If a Tour pro used s300's...

[pkim31]

Exactly what are the effects of a s300 or stiff flex shaft for a pro like Phil Mickelson? I have a vague idea that his launch would be higher and the carry/roll distance would thereby be reduced. I use x100's myself and find that they're better suited for a high swing speed when compared to a s300. But I'd like to know more specifics as to why else tour pro's would use x shafts other than reasons like speed/heavier feel/control tempo. Also, if more were to use s300's, how much would their carry drop by?

[MadGolfer76]

Tour pros do use s300's. If you read into the data regarding the differences between s300's and x100's, you may be surprised at what you find out. People with excellent swings can use whatever they want and get a good result. As to why they choose one over the other, you would have to ask pros and fitters who work with pros. No casual poster here can do anything but speculate.

[JustTheTips]

Luke Donald uses s300. There was a video out there of him doing the mizuno optimizer. They recommended x100 soft stepped. Luke swings just over 90 mph with the 6 iron/110 with a driver for a reference point.

I think you will find pros to be a lot like the rest of us shaft wise. Smooth guys can use just about anything and do ok. As the transition gets quicker/more violent and the release moves later, matching up shafts to swings matter a lot more.

[dunn]

This thread makes no sense, lol

[DaveMac]

OP, I think you are over rating the difference in one flex label. There is an inference that S300 is a noodle and X100 is for 'real golfers'. Ignoring the slight difference in [url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/740015-tom-wishon-irons-shaft-graphs-in-regular-flex/#entry5862441"]profile[/url], the S300 is already a strong and stable shaft, more than capable of standing up to a [i]'tour professionals'[/i] golf swing. Skilled golfers are also capable of getting any type of performance out of a shaft, I'd guess if you asked Phil Mickelson the question, his reply would be, what numbers would you like.

[KYMAR]

Wait..... What?

[pkim31]

I inferred that a few do use stiff flexes, but my question was to fully ascertain the rationale behind a tour pro picking the x. I'd also figure that the carry would be significantly reduced but not fully sure. I've used stiff flexes on different iron heads and different hands, so I can not do an apples-to-apples comparison with my mbs. Though I'd use s300s if there were no x's around and consider them viable, I usually do not take them seriously for maximum carry in longer irons because they are considerably softer and the "balance" (I'm careful of using the term balance point though its probably correct) of the club moves lower. Stiffer flexes also tend to demand more athleticism from me and invariably leads me to swing harder and faster.

[Ajlepisto]

I'm qualified to answer this question. I have stayed at a Holiday Inn previously.

Regarding what would happen? Nothing. Lots of them use them.

[3step]

[quote name='pkim31' timestamp='1417754910' post='10546453']
I inferred that a few do use stiff flexes, but my question was to fully ascertain the rationale behind a tour pro picking the x. I'd also figure that the carry would be significantly reduced but not fully sure. I've used stiff flexes on different iron heads and different hands, so I can not do an apples-to-apples comparison with my mbs. Though I'd use s300s if there were no x's around and consider them viable, I usually do not take them seriously for maximum carry in longer irons because they are considerably softer and the "balance" (I'm careful of using the term balance point though its probably correct) of the club moves lower. Stiffer flexes also tend to demand more athleticism from me and invariably leads me to swing harder and faster.
[/quote]

I think you answered your question right at the end of this post,

Tour pros are no different than us, in that they have shafts that fit them, and shafts that do not fit them. When they use shafts that are too soft in flex, the real issue is the same as what you are talking about. In your case, shafts that are stiffer require more athleticism, and harder and faster.
So, in the case of the Pro using softer, they are forced to throttle down, and typically will swing more measured, easier, less aggressive.

The real difference between us and the Tour Pro is that they have a greater capacity to make these adjustments, which is really the reason why it is even more important for us to play with equipment that is right for us.

3step

[TheInfidel]

We've all stood on a range with a Regular from the shop and striped it to the back fence even when your gamer is an X or an S.

Tempo and accuracy at impact are big big factors you're ignoring. Luke Donald is a great example here. Hell even TW has S400s in his bag now.

Not that this helps with chunking to a 77 on your home course. (couldnt help myself)

[pkim31]

[quote name='TheInfidel' timestamp='1417773642' post='10546943']
We've all stood on a range with a Regular from the shop and striped it to the back fence even when your gamer is an X or an S.

Tempo and accuracy at impact are big big factors you're ignoring. Luke Donald is a great example here. Hell even TW has S400s in his bag now.

Not that this helps with chunking to a 77 on your home course. (couldnt help myself)
[/quote]

Wow, you can stripe it to the fence with a Regular, TheInfidel? (sorry)