how to pick golf driver shaft

^{How to Pick the Right Shaft for Your Driver}

1. Selecting the Shaft Material: Steel vs Graphite. Most of the latest shafts are made with graphite, but the choice of the material solely depends on the preference of a ...
2. Consider the Flex of the Shaft. The most integral element of shafts is the way they manage the force applied by a golfer’s swing. ...
3. Deciding the Right Weight. The right weight of the shaft is another essential factor when picking out an ideal shaft for your driver.
4. Measuring the Diameter of the Tip and Butt of the Shaft. ...
5. Picking out the Right Shaft Length. The length of the shafts also plays a major role in your game. ...

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, ...

What shaft should I use for my driver?

Most average male golfers swing their drivers at about 90 MPH, carrying about 225 YDS, and would require an R, or regular shaft. Swing speeds and distances above that might require an S, or stiff shaft.

Does the shaft affect the distance of a golf driver?

Using a golf driver with an improper shaft can adversely affect the distance, accuracy, and trajectory of your drives. The shaft is often mistakenly referred to as the “engine” of a golf club. In fact, it is more the “transmission” as the power, which is supplied by the golfer’s arms and body, is transmitted through the shaft to the clubhead.

How do I know what type of shaft I need for golf?

3:5613:06PICKING THE RIGHT GOLF SHAFTS / Understanding Shaft SpecsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSomething grams in steel shafts. And the basic idea with weight. Is the lighter the shaft is theMoreSomething grams in steel shafts. And the basic idea with weight. Is the lighter the shaft is the easier it is to swing the heavier the shaft is the more control you get so at that point it becomes a

Do I want a lighter or heavier driver shaft?

Weight in the shaft is linked to your preference for feel and swing speed. Fast swing speed will benefit from a heavier shaft to provide more control without losing distance. Slow swing speed and tempo will benefit most from a lightweight shaft.

How do you know if your driver shaft is too heavy?

If you are struggling to swing through the ball, and are pushing your shots, it is likely the driver shaft is too heavy for your swing. A heavy driver shaft will further reduce your clubhead speed, which will limit your ability to generate sufficient ball speed.

What happens if my driver shaft is too light?

A shaft that's too heavy will cause a “labored golf swing.” A shaft that's too light will hurt your ability to make solid contact. When you find the right shaft weight, you'll experience a “high energy swing” with uniform contact.

What is the highest point of a golf shaft?

Bend-point is the highest point of the shaft when it is bending by applying pressure to both ends of the shaft; kick-point is the highest point the shaft is bending, measured by clamping down the grip and applying pressure to the clubhead, like in the swing.

Why do golfers change their shafts?

Often golfers change the shaft on their driver for reasons other than fitting the best shaft. The reason could be as simple as the golfer likes the look of the shaft or a favorite professional golfer uses the shaft. The detrimental effect on your game can be avoided by visiting a professional club fitter.

What is the difference between lighter shafts and lighter shafts?

Lighter shafts typically result in increased clubhead speed. In addition to the weight, its center-of-mass or balance point can play a role in performance. Heavier shafts promote less spin with a lower left-to-right trajectory while lighter shafts promote higher ball flights with more right-to-left trajectories.

What is shaft flex?

Shaft flex is the factor in a driver shaft that most golfers understand in broad terms. However, it is far more intricate than the letter on the shaft indicating the flex. The holistic description of the flex of a shaft is something called an EI profile. This presents the stiffness of a shaft, from one end to another.

What is torque in golf?

Torque is the twisting movement of the shaft during the golf swing measured in degrees and shown as a rating. The more the shaft twists, the higher the rating, and the more the shaft twist. It is the torque that also determines how the shaft feels. This means that the higher the rating, the softer the shaft will feel.

What is a stepped steel shaft?

You will find stepped steel shafts on most irons. A steel strip is rolled into a tube, mechanically drawn, step pattern formed, and the walls are made thinner at the tip and thicker at the top.

Why is it important to have the right shaft?

Having the right shaft plays a huge role in improving your game to the highest level that you can achieve. However, there are so many factors involved that not all golfers are aware of.

What are the physical properties of a golf driver shaft?

The physical properties of best golf driver shafts that should be considered are length, weight, torque, kick point, and flex . All these properties combine to produce a balance and a feel to a driver and can greatly affect the overall performance of the club. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.

What happens if you use a golf driver with an improper shaft?

Using a golf driver with an improper shaft can adversely affect the distance, accuracy, and trajectory of your drives. The shaft is often mistakenly referred to as the “engine” of a golf club. In fact, it is more the “transmission” as the power, which is supplied by the golfer’s arms and body, is transmitted through the shaft to the clubhead.

What is the kick point on a golf driver shaft?

The kick point, which is also referred to as the flex point or bend point, is simply the point along the shaft where it starts to flex the most under load in the downswing. Golf driver shafts of the same overall flex or stiffness can have different kick points. Manufacturers can locate the kick point by varying ...

What is the resistance of a shaft to twist around its own axis when a force is applied to the

Simply put, the resistance of the shaft to twist around its own axis when a force is applied to the clubhead (see diagram). Manufacturers apply a set force to a clubhead and the resulting rotation is measured in degrees.

How much does a graphite shaft weigh?

Weight Of The Shaft. Graphite shafts are manufactured in a variety of weights ranging from the sub-40-gram category up to about 90 grams, with the most common being in the 65-gram vicinity. The shaft weight has a major effect on the overall weight of the driver.

What happens if a golf shaft is too stiff?

Using a shaft that is too stiff for your swing will most likely result in a lower ball trajectory and loss of distance, as well as an open face at the impact that will push the ball to the right, or the fade side.

What is shaft flex?

Simply put, shaft flex is a rating given to the golf shaft’s ability to resist bending under load during the golf swing.

How to choose the right shaft for a golf club?

Here are some easy steps to help you select the best shaft for your club. 1. Selecting the Shaft Material: Steel vs Graphite. Most of the latest shafts are made with graphite, but the choice of the material solely depends on the preference of a golfer.

What size tip for a shaft driver?

The usual hosel of the shaft driver requires a 0.335-inch tip, but certain outliners need 0.3 70 or 0.350 -inch tip. Understanding your equipment will help you to make a major difference to your performance. The diameter of the butt is typically 0.6 inches. However, heavy shafts tend to have higher numbers. 5.

What is graphite shaft?

Graphite shafts are lighter in weight as compared to steel shafts. This means you will get a faster speed of clubhead with just a slight implement. With the improvement in technology, graphite shafts are getting more enhanced and offering better control to golfers. This is the reason why it is gradually overtaking steel shafts now.

Why do golfers use steel shafts?

The reason many golfers opt for steel shafts over graphite shafts is that it offers better control over the clubhead.

How much does a golf shaft weigh?

Most shafts typically weigh around 40 grams to 135 grams. The general rule of thumb applied by golfers is that those with less swing speeds benefit from lighter shafts. The more the weight is added, the speed of the swing increases. However, of course, there are certain exceptions.

What is the most important element of a golf shaft?

The most integral element of shafts is the way they manage the force applied by a golfer’s swing. Usually, two extremes are at play, depending on the players. Some golfers apply late load when they swing, which needs a stiffer tip. This means if you extend early during your swing, a shaft with a softer tip will be ideal for you.

What is a regular golf shaft?

Regular (R) – these are mid-flex shafts, which are also suitable for amateur players with more upper body strength. Stiff (S) – this is the preferred shaft for most golfers. This category of increased stiffness of the shaft is suitable for golfers with a swing speed of more than 95 mph.

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.

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, ...

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.

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, ...

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 the best driver for golf?

For someone who hits the course or driving range only occasionally, a high quality alloy driver can be found at a reasonable price. A titanium driver, or multi-material driver like titanium and composite, that combines light weight and excellent strength is more expensive and for golfers who play more consistently.

How many yards does a golf driver drive carry?

Weight is what you’ll want to pay attention to. You don’t want a shaft that’s too heavy. As far as flex, if your drives carry between 230-250 yards, a regular flex is best for your game.

Why do golf clubs swing sideways?

Many golfers think they’re not good enough to get custom-fit clubs, that the flaws in their swing will override any potential benefits of clubs built just for them, but fitters say the reason many players hit it sideways is because they haven’t been custom-fit. Trying to swing golf clubs whose length, weight, lie angle, shaft flex or grip size don’t match the body encourages players to make unnatural compensations that prevent them from developing proper mechanics. Choosing this type of driver will cost you a little more time and money, but it ensures you’ll get a perfectly-fit driver.

What is driver loft?

LOFT. Loft is the amount that the face of the club slopes back. Driver loft, which typically ranges from 8.5° to 15°, should match your swing speed. The slower your swing speed the more loft you should have.

How long is a standard driver?

No standard length exists for a driver. Every manufacturer offers different models with varying lengths (usually 43.5” to 47”) but drivers continue to get progressively longer, with some even reaching 48” (the maximum allowable). That’s because in most cases, the longer the shaft the faster the head will travel.

Can you adjust the face angle of a golf club?

Using only a wrench, golfers are now able to adjust the face angle, loft and lie angle without the help of their local club fitter—or having to buy a new club altogether. Golfers can alter the club dynamics to suit their desired ball flight or pick up a few additional yards of carry. Many manufacturers insist an adjustable driver gives you every advantage. However, others disagree, citing a more expensive price tag, additional weighting in less than ideal locations, and confusion about all the different setting combinations as reasons to play a traditional, non-adjustable driver.

Can you custom order a driver?

Many drivers can also be custom ordered. Customers can select a custom shaft and grip, as well as length fit to them. All custom orders are placed directly with the manufacturer and assembled by the experts that make the clubs. This is a great option if you have been custom fit for a driver.

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.

Weight

The weight of your shaft is going to primarily affect your distance. A heavier shaft will reduce your clubhead speed and thus the amount of energy transferred into the ball.

Kickpoint

Depending on the kickpoint, your shaft will bend closer to the head or the grip of the club.

Torque

Torque refers to how much the shaft twists. It’s the least talked about feature but still an important one to club fitters. High torque shafts can twist easily, and low torque shafts are resistant to twisting.

Cost

It always comes down to price at the end of the day and we are always looking for the best deal. A driver shaft can cost anywhere from $40 – $300.

Conclusion

Fitting yourself for a driver shaft is a bit like trying to do your own plumbing. You could do it yourself but if you get something wrong then you might end up in the water.