As our bodies age, they lose flexibility, muscle mass, and bone density. These are facts of life that, while they may be unwelcome, are facts nonetheless.
They are also the main reasons for the importance of one single, select attribute of all senior shaft golf clubs, and that is the flex ratings.
This short post will break that down.
Shaft Flex in Senior Shaft Golf Clubs: The Kingpin
Stiff shafts require a strong swing, and a fast one. That much is pretty much foregone when it comes to discussion of golf shafts.
If a player with a slow swing attempts to play with a shaft that’s just too stiff, it’s going to be frustrating.
Stiffer shafts also generally produce low-low profiles, meaning they produce little spin and hit the ball low off the tee.
As a result, the arc of ball flight is diminished. This is good for players with swing speeds that like to produce straight, penetrating drives.
For players that rely on a slightly parabolic arc to carry the ball the distance, not so much.
So, for senior players, who, for better or for worse, are dealing with progressively diminishing swing speeds, and less power, that’s not enjoyable.
This is why a more flexible golf shaft is more suitable as a senior golf shaft. The more flexible the shaft, the better it can load with energy through the swing sequence, and then release it.
Think of a golf shaft like a spring. The more flexible it is, the better it can store energy before releasing it at the moment of impact.
The more flexible a shaft is, the better it will store energy and then release it all at once. This will add a little boost to basically every swing.
Now, there’s a caveat. Players with fast swing speeds and tempos might feel as though more flexible shafts were too whippy.
Conversely, aging players might be frustrated by the “deadness” of stiffer shafts. In this industry as in elsewhere, different strokes are requisite for different folks.
And so, if you’re looking for senior shaft golf clubs, by and large, the shaft flex rating is the most important thing you should be looking at.
What Else Matters?
While shaft flex is likely the most important determination of suitability in a senior shaft golf club, you should also consider:
● Weight: Lighter is generally better as it is more conducive to producing a faster swing speed.
● Measurements: These are unique to each player.
● Torque and kick point
● Stability: shafts that resist ovaling are better because they tend to produce more consistent results.
Why Get Fitted Before Buying Senior Shaft Golf Club
If you or someone you know is looking for a new senior shaft golf club, get fitted before buying so you know what to look for. Most fitters will not only make personalized recommendations, they will relay information about your swing mechanics that you can then use to make smart purchases down the line.
