Shaft flex affects how much the shaft bends during your swing — which can impact accuracy, distance, and feel.
Common flexes include:
L (Ladies): Very flexible, for slower swing speeds
A (Senior): Slightly stiffer, still great for slower swings
R (Regular): Moderate flex — most common for casual golfers
S (Stiff): Less bend — better for faster swing speeds
X (Extra Stiff): Minimal flex — designed for very high swing speeds
You may also see numerical flex ratings like 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, or 7.0, especially on shafts from brands like Project X:
5.0 ≈ Regular
5.5 ≈ Firm (between Regular and Stiff)
6.0 ≈ Stiff
6.5 ≈ Strong Stiff / Tour Stiff
7.0 ≈ Extra Stiff
These numbers offer a more precise fit for golfers dialed into their swing tempo and speed.