New DSFI Interactive Module Eliminates The Guesswork In Shaft Choice
How Do I Choose The Best Golf Shaft For My Game?
Hireko carries hundreds of golf shafts. Which is the best for my game? Hireko, under the 
leadership of Tech Director Jeff Summitt, has created the new DSFI Module, featuring the Dynamic Shaft Fitting Index to help you along the way. By answering a few questions, we can steer you into to the right type of shaft. But you will need to know a few things first.
Distance
How strong you are is a good indicator of what golf shaft flex to use. Please be honest, otherwise you might end up with a shaft that is too stiff for you. If you are new to the game and do not know how far you can hit the ball, here are some guidelines:
Tour Pro 280 yards 180 yards X or Extra Stiff
Strong Amateur 250 yards 160 yards S of Stiff
Average Male 220 yards 140 yards R or Regular
Senior Male 190 yards 120 yards A or Senior
Female 160 yards 100 yards L or Ladies
Tempo is the rhythm of your swing. It can be fast, medium, slow or a short ¾ swing. Each category has an affect on the shaft flex you will need beyond just clubhead speed or distance.
For those that have relatively smooth swings and hit the ball relatively straight would benefit from shafts in the distance category as these are amongst the lightest shafts produced. Golfers who struggle with accuracy should seek heavier weight shafts, which will be in the control category. For those golfers looking for a compromise, the “distance + control” category will provide both as the shaft weight will be in intermediate range.
Loft, lie and face angle are important clubhead design parameters that affect ball flight and direction. Shafts can assist in increasing or decreasing the trajectory or help to prevent fading or pulling the ball based upon the stiffness distribution (commonly called bend point) of the shaft.
PLEASE NOTE: Because golfers may have unique swings and preferences for feel, some golfers may find shafts may fit them better than what is suggested. If you are seeking a complete dynamic fitting, please consult a qualified clubfitter in your area.
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when selecting driver the shaft seems about right but when I select an iron and input 140 yards for a 7 – iron (“average male”) it recommends ladies flex. This can’t be right.
John:
It may depend upon the criteria you selected, like a slow or even moderate tempo, but yes, there are a few steel shafts that can be used because they run on the stiff side. Many years ago I made up a set of irons with TT Lite L-flex at men’s length and put S-flex labels on them. I was playing with a good, strong golfer in my area. He asked to use one of my new sticks because he knew who I worked for and told him about the new heads we had just came out with. After he pulled out a extra ball on the last several holes as well as the iron needed from my bag, he came to the conclusion that these were the best performing S-flex irons he has ever hit – even better than the name brand clubs he just bought. I never had the heart to tell him they were L-flex shafts…