Choosing golf clubs can be quite challenging.
You have to consider the length of the shaft, overall weight with the head, the style of grip and many other incidentals.
And no doubt one of the most serious factors is the degree of flex of the clubs you are considering.
Golf clubs have different flex ratings for specific clubs and you want to make sure you are making the right choice since it can greatly affect your performance.
It probably sounds a little foreign at the moment but as you become more familiar with flex definitions you will be able to choose the perfect shaft that fits your requirements.
The flex or bend of the shaft is hardly noticeable but can cause the most effect as you swing.
The momentum and force of the club head which is dependent on the speed of your swing will cause a most unnoticeable shaft flex.
The way the shaft is made along with the material used will determine if the shaft will be flexible or stiffer.
If you have been golfing and using clubs you are not sure of regarding the flexibility you may want to ask some of your buddies or someone at the golf club to help determine the flex.
If you can figure this out you will have a much easier time making a change to new clubs with the flex more suitable for your style of play.
There are four major flex ratings.
They are L,R,S and XS.
The definition for each is Ladies, Regular, Senior and Extra Stiff.
Normally L,R or S will work for the average golfer.
It is naturally worth your while to try out the golf clubs in the category you feel comfortable with.
Nine times out of ten you will find you have made the correct choice.
However, ( there's always a however).
You may not feel comfortable with you choice and may have to consider a technical approach to your decision.
To do this you must analyze your swing and decide from the results.
As mentioned before, the speed of your swing is the major factor in determining and considering flex choice.
This also includes on your form when swinging the club.
If you are considered a fast swinger then the stiffer shafts should work for you.
But if you are above average or more than the fast swinger you probably should consider the XS style shaft.
If on the other hand you lean towards a slower or controlled swing you should stick with the R or L class.
The letters have been assigned arbitrarily based on swing habits collected over time and if you find that a "Ladies" shaft works for you, go for it, nothing wrong with choosing the best that will improve your game.
Another consideration when making your choice is the shaft material which will affect your swing.
There are only two materials normally used.
Graphite and steel, and they are very different when it comes to the flex performance.
Clubs made of steel will have a lower torque rating which will suit one group than another.
When making your choice make sure you have determined what your preference may be and one you would be most comfortable with.
This could be a most difficult decision especially if you are fairly new to the game.
But after you have gone through the process you will be fairly well set for making choices in the future.
If you really want to be comfortable in your choice I would suggest you visit your local golf store that has the tools available to analyze your swing speed using the various flex shafts mentioned.
I'm sure they will be glad to work with you.
Once you have completed this exercise you should feel pretty comfortable in making a satisfactory and wise choice.
However, regardless of what shaft flex you choose, remember your golfing success will depend on practice, practice, practice.