the shaft bend is closer to the club head.
Conclusion
Before making a choice, golfers should consider several differences between a regular golf shaft and a senior golf shaft. Remember to consider your swing speed, driving distance, and accuracy when selecting the right shaft for you. Additionally, the material and kick point of the shaft are also important characteristics to consider when selecting the right shaft.
