Tour Flex Vs Stiff Flex: A Precise Way to See the Difference

The proper shaft flex should be one of your top priorities when selecting a golf club for yourself. This is because the shaft flex affects the swing and will change the distance and trajectory. Thus, which should you choose in the argument between tour flex and stiff flex?

The main difference between these two is that the tour flex is stiffer and better suited to golfers with lower handicaps. On the other hand, the stiff flex is easier for players with a mid-low handicap because it is more flexible than the tour flex. 

Anyway, it is absolutely necessary to find the right flex for your shaft. In this article, we’ll explore everything that will be needed to differentiate between these two. 

An Overview of Tour Flex

Tour flex is an ideal choice for the most experienced golf players. In this way, it is suitable for golfers who have a swing speed above 105 mph.

The shafts with tour flex will also provide the lowest spin with extra distance. It will carry more than 275 yards. 

But with this flex, you may face problems releasing the club and controlling your shots. The shafts with the tour flex will also seem heavier and stiffer than the stiff flex shafts. 

Read Also: KBS $ taper lite vs c taper lite: Which one should you choose?

An Overview of Stiff Flex

Stiff flex is a great choice for golfers with a swing speed closer to 95 mph and not more than 105 mph. It is more flexible but less durable than the tour flex. But it will seem lighter than a tour flex shaft. 

With the driver of a stiff flex, you will be able to drive 275-plus yards. So, this flex will be a good choice for mid to low-handicap golf players. Besides, the stiff flex shafts will also give you low spin and launch. 

Read Also: KBS C Taper Vs Tour: Which Golf Shaft to choose?

Tour Flex Vs Stiff Flex: Comparison Chart

Without having the correct knowledge, finding the right flex for your shaft may seem very difficult. So, it’s essential to know the tour flex and stiff flex specifications.

Here is a comparison chart highlighting the differences between the stiff and tour flex specs. 

Criteria	Tour Flex	Stiff Flex
Swing speed	105 plus mph	95-105 mph
Distance	275 plus yards	250-275 yards
Material	Steel	Steel
Flex	Less flexible	More flexible
Durability	More	Less
Feel	Heavier	Lighter
Launch	Lowest	Lower

Read Also: Elevate Tour vs Elevate 95: Which Golf Shaft Should You Choose? 

What Are the Differences Between Tour Flex and Stiff Flex?

Though the tour flex and the stiff flex are very similar in some ways, they can also differ in many ways. 

Swing Speed

Swing speed is the first and foremost way to choose a perfect flex for your golf club shaft. The stiff flex is ideal for golfers with a swing speed between 95 and 105 mph, while the tour flex is for players with 105 plus swing speed. 

Distance

One of the major differences between tour flex and stiff flex is their carry distance. You must consider a tour flex if you want to get an extra distance. 

Tour Flex can give you a carry distance of 275 plus yards, while stiff flex will cover between 250 and 275 yards. 

Launch

A tour flex shaft produces the lowest launch and ball flight than a stiff flex shaft. It’s because if the flex is too stiffer, the shaft will gain extra weight and lose the ball flight and the launch. 

Material: Graphite or Steel

Both the tour flex and stiff flex are available in graphite and steel materials. These two different materials create a very keen difference between them.

Graphite shafts with the tour or stiff flex are lighter and easier to handle than steel shafts. But the steel can make a tour or stiff flex more durable and accurate as well.

Read Also: KBS $-Taper vs Project X LZ | Which One To Choose?

Spin

The spin rate of your golf ball will also depend on the flex of the shaft you’re using. Stiff flex can produce more spin than the tour flex. 

So, if you like to generate high-launching shots in the field, stiff flex is the right. Conversely, tour flex will be the best choice for getting lower ball flight. 

Feel

Stiff flex shafts will give you a more flexible and comfortable feel than the tour flex shafts. Tour flex irons are harder to manage because of their extra stiffness, weight, and strength.    

Tour Flex vs Stiff Flex: Which Flex to Choose?

Tour flex irons will be a good choice for low-handicap golfers, while the stiff flex irons are great for mid-to-low handicap golf players. Besides, you will probably go with the stiff flex if you have faster swing speeds, around 95 mph to 105 mph.

On the contrary, if you have the fastest swing speed, which is up to 105 mph, you are probably thinking of a tour flex. Moreover, you must go with the tour flex irons to get more resistance and accuracy between the shots. 

So, to choose the right one from these two, you should determine your swing speed. Now that you know all the differences between a stiff flex and a tour flex, it will probably be very easy for you to understand tour vs stiff flex.

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Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)

Now you know which flex between the tour and stiff flex is more perfect for you. Here is some additional information about these two flexes to assist you in making your decision.