2X 3X and 4X question...

[1ofsix399]

What is the general guideline for flex related to swingspeed? ..... I know its different for everybody... what works for you... trial and error... but as a general guideline... 120... 2X .   130...3X.   135 and up 3X or 4X?

I know a lot of guys swing 2X and 2Xthe tipped...

[bradfromearth]

That is a tough one to answer but there are some generalities. It is tough because a lot of it is just what someone prefers. I know that there are guys that swing in the 140+ range yet prefer a soft flex in the 250 cpm (1X) range. I would assume there are guys who swing slower but prefer something very stiff as well. I will defer to the fitters and shaft experts for the 'general rules' on the subject. I am sure someone will chime in.


Not really answering the question but to elaborate on the subject. It is easier IMO to go by cpm or frequency on shafts because all the shaft companies refer to 1x, 2x, and 3x based on their own internal nomenclature. Frequency is something that can be measured by anyone who purchases any shaft. So you can go by frequency at full, uncut length and then derive what it would come out to based on butt trim, tip trim and head installed. From what I can recall the general rule is 5 cpm per inch off the butt and 10 cpm per inch off the tip. In short, if you know the frequency you prefer then it wont matter what the shaft manufacturer calls it. You do have to be careful with cpm listings as well because you never know how it is going to be measured. The number you want is raw uncut cpm measured using the industry standard weight and clamp. The other number is built cpm with or without the grip.

Personally I swing in the 140 range and like anything from 265 up to 300 or a 2,3 or 4X. I am starting to like the stiffer set ups to give better control. I know one guy who is a great ball striker and always does well in tournaments told me that when he went from very stiff to very flexible that his distance increased significantly. His swing style does maximize shaft load however. That might not work for me as I do not strike the ball as well and it would just cause me to go OB. In the end you have to figure out what works for you. I would start with the 'general rule' for your speed and experiment from there.

[JHKan81]

it also depends on what head it is in doesn't it? a shaft fully inserted into an Alpha for example plays much stiffer due to how much shaft is inserted...

[bradfromearth]

it also depends on what head it is in doesn't it? a shaft fully inserted into an Alpha for example plays much stiffer due to how much shaft is inserted...

A deeper bore will play stiffer and you can think of it like tipping. I only insert 1.5 inches into a deep bore head myself.

An Adams or Krank head will build out softer because the hosel sits up higher and the shaft is not going in as deep. In those I have found any where from 10-15 cpm loss compared to a MOI type head depending upon the shaft.