What is Senior Flex? Regular Flex vs. Senior Flex Explained
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Tl;dr: Choosing the right equipment to perform well in golf is essential, especially the golf shaft. Senior golfers are best suited for a senior shaft because of their slower swing speeds. Regular flex and senior flex golf shafts differ in flexibility, so choosing the right one for optimal performance is crucial.
Golfers come in all shapes, sizes, and ability levels, and so do their swings. To maximize performance on the golf course, it's important to choose the right equipment, especially the golf shaft. Senior golfers tend to have slower swing speeds, making them great candidates for a senior shaft.
In this article, we'll explore the difference between regular flex and senior flex golf shafts and how to determine which one is right for you.
If you are curious about what some of the best clubs are for seniors, check out “The Best Golf Clubs for Seniors in 2023” here on Curated. To learn more about some of the best drivers for seniors, check out this article here on Curated: “The 7 Most Recommended Drivers for Senior Golfers.”
Now, on to my examination and breakdown of senior flex golf shafts!
What Is a Golf Shaft?
Golf clubs are made up of three main parts: the clubhead, the shaft, and the grip. The golf shaft is a vital part of the club and significantly impacts the golfer's performance and swing.
The golf shaft is composed of various elements, including the tip, butt, and midsection. The tip is the end of the shaft that attaches to the clubhead and is secured by an epoxy adhesive. The butt is the opposite end where the grip is attached. The midsection, also known as the shaft flex, is the part of the shaft between the tip and the butt that determines the level of stiffness and flexibility of the shaft.
Golf shafts are commonly made of either steel or graphite, and the selection of material depends on the golfer's playing style, strength, and swing speed.
What Is Flex?
Sony Open in Hawaii - 2018 - Jimmy Walker. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Before we dive in and discuss the differences between regular and senior flex golf shafts, let's define "flex." Flex refers to the amount of bend in the golf shaft when swung. A stiffer shaft will bend less, while a more flexible shaft will bend more. The amount of flex in a golf shaft can significantly impact your shots' trajectory, accuracy, and distance.
Regular Flex Golf Shafts
Regular flex golf shafts are the most common type and are suitable for most golfers. They are designed for golfers with swing speeds between 80 and 95 miles per hour, the typical range for most amateur golfers. Regular flex shafts are also suitable for golfers with a smooth and consistent swing tempo.
Regular flex golf shafts offer a good balance of control and power. They are not too stiff or flexible, making them easy to swing and control. They also provide a good amount of energy transfer, which can help increase distance off the tee.
Senior Flex Golf Shafts
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Senior flex golf shafts are designed for golfers with a slower swing speed, typically between 70 and 80 miles per hour. They also suit golfers with a more relaxed and smooth swing tempo. These shafts are more flexible than regular flex shafts, which allows them to bend more during the swing.
Senior flex golf shafts help golfers with slower swing speeds generate more distance and accuracy. The increased flex allows the golfer to generate more clubhead speed and ball speed, which can result in longer shots. They also have a softer feel, which can be more comfortable for golfers with joint pain or arthritis.
What to Consider When Buying a Senior Flex Golf Shaft
What Materials Do Senior Flex Shafts Come In?
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Senior flex golf shafts are available in both steel and graphite materials. Steel shafts are usually heavier than graphite; however, they offer more control. Graphite shafts tend to be lighter and provide the ability to achieve greater distance through increased flexibility. Ultimately, the choice between steel and graphite depends on the player's preference and playing style.
What Is Shaft Kick Point? Does It Influence a Shaft's Performance?
Shaft kick point is a term used to describe the location on a golf club shaft where it bends most during a swing. The location of the kick point is determined by the shaft's design, material, and construction. It plays a crucial role in determining the ball's trajectory, spin, and distance.
A higher kick point reduces the amount of bending in the shaft during impact, resulting in a lower launch angle and spin rate. Conversely, a lower kick point will create a higher trajectory and spin rate, as the shaft bends more during the downswing, adding loft to the clubface and increasing spin.
The position of the kick point can also affect the club's feel, with a higher kick point producing a firmer feel and a lower kick point feeling softer.
The ideal kick point for senior golfers will depend on their swing speed, ball flight preferences, and the specific club they are using. As senior golfers tend to have slower swing speeds, a lower kick point may be more suitable. This can help increase the launch angle and spin rate, resulting in greater distance.
However, it is important to note that not all senior golfers are the same, so it's always best to consult with a professional club fitter who can help determine the best kick point for your specific needs and preferences.
If you need further assistance beyond this article, contact a Curated Golf Expert who can help you find the perfect golf shaft for your game.
What Are the Different Options for Senior Flex Shafts?
As mentioned, as golfers age, their swing speed and tempo may change, making it important to choose the right equipment to maximize their performance. One of the most important pieces of golf equipment to consider is the golf shaft, specifically the flex.
Choosing the right flex for you is critical to maximizing your performance on the course. The first step is to determine your clubhead speed. This can be achieved in one of two ways. The first is by purchasing and using a personal, less expensive launch monitor that you can use at home or on the range. The second is by going to any big-box golf store to check your swing speed.
Once you know your swing speed, you can use this table to determine which flex is right for you.
| Swing Speed | Miles Per Hour | Best Choice for Shaft |
| Slowest | 75 mph or less | Ladies' or senior shaft flex |
| Slow | 75 - 85 mph | Senior shaft flex |
| Average | 85 - 95 mph | Regular shaft flex |
| Fast | 95 - 105 mph | Stiff shaft flex |
| Fastest | 105 mph or more | Extra stiff shaft flex |
It's important to note that swing speed is not the only factor to consider when choosing a golf shaft. Other factors include swing tempo, ball flight, and personal preference.
Features to Look Out for When Buying Senior Flex Shafts
Finding your ideal senior flex shaft depends on accurately determining your swing speed. That is, without question, your first step. However, before purchasing your new senior flex shafts, there are a few other things that you should consider to ensure that you get the right one for you.
Flexibility
When purchasing senior flex shafts, it's crucial to consider the flexibility of the shaft. These shafts are intended to be more flexible than regular shafts, but it's still necessary to ensure that the shaft's stiffness is appropriate for your swing speed. Each manufacturer will have various senior flex shaft options with different degrees of flex. Subtle differences may make significant differences.
Weight
The weight of the shaft is another critical factor to consider. Senior flex shafts are usually lighter than regular shafts, which can help increase swing speed and distance. Senior flex shafts typically range anywhere from 30 to 50 grams, which is a big spread. Each gram can make a big difference, so make sure you purchase correctly based on your swing speed!
Length
The shaft length is another crucial factor to consider. Senior golfers typically need shorter shafts than younger golfers, as they tend to have a slower swing speed.
Brand and Model
Various brands offer a range of senior flex shaft models, each with distinct features and advantages. Thorough research is essential to selecting the shaft that suits your personal preferences and needs. The three models I mentioned previously are an excellent starting point for your investigation.
By considering these features when purchasing senior flex shafts, you can ensure that you get the right shaft for your game and enjoy improved performance on the golf course.
How to Choose the Right Senior Flex Shaft for You
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No senior golfer is the same, they all have different strengths and weaknesses. While it has been established that a senior flex shaft is recommended for senior golfers, there are different, specific, recommended shafts for each individual. The following are some examples of this.
Sally: Senior Staging a Comeback
A golfer in her middle sixties just getting back into the game after many years, Sally played a lot in her thirties and forties. Because of some health concerns in her fifties, she has not played in quite a while.
Sally was a great player years ago and hit the ball relatively far for a female player. Today, with her health issues much improved, she is ready to start playing again. However, both those medical problems and time have taken a lot of speed away from her golf swing. She has also lost a great deal of flexibility and even some height.
Features Sally Should Look for:
- Shorter, light shaft
- Lower kick point to help the ball launch higher
Shaft Examples:
Max: Former Professional, Now Super Senior
A 6’2” golfer in his late seventies who still maintains a single-digit handicap, Max played professionally for a while in his thirties and forties, but a lack of sustainable success financially led him to change careers and start playing far less.
Max hit the ball a long way when he was younger. With an average clubhead speed near 120mph, he would regularly hit the ball well over 300 yards off the tee. Today, with some minor health issues combined with general aging, he has lost a lot of speed in his golf swing. He is now maxing out at about 88mph on his driver but averages closer to 80-82mph.
Features Max Should Look for:
- Lighter, more flexible shaft
- Shaft that is 1/2" longer than standard to accommodate Max’s height
- Lower kick point to help the ball launch higher
Shaft Examples:
Find the Best Senior Flex Shaft for You
Regular and senior flex golf shafts are designed for golfers with different swing speeds and swing tempos. Regular flex shafts are suitable for most golfers, while senior flex shafts are designed for those with slower swing speeds.
Choosing the right flex is critical for maximizing your performance on the course, so be sure to take the time to find the right shaft for your swing. Older golfers can greatly benefit from playing a shaft that will help them gain the speed that they may have lost in their golf swing because of aging.
If you need help deciding which flex to choose, it's always best to consult a golf professional who can help you make an informed decision. Connect with a Curated Golf Expert right here on Curated for free, personalized advice.
