One of the most important choices you’ll make when buying new clubs is picking the right shaft flex. Shaft flex affects ball flight, distance, accuracy, and feel—and using the wrong flex can hold back your game.
With options like Ladies, Senior, Regular, Stiff, and Extra Stiff, many golfers ask the same question: “What shaft flex should I use?” Let’s break it down so you can find the perfect fit for your swing.
What Is Shaft Flex?
Shaft flex refers to how much the shaft bends during your swing. A softer flex bends more, helping slower swing speeds generate height and distance. A stiffer flex bends less, giving faster swingers more control and consistency.
Choosing the right shaft flex ensures your energy transfers correctly to the golf ball—helping you hit longer, straighter, and more consistent shots.
Ladies Flex (L Flex)
Best for: Swing speeds under 70 mph, beginners, juniors, and players who need maximum launch.
Ladies flex shafts are the softest option, designed to help slower swing speeds produce higher launch and carry distance. They’re also lightweight, making them easier to swing.
If you’re new to golf or struggle to get the ball airborne, an L-flex shaft could make a huge difference in your enjoyment of the game.
Senior Flex (A Flex)
Best for: Swing speeds between 70–80 mph, many older golfers, and those who want extra distance without losing control.
Senior flex, sometimes called “A flex,” provides an excellent blend of flexibility and light weight. This shaft helps golfers with smooth, moderate swings keep the ball in the air and maintain accuracy.
If your shots are starting to lose distance compared to a few years ago, switching to a Senior flex shaft can help add yards back.
Regular Flex (R Flex)
Best for: Swing speeds between 80–95 mph, mid-handicap golfers, and recreational players.
Regular flex is the most common shaft type, designed for the majority of golfers with average swing speeds. It balances distance and control, making it a reliable choice for weekend golfers.
If you’re not sure which flex you need, Regular is often the safest place to start.
Stiff Flex (S Flex)
Best for: Swing speeds between 95–110 mph, low-handicap golfers, and players seeking tighter control.
Stiff shafts are built for faster swings that generate plenty of power. If your Regular flex shaft feels too whippy, causes ballooning shots, or hooks too often, moving to Stiff can give you a lower, more penetrating ball flight.
Many single-digit handicappers prefer Stiff flex shafts in their drivers, woods, and irons for added consistency.
Extra Stiff Flex (X Flex)
Best for: Swing speeds above 110 mph, long hitters, and competitive players.
Extra Stiff, or X Flex, is for elite golfers with very fast swings. These shafts bend the least, giving maximum control and precision.
If you routinely overpower softer shafts and want more stability in your ball flight, Extra Stiff is the right choice.
Swing Speed Guide to Shaft Flex
If you’re wondering, “What shaft flex should I use?” here’s a quick guide based on driver swing speed:
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Under 70 mph → Ladies Flex
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70–80 mph → Senior Flex
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80–95 mph → Regular Flex
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95–110 mph → Stiff Flex
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110+ mph → Extra Stiff Flex
Not sure of your swing speed? Pay attention to your ball flight: shots that fly too high and left usually mean the shaft is too soft, while shots that fly low and right may mean the shaft is too stiff.
Upgrade Your Shaft with Next Round Golf
At Next Round Golf, we stock hundreds of used driver and iron shafts in every flex—from Ladies to Extra Stiff. Shopping pre-owned makes it easy to test different options and find your ideal fit without paying full retail prices.
Whether you’re upgrading your current driver or dialing in your iron set, the right shaft flex can take your game to the next level.
Final Thoughts
So, what shaft flex should you use? It all depends on your swing speed, tempo, and ball flight. From Ladies and Senior flex for smoother swings to Stiff and Extra Stiff for power players, there’s a perfect shaft out there for you.
Explore our full selection of used golf shafts today and unlock your best performance in 2025.