Stiff vs X-stiff

[odshot68]

At what swing speed do you decide to switch from stiff to x-stiff in the driver/fairway woods?

[kiw1982]

it is more like how you make a transition during your swing.

 

We don't have a chart that indicates like "Your SS is 106? okay you can use x-stiff"

 

Also, every shaft has different charateristic.

[JStang]

Most manufacturers recommend X for 105+.

[odshot68]

it is more like how you make a transition during your swing.

 

We don't have a chart that indicates like "Your SS is 106? okay you can use x-stiff"

 

Also, every shaft has different charateristic.

 

Very hard, quick transition.

[DTXgolfer12]

Depends on a lot of things - more than just speed. Also all shafts are not created equal. The measurement for "stiffness" is not really standardized throughout brands and models.

 

That being said if you swing it over 105 + is usually where players start to benefit from a X. Do your research and be honest with yourself about your ball flight though. A stiffer shaft will create a lower launch. If you're someone who hits the ball very high with a lot of curvature then a stiffer profile could do wonders. If you hit the ball low and straight already - you may not like it.

 

A good X stiff that is an excellent "tweener" is something like a Diamana blueboard 60 X. It's a mid launch shaft with a little more stable feel. That's usually what i recommend to guys who want to try their first x shaft.

[kiw1982]

it is more like how you make a transition during your swing.

 

We don't have a chart that indicates like "Your SS is 106? okay you can use x-stiff"

 

Also, every shaft has different charateristic.

 

 

 

Very hard, quick transition.

 

Then you should go with X.

 

My driver SS is 105-110 but I use stiff shafts throughout the bag because I have faily smooth tempo.

 

Hope this help.

[odshot68]

Depends on a lot of things - more than just speed. Also all shafts are not created equal. The measurement for "stiffness" is not really standardized throughout brands and models.

 

That being said if you swing it over 105 + is usually where players start to benefit from a X. Do your research and be honest with yourself about your ball flight though. A stiffer shaft will create a lower launch. If you're someone who hits the ball very high with a lot of curvature then a stiffer profile could do wonders. If you hit the ball low and straight already - you may not like it.

 

A good X stiff that is an excellent "tweener" is something like a Diamana blueboard 60 X. It's a mid launch shaft with a little more stable feel. That's usually what i recommend to guys who want to try their first x shaft.

 

I definitely on the soft side of an X. I like the stiffer tip of the profile. I'm currently using the Diamana B70 in stiff. I went heavier to try to get stiffer but feel like its spinning to much. I definitely hit it high enough. Playing a M1 460 at the lowest spin setting.

[rcain1us]

I use stiff in my irons and hybrid,

 

X in my fairway and am just starting to experiment with X in the driver.

 

Not as long but definitely not as hooky.

 

I am right in the 105ish area

[DTXgolfer12]

Depends on a lot of things - more than just speed. Also all shafts are not created equal. The measurement for "stiffness" is not really standardized throughout brands and models.

 

That being said if you swing it over 105 + is usually where players start to benefit from a X. Do your research and be honest with yourself about your ball flight though. A stiffer shaft will create a lower launch. If you're someone who hits the ball very high with a lot of curvature then a stiffer profile could do wonders. If you hit the ball low and straight already - you may not like it.

 

A good X stiff that is an excellent "tweener" is something like a Diamana blueboard 60 X. It's a mid launch shaft with a little more stable feel. That's usually what i recommend to guys who want to try their first x shaft.

 

I definitely on the soft side of an X. I like the stiffer tip of the profile. I'm currently using the Diamana B70 in stiff. I went heavier to try to get stiffer but feel like its spinning to much. I definitely hit it high enough. Playing a M1 460 at the lowest spin setting.

 

Alright then try something like a Kuro Kage silver TiNi 60x or 70x.

 

I swing it 118 and i like the 70x silver in the M1/m2

[Leftygolfer44]

Depends on a lot of things - more than just speed. Also all shafts are not created equal. The measurement for "stiffness" is not really standardized throughout brands and models.

 

That being said if you swing it over 105 + is usually where players start to benefit from a X. Do your research and be honest with yourself about your ball flight though. A stiffer shaft will create a lower launch. If you're someone who hits the ball very high with a lot of curvature then a stiffer profile could do wonders. If you hit the ball low and straight already - you may not like it.

 

A good X stiff that is an excellent "tweener" is something like a Diamana blueboard 60 X. It's a mid launch shaft with a little more stable feel. That's usually what i recommend to guys who want to try their first x shaft.

 

It's about swing speed, tempo, transition, desired ball flight, and many other factors. I like an extra stiff shaft in my woods and hybrid as it eliminates my chance for a hook. I keep the S300 in my irons and wedges to be able to work the ball. It's all about fitting shaft and clubs to what you are looking for.

[Boricua Golf]

I agree with most recommendations, but in the end, it is up to what you are looking for (like LeftyGolfer44 just stated) in terms of flight, spin, feel and overall performance, I know guys that swing way slower than me and use X Flex due to their aggressive transition, smoother tempos at higher speeds can benefit from either (S or X flex), I play X flex in all my clubs at 108 SS with aggressive transition (load very hard and release just as hard), the best way to find out is to get fitted...good luck

[odshot68]

I agree with most recommendations, but in the end, it is up to what you are looking for (like LeftyGolfer44 just stated) in terms of flight, spin, feel and overall performance, I know guys that swing way slower than me and use X Flex due to their aggressive transition, smoother tempos at higher speeds can benefit from either (S or X flex), I play X flex in all my clubs at 108 SS with aggressive transition (load very hard and release just as hard), the best way to find out is to get fitted...good luck

 

I haven't been fitted in a couple years. I changed my swing and starting to finally get through the driver. I feel like i'm swinging harder than ever now. My irons are Steelfiber 110 stiff and those are great. I carry my 8 iron 165 on average. I would only do X in fairway woods and driver. I use S400 in wedges. The closest fitting bay with good shafts is over 2 hours each way.

[manima1]

Also shaft weight plays into it. At a 110SS, I play a D+ 82g S and do not feel I am overpowering the shaft at all. With lighter shafts, I have always preferred X-stiff.

[Mahamilto]

It's totally personal and no two shafts are alike.

[Boricua Golf]

I agree with most recommendations, but in the end, it is up to what you are looking for (like LeftyGolfer44 just stated) in terms of flight, spin, feel and overall performance, I know guys that swing way slower than me and use X Flex due to their aggressive transition, smoother tempos at higher speeds can benefit from either (S or X flex), I play X flex in all my clubs at 108 SS with aggressive transition (load very hard and release just as hard), the best way to find out is to get fitted...good luck

 

I haven't been fitted in a couple years. I changed my swing and starting to finally get through the driver. I feel like i'm swinging harder than ever now. My irons are Steelfiber 110 stiff and those are great. I carry my 8 iron 165 on average. I would only do X in fairway woods and driver. I use S400 in wedges. The closest fitting bay with good shafts is over 2 hours each way.

 

I am with you, I too hit my 8 iron about the same, I carry it about 160, I use C Tapers 130x in the irons (see signature for the rest), it is tough to find a place to get a proper fitting done, in your case, you would have to take a day to do so, but if you are serious about your game, I think you should take the trip, especially after making changes to hit the driver better...good luck my friend, remember it is a game, enjoy it...

[Tex1986]

I use stiff in my wedges/irons up to my 20* hybrid, then I use pings "tour stiff" in my 17* hybrid and 3wood. I go to a 70gram stiff in the driver.

 

Don't know my swing speed but I typically hit my driver in the 260-280 range, but will sneak a couple out close to 300. I'm taller(6'5")so my club path is a little longer which I assume helps me generate clubhead speed.

[Cobbzzor]

I recently just swapped out my stock aldila phenom 55g stiff shaft in my R1 to an X Matrix 7m3 black tie. The change has been great for me and my clubhead speed is just like yours (105-110). I was able to pick up this black tie very cheap on the bay ($50 shipped and tipped). Figured for $50 it was worth the test, and I'm very happy with the results.

[Bomber_11]

Stiff or X-Stiff in one make/model is much much different than in another.

 

The Aldila Rogue in an X is muuuuuuch stiffer than a Speeder 661 in an X.

 

It gets said over and over, but really you'll need to hit them to feel the difference.

 

I think general consensus however is w/ a smooth transition, ~110+ SS validates an X-Stiff.

 

With an aggressive transition, ~105+ validates an X-stiff.

 

You don't wanna work you *** off to load a shaft that's too stiff for you. Vice versa, you don't wanna slow your swing or tempo down to accomodate a shaft that's too soft.

[robrey85]

I'm in the market for a new driver and this exact reason is why I'm waiting to get fit for a driver. I want to ensure that I have what's best for me instead of just buying something off the rack. I am curious if an X stiff will help or hinder so here's to getting fit!

[bam3352]

It totally depends on what feels good to a player and produces the best ball flight for them. Every shaft is different. If you are going to fitting where lots of shafts are available ask the guy running the test not to tell you what you're hitting so you can make an unbiased decision. Actual weight of the shaft is as is important as the flex and also how that weight is distributed over the length of the shaft.

 

Once you find a shaft you like you won't even think about switching.