How to Fit a Golf Shaft
- Step 1. Remove the old shaft. If there is an existing or broken shaft on the club, the first step is to remove it.
- Step 2. Remove epoxy from the hosel. When you remove the shaft from the club head, there will be epoxy residue in the...
- Step 3. Prep the new shaft. Measure the depth of the hosel and then mark this depth on the shaft. Note: When...
How to choose the right shaft for your golf club?
For instance, ball impact that is 0.5 inches off-centre equates to a 7% loss of carry distance, and an impact that is 1 inch off-centre equates to a 14% loss of carry distance. So, the key to choosing the right shaft is finding the correct length that provides a repeating, solid hit each time. – How to measure the length of a golf club shaft?
How do you stiffen a club shaft?
To cut at the tip (clubhead end) end, and depending on how much you cut, you can actually stiffen the club shaft by one, sometimes two flexes. It also lowers the trajectory, too.
What is a golf shaft and why is it important?
The shaft is the golf swing’s transmission; it’s how you get your power to the golf ball. Without the right one, you will be losing power, accuracy, and consistency. Choosing the proper shaft is a hugely important part of the fitting process.
What is shaft flex in golf clubs?
– What golf shaft flex is right for me? Put simply, the flex determines a golf club shaft’s ability to bend during a swing, affecting the distance and direction. Therefore, getting the right flex in your golf clubs is important. Which flex rating you use will depend on the type of swing you have.
How much does it cost to get fitted for a shaft?
On average, the cost to get your golf clubs fitted is $100 for each type of club or $275 for your entire bag. This cost covers the basics such as club loft, lie, weight, and also finding the right shaft for your game. Certain shops offer free club fitting but that normally is much more basic.
How much does it cost to get professionally fitted for golf clubs?
On average it costs between $250 and $600 to get a full bag of golf clubs fitted. Driver only fittings typically cost from $50 to $175 as do 'irons' fittings. Wood/Hybrid and wedge custom fittings can be cheaper at $40 to $150 but golf club fitters will often 'refund' fitting costs if you buy clubs afterwards.
How do I know what golf shaft is right for me?
Put simply, the higher the rating, the more the shaft is prone to twisting. It is the torque that also determines how the shaft feels to every player, which means that the higher the rating, the softer the shaft will feel. A shaft with a 3-degree torque will feel much stiffer than a 5-degree torque, for example.
Do I bring my golf clubs to a fitting?
Because the first step of the fitting process is to establish a baseline from your current performance level, make sure to bring the following: Your current club or set of clubs. Your typical outfit and shoes – Dress as if you're about to play a few rounds!
Can you get irons fitted after buying them?
And the answer is absolutely yes, it's worth getting fit for clubs you already have. Especially if you're 5-foot-5, since a stock set of clubs isn't likely to have the proper lie angle for you. Luckily, if that's the case, it's not a difficult fix.
Should a beginner golfer get fitted for clubs?
Though you may not think it is a good idea to get golf clubs fitted as a new golfer or for someone you know who is taking an interest in the sport, it can be highly beneficial if you know you or the person you know are going to stick with the sport, no matter if you're playing at a competitive or recreational level.
What shaft stiffness is best for me?
If you're between 97 and 104 mph with the driver, you need a stiff flex. Regular – Now we are getting into the range where a majority of recreational golfers fall, and also where many LPGA pros fall. If you're between 84 and 96 mph, regular is going to be best for you.
How long does a golf fitting take?
Examples: Driver or iron fittings usually take 45-60 minutes, wedge fittings usually take 30 minutes, woods fittings usually take 60 minutes.
Should high handicappers get fitted clubs?
Custom fitted golf clubs can benefit every standard of golfer and particularly high handicappers. High handicappers are very inconsistent ball strikers and fitted clubs both increase the chances of hitting the ball out of the centre of the clubface and maximizing how far and straight mishits go.
What do you wear to a club fitting?
"Something comfortable that you can swing in," says JT. "A lot of players prefer golf clothes to mimic their playing experience."
How to get a golf club shaft off?
Place the shaft in a vice so that it is held firm. Using a torch or heat gun, apply even heat to the hosel area until you can twist the head off the shaft (this generally takes about a minute). The hosel can reach temperatures in excess of 1,000 degrees F. Always wear work gloves when removing the shaft from the club head.
How to install graphite shaft on golf club?
When installing a graphite shaft, check to be sure that the graphics are lined up. Take a soft rag and some acetone and clean all remaining epoxy residue from the hosel. Let the epoxy set for approximately 12 hours. Place the club in a standing position until it is fully cured.
How to remove a broken shaft from a golf club?
If there is an existing or broken shaft on the club, the first step is to remove it. You need to break down the epoxy bond between the shaft and the head. To do this, you need to provide even heat to the hosel (where the club head attaches to the shaft). This can be achieved by using either a torch or a heat gun.
How to remove paint from graphite shaft?
Before installing, you need to remove the paint from the tip of your graphite shaft (plating in the case of a steel shaft). Use a razor knife to remove paint from a graphite shaft and heavy-grit sandpaper when dealing with steel.
Does fitting a shaft help your golf game?
Fitting a new shaft for your club takes a bit of work but will help your game.
What shafts do you use for a swing?
In general, people with faster swings prefer stiff shafts on their woods and iron shafts on the irons. People with slower swings are more likely to prefer flex shafts on the woods and graphite shafts on the irons.
How to measure for golf clubs?
To find the right size clubs for your body, use recent height measurement to determine the proper angle for your clubs. It usually helps to have another person measure, so you get the most accurate measurements possible.#N#Measure your basic height from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. Stand up as straight as possible to get the measurement. You don't need to be in your swing stance.
What to do if you have a handicap?
If you're not sure of your handicap, a basic description of your skill level can go a long way in helping the fitter match you with the right kinds of clubs that will help improve your game.
What irons do ladies flex?
If a 4 or 5 iron , ladies flex.
Why do people buy off the rack golf clubs?
In fact, players with a higher handicap have a game that can be much more drastically improved with the use of custom-fit clubs that help to train the swinging motion properly .
How many yards does a senior flex?
Between 181 to 200 yards (166 to 183 meters), use senior flex. Between 200 to 235 yards (183 to 215 meters), use regular flex. Between 236 to 275 yards (216 to 251 meters), use stiff flex. More than 275 yards (251 meters), use extra-stiff flex. ...
Can you alter an iron loft?
How much an iron can be altered depends on whether it is forged or cast, and the manufacturer's recommendations.
What is the first thing to decide on golf shafts?
The first thing is to decide is what type of golf shafts you would prefer, followed by shaft flex, kick-point, torque rating and length. Each of these different aspects of golf club shafts that can influence the performance of your club, and each must be carefully considered before you put in an order. Read on to find out all about how ...
What are the different types of golf shafts?
There are two basic types of golf shafts: steel and graphite. Often, your club will have been originally assembled with either of these types of shafts, however if you decide that you would like to change your type of shaft, you should know the difference between each shaft type. There are some newer options that combine the two materials, ...
How to know if you have picked the wrong shaft?
If you have picked the wrong shaft, you will immediately know. When you go to swing the club, you will find that the ball won’t go as far as it should, and you may hit the ball off-centre. You may also find that the club may feel “dead” if the shaft is too heavy or stiff, or alternatively it can feel too soft and weak – both can significantly impact your game. Therefore, if you don’t know what to do, don’t guess, because you may end up with the wrong shaft for you and it can be costly to rectify if you have to buy more shafts or new golf equipment.
What is a multi-material shaft?
A recent addition to the market are multi-material shafts which are used on both irons and drivers. This type of shaft incorporates steel and graphite into one shaft to get the best of both worlds for each player, to suit all playing types. Generally, the shaft is made using a steel shaft that has a graphite tip.
How long should a 5-iron shaft be?
The following lists what length of shafts you should consider for certain heights. If the crease where your wrist and hand meet to the floor is: 29 to 32 inches = irons should be based on a 5-iron of 37 inches. 33 to 34 inches = irons should be based on a 5-iron of 37 1/2 inches.
How much does graphite shaft weigh?
Graphite shafts are much lighter, less durable and more expensive in comparison to steel shafts, and weigh between 50 and 85 grams – around half the weight of a steel shaft! These light-weight shafts help to provide a greater swing speed for more power, however, it sacrifices control due to the flex generated in the swing.
What is the difference between steel shafts and graphite shafts?
Steel shafts are much heavier, more durable and are generally less expensive than their graphite counterpart s. They are often made from carbon steel, but stainless steel is sometimes used, and start at 120 grams.
Why is it important to choose the right golf shaft?
Choosing the proper shaft is a hugely important part of the fitting process. The shaft will greatly influence the feel of your irons, not to mention the launch, spin, landing angle, and distance of your golf shots. Also, there are no standards in ...
What do you need to know about fitting golf clubs?
You need to know what shafts can give more height or less spin and which shafts will give a firmer or softer feel but deliver similar launch conditions.
How to measure a lie angle?
Historically, lie angle has been measured by reading divot patterns or using sole tape and a lie board to mark strike point being centered, toe, or heel down. Determining the lie angle is now done more by tracking the strike point on the face and charting dispersion patterns. Some launch monitors like the Foresight GCQuad will show the “delivered lie angle” at impact.
What should I consider when choosing a clubhead?
Things that should be considered when choosing a clubhead are forgiveness, workability, launch angle, spin rate, loft, the center of gravity, and offset. Every manufacturer has unique designs in each club to address ball-striking tendencies. If you don’t match them up properly to your swing, you are making the game harder for yourself!
What is the most important question I ask during a fitting?
One of the most important questions I ask during a fitting (usually pretty early on) is how the client likes to handle “tweener” yardages.
What factors influence a player's need for length adjustments?
Posture, torso height, leg length, wingspan vs. height, flexibility, even age can influence a player’s need for length adjustments.
Is iron shaft better for tempo?
Obviously, we want the clubs we fit you for to be suitable for the hard or soft shots you’ll undoubtedly face, but I want to hedge the fit towards your specific tendencies. Some iron shafts are better suited for quick tempo players (usually players who like to hit it hard), and some perform better with smoother deliveries. The answer to this question can help steer us into the best bend profile for the client.
Where do you cut a golf shaft?
A: Put simply, most shafts are cut at the grip end when assembled. To cut at the tip (clubhead end) end, and depending on how much you cut, you can actually stiffen the club shaft by one, sometimes two flexes. It also lowers the trajectory, too.
What happens if your golf shaft is too stiff?
On the other hand, if the shaft doesn't load enough or if it's so stiff that it unflexes too soon, your distance is going to suffer. A fitter with a watchful eye will make recommendations based on your shaft loading and your swing speed, two factors that always ought to be considered together.
What happens when you swing a shaft?
Answer: There are two things a shaft does when you swing it, load and unload. (We can already hear shaft-fitters grumbling about the strength of that statement. We know, guys. A lot more stuff happens, but we're trying to keep it simple, okay?) Basically, a shaft flexes, then it unflexes. When it first flexes, it's called loading. That happens during the transition from backswing to downswing. Think of it as pulling the rubber band of a slingshot or a bowstring. Some players load the shaft tremendously, like Sergio Garcia who retains a tremendous amount of lag through his transition. Other players have slower transitions, where the downswing starts slower and perpetually increases speed. They load the shaft much less.
How does shaft load affect golf?
How does this affect you? Simply put, how much you load the shaft affects how much it has to unload through the impact area. If you load too much and the shaft doesn't release soon enough, control will be a serious issue for you. On the other hand, if the shaft doesn't load enough or if it's so stiff that it unflexes too soon, your distance is going to suffer. A fitter with a watchful eye will make recommendations based on your shaft loading and your swing speed, two factors that always ought to be considered together. If you simply go by swing speed, you won't get the whole story, because it doesn't tell you when your shaft is loading or unflexing. Some golfers, even though they may have a slow to moderate swing speed, may benefit from a stiffer shaft because they transition from their backswing to their downswing quickly. Conversely, some players with fast swing speeds can get away with a more flexible shaft because they transition slower and have a bigger overall arc. There are a lot of factors to consider in fitting, and how you load the shaft is crucial since it affects your shot quality tremendously.
How does shaft frequency rating work?
A shaft's frequency rating comes from using a special machine that oscillates the shaft in a controlled matter. The fewer the oscillations (more often referred to as cycles per minute–CPM), the stiffer the shaft.
What is driver shaft fitting?
Driver shaft-fitting is arguably the most important part of the club-fitting process. Of course, choosing the right head, loft, clubface angle and grip is important too, but how the shaft functions during your swing is, in our opinion, what matters the most.
What to do if you're a low handicapper?
If you're a low-handicapper, check to see if your best drives fly too high or low, draw too much, etc. If so, you might be using the wrong shaft. As for high-handicappers, if you miss deep and wide, struggle with distance or have trouble with consistency, a better-fitting shaft can help minimize the effects.
Why do golfers buy shafts?
The problem is that buying a shaft because someone else uses it is like buying a size 44-long jacket because that’s what Tiger wears. It can be counterproductive to your game to purchase a shaft that isn’t right for you.
What shafts do you need for a slow swing?
Slow swing speeds will generally require softer-flex shafts, while high swing speeds need stiffer shafts; due to variations in swing patterns, however, swing speed is only one portion of finding the right shaft. Briand’s recommendation is to use your current driver shaft as a baseline.
What does low torque mean on a shaft?
5. Torque. A low torque measurement means that a shaft has greater resistance to twisting, while a high torque measurement means it will twist more easily.
What happens if you have a longer shaft?
As Briand says, a longer shaft will cause a less consistent strike on the face, and the golfer will tend to hit the ball closer to the heel. A shorter shaft, on the other hand, will cause a more consistent strike pattern, but impact location will tend to be on the toe. A golfer’s physical size, arm length, swing speed, consistency, ...
What happens if your driver shaft is too stiff?
Generally speaking, a driver shaft that’s too stiff will cause shots to launch too low, with too little spin and low peak heights. A shaft that’s too weak, on the other hand, may cause shots to spin too much, fly too high, and widen dispersion patterns.
How many inches is Rickie Fowler's shaft?
A look at Rickie Fowler's fairway wood shaft, which measures 42 inches with 0.5 inches of tipping.
Does tipping a shaft change the bend point?
Remember, though, that tipping a shaft will change the bend point, and it’s also irreversible, so make sure you know the purpose behind tipping your shaft. 2. Weight. The weight of a shaft has a similar correlation to performance as flex.
How to set yourself up to play golf?
In conclusion, here are the recommended steps to take in order to set yourself up to to play great golf and enjoy the game for years to come: 1. Get a basic club consultation from an expert. 2. Make the proper alterations to your current set, or purchase a budget-friendly starter set (anywhere from 1-14 clubs) 3.
What to look for in a beginner golf club?
For beginners, it’s likely the expert recommends more loft on your driver, lighter shafts with less flex, and more forgiving irons. For example, if you’re a beginning golfer who has blade irons with long, extra-stiff steel shafts, it’s likely they aren’t right for your game. So even if your swing greatly improves with the help of a top instructor, you’ll be fighting an uphill battle.
Why is it important to get fit for beginners?
“It’s very important that beginners get fit because we develop our swings around the gear we use without even realizing it ,” Briand says.
What happens if a golf club is too short?
If a club is too short, too long, too light, too heavy, the lie angle is completely wrong, the club itself is the wrong design, or any of a number of factors are off , you could be setting yourself up for failure. The game-improvement irons on the left will be much more forgiving and enjoyable for beginners than the blade irons on the right.
Which is better for beginners: blade irons or left irons?
The game-improvement irons on the left will be much more forgiving and enjoyable for beginners than the blade irons on the right.
Do you have to buy the latest golf clubs?
Now, it’s important to remember that you do not have to buy the latest and greatest equipment for it to be a good fit. You don’t have to spend $3,000 on shiny new clubs, and you actually don’t even have to buy a full set.
How long does it take to fit a golf club?
In terms of what to expect, Grabowy said that fitting a player for a full set of clubs will take about two and a half hours and include "educating" a player about his or her needs. The fitting process also remains pretty much the same for woods, irons and wedges.
Why is club fitting so difficult?
Challenges often arise with club fitting because of preconceived notions that customers have. Those who pursue professional club fitting need to approach the process with an open mind and not let their expectations -- or egos in some cases -- interfere.
Does swing change affect lie angle?
Swing changes can affect lie angles, Grabowy acknowledged, but he added that "lie angle is most important to the better player, and overall there's usually not going to be much change."
Why is the shaft important in golf?
The shaft is essential for the consistent performance of the golf club. Many experts would even argue it’s the most important part of the club. In fact, one club-fitter compares the club shaft to the transmission of a car. “The shaft is similar to the transmission of a car.
How to determine the length of a golf club?
The fitter will use your height and wrist-to-floor measurements to determine the suitable club length. Your height, address posture, and hand positioning will also help determine the lie angle.
What is custom club fitting?
A custom club fitting is where a trained club fitter matches your unique golf swing and body type to the perfect set of clubs. They will fit you with the proper club head, loft, shafts, lie angle, grips, and feel that perfectly matches your swing.
Why does shaft weight matter?
Shaft Weight. Regardless of your ability or handicap, the weight of the shaft matters because it determines the total weight of the club. One of the main goals behind custom fitting is that you get a golf club in which the total weight matches your swing tempo. This helps with timing and improves consistency.
What is the best thing to do with a brand agnostic fitter?
Going with a brand agnostic fitter instead of your local pro shop or golf store is the best thing to do. Most pro shops or golf stores have some kind of relationship with specific club manufacturers. This usually means they are provided with incentives to sell a certain amount of a particular manufacturer’s inventory.
How much does it cost to fit a golf club?
A simple wedge fit, for example, takes about 90 minutes and costs around $80 while a full bag fitting costs around $350. That’s for labor and time, the price of materials is separate.
How long does it take to get used to golf clubs?
For most beginners, their golf swing will look drastically different after one year compared to when they first start. Giving yourself a one-year buffer before buying fitted clubs allows you to get used to the golf swing motion.
