Depends on what you're looking for in your clubs. Part of the problem is when people only consider swing speed to determine flex. Shaft weight, flex, bend characteristics, & length are all to be considered and dependent on your individual swing and desired ball flight. You may hit the ball further with a lighter flex and/or weight but you could see higher flight and more dispersion, whereas a stiffer flex or a little heavier shaft might keep the flight down and reduce misses left and right. That is why it's best to get fitted.

Without a doubt swinging for the fences typically makes it a little more difficult to control the ball but different flexes also have different bend profiles. For example the 1k black and tensei blue stiff will feel completely different. 1k is a stiffer tip section and butt section and tensei blue is softer in those sections and it's very noticeable. If you feel that you must swing very hard it wouldn't be a bad idea to go down a flex. Quality and consistency should be the priority. But I believe the best answer is to go get fitt and see. That'll eliminate any doubt or question you may have. Plus you learn alot about your swing!

Without a doubt swinging for the fences typically makes it a little more difficult to control the ball but different flexes also have different bend profiles. For example the 1k black and tensei blue stiff will feel completely different. 1k is a stiffer tip section and butt section and tensei blue is softer in those sections and it's very noticeable. If you feel that you must swing very hard it wouldn't be a bad idea to go down a flex. Quality and consistency should be the priority. But I believe the best answer is to go get fitt and see. That'll eliminate any doubt or question you may have. Plus you learn alot about your swing!

I think its important to match the shaft to the swing, not all flexes are created equal. What I mean is stiff in Dynamic Gold will work for one player and Regular in Project X may work for another. Not matter the skill level is more important to get fit.

I was in the opposite camp - I started off assuming I'd be in regular flex and get fitted and that shaft was completely wrong for me. I'm not swinging out of my shoes but playing baseball at a high level means my golf swing has some speed. I remember hearing and reading distance = better scores if you can keep it in play. Its better to be closer to the green in the rough than further away in the fairway.

If you can keep it in play, finish in a balanced position, by all means swing hard lol.

Hi, the flex does not depend how fast is your swing but how you swing fast. A fast tempo golfer often need a flex more stiff and often more heavy shaft to stay in control.
A fast speed golfer with a smooth tempo is another story. To complicate this subject, it is not true for everyone.
Best advice, get fitted by a professional fitter and you will have a lot of more fun.

I swing smooth and I use an X-Stiff on my driver and 3 wood. Works great for me. I know my swing speed is more than enough for the X-Stiff, even with swinging smooth. I don't swing out of my shoes ever, at least not on purpose haha.

Swinging for the fences isn't smart imo, unless you have enough time do it as much as Bryson does daily!

This is why it's so important to get fitted. When I got fitted for my irons I ended up getting Dynamic Gold regular flex but my woods are all stiff shafts. The fitter even said it's more about your swing and the flex point of the shafts.

There are so many variables to consider, regarding what the right flex might be for a particular player. Every "weekend warrior" has a unique swing. The short answer is, some may benefit by dialing down to a regular flex, while others may not.

Personally,I've always used stiff shafts, throughout the set, as long as I can remember.My handicap has ranged from 2 to 6, although I struggled somewhat last season.That said, my swing is not smooth. I load very late, and am a little "handsy" at impact.

Recently I've replaced my driver and fairway shafts with lighter weight shafts, dropping 10-15 grams.That move seems to be paying off.

You are asking a couple of different questions.

1. Should the average person swing as hard as they can? My answer would be to swing as fast as you can control.

2. As for shaft flex, it depends on the swing. There are some "average" guys that swing pretty darn fast, and, dialing it back could still overpower a regular flex shaft.

Best bet is go get fitted.

Sixty years ago almost all players were playing True Temper Dynamic Steel shafts. The shaft weighed (and weighs today) 130 grams uncut. But things started to change. Aluminum shafts came out and a few competitors to True Temper emerged. And then Frank Thomas with Shakespear came up with graphite composite shafts. The graphite shaft was really transformed with the Aldila shafts, specifically the HM 40.

But today the choices are truly astronomical. Only a fitter with access to an enormous number of shafts with having a LOT of experience can help. And the player simply has to hit as many shafts as possible and not get caught up on weight or (alleged) shaft stiffness. And then that player has to take the clubs to the course and find out what really is happening.

Things were a lot easier sixty years ago.

I still love a good ol' TT Dynamic Gold for irons

I think the best thing to do is get fit. Make sure you’re having your club fitter look at what is best for you. Pride definitely has a part in it, but I feel like when you get fit you have to go in with the right mindset. No matter what flex or shaft type they fit you in it’s what performs the best with your swing. I’ve gone in with this attitude and tend to be fit in an x flex. It’s not entirely about swing speed it’s what you like to feel. Some people like the feel of stability and a stiffer shaft provides that regardless of swing speed.