Stiff or X-Still

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By BC33

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  • 8 Replies
  1. BC33

    BC33
    Newton, IA

    I am right on the bubble. I've been fitted multiple places and I am always right on the border between a Stiff and X-Stiff shaft for my driver, 3wood, and hybrid. My driver swing speed ranges from 108-111mph . The "suggested" cut line seems to be 110 mph for most shafts. My carry distance is between typically between 260 - 275. When I got fitted for my 915 D3, they put me in a Aldila Rogue X-Stiff. When I want to hit a draw, I will typically swing a little less, with the speed probably being 105-107, but when I want to hit my preferred shot, the power fade I will swing full, maxing at 113. Most of my regular attempts to put it down the middle fall between the 108-111 that I listed. The biggest complaint I have about my driver is that the ball flight is lower than your typical ball flight.

    My questions are: -Am I losing distance when the X-Stiff because I am a sometimes a few mph below that 110 cut line? -Is my ball flight lower because the stiffness of the shaft is a bit too much for my swing speed? -Or am I playing the right shaft and probably getting the right distance, I just happen to be a low ball flighter with the driver?

    Thanks!

  2. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    Shaft flexes have no standard. Whatever shaft gets the head through the ball square works. Too much flex with a rapid transition will result in a wider dispersion pattern as the shaft is still flexing through impact. Club head speed at impact does not define shaft flex, nor is X-Stiff the same flex across multiple shaft lines. It is only "more stiff that stiff" in that one shaft line. The best way to find out is to work outside with a knowledgeable pro and a Trackman and find the shaft that provide optimal ball spin, launch, and descent for maximum distance at both of your swing speeds.
  3. Dr. Kovatchian

    Dr. Kovatchian
    Carlsbad

    Listen to your fitter.
    For some crazy reason I was fitted into an X-Stiff shaft for my TS3.
    For some crazy reason my TS3 is the best driver I have ever played.

    A Great Titleist fitter knows best!!!

    Cheers,
    Dr. K
  4. Ricky F

    Ricky F
    Inverness

    I'm between x and s as well. I opted for a heavy S flex shaft, dispersion was better. I found with X I had to swing harder than I felt comfortable to get the best out of it.

    While I agree the fitter knows best, you also need to be comfortable.
  5. Fred T

    Fred T
    Edmonton, AB Canada

    Easy way to tell. On the course hit a 7 iron with your usual swing intensity.
    Hit another and take 10 yards off that swing.

    If you hit way short of your target with the x its because the shaft stopped working on your backed off shot, take the stiff.
  6. Mike M

    Mike M
    Marblehead MA

    I like heavy shafts, primarily because I load late. I've got stiff shafts on my driver and 3 wood (910D3 and 910F), 73grams and 82 grams respectively. I hit both well. That said I've got an x-stiff on my 16.5 fairway, and I hit that one best. It's an old Graphite Design YS-7 x-stiff,heavy and with really low torque.

    I think I'd go with the x.
  7. Chris92009

    Chris92009
    Ohio

    I have similar numbers and I prefer the X Stiff in all my clubs...I feel as though the dispersion is tighter when hitting the X Stiff shafts.... IMHO!
  8. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    The other thing to think about is direction. If the shots tend to push or fade, consider less flex. If the tendency to pull or snap hook exists, go to a firmer shaft. Better to err on the side of more flex.

    My fitting is weird. My driver is Bassara A flex and I hit about 230. Fairways are 60g regular and A flex would cause a snap hook or pulled shot. I actually get 4 more yards out of a 70g regular shaft vs 60g on the hybrids. Project X 5.5 is best for 6-9 irons for me. Wedge flex from 50-64. I'm capable of hitting stiff but give up 5-10 yards.

    Also, like Don stated, shaft flexes are not consistent between vendors. An Aldila regular feels more stiff than a Diamana stiff does. I find little difference between a Bassara A flex and Bassara regular as far as feel but ball flight is the difference.
  9. Christopher V

    Christopher V
    Edmond, OK

    Typically they tell you to err on the side of less stiffness when it comes to shaft questions like yours. Your ball trajectory is going to have more to do with the bend point and launch characteristics of your shaft and not your shaft flex. I'm fitted for an X-Stiff, but I sometimes leave my club head open resulting in hitting a cut. I got the same shaft in stiff and started poking the ball out there straight more often, I bought myself an extra millisecond to get the head square at impact. What level of club fitter did you use? Retail fitter, or an actual Titleist fitter/Club Champion fitter?

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