What do you know?
Your tempo
Usual ball flight

Measured on a launch monitor or swing speed radar.

Recommended flex Regular 90 mph equivalent driver swing speed 55–65 g typical driver shaft weight Mid launch launch profile Comfortably within the Regular range.

Shop Regular flex shafts

Driver and fairway wood shafts in your flex, with tip adapters for most adjustable club heads. Choose your club and the brand of your club head to see every matching option.

Find a shaft in your flex

Shaft flex chart

The finder uses these bands. Driver distance means carry plus roll on a well-struck drive. 7-iron carry is how far the ball flies in the air.

FlexDriver swing speedDriver distance7-iron carry
Ladies (L)Under 70 mphUnder 175 yardsUnder 105 yards
Senior (A)70–85 mph175–210 yards105–128 yards
Regular (R)85–95 mph210–240 yards128–143 yards
Stiff (S)95–110 mph240–275 yards143–165 yards
X Stiff (X)Over 110 mphOver 275 yardsOver 165 yards

How the finder works

Swing speed is the best single predictor of the flex you need, so the finder converts everything to an equivalent driver swing speed. As a rule of thumb, driver distance in yards is about two and a half times your driver swing speed in mph, and 7-iron carry in yards is about one and a half times it.

It then adjusts for tempo. A quick, aggressive transition loads the shaft harder, so the finder treats it as about 3 mph faster, and a smooth tempo as 3 mph slower. If you land within a few mph of the boundary between two flexes, it tells you to try both.

Ball flight shapes the launch profile suggestion. Golfers who hit it low usually benefit from a higher-launching shaft with a softer tip, and golfers who balloon the ball from a lower-launching, lower-spinning one.

Signs you are in the wrong flex

  • Too stiff: low shots, a fade or slice, a harsh feel at impact and a loss of carry distance.
  • Too soft: high, spinning shots, a hook or pull, a "whippy" feel and inconsistent distance.

A finder is a starting point, not a fitting. If you are between flexes, or if your current shaft suits you even though the chart says otherwise, trust your results on the course. A custom club fitting with a launch monitor gives the most reliable answer.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find my swing speed without a launch monitor?

Use your driver distance or your 7-iron carry instead. Pick an honest, typical shot, not your best one. Many driving ranges, golf shops and simulator venues will also measure your speed for little or nothing.

Is senior flex only for seniors?

No. "Senior", also called A or M flex, simply means a softer shaft for moderate swing speeds. Plenty of younger golfers with smooth swings play it, and plenty of seniors with fast swings play regular or stiff.

Should my fairway woods use the same flex as my driver?

Usually, yes. Playing the same shaft family and flex through your woods keeps the feel and ball flight consistent from club to club.

Does flex matter more than weight?

They work together. Flex controls how much the shaft bends, while weight affects your tempo, timing and how hard you can swing. A shaft that is too light can make your swing quick and erratic; one that is too heavy can tire you and slow you down.

Read more: the golf shaft flex guide, how to hit the golf ball further and how to choose golf clubs.

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