The flex level in a golf shaft is incredibly important. It can help or hinder your performance, depending on how fast and powerfully you swing. Stiff golf shafts improve your accuracy and help improve your trajectory if you can handle them well.
Stiff golf shafts are heavier and less flexible than other shafts. They are ideal for players who have a powerful and high-speed swing. Some of the stiffest shafts you can find are the Fujikura Atmos Black 6S, the Grafalloy Blue, or the Project X HZRDUS Black shaft.
If you want to know more, stick around! I will show you why stiff golf shafts can be advantageous and some of the stiffest driver shafts at the moment. Moreover, I will provide specifics for every suggestion.
Comparing Golf Shaft Stiffness
Golf shafts can have different flex levels, determining how flexible or stiff they are. These levels are:
- Senior
- Ladies
- Regular
- Stiff
- Extra Stiff
Stiff shafts typically weigh more, are harder to bend, and have a lower torque rating, so they can’t spin too much around their axis. Moreover, these shafts are very durable, considering they are made of harder materials.
Stiff golf shafts are suitable for golfers with a high swing speed, meaning higher than 85 mph (136 km/h). They are not as flexible as regular golf shafts, providing more accuracy at higher speeds. They also allow you to swing more aggressively and control your trajectory better. Typically, stiff shafts are for seasoned players and not ideal for beginners.
Extra stiff golf shafts have the same qualities as those mentioned above but to a greater extent. They are typically used by professionals who swing at high speed and use a lot of power. If you swing at more than 105 mph (168 km/h), you should use an extra stiff shaft.
There are several factors that affect the stiffness of a golf shaft. Weight definitely is a factor, but not a decisive one; stiffness depends on how manufacturers design the shaft and the materials used. If you’re looking for a particularly stiff golf shaft, don’t go directly for the heaviest one. An uncomfortably heavy golf shaft is no good, no matter how stiff.
Stiffest Golf Shafts
Many golfers prefer a stiffer golf shaft for more speed and power. There are several different models on the market that can satisfy these requests.
- Fujikura Atmos Black 6S is made of graphite and is considered among this list’s best-looking shafts. They offer a smooth and consistent feel, providing power and keeping the ball flight down.
- Grafalloy Blue is one of the most beloved golf shafts out there. Some users believe that it’s stiffer than advertised. It’s ideal for mid-flight trajectories.
- Project X HZRDUS Black is considerably stiff, even compared to other stiff shafts. It’s light and has a smooth feel, allowing you to control your trajectory. Project X HZRDUS Black is a low-trajectory shaft.
- Graphite Design Tour AD HD is known for exceptionally high accuracy and great feel. It’s a mid-flight shaft made of graphite and available in different weights.
- Aldila RIP X Stiff Shaft is a mid-flight, low-spin shaft. It provides stability while being comfortable and is more budget-friendly than other comparable stiff shafts. This shaft has a higher kick-point, which is great for regular users but can be a problem for particularly aggressive golfers.
Final Thoughts
Stiff golf shafts are not for everyone, but they can be highly accurate and powerful in the right hands. If you are comfortable using stiff shafts, you can try a Fujikura Atmos Black 6S, a Grafalloy Blue, or an Aldila RIP X Stiff Shaft.