Switching Driver to X-flex - What to Expect?

[GMR]

For the longest time I didn't even entertain the thought of X-flex shafts because I was kinda borderline and didn't want to be "that guy" who had to play tour equipment when in reality I was struggling to break 90. I finally hit one on a launch monitor at some point and it felt like cheating it was so straight. Little lower, little shorter, but dispersion came in so dramatically that I replaced my entire set with X over the next month and have never looked back. At the time I was borderline at around 108 swing speed so probably wasn't loading it fully, but the improvement in dispersion with all clubs still more than made up for any loss in distance I suffered.

[venturagolfer87]

Dont want to threadjack, but I also have been curious about making this switch, although my SS is nowhere near on the borderline (avg 97-99), but I tend to have a quicker than normal transition, and have a little bit of added wrist hinge in the downswing. I play a fade, but my miss is a straight pull about 98% of the time, either straight at my start line, or just left of it. I currently use a Kuro Kage Silver DC TiNi Stiff in 60 grams. I also have a D+ Limited 70s that I have been experimenting with, and it definitely does the intended purpose, but the feel is not what I want. What would make the most sense in trying to tighten up the disperson, aka, take some/most/all of the left side out of play: going up in weight in the same model, going up a flex in the same model and weight, or a different model altogether? I love the KK (had it for over two seasons, never fit for it, just liked the feel immediately), just wish it would play a bit stiffer than it feels.

[A.G. Pennypacker]

That regular shot combined with that miss indicates an out to in club path (i.e. over the top)... IMO a stiffer shaft won't help fix this. I have read somewhere that it can be helped by a heavier shaft since it will help reduce the tendency to come over the top (which might be why the D+70 helps), but only a fitting can confirm if it will really work for you.

[ChristopherMcDonald]

Depending on the shaft manufacturer, the feel may not be sacrificed at all.

 

I demo a Tensei White in a x-flex and the control with shot dispersion was tops. My only concern was fatigue in doing double headers.

 

Ended up tipping the stiff shaft 1”. Eliminating left misses and being able to swing as hard as I want was well worth the upgrade in shaft.

 

That is a very good option that people often don’t think about if they may be just between flexes. Tip the lesser flex substantially.

 

I generally play X or TX untipped but I’m currently playing an old original Grafalloy Blue in stiff tipped 2 inches. That shaft always ran a touch stiff and tipped two inches it’s basically a modest X now. Working quite well for me.

 

I think a touch stiff might be an understatement. I had one in regular and it felt stiffer than most stiff flexes I've played recently.

[SDGolfRookie]

Update: X-Flex is still working well!

- A little less distance

- A few more fairways

- A lot less penalties off the tee (the jinx is now on)

- Less over-swinging/better tempo (maybe influenced by the stiffer shaft...not sure)

 

Best feature: Less lefts and consistent left to right flight.

 

Going to try out X-flex in the 19 degree hybrid & 3 wood - aka my other commonly penalizing clubs.

 

 

[bladehunter]

I thought you only got flamed for hitting it 300.

So playing X also gives free membership to the Get Flamed Club.

Anyway to the OP, if you on the border of stiff/ x stiff, x could be the best thing for your driving.

For me, I was right on the border at 110mph ss & made the move, what a game changer it was, so much so that my driver swing became my most confident swing in my bag.

As a result I pushed the driver harder & harder which came with more clubhead speed that had me moving over totally to x flex shafts.

Give it a go & get ready for the flame brigade & if you feel up to some 20+ flame posts I suggest you quote a couple 300y drives & a few par5's in two etc.

Good luck & let's hear how the x goes.

 

It does seem that people who use X flex tend to list the flex in their signature. Seems odd to list flex unless it's part of the name (like S300 for example, or the old Voodoos like XVS7)

 

I dont know if that's a flame but someone mentions that every thread and i always chuckle because it does seem to be true

 

I mean why play X if people on the internet don't know you play X?

 

Isn’t there always a group standing around chatting about how slutty the hot girl is ? What do they call that now ???

[Ironhorse723]

Flex is so subjective, especially between manufacturer etc. Yes, most touring pros play X or TX but it's based solely on their release and ability to 'hold the angles'. I've always errored on the side of too stout in order to tighten up dispersion.

[SDGolfRookie]

Update: After a good run on X Flex, I went back to Stiff.

- Driver with Stiff flex (aka what I was fit into originally before trying to get X with it) consistently hits it further and I feel like I can swing smoother/slower (X flex, real or imagined, made me feel like I had to go after it more). X flex, albeit a little more accurate, didn’t produce the same pop

- Had also tried X flex in my 3 wood, but that one was easy. Immediately went back to Stiff to get more height