Do I need an X-stiff shaft?

[akasaka_aka]

been thinking about switching to an iron model with less offset so I've been doing a little research. I saw a few online sources say that the threshold for X-stiff is as low as 105? I average 117 and I've never seriously considered stiffer shafts...who is delusional here? I currently have PX 6.0 in Titleist AP3

[Pepperturbo]

I played X-flex, 6.5 Rifle and PX 6.0 for over 15yrs to when I changed to composite MMT 125s and now Steelfiber i110s in 620 MB heads.  Keep in mind, less offset doesn't tie into X-stiff profile.  Less offset which is what I play means hands have a slightly different job though the swing, compared to heads with more offset.

 

There are a surprising number of tour players using PX 6.0 and 6.5.  Not everyone plays X-stiff.  Not that they can't hit the shaft, it has more to do with trajectory and distance control.

[akasaka_aka]

9 minutes ago, Pepperturbo said:

I played X-flex, 6.5 Rifle and PX 6.0 for over 15yrs to when I changed to composite MMT 125s and now Steelfiber i110s in 620 MB heads.  Keep in mind, less offset doesn't tie into X-stiff profile.  Less offset which is what I play means hands have a slightly different job though the swing, compared to heads with more offset.

 

There are a surprising number of tour players using PX 6.0 and 6.5.  Not everyone plays X-stiff.  Not that they can't hit the shaft, it has more to do with trajectory and distance control.

Yeah the offset is purely a setup thing, makes it a bit harder for me to play a cut. It was the catalyst for me looking for new irons and is totally unrelated to the shaft flex issue.

I like the trajectory I get with the 6.0 a lot, I feel like I can keep it down with 4, 5, 6, 7 irons but 8 down it gets really challenging 😞 and the flight I get when I'm not knocking it down is insanely high, which is kind of cool but bad in the wind

[MJBGolf]

On 7/30/2022 at 2:08 AM, akasaka_aka said:

been thinking about switching to an iron model with less offset so I've been doing a little research. I saw a few online sources say that the threshold for X-stiff is as low as 105? I average 117 and I've never seriously considered stiffer shafts...who is delusional here? I currently have PX 6.0 in Titleist AP3

Mr. Akasaka_aka,

I used to work as a Product specialist and fitter before I changed over to Caddying. I've fitted High swing speed players like yourself into everything from Regular Flex shafts to TX-Flex shafts. If you change the head and especially the type of head from one to another the CG will be in a slightly different position. It doesn't change the shaft, but it may change how you deliver the club at impact. People in general get way too hussled about shaft flex and the letters of R, S and X. There is no standard for flex, each manufacturer decide for themselves what are what......

 

Things gets a lot easier if we as golfers start treating the golf shaft as a "Timing device".....leave the letters aside and focus on what really matters. Does this club perform the way I precieve? Can I find the middle of the club face with ease, does the ball come out in the window (trajectory) that I expect? If I need to hit a certain shot and change my flight? Can I do so with ease and still keep the feed-back that translates to feel for the club. If you find a combination of head, shaft and grip, fitted correctly into the correct swing weight (Balance point) for you......Then you've made a "Bulls Eye".....an experienced fitter would be able to help you out and answer all your questions related to numbers presented by Trackman or Flightscope. Those devices tell you everything about ball- and club data - But they lack the ability to tell you about feel. Which for most golfers is a vital key to good performance.

 

My advice, find a good, knowledgeable fitter, who has access to all the equipment you need as a fitter, in order to measure the equipment you try out and who is meticulous enough to make sure you get your clubs built to the exact same specs as you've tried out, matched throughout your whole set of irons. I can assure you, it will be an eye opener you'll probarbly like golf more than ever and trust me, you'll never go back. You'll be longing to go through the same procedure with the rest of the clubs in your bag. Good Luck! 🙂

[thebigred13]

When I’ve been fitted in the past, fitters have used 100mph+ average with a 5 iron.  Seems as if they wouldn’t even humor the thought if you weren’t around that number. Hopefully that helps. Good Luck

[dgarland]

Do you hit is sideways with a stiff?  If so, maybe try an X.  If you hit it fairly straight with the stiff then you're probably fine.  It has a lot to do with tempo too, not just speed.  

[Evanwill10]

Go get fitted. All shafts and profiles play differently.