Lets start this over - pre-stress

[Ringer]

Yes they would react the same IMO.

Think about your last sentence for a moment. In your example, impact impulse travels up the shaft - then returns to the clubhead (which must occur if the clubhead/ball is to sense or be affected by anything about the shaft's state) where somewhat less energy is imparted to the ball due to shaft flex,,,

I don't have numbers but this return trip takes way too long compared to the impact duration of .0005 sec.

Very good.. thanks for the opinion.

 

[Ringer]

Ringer~

It would help me if I (1) understood why this question is important to you and (2) what you will do with the answer assuming one is accepted.

I'm asking the question because:
It's important for me to learn and understand even if the people I teach don't.
I will deposit the information in my brain in case the question ever comes up again.