Ever glanced at the writing on your golf club and noticed a small 'R' or 'S' printed on the shaft? That single letter tells an important story about how that club is designed to perform, and it stands for a specific type of shaft flex - most commonly, 'Regular' and 'Stiff'. Understanding what these letters mean, and which one is right for you, is fundamental to hitting the ball farther, straighter, and more consistently. This guide will walk you through exactly what R and S mean, how shaft flex works, and how you can figure out the perfect flex for your own swing.
Let's get straight to it. The letter on your golf shaft indicates its flex, which is how much the shaft is designed to bend during the golf swing. The two most common options you'll see are:
A "Regular" flex shaft will bend more during the swing, while a "Stiff" flex shaft will bend less. This isn't a matter of one being "better" than the other, it’s entirely about pairing the shaft's stiffness to the speed and force of your swing. Getting this match right is one of the most direct ways to improve your ball striking.
Think of a golf shaft like a fishing rod. To cast a line a long way, you have to whip the rod back and then forward, making it bend. The rod stores energy as it bends and then releases it, slinging the lure forward. A golf shaft does the exact same thing during your swing. As you swing, your power "loads" the shaft, causing it to bend. Then, as you come down into the ball, the shaft "unloads" and straightens out, releasing that stored energy and whipping the clubhead through impact with incredible speed.
The right amount of flex is all about a perfect handoff of energy.
In short, matching flex to your swing is about maximizing the "slingshot effect" of the shaft in a way that is timed perfectly for your tempo and power. It’s what gives you that effortless power and tight control you're looking for.
While R and S are the most popular flexes, they are just two points on a wider spectrum. Understanding the full range can help you pinpoint exactly where your swing fits in. Manufacturers are not perfectly standardized, but generally, here is the full lineup from most flexible to least flexible:
Okay, so you understand the "what" and the "why." Now for the most important part: the "how." How do you figure out your ideal flex? There are three good methods, ranging from precise to a good-enough estimate.
The most accurate way to determine your shaft flex is by measuring your swing speed, specifically with a driver. Most modern driving ranges and all golf simulators or retail stores have launch monitors (like Trackman or Foresight) that give you this number instantly. Once you have your driver swing speed, you can use this general chart as a very reliable guide.
This is the same method professionals use in a club fitting. If you have the opportunity to get your swing speed measured, do it. It takes the guesswork out of the equation.
Don't have access to a launch monitor? No problem. You can get a pretty good approximation of your swing speed and ideal flex by knowing how far you carry your driver (how far it travels in the air, not including the roll). Be honest with yourself here - use your average, well-struck drive, not that one monster you hit downhill with the wind behind you.
Finally, your existing shot pattern can offer powerful clues about your equipment. Look for these "symptoms" in your common miss-hits. Does one of these sound familiar?
While flex is the headline feature, it works in concert with a few other shaft properties. Getting a general sense of these will elevate your understanding even further.
In the end, that small "R" or "S" on your golf shaft simply relates to its stiffness. Selecting the right one for your swing - whether that's Regular, Stiff, or something else on the spectrum - is about synchronizing the club's engine with your own. It allows you to deliver the clubhead with maximum power and consistency, which translates directly to better shots on the course.
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