Graphite vs. Steel: Both steel and graphite shafts can work for anyone. One common misconception is that if a golfer plays regular flex steel, that he should play stiff flex graphite. Actually, the flex is the flex. Regular is regular, and stiff is stiff. Pro's with similar swing speeds choose different options here. Tiger uses steel and Daly uses graphite, so go figure. The following are very general recommendations:

Men aged 15-55, steel shafted irons, graphite shafted woods.
Seniors, graphite shafted irons and woods.
Ladies (all ages), graphite shafted irons and woods.

Graphite is lighter weight, and enables players to generate more clubhead speed, and achieve greater distance. Steel, while heavier, may help slightly with accuracy.

Flex: The degree of flex in your club shafts is something you control. You can choose to buy stiffer shafts, or softer shafts, depending on your needs.

But how can you tell what you need? Here are some general guidelines:

• Take a look at the distance you hit your driver. This is a good, but very general, indicator. If you carry you driver 250 yards or more, go with Stiff; 230-250 yards, Regular; 200-230 yards, Senior; less than 200 yards, Ladies. Only the biggest of the big hitters is going to need Extra Stiff. For most of us, Extra Stiff isn't even in the picture.
• If you have a very smooth swing, you might benefit from a softer flex even if you swing very fast. A swing that gets jerky at the top - when transitioning into the downswing - will probably need a stiffer shaft.
• If your drives go left, you might benefit from a stiffer flex; if your drives go right, you might benefit from a softer flex.

Be honest with yourself about your swing! Choosing a flex that is too stiff is a common mistake that will hurt your game! If Your

Flex Isn't Stiff Enough

And what will happen if your flex isn't stiff enough?

1. The ball might fly higher for any given loft, compared to a properly fit shaft.
2. The ball may tend to go left, or to the draw side, for a right-handed golfer (because with a too-flexible shaft, the clubhead may tend to come into the ball closed).
3. Shots may tend to feel more solid, even when they aren't.

Macho Men

Men like to hit Stiff shafts. It's a guy thing. Unfortunately, it's not always the smart thing.

But over swinging is a common problem among male high-handicappers. Choosing a softer flex often has the effect of forcing macho men to slow down their swings. And slowing down the swing often makes those macho men into better players.

And the fact is, the harm in hitting a shaft that is too flexible is much less than the harm in hitting a shaft that is too stiff. As equipment guru Tom Wishon has said, when unsure about flex, always err on the side of more flex. If you can't decide between Regular and Stiff, go with Regular.

Length Of Your Clubs: If you are not sure what length clubs you need - you can use the simple method of measurement called "Wrist To Floor". All you will need is a yardstick. Stand up perfectly straight with your golf shoes on, and have someone measure from the floor to the crease of your wrist. About 80% of golfers are in the "standard length" range of 34 to 36" - and here's a chart to help you. When you order clubs from us, you can easily choose the length you need by clicking on "Customize".

Wrist-to-floor Length:
27" to 32" Minus One Inch
32" to 34" Minus 1/2 Inch
34" to 36" Standard Length
36" to 38" Plus 1/2 Inch
38" to 40" Plus One Inch

Graphite vs. Steel: Both steel and graphite shafts can work for anyone. One common misconception is that if a golfer plays regular flex steel, that he should play stiff flex graphite. Actually, the flex is the flex. Regular is regular, and stiff is stiff. Pro's with similar swing speeds choose different options here. Tiger uses steel and Daly uses graphite, so go figure. The following are our very general recommendations:

Men aged 15-55, steel shafted irons, graphite shafted woods.
Seniors, graphite shafted irons and woods.
Ladies (all ages), graphite shafted irons and woods.