Most current shafts are approx,58 inches/14,7 mm in diameter near the grip, and taper down to 0,355 or 0,370 in diameter at the tip. The length is between 35 to 40 inches/89 to 115 cm. Material The options available in 2021 are steel or graphite
Graphite
Graphite, archaically referred to as plumbago, is a crystalline form of the element carbon with its atoms arranged in a hexagonal structure. It occurs naturally in this form and is the most stable form of carbon under standard conditions. Under high pressures and temperatures it converts to diamo…
Full Answer
What is a golf shaft?
Either way, the golf shaft is where power is stored and released at impact. Sitting in between the golf grip and club head, a solid connection is what allows the golf shaft to do its job. So when choosing a shaft, it's important to know what specifications to look for.
Which golf shafts should you choose?
The competent golfer who is capable of launching the ball and doesn’t require too much spin should consider the mid-kick-point shaft. The high-kick-point encourages low launch and minimum spin. Golfers with high swing speeds and/or play in windy conditions will prefer this shaft.
What is the butt end on a golf shaft?
On the opposite side of the shaft is the butt end. This is the side where the golf grip will be installed. The butt diameter is measured about 2" down from the top of the shaft. For standard size shafts for adult players, this will usually be around 0.600", (or larger if it's a bubble shaft).
Does shaft weight affect spin on a golf ball?
Weight The weight of a shaft has a similar correlation to performance as flex. The heavier a shaft is, the more likely it is that your golf ball will fly low and with less spin. If it’s lighter, the ball will tend to fly higher and spin more.
1. The basics of shaft flex
Jonathan Wall, Managing Equipment Editor: If you’re new to the game, just worry about shaft flex. There are a few shaft manufacturers who choose to use something other than SR, R, S, X, TX, to designate the flex on a driver or fairway wood shaft, but most use the same lettering.
2. Know the big five
Andrew Tursky, Senior Equipment Editor : There’s five main points you’ll want to know when it comes to shafts.
3. It influences the way you swing
Luke Kerr-Dineen, Game Improvement Editor: Your equipment and your golf swing work dynamically together. It’s a relationship, where one effects the performance of the other.
Why is shaft length important in golf?
An increased shaft length creates a greater swing-arc, which relates to more distance. Shorter stature golfers often increase the length of the shafts and stand further away from the ball. The longer the shaft the less control and this is where fitment assists.
What is carbon fiber shaft?
Modern composite graphite shafts have 3 layers of fiber winding, adding substantial rigidity and performance. Carbon fiber offers increased flex, greater clubhead speed, but reduced accuracy, due to more torque. It also dissipates the stinging shock from a poorly struck shot and will protect the hands and wrist.
What is flex in golf?
Flex. Put very simply, flex is the amount of bend in the shaft. It affects launch angle, spin, ball flight, control, carries, and distance. Shafts are qualified in different ways but reference to flex is the most important. Powerful swings require stiffer shafts which put less load on the shaft.
What weight shafts are available for clubfitters?
Clubfitters now have the option to fit these shafts with weights from 95 to 110gm. This is a reduction from the 115 to 125gm range previously on offer. Steel generally has less flex, more stability, low torque, and provides more accuracy. Standard steel shafts are shorter.
What happens if you don't have a stiff shaft?
The result is a loss of distance. Added to this the direction control will be lost.
When did steel shafts become legal?
Finally in 1924 steel shafts were legalized and Billy Burke was the 1st to win the US Open with steel. From 1960 to 1970 the aluminum shaft was introduced but besides expensive, it broke very easily. Then followed graphite shafts, displayed at the 1970 PGA merchandise show for the first time.
What woods were used in the mid 1800s?
Ironheart, bloomahoo, bullet wood, and ash and lancewood were some of the choices. Then in the mid-1800s hickory shafts became the rage, and they were whippy, light, and resilient. The downside of hickory was that each club had to be swung differently which ultimately led to inconsistency.