The Importance of Shaft Flex and How it Impacts...

If you've ever hit a shot that felt perfect off the clubface but still veered off into the trees, the problem might not be your swing - it could be your shaft flex.

Flex is one of the most overlooked factors in golf performance. While many golfers obsess over clubhead design, loft, or ball choice, they ignore the one thing that connects their swing to the ball - the shaft. Get the flex right, and your shots become smoother, straighter, and more consistent.

So, what exactly is shaft flex, and why does it matter? Let's break it down and find out if your clubs are helping your game or making it harder.

What is Shaft Flex?

Shaft flex refers to how much a golf shaft bends during your swing. As you take the club back, the shaft naturally flexes, then snaps forward at impact. The amount it bends depends on your swing speed and tempo.

Newton Motion shafts use a Dot System to match players with the perfect shaft flex based on their swing speed and average driving distance. Here's how it works:

• Motion Flex 1 (1 Dot): Ideal for golfers with swing speeds under 75 mph and driving distances below 180 yards. This shaft helps maximize carry and forgiveness, offering a smooth feel for players with a slower tempo.
• Motion Flex 2 (2 Dots): Suited for golfers with swing speeds between 75-85 mph and driving distances of 180-220 yards. It provides a balance of control and forgiveness, perfect for those with a moderate tempo.
• Motion Flex 3 (3 Dots): Designed for golfers swinging at 85-95 mph and achieving driving distances of 210-240 yards. This shaft enhances both distance and accuracy, offering excellent stability and energy transfer.
• Motion Flex 4 (4 Dots): Best for golfers with swing speeds of 95-105 mph and driving distances of 230-260 yards. It offers a solid feel and enhanced accuracy for players who need more control over their drives.
• Motion Flex 5 (5 Dots): Perfect for golfers with swing speeds of 105-115 mph and driving distances of 250-285 yards. This shaft ensures maximum stability and shot control for high-speed swings.
• Motion Flex 6 (6 Dots): The ultimate shaft for elite players with swing speeds exceeding 115 mph and driving distances beyond 275 yards. Offering peak performance and precision, this flex is for those who demand the best.

The goal is to match your shaft flex to your swing speed. If it's too stiff, your shots might launch too low with less spin, costing you distance. Too soft, and you could end up with ballooning shots or unexpected hooks.

What Makes Newton's Shaft Flex Different?

Unlike traditional flex ratings, which can be confusing or subjective, Newton's Dot System takes the guesswork out of shaft selection. Our system is based on real-world data and carefully crafted to match your swing speeds and distances accurately.

By focusing on measurable performance factors, Newton provides a more precise and personalized fit for each golfer. This results in better energy transfer, improved distance, and greater consistency, ensuring you get the most out of every swing.

How Shaft Flex Affects Your Game

Let's take a closer look at what happens when you play with the right (or wrong) flex.

1. Distance

A properly fitted shaft flex helps maximize your distance by allowing the club to generate optimal energy transfer at impact. If your shaft is too stiff, you may struggle to get the ball airborne, robbing yourself of carry distance. On the other hand, a shaft that's too flexible can create too much spin and cause a loss of roll-out once the ball lands.

2. Accuracy

If your shaft is too stiff for your swing speed, your shots might consistently go right (for a right-handed golfer). It's usually because a stiffer shaft doesn't allow enough face rotation at impact. Conversely, a shaft that's too soft can cause an excessive draw or a hook, thereby making it difficult to control your ball flight.

3. Feel and Control

Ever hit a shot and immediately felt uncertain about where it was headed? That usually means your shaft flex isn't right for your swing. A properly fitted shaft creates a better connection between you and the clubhead and gives you more control over ball direction. With the correct flex, you'll have more confidence, improved consistency, and greater ease in shaping shots exactly how you want.

Finding the Right Shaft Flex for Your Swing

Not sure which shaft flex is right for you? The best way to figure it out is by evaluating these three factors.

1. Swing Speed

Your swing speed is the best indicator of what shaft flex you need, especially with your driver. Here's a general guide based on Newton's Dot System:

• Motion Flex 1 (1 Dot): Swing Speed Below 75 mph
  Ideal for golfers with slower swing speeds who need extra launch and forgiveness.
• Motion Flex 2 (2 Dots): Swing Speed 75-85 mph
  Suited for golfers with moderate swing speeds who need a balance of control and forgiveness.
• Motion Flex 3 (3 Dots): Swing Speed 85-95 mph
  Designed for golfers with faster swing speeds who are looking for enhanced distance and accuracy.
• Motion Flex 4 (4 Dots): Swing Speed 95-105 mph
  Best for golfers with high swing speeds who need stability and control for their drives.
• Motion Flex 5 (5 Dots): Swing Speed 105-115 mph
  Ideal for players with very fast swing speeds who require maximum stability and shot control.
• Motion Flex 6 (6 Dots): Swing Speed Above 115 mph
  Perfect for elite players with extremely high swing speeds who demand peak performance and precision.

The faster your swing, the stiffer your shaft should be to keep up with the energy transfer. In case you don't know your swing speed, most golf shops and club fitters can measure it for you with a launch monitor.

Also, pay close attention to your tempo. A smooth tempo with a gradual transition can comfortably play a softer shaft, even if your swing speed suggests otherwise. Conversely, golfers with quick, aggressive swings often benefit from stiffer shafts for greater control and accuracy.

2. Typical Ball Flight

Another reliable indicator of shaft fit is your common ball flight pattern. If you're repeatedly slicing your shots (the ball curving sharply right for right-handed golfers), your shaft may be too stiff. A softer flex allows the shaft to flex more at impact.

Likewise, if your common miss is a hook, you may want to switch to a stiffer flex to stay square longer.

3. What Clubs You're Using

You don't have to use the same flex for every club. Many players prefer a stiffer shaft in their driver for better control and a slightly softer flex in their irons for a smoother feel and easier launch. Testing different flexes in different clubs can fine-tune your game and help you find the right balance between power and precision.

The Best Way to Find Your Ideal Shaft Flex

The best way to figure out your perfect shaft flex is to get fitted. A professional fitting will analyze your swing speed, launch angle, spin rate, and dispersion to match you with the best shaft for your game.

During the fitting, you'll hit shots with different shaft flexes, and the launch monitor will track the ball speed, launch trajectory, spin rates, and overall shot shape. These numbers provide clear, measurable feedback that helps determine whether a stiff, regular, or softer flex is best suited to your swing.

Beyond just picking the right flex, a fitting can also identify the best shaft material, weight, and torque for your game. In the end, you'll walk away with clubs that help you hit more powerful shots.

Final Thoughts

Playing with the wrong flex can make the game much harder than it needs to be. If you've never thought about shaft flex before, now's the time. Whether you're buying new clubs or just trying to fine-tune your game, matching your shafts to your swing is one of the easiest ways to see immediate improvement.

Ready to find the right shaft for you? Use our fitting guide or if you prefer an in person fitting, you can go to your local "Club Champion" which carries our shafts and does fittings.