Getting the right golf shaft is essential to improving your skills as a golfer, and choosing the right shaft flex cannot be understated. However, many flexes are available, including tour stiff, and it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right one.
Tour stiff shafts are golf shafts that don’t have a lot of flexibility, are heavier than other flex types, and provide low spin and extra distance. They are more suitable for experienced golfers with fast swings.
In this article, I’ll explain what a tour stiff shaft is and what kind of golfers would benefit from using this type of shaft. Let’s get started!
What is a Tour Stiff Shaft?
A tour stiff shaft is a type of flex that golf manufacturers offer. Flex is a measurement of how much a golf shaft can bend when outside forces interact with it.
Golfers have different types and speeds of swings, so golf manufacturers make different kinds of shafts that can be compatible with golfers with different styles.
Tour stiff shafts are some of the stiffest shafts available. They provide low spin and extra distance and are often heavier than other flex types. The weight can be an adjustment for some golfers and may cause them to lose lift and control. Tour stiff shafts are also known as extra stiff.
Here is a quick guide to the other different shaft flexes available.
- Stiff. A stiff shaft is slightly more flexible than the tour stiff, but it should only be used by experienced players or fast swingers.
- Regular. A regular shaft is the Goldilocks of golf shafts —not too flexible or stiff. The regular is the most popular shaft because it is more forgiving and best for people with a golf swing of 230 to 250 yards (210-229 meters).
- Senior. As people age, their swing speed usually slows down. Senior flex shafts are more forgiving.
- Ladies. Women typically have slower swings, so the ladies’ flex is the softest.
If you’re unsure which flex is right, I recommend getting professionally fitted.
Who Should Use Tour Stiff Shafts?
Generally speaking, the slower a golfer swings, the more flexibility they need in their shaft. Therefore, the best candidates for Tour Stiff shafts are people with fast swings, typically over 105 miles per hour (169 kilometers per hour).
Another factor influencing the shaft you should pick is your driver carry distance.
When you hit the ball, the yardage between your tee and the ball is your driver carry distance. Golfers who can hit over 260 yards (238 meters) would benefit from using a tour stiff shaft, whereas golfers that don’t achieve as much distance should use a regular flex.
Conclusion
Tour stiff is a flex on golf shafts typically suited to experienced golfers with fast swings. Tour stiff is the stiffest option available, and they provide golfers with a low spin and extra distance. However, for beginner or less experienced golfers, the additional weight that comes with a tour stiff shaft may be detrimental to their play.