Accra Shaft has gained a lot of praise in the performance shaft upgrade and replacement market, especially with the release of their latest TZ5 and TZ6 lines. However, many golfers have problems choosing suitable flex options with the aid of the company’s fitting chart. Most shaft models are available in M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, and M5s flex options, representing Ladies, Regular, Stiff, and Extra Stiff, respectively.
The fitting mechanism of the Accra takes on the style of M ratings, similar to the Mitsubishi Grand Bassaras.
Unlike the standard flex rating currently misused in the industry, this M rating for flex represents the flex options Accra provides for its shaft chronologically, from Ladies to Extra stiff.
Some beginner golfers told me they went for fitting and were fitted for an AC by Accra shaft. While most of these new golfers trust their fitters, I often sense that they aren’t confident that it will be a good fit for them due to the difficulty in interpreting the flex chart on the Accra website.
You hear about Accra. You want to try out a shaft but aren’t sure how the flex chart works. This article will explain what the details on the chart mean and how you can use them to make an informed decision on choosing the flex option for your next Accra shaft.
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Understanding the Accra Shaft Flex Chart For Fitting
The image below is the Accra fitting chart for their Fx 3.0 SRT, I Series, Fx 3.0 100, Fx 3.0 200, Fx 3.0 300, TZ6, TZ5, Tour Z RPG HBP & LBP, and Tour Z RPG Tour shafts.
In the chart above, you have swing speeds ranging from less than 65 mph to as high as 120 mph and driver distances ranging from less than 155 to over 300. To find the right Accra shaft flex for you, using this chart, match your current swing speed category and your approximated driver distance range against the particular Accra shaft you intend to buy.
Whatever flexible option is central to these factors will work well for you. The flex options are Senior, Ladies, Regular, Stiff, and Extra Stiff, representing my M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, and M5s, respectively.
Each flex is designed to suit different swing speeds and player characteristics.
The Accra M3 (Regular Flex) Shafts
Like every regular flex shaft from manufacturers, the Accra shafts with M3 flex options are more flexible and tend to bend more during your swing.
This is a solid option for you if you have slower swing speeds, say, below 90 mph, with the driver. Also, if you have a smooth, leisurely tempo and a more effortless swing, the M3 flex option works well.
At fitting exercises, many beginners and higher handicap players would mostly be fitted with the Accra M3 since they offer practical forgiveness on the greens.
The Accra M4 (Stiff Flex) Shafts
Accra shafts with the M4 flex configuration are less flexible than the M3s. So when you handle this shaft, you tend to use more force to bend it during the swing.
With this understanding, you don’t want to choose M4 flex shafts if you don’t have moderate to fast swing speeds (around 90–105 mph with the driver).
It’s a perfect fit when you have an aggressive swing and can generate higher clubhead speeds. The M4 is ideal if you desire control and accuracy.
For example, the Accra TZ6 shaft appeals to the average golfer in the M3 and M4 flexes as a mid- or high-launching driver shaft with its active tip section that controls spin and adds power.
The Acura M5s (Extra Stiff Flex) Shafts
The extra-stiff flex shafts are the least flexible and require even more force to bend during the swing. Accra recommends it for players with fast swing speeds.
The bottom line is that the ideal flex option depends on your swing speed, tempo, and ball flight tendencies.
With the help of a professional club fitter, you can Accurately assess your swing characteristics and select the most appropriate flex for your game.
Accra states on its website, “The charts and graphs provided by any golf manufacturer are only guidelines concerning fitting.
“The only way to properly ensure that a shaft/head combination is truly the best fit for your swing is to have it analyzed by a professional club fitter.”
I like how Jake and Brad from Accra debunked a lot of misconceptions on Club Champion about Accra M-rated flex shafts and how they can only affect the game by little differences.
Concluding thoughts
Accra graphite shafts have been in the industry for years. The flex chart could serve as a guide if you decide what flex options to choose.
However, some people think that when you use softer shafts (M1, M3), they tend to veer to the right, while others believe they tend to hook and go to the left. The reality is that there’s no industry standard for shaft flex.
An Accra shaft with M3 (regular) on it might play a little softer or stiffer than advertised. So, the best you can do is get a professional fitting.
