When it’s time to choose between a regular and stiff flex in golf irons, you will want to focus on a wide array of details.
This includes your experience as a golfer, what type of golf technique you use on the golf course, and what your requirements are from golf irons.
Golfers that are starting and have never bought golf irons are going to have a different perspective than pro golfers buying golf irons.
This includes their perspective on golf iron shafts.
This is why a regular vs stiff flex for golf irons is an intriguing topic.
A regular flex has increased flexibility and “give” upon impact with the golf ball. In comparison, a stiff flex is more rigid and does not bend as easily. The benefits of a regular flex include more control and is ideal for beginners. While a pro golfer might lean towards a stiff flex for more power.
Choosing between a stiff and regular flex as a golfer can often come down to preference more than anything else.
Your golf swing speed is going to be different from another golf right in front of you. This can determine which golf shaft flex you choose.
This guide is going to look at regular vs stiff flex for golf irons, show how to choose between a regular and stiff flex golf iron, and pinpoint what is the right golf iron shaft flex for your game.
What Is A Regular Flex For Golf Irons?
A regular flex golf iron has more bend and “give” upon impact with a golf ball. This flexibility allows for more control on a golf shot and helps those who have a golf swing speed of less than 90 MPH.
It’s common for beginners to use a regular flex golf shaft because it’s more advantageous in providing control.
Otherwise, you are going to be dealing with erratic shots every time you step up to hit the golf ball.
The regular shaft in golf is often seen as a middle point between different shaft flexes in golf and works well for beginners.
This is why paying attention to the golf club flex for beginners is a must and most do lean towards a regular golf shaft flex.
What Is A Stiff Flex For Golf Irons?
A stiff flex golf iron is rigid and does not bend as easily upon impact with a golf ball. This lack of flexibility helps generate more power and is ideal for those who have a golf swing speed of more than 100 MPH such as pro golfers do.
Pro golfers use stiff flex shafts because of this added power to their shots. It can make all the difference when every foot counts on the green.
Are stiff shafts good for beginners?
Stiff shafts can be good for beginners but are not often recommended by pro golfers. This is due to the stiff golf shaft being heavier and requiring more effort on the backswing and downswing to generate force.
If a golfer does not have a golf swing of above 100 MPH, they will struggle to hit the golf ball far.
Benefits Of A Regular Flex In Golf Irons
1. Faster Swing Speed
When it comes to stiff vs regular flex for beginners, you will want to take a look at the main advantages of a regular flex in golf irons.
For the most part, it is going to make it a lot easier to generate swing speed as a new golfer.
Lots of beginners struggle when it comes to getting their swing speed above 100 MPH. This is common and that is when using a regular flex golf iron might be the way to go.
It is going to be lighter and that will make it a lot easier to generate the type of speed you are on the hunt for.
2. Good For Beginners
When looking at the positives of a regular flex in golf irons, you will always want to focus on your golfing experience.
This is key when looking at a stiff flex vs regular flex for beginners.
Beginners should be using a regular flex golf iron because it is going to provide tremendous control throughout the golf swing. This is a must because you are likely not going to have a fine-tuned golf swing as a beginner.
3. Easier To Control
When looking at regular vs stiff shaft irons, it’s important to note the amount of control you are going to get on a golf shot with different types of irons.
Golfers will often state a regular flex golf iron is great because it’s going to be a lot easier to handle in different conditions.
The added weight of a stiff golf iron is not ideal. It is a lot harder to manage and the control can be all over the place.
Cons Of A Regular Flex In Golf Irons
1. Reduced Power
When using a regular flex golf shaft, you are not always going to enjoy the amount of power you’re generating during a golf shot.
This is due to the regular flex bending too much during the shot.
It is not going to be a smooth impact, which is also due to the lack of swing speed you are generating. While the regular flex in a golf iron is good in generating more speed than you are, it is still not going to hold up well.
This reduced power is okay for beginners but might not be for those who are intermediates or pros.
2. More Of A Standard Performer
When using a regular flex golf iron, you will also realize it is a more standard option.
What does this mean?
If you are a beginner, there is nothing wrong with the regular flex golf iron. It is going to do a good job and it will be passable throughout the various golf holes you play on.
However, it might not do as well when you are looking to up your game and optimize your golf swing. This is when you will notice a difference in performance between a stiff flex and regular flex golf iron.
Benefits Of A Stiff Flex In Golf Irons
1. More Power
Playing with a stiff flex golf iron means you are going to have more power to work with.
This happens because the golf shaft is not going to bend as easily. This helps generate more impact on the golf ball and is going to go further as soon as the clubface makes contact with the ball.
A lot of pro golfers prefer a stiff flex golf shaft because it helps generate the power they are putting through with the faster golf swing.
While a beginner might not be able to generate that much golf swing speed, this is not going to be a problem for those who have been golfing for a while.
2. Ideal With Faster Swing Speed
Stiff flex irons tend to create less control but that is not a problem for those who have been golfing for years and are accurate with their golf shots.
This is why the faster swing speed tends to be in harmony with the stiff flex golf iron. This is going to be a heavier golf iron but that is not a problem when you have a golf swing speed above 100 MPH.
As soon as your golf swing speed is above 100 MPH, it starts to become a lot more realistic to use a stiff flex iron as a golfer.
3. Compact
With the stiff vs regular flex golf irons being a constant comparison people make, it’s important to also account for how compact the golf iron is.
A stiff flex golf iron is going to be compact.
It’s going to be heavy and compact allowing for a larger sweet spot from the clubface. This is useful because there is no “give” when the clubface makes contact with the golf ball.
You will realize this when you buy a stiff flex golf iron as it will be compact and robust from top to bottom.
Cons Of A Stiff Flex In Golf Irons
1. Less Control
When looking at stiff vs regular golf shafts, the amount of control you are going to get from the golf club is key.
For the most part, you are going to have reduced control when playing with a stiff flex golf iron.
This occurs because the stiff flex golf iron is designed to not bend as easily.
This is when the iron shaft is too stiff, you are going to feel it. The control is going to be not in line with what you want and it is easier to shank the golf ball in a different direction from where you want the ball to go.
2. Demands More Practice
A stiff iron shaft has to be a well-researched option as a golfer.
Why is this?
One of the negatives of a stiff flex golf shaft would have to be the amount of practice you’re going to need. One of the best things a golfer can do is calculate their golf swing speed and also practice golfing at Topgolf or a driving range.
Whatever works for you is a must because practice is key with a stiff flex golf shaft.
What Are The Different Golf Shafts?
1. Regular Flex Shafts
A regular flex golf shaft is one of the more common types of flex in golf. This specific type of flex tends to be far more flexible than other options, which means it does bend during the downswing leading to more control.
It is common for beginners to use regular flex shafts in golf due to this added accuracy. It is more forgiving than other types of flex in golf irons.
2. Stiff Flex Shafts
A stiff flex golf shaft is going to be far more rigid than a standard flex golf shaft. This means it is not going to bend as easily, which also helps generate more power on a golf shot.
This type of golf shaft tends to be far heavier than a regular flex golf iron, which means a faster golf swing speed is mandatory.
Anything above 100 MPH is a must.
3. Extra Stiff Flex Shafts
Extra stiff flex shafts are a step above stiff flex golf shafts. These are far heavier and more rigid than a simple stiff flex golf iron. This means it is going to have more power and distance for golfers with a swing speed that is above 110 MPH.
It’s recommended for seasoned golfers to use this type of flex shaft in golf because it is hard to maximize the downswing without enough speed in your swing.
4. Junior Flex Shafts
This is one of the lightest golf flex shafts on the market. The idea is for it to be junior-friendly as that is an age group where the golf swing speed is not going to be quick and generating force has to come through a quick downswing.
The junior flex ensures there is loads of bend in the golf shaft and it does generate speed through this flexibility.
This is great for golfers that want to generate more speed on their golf swing.
5. Senior Flex Shafts
This is a type of golf flex that is aimed at seniors that are above the age of 65. In general, the premise behind this type of golf shaft flex is for it to work well for those who have a golf swing speed of less than 85 MPH.
It is made with graphite and tends to be lightweight.
This allows senior golfers to generate more speed with the flex and get the distance they’re looking for without losing control.
How To Choose Between Regular Vs Stiff Flex For Golf Irons
Should I use a stiff or regular flex shaft?
It’s recommended to choose between a stiff or regular flex shaft by calculating your golf swing speed, considering different shaft materials, and then testing both types of golf shaft flexes before deciding on one over the other.
This is the best way to make sure you choose the right fit between a regular and stiff flex for golf irons.
1. Measure Your Golf Swing Speed
When looking at the 7 iron swing speed for a stiff shaft, you need to take a proper measurement of how quick your golf swing is.
This is the only way to get a better read on what type of golf flex shaft is the way to go in your case.
Remember that each golfer is going to vary with their needs.
In general, you will want to take multiple swings and measure the speed. This is going to allow you to get a better read on how well you are doing with your golf swing and what type of golf flex iron is going to work in your situation.
You can learn how to calculate your golf swing through this guide.
2. Consider Different Shaft Materials
You are now going to have your golf swing speed.
It’s time to begin working on choosing different golf shaft materials to see what is going to work well for your golfing technique.
What are the options?
You are likely going to come across the lighter graphite or the heavier stainless steel. Both have merits.
It is common for beginners to go with a graphite golf shaft because it’s lighter and easier to control. You will generate more swing speed with it if your swing speed is less than 100 MPH.
On the other hand, you can hit for power with the stainless steel golf iron, which tends to work well for intermediate or pro golfers.
3. Beginners Should Start With A Regular Flex Golf Shaft
With the 7-iron ball speed shaft flex in golf irons, you don’t just want to focus on the speed over everything else.
It’s also important to look at your golfing experience when choosing the right shaft flex in golf irons.
For the most part, a beginner should be leaning towards a regular flex in golf irons. While those who have more experience can begin venturing out to different options including a stiff flex golf shaft.
4. Go To The Driving Range
With golf irons stiff vs regular, you are going to want to have real-life experience with them if possible.
If you are a beginner then you should stick to the regular flex.
However, if you are in that in-between phase where you do have expertise then it is best to hit golf shots at the driving range with both options.
Just find one of each and begin hitting golf balls to see how it feels in your hands. This will tell you what is right. This is also a good time to look at your golfing stance to see what works better.
Signs You Need A Stiffer Shaft In Golf
1. Not Getting Enough Distance On Shots
If a golf iron is not stiff enough, you will realize this by the distance on your golf shots. The golf ball is not going to travel as far as you want it to.
This happens because you are simply not maximizing your power.
You might have a golf swing speed of above 100 MPH but that does not matter if you are using a flexible golf iron. It is simply not going to generate enough force as it will keep bending upon impact.
2. Your Golf Swing Speed Is More Than 100 MPH
Another issue with a golf iron that’s not stiff enough is going to come down to your overall golf swing speed.
Have you taken the time to measure it?
Once it is over 100 MPH, the regular flex golf iron is not going to cut it. You are not going to get enough power behind the golf ball when you are using a regular shaft flex as a golfer.
This is when the stiff shaft flex as a golfer is a must.
When To Switch From Stiff To Regular Shaft In Golf
How do I know if my iron shaft is too stiff?
You will know an iron shaft is too stiff when it is difficult to generate enough golf swing speed or hit the ball a long distance. You will often see the golf ball fall short or not remain as accurate as you want it to be.
This is a sign that you need to switch from a stiff to a regular shaft in golf.
Going from a stiff to a regular shaft flex in golf is a must for those who do need to maximize their golf swing speed. The only time you should be using a stiffer shaft flex is when you have a golf swing speed above 100 MPH.
Should High Handicappers Use Stiff Or Regular Flex?
High handicappers should use a regular flex golf iron. This is due to the regular shaft flex offering more control and flexibility making it easier to generate enough swing speed as an amateur golfer.
It is also recommended for mid-handicappers to use a regular flex golf shaft. It will yield better results than a stiffer golf flex.
Do Any Pros Use Regular Flex Shafts?
No, pros do not use a regular flex shaft. It’s more common for professional golfers to either choose an extra stiff or tour stiff golf shaft. These are heavier but offer far more distance on the golf shots.
The reason pro golfers prefer a stiffer golf flex is due to the added power. Their swing speed is always more than 100 MPH and it’s refined, which is why the regular shaft flex is not ideal for them.
Will A Stiff Shaft Help My Slice?
No, a stiff shaft is not going to help your slice. It is going to make it slightly worse. This is due to the stiffer shaft not having as much flexibility, which can cause the ball to slice upon impact.
It’s better to go with a lighter and less stiff golf flex when you are dealing with this particular issue.
Final Thoughts
Look into these factors when comparing a regular vs stiff flex for golf irons.
A regular flex golf iron is more flexible and is commonly used by beginners as it helps add to their golf swing speed. In comparison, a stiff flex golf iron is less bendable and tends to add more power to a golf shot with less control.
Intermediates should use a stiff flex. While beginner golfers should be looking at a regular flex golf shaft for good results.
Take your time to consider everything including how far you hit a golf ball with the golf iron, the degrees of your golf club, and which brand of golf iron you want to go with.
