how to choose correct golf club shaft

How to Pick the Right Golf Shaft

• Step 1. Choose between graphite and steel shafts. When they were first introduced, graphite shafts were meant for...
• Step 2. Pick shafts whose flex is right for your swing. Simply, flex refers to the amount a shaft will bend while you...
• Step 3. Factor in the weight, length and torque of the shafts when you are purchasing new golf clubs.

Full Answer

How to pick the right golf shafts?

How to Pick the Right Golf Shaft Step 1. Choose between graphite and steel shafts. When they were first introduced, graphite shafts were meant for... Step 2. Pick shafts whose flex is right for your swing. Simply, flex refers to the amount a shaft will bend while you... Step 3. Factor in the weight, ...

Which golf shaft flex do I Need?

Determining which golf shaft flex your need (stiff, regular, senior, etc.) requires club fitting and testing. Start by using a launch monitor to analyze your golf swing speed. If your swing ranges between 85 mph and 95 mph then you should start with a regular flex.

How to measure the length of a golf club shaft?

– How to measure the length of a golf club shaft? In order to determine the length of your club, stand tall and get someone to measure from the crease where your wrist and hand meet to the floor. Do this with both hands and take an average of the two measurements. The following lists what length of shafts you should consider for certain heights.

Should you choose a soft or stiff golf shaft?

Choosing a softer flex often has the effect of forcing macho men to slow down their swings. And slowing down the swing often makes those macho men into better golfers. And the fact is, the harm in hitting a shaft that is too flexible is much less than the harm in hitting a shaft that is too stiff.

How do you determine what golf shaft you need?

Which flex rating you use will depend on the type of swing you have. For example, beginners and those with less powerful swings tend to use a shaft with greater flexibility to propel the ball more. On the other hand, if a player has a high and powerful swing speed, they will require a stiffer shaft with less flex.

How do I know what shaft flex is right for me?

Some General Guidelines About Shaft FlexTake a look at the distance you hit your driver. ... If you have a very smooth swing, you might benefit from a softer flex even if you swing fast. ... If your drives go left, you might benefit from a stiffer flex; if your drives go right, you might benefit from a softer flex.

Which golf driver shaft is best for me?

There is a thing you must know that the shaft flex really impacts the accuracy, trajectory, and distance of your shot. Therefore, getting the right flex in your golf clubs is essential....How Do I Know?Driver CarryFlexSwing Speed220-245 yardsRegular75-85 mph200-225 yardsSenior62-75 mph>200 yardsLadies>60 mph2 more rows•Mar 17, 2020

What golf club shaft length should I use?

Using the ratio of every 6" of height there should be a 1" change in length then there should be a 1 ½" difference between their 5-irons. For example, recommend 36.5" for the lady and 38" for the man (or 36.75" / 38.25").

What flex do I need for my irons?

Should You Use Regular or Stiff Flex Shafts?6-iron Carry Distance6-iron Swing SpeedShaft flex (all clubs)< 130 yards60 – 70 mphSenior Flex131 – 155 yards71 – 80 mphRegular Flex156 – 175 yards81 – 90 mphStiff Flex> 176 yards91 + mphX-Stiff FlexApr 13, 2021

What happens if your golf shaft is too flexible?

Having a shaft that is too flexible can also cause the ball to hook uncontrollably, because the shaft bends incorrectly, it will come through with a closed clubface causing the ball to go left, this is because the shaft can't handle your swing speed, and the head is rotating too much.

What weight of golf shaft is right for me?

In general, golfers with slower swing speed and tempo can and should play a lighter shaft. Golfers with very fast speeds and tempo should play heavier shafts. Driver shafts typically weigh 55-60 grams for men and 45-50 grams for ladies. Iron shafts can be as light as 55 grams in graphite, and 130 grams in steel.

What happens if my driver shaft is too light?

Too light of a shaft encourages an early unhinging of the wrists in the downswing, a swing flaw shown here with an iron known as casting that robs you of speed. Mucklow's data also shows that a heavier shaft improves your swing path.

What shaft is better for high handicappers?

Favourite Steel Shafts For High Handicappers The AMT Red from True Temper is great shaft, at 94g it's light for steel and it is designed to get height and spin on the ball. This is a shaft that will feel great and get you feeling confident in a steel shaft for your irons.

How long should irons be for my height?

2. Get Your Wrist-to-Floor Measurement (once more, “static” fitting)OVERALL HEIGHTWRIST-TO-FLOOR MEASUREMENTGOLF CLUB LENGTH ADJUSTMENTS5'7″ to 6'1″34 to 37 inchesstandard length in inches6'1″ to 6'2″37 to 38.5 inchesplus 1/4″6'2″ to 6'4″38.5 to 40 inchesplus 1/2″6'4″ to 6'6″40 to 41 inchesplus 1″7 more rows

How long should your driver be based on height?

The Tall and Short of It For example, if you are 6-feet tall and your wrist-to-floor measurement is 35 inches, a standard length driver -- 44 inches for a steel shaft driver and 45 inches for a graphite shaft driver -- would be appropriate.

How do I know my driver length?

To determine your optimum driver length, look at where you hit the ball on the face of your driver. If your hits are mostly towards the heel, your driver is too long. Another possibility is that the shaft is too light. Try choking down on the shaft and see if your contact improves.

How do I know if I need stiff or regular flex irons?

If you have a slower swing speed, you are probably going to want to choose regular shafted clubs because the additional flex will provide a little more power and accuracy. When you swing harder, the stiff flex will be more controlled and give you the punch you need to hit better shots.

What golf shaft flex is right for me 7 iron?

If there is not a facility convenient to your location, the rule of thumb measures to use for clubs that are used to hit the golf ball from 150 yards are: Ladies Flex for a 3 iron or wood; Senior Flex for a 4 iron; Regular Flex for a 5 or 6 iron; Stiff Flex for a 6 or 7 iron and X-Stiff Flex for a 8 or 9 iron.

Choosing The Best Shaft For Your Game

One of the most difficult aspects of fitting today is choosing the best shaft for a player. There are so many variables, that club fitters and play...

Shaft Selection Primer 1.0

Single most important determining factor in shaft flex (indicator of overall strength of the player).General Swing Speed / Ball Speed ranges and co...

Swing Tempo - Pace of The Swing

1. Fast 2. Medium 3. Slow Generally, the faster the tempo, the stiffer the shaft flex needed. The slower the tempo, the softer the flex needed.

Trajectory - Height of Ball Flight

What is the players ball flight? What is the players preferred ball flight? 1. High 2. Mid 3. Low Generally, the more flexible a shaft, the higher...

Flight Direction Tendency

1. Hook 2. Draw 3. Straight 4. Fade 5. Slice Improperly fit shafts can cause inconsistency in flight direction, due to the mismatched flex characte...

How many yards can you add with a golf club shaft?

To set the record straight, with the right shafts, you could add an additional 20 to 25 yards to your game as well as improve your accuracy.

What does flex mean in golf?

Simply, flex refers to the amount a shaft will bend while you swing. If you choose the wrong flex, the club head will not hit the ball squarely which will have an impact on your distance and the trajectory of the golf ball. Although there are no standards established, there are 5 different levels of flex: Ladies, Senior, Regular, ...

How many levels of flex are there?

Although there are no standards established, there are 5 different levels of flex: Ladies, Senior, Regular, Stiff and Extra Stiff. If your drives carry less than 200 yards, you should probably have Ladies shafts, and if your ball carries between 200 and 225 yards, you should buy clubs with Senior shafts.

Can you swing a golf club with a lighter shaft?

The weight of a club is a matter of preference. Generally, you can swing a club with a lighter shaft faster, thereby increasing your distance. But you most likely will sacrifice some accuracy. Length is also a personal matter, and clubs with longer shafts generally hit the ball further. But clubs with shorter shafts are easier to hit ...

What is a golf shaft?

When it comes to performance the golf shaft has been referred to as the transmission of the golf club. The flex, length, and weight can all effect how you are hitting a golf ball. In fact, the correct shaft can help any golfer hit the ball straighter and farther. Take a closer look at the different types of shafts usually offered, and find the one that’s best for your swing.

What shafts are best for a senior golfer?

With greater swing speeds and flex you will lose some accuracy with the club. Graphite shafts are best suited for senior golfers and lady golfers who cannot produce a lot of swing speed.

Why is flex important in golf?

Flex. The most important factor when buying a shaft is the flex because it affects your distance and direction. In essence flex is the ability of a golf shaft to bend during the golf swing.

Why is my golf ball inconsistent in all directions?

Improperly fit shafts can cause inconsistency in flight direction, due to the mismatched flex characteristics of the shaft to the player, and the players perception and compensation for the mismatched flex. Generally, too flexible a shaft can cause inconsistent directional ball flight in all directions. Too stiff a shaft can lead ...

Can club fitters analyze data?

Yes, we as club fitters can analyze data we acquire on many of the wonderful launch monitors that are available, and narrow down choices based on the data. This does take some of the guess work out of the decision and gives us performance data to base a decision on.

Do shafts always equal performance?

A broad range of prices exist in the shaft category. Price does not always equal performance. From a performance standpoint, shafts should be chosen based on their specifications and how those specifications fit the players swing characteristics, providing the desired trajectory, feel and consistency.

How to determine golf shaft flex?

Start by using a launch monitor to analyze your golf swing speed. If your swing ranges between 85 mph and 95 mph then you should start with a regular flex. If your swing speed is faster than 95 mph, then you should try a stiff shaft.

What is the best shaft for golf?

Steel – A steel golf shaft is usually stronger and more durable (less likely to snap) than a graphite shaft. It’s also less expensive and sometimes stainless steel is used in the creation of the steel shaft. There is also two variations, stepped steel and rifle steel.

Why does my golf shaft have a slice?

When the golf shaft is too stiff, it doesn’t unload properly at impact. This can lead to the face staying open and result in a slice golf shot. Beware, a slice isn’t always an indication the shaft is too stiff so if you already have a slice, it could be caused by another fault in your golf swing.

What shafts do golfers use?

For most golfers, a graphite shaft works great. Most iron sets are made with graphite shafts as well so you get that material type by default usually unless you specifically seek out steel shafted irons. With steel shafts, you may find that golf shots are easier to control.

Why do golf clubs have shafts?

During the golf swing the shaft causes deflection (bend) that causes the clubhead to be in a forward and toe downward position relative to the grip of the club.

What is the most common shaft material used in golf clubs?

Graphite Shafts. Graphite – this type of shaft is usually lighter weight compared to a steel shaft but it’s less durable and more expensive to make. Graphite is one of the most common shaft types used in golf clubs and can arguably be considered the main shaft material used, beating out steel.

What to know about golf shafts?

In today’s guide we will review everything you need to know about golf shafts. Picking out the proper golf shaft is very important as it will impact several components of your golf swing. For example, picking the wrong golf shaft flex can cause you to hook or slice the golf ball. It also can hinder the total distance the ball flies by having too much spin or too low of launch. But don’t worry, at the end of reading today’s guide you’ll be much more educated on the buying process and how to pick out the right golf shaft. Lets Get Started!

What is the key to a club fitting?

The key, short of a club fitting, is hitting lots of different clubs and watching the effect that changing shaft flex has on your shots. If you find a flex that feels good and produces a good ball flight, there's a good chance that's the right flex for you.

What are the ratings for shaft flex?

There are five generally used ratings for shaft flex: Extra Stiff, Stiff, Regular, Senior and Ladies, usually denoted by the letters X, S, R, A and L ("A" is used for Senior because this flex was originally called "amateur").

Why is softer flex better for macho men?

Choosing a softer flex often has the effect of forcing macho men to slow down their swings. And slowing down the swing often makes those macho men into better golfers. And the fact is, the harm in hitting a shaft that is too flexible is much less than the harm in hitting a shaft that is too stiff.

What does flex mean in golf?

"Flex" refers to the ability of a golf shaft to bend as forces are applied to it during the golf swing. Those forces are generated by the type of swing that you have: fast or slow, smooth or jerky.

What shaft do you need for a jerky swing?

A swing that gets jerky at the top—when transitioning into the downswing—will probably need a stiffer shaft. If your drives go left, you might benefit from a stiffer flex; if your drives go right, you might benefit from a softer flex.

What is a club fitting demo day?

At demo days, you'll be able to hit many different types of clubs with different types of shafts. Or find a good pro shop with swing bays where you can try before you buy. The key, short of a club fitting, is hitting lots of different clubs and watching the effect ...

What happens if a golf shaft is too stiff?

Selecting a shaft too stiff will cause lower ball flight and a loss of distance, whereas a shaft too soft can result in ballooning and, again, loss in distance.

How to tell if a golf club has a high loft?

You can judge the loft by how much of the face of a club is angled upward or how much the top of the face is angled away from the shaft.

What is the best bounce for golf?

As a general rule, most golfers are best with a bounce between 10 to 14 degrees. High Bounce Wedges – Those with a high space between the ground and the leading edge, the biggest bounce is around 18 degrees. Best for play out of soft turf and sand, they are good for golfers with steep attack angles.

What is loft angle?

Loft. A vital measurement, the loft, or loft angle, refers to the angle formed by a line running down the centre of the shaft and the face of the club. Measured in degrees, a golf club with a relatively low loft, such as 3 iron sitting at 21–23 degrees, will make the ball go further than one with a higher loft.

How does a thick grip affect golf swing?

The thickness of the grip can have a massive effect on your swing. A grip that is too thin can lead to golfers having large hand actions leading into the swing. However, too thick a grip will restrict your hands and have an equally devastating impact.

How many yards difference between 7 irons?

Other irons such as the 7-iron sit between these two extremes, with around 12-15 yards difference between each club. Essentially, the lower the golf club number is, the lower the flight, the further it will travel but the harder it is to control.

What are drivers made of?

Most drivers are made of titanium and/or carbon composite because they are much lighter than steel, letting manufacturers increase the size of the head. If you are buying used drivers or those manufactured prior to January 2008, ensure that they are still legal for club competitions.

What are the characteristics of a golf shaft?

Golfers often want to know about the three main characteristics of a golf shaft: weight, kick point, and torque. In this video, you will learn how these three specs are actually connected and how they affect each other.

What does the shaft do in golf?

Having the right shaft in your golf clubs makes a world of difference to your game. The shaft affects club performance on everything from spin, launch, and speed. The wrong shaft could cause the ball to launch too high or too low as well as spin too much and cause you to lose distance.

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 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 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 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 tall is Rickie Fowler's shaft?

A look at Rickie Fowler's fairway wood shaft, which measures 42 inches with 0.5 inches of tipping. Fitting a golfer into the exact right shaft for them over the internet is a tall, if not impossible, task. All driver swings are different, and there are so many options on the current market. Shafts are made with different flexes, lengths, weights, ...

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.

Does a high bend point lower or raise the ball?

According to Briand, a high bend point will lower ball flight and a low bend point will raise ball flight. So, if you tend to have a ball flight that’s too high, look for shafts that have a high kick point, and vice versa. It’s important to note that variations in length and shaft tipping will impact the designed bend point of a shaft.