Does anybody own a Flail?

[tongzilla]

The Hitter's Clubshaft acts as an Axe Handle that he Pushes radially (from behind) through Impact. The Swinger's Clubshaft acts as a piece of rope -- the Rope handle -- that he Pulls longitudinally (lengthwise) through Impact.

Remember, you can push on the Axe Handle, but...

You can't push on a rope handle.

But you can pull on an Axe Handle, can't you? I always wonder why this never gets mentioned.

[stilltrying]

But you can pull on an Axe Handle, can't you? I always wonder why this never gets mentioned.

Funny you should mention it, while splitting firewood the other day, I decided I'm a swinger. With the axe that is.

[annikan skywalker]

Splitting wood is swinging.... Longitudinal acceleration ....Chopping down a tree is hitting....Radial acceleration...pushing from behind!!!!

[stilltrying]

Splitting wood is swinging.... Longitudinal acceleration ....Chopping down a tree is hitting....Radial acceleration...pushing from behind!!!!

Respectfully disagree, still swinging just on a different plane.
Although I do prefer a chainsaw for chopping down trees.

[Yoda]

But you can pull on an Axe Handle, can't you? I always wonder why this never gets mentioned.

The Axe Handle versus Rope Handle analogy is useful in differentiating Radial Acceleration (Hitting) from Longitudinal Acceleration (Swinging) and the respective techniques employed (Push or Pull).

You can, of course, Pull on an Axe Handle, but it still will function as "a piece of string." A stiff piece of string to be sure, but a piece of string nonetheless. And the Swinger will benefit from using a stiff piece of string.

Homer Kelley felt very strongly that all golfers -- not just 'good golfers' -- would benefit from Clubs with a stiff shaft flex. In our Authorized Insructor Masters Class of January 1982, he stated this conclusion in no uncertain terms:

"It would be best if they all came with axe handles."

[birdie_man]

"Homer Kelley felt very strongly that all golfers -- not just 'good golfers' -- would benefit from Clubs with a stiff shaft flex."

What explaination did he give for that Lynn?

[Yoda]

"Homer Kelley felt very strongly that all golfers -- not just 'good golfers' -- would benefit from Clubs with a stiff shaft flex."

What explaination did he give for that Lynn?

The stiffer Shaft better resists the Impact Collision and also promotes less Clubface deviation both prior to and during Impact.

Remember, for Swingers, Centrifugal Force is driving the Sweetspot, not the Clubshaft. It is functioning merely as a piece of string that, in fact, is being stiffened by the outward pull of Centrifugal Force itself. So, other than being of sturdy construction and for the reasons cited, Shaft Flex means little to the Swinger.

For the Hitter, though, Shaft Flex is mission-critical. He demands a stiff Shaft against which to push the Clubhead Lag through Impact.

[tongzilla]

I believe you can easily get a shaft that's too stiff for you.

I'm no expert clubfitter...so someone may explain the consequences of a too stiff a shaft.

It's all about optimisation...not necessarily maximisation (i.e. max stiffness).

[Yoda]

I believe you can easily get a shaft that's too stiff for you.

That is the conventional wisdom, Leo. Always has been. Homer Kelley -- and Karsten Solheim, founder of Ping -- believed otherwise.

On what facts do you base your opinion?

[ChrisNZ]

Tried my friends new 2006 Cleveland Launcher yesterday, with a stiff shaft, whereas my old-style Launcher has regular flex. Have been leaning towards hitting recently and indeed, the stiff shaft felt pretty good. Was also chipping balls with my driver the other day, and at that speed you can feel that shaft bending back as you impact the ball - which also made me wonder if stiffer shafts might be better.

Yoda, for a hitter would a stiffer shaft help primarily with control/accuracy or distance? Or would it have an effect on both?

Chris