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how to read golf shaft specs

by Jaida Dicki Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If you rely on our printed catalog, then you want to the shaft and look at the specification box which includes tip diameter, weight, length, etc. Look where it says TRIM CODE and it will tell you which chart to use. Again, it is IH7 in this case.

Normal measurements are in the 2- to 6-degree range. A low torque number means less twisting of the shaft but also can mean a harsher feel. A high torque number is associated with a soft-feeling shaft, although there may be a sacrifice in accuracy. FLEX: The strength of a shaft as it bends during the swing.Feb 20, 2012

Full Answer

What is the best golf shaft for drivers?

Golf Shafts - 5 Specs You Need to Know // Tip Size. The shaft tip size is the the diameter of the tip portion of the shaft. For irons, this will usually be 0. // Butt Diameter. On the opposite side of the shaft is the butt end. This is the side where the golf grip will be... // Weight. The weight of ...

How to pick the right golf shaft?

These numbers are the weight of the shaft in grams. Shaft weights typically range between 50 grams and 85 grams with the 50-60 numbers being pretty common as seen in the example shafts above. Shaft Weight is important because it can help you generate club head speed and increase the distance you hit the golf ball.

What is the best shaft for a driver?

Shaft Spin Weight Range (grams) Flexes Aldila RIP Alpha 80 Low 85-88 S, X Matrix Black Tie 60M4 Low 65.5-67.5 S, X Matrix Black Tie 70M4 Low 75-77 S, X Matrix Black Tie 80M4 Low 84-86 S, X Matrix Black Tie 6M3 Low 63-67 R, S, X Matrix Black Tie 7M3 Low 67-73 S, X Mitsubishi Diamana D+ White 60 Low-Mid 60-64 R, S, X, TX

Are graphite shafts better for senior golfers?

 · If your driver swing speed is approximately 110 mph or higher, and your carry distance around 270 yards, go with X flex shafts. If your speed is 95 to 110 mph and your carry distance 240-270 yards, go with S flex. If your speed is 85 to 95 mph and your carry distance is 200 to 240 yards, go with R flex. If your speed is 75 to 85 mph and your carry distance is 180 to …

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What does the numbers mean on a golf shaft?

These numbers are the weight of the shaft in grams. Shaft weights typically range between 50 grams and 85 grams with the 50-60 numbers being pretty common as seen in the example shafts above.

How do you read a golf shaft?

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.

What does 5.5 shaft flex mean?

StiffRegular – 5.0. Regular Plus – 5.5. Stiff – 6.0. Extra Stiff – 6.5. Extra Stiff Plus – 7.0.

What do shaft flex numbers mean?

Have you ever wondered what the number designation on your Project X shaft means? You know, the 5.0, 6.0, 6.5 and so on printed on the shaft. These numbers correspond with flexes from “regular” to “extra stiff plus”.

What swing speed requires a stiff shaft?

between 97 and 104 mphStiff – This range is still considered fast, but you most likely won't be out on Tour anytime soon. 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.

How do I know if I need a stiff or regular shaft?

To check your swing speed a shot tracking device will be the most accurate method. Based on your swing speeds here are our recommendations: 80-95 mph swing speeds should use regular shafts. 90-105 mph swing speeds should use stiff shafts.

How fast should you swing a 7 iron?

An average golfer will swing a seven iron about 75 mph. This number can change based on the weight of the club and if it is steel or graphite. The faster you swing a seven iron, the further it will go. If you can swing at about 85 mph, you will see distances closer to 165 yards.

Is Stiff flex good for beginners?

Beginners may acquire clubs from friends or family and not consider the flex of their shafts. Shaft options include senior, ladies, regular, firm, stiff, x-stiff. Length – shafts can be cut different lengths – for most beginners, standard length is fine, unless you are an abnormal height.

How do I choose a golf shaft flex?

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.

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 shaft should I use on my driver?

Shafts can range anywhere from 40 to 85 grams. Typically, the rule of thumb is that a golfer with a slow swing might use lighter shaft, and he/she would add weight as swing speed increases. The simple fact is that the lighter shafts provide the opportunity to increase swing speed.

How much does a golf shaft weigh?

Shaft weights typically range between 50 grams and 85 grams with the 50-60 numbers being pretty common as seen in the example shafts above. Shaft Weight is important because it can help you generate club head speed and increase the distance you hit the golf ball.

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 use steel shafts in golf?

With steel shafts, you may find that golf shots are easier to control. Steel shafts place a greater focus on accuracy as opposed to distance. Since they don’t get as much distance as graphite shafts, steel shafts require faster swing speed to make up for the loss of distance compared to graphite.

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.

Why is it important to pick the right golf shaft?

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 ...

What is the difference between a steel shaft and a graphite shaft?

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. Stepped is the use of steps down the shaft or ridges you see while rifle is smooth all the way.

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.

How to choose shaft flex?

These are just general guidelines, however; the best way to choose shaft flex is to go through a club fitting. Not every golfer can (or is willing) to do that, though.

Why do shaft makers vary the amount of stiffness?

Shaft makers vary the amount of stiffness because golfers have different types of swings—different swing speeds, different tempos—and different amounts of stiffness in a shaft better match up to those different swings. The slower a golfer's swing, generally speaking, the more flex he or she requires in the shafts that are in their golf clubs.

What happens if you mismatch your golf shaft?

If your swing is mismatched to your golf shaft flex—if you are using an X flex shaft, for example, when you should be using an R flex shaft—you will have a harder time squaring the clubface at impact. The way your shots are flying can clue you into the possibility you might be using the wrong flex.

When were steel shafts invented?

Alas, no. Golf industry veteran Tom Wishon, of Tom Wishon Golf Technologies, explains: "Shortly after steel shafts were introduced in the 1920s, steel shaft makers discovered they could change the diameter and wall thickness of the tubes to create shafts with different amounts of stiffness to better match to the different swing speeds ...

What does it mean when a golfer's swing is slower?

The slower a golfer's swing, generally speaking, the more flex he or she requires in the shafts that are in their golf clubs. And the faster the swing, the more stiffness. Tempo also matters: A jerkier swing requires more stiffness, a smoother swing less stiffness, generally speaking.

What does increased shaft length mean?

Length and height. 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.

Does graphite shaft help with swing arc?

Generally, graphite shafts tend to be longer, increasing the swing-arc, but reduces control. Graphite shaft drivers are the modern choice, and flex options cater for all golfers. Slow swing speed golfers can attain many benefits from using graphite in the irons.

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.

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.

When were titanium shafts invented?

Titanium shafts were introduced in the 1990s and showed great promise because of the lightness and low torque. Price killed it. Now that the origins of the club shaft have been visited, it’s time to evaluate what shaft will suit you best and improve your game.

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.

What happens if you don't have the swing speed to launch the ball into the air?

If you do not have the swing speed and ability to launch the ball into the air, it will come out with a low trajectory, a low spin rate, and the ball will not fly far. The result is a loss of distance.

Can a club fitter measure shaft length?

If you have a professional club fitter available, he will measure you correctly and make recommendations as to the correct length of the shafts. Because you would like to get the most distance from your driver, you could decide to add length to the shaft, but you would give up a degree of accuracy, so it's smart to find the common ground.

Why are shafts important in golf?

A more flexible shaft can help increase your swing speed. There's a lot of homework a golfer should do before buying a set of clubs, and one of those is learning the options as to which shafts the clubs should have. If chosen correctly, shafts can help you get the most out of your swing, regardless of your abilities.

What are the shafts made of?

Composition. There are two shafts on the market, ones made of graphite and the others made of steel . Graphite shafts cost more, but they are lighter and easier to hit. And because graphite shafts will contribute to a faster swing speed, you will get more distance on your shots.

How many grades of flex shafts are there?

There are five grades of flex from which to choose, and the easiest way to select the right one is to find out how long your drives fly, an indication of your swing speed. The five grades of shafts are ladies, seniors, regular, stiff and extra-stiff. If you hit the ball relatively short, say 175 yards or less, you should probably pick ladies shafts.

Do you need longer clubs if you are tall?

Some player think if they are tall, they should have longer clubs, but that might not always be true. You might be tall, but you might also have long arms, so you would not need longer shafts. If you have a professional club fitter available, he will measure you correctly and make recommendations as to the correct length of the shafts.

Do golf shaft stiffness rates work across brands?

The systems we have to rate golf shaft stiffness do not work across brands or even across models within brands. Most experienced club fitters use their experience to understand golf shaft stiffness. Many use some systematic method, most often frequency, to rate the shafts they work with.

Is shaft frequency used to measure stiffness?

Shaft frequency is not of much use in evaluating shaft stiffness. The problem for club makers and fitters who recognized the importance of shaft profiling was that there was not an affordable EI instrument until I designed and manufactured one. They used the frequency instruments they had.

Who first discussed shaft oscillation frequency?

The concept of using shaft oscillation frequency was discussed in the 1968 book, “Search for the Perfect Swing” by Alastair Cochran and John Stobbs. “Search for the Perfect Swing” is one of the first explorations of golf technology.

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 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.

Is graphite shaft good for women?

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. As a result, graphite shafts are a good choice for all golfers. In particular, they are suited to women golfers and seniors, who may struggle to produce a fast-enough swing speed to use ...

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.

What is a golf shaft made of?

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. The steel shaft allows the player to control the ball flight more, whilst the graphite tip ensures the golf ball can go ...

What is flex in golf clubs?

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.

Where is the butt on a golf shaft?

BUTT: The top end of the shaft, called the butt, is located underneath the grip.

What is a raw shaft?

RAW: A raw shaft is an uncut shaft that has not been installed in a clubhead. BLANK: This is another word for a raw shaft. When clubmakers refer to a blank, they mean a raw shaft. SPINE ALIGNMENT: Golf shafts, because they are round and hollow, have a spine that is a result of the manufacturing process.

What is a high torque shaft?

A high torque number is associated with a soft-feeling shaft, although there may be a sacrifice in accuracy. FLEX: The strength of a shaft as it bends during the swing. Because extra stiff, stiff, regular, seniors and ladies flexes are measured in so many ways, these designations have become broad in nature.

What is the tip of a golf club called?

TIPPING: The tip end of the shaft, which is inserted into the clubhead, sometimes is cut or trimmed to provide more stiffness in the shaft. This is called tipping. While the practice is common on professional tours, it is not widely used among amateur golfers.

What is torque in swing?

TORQUE: A measurement of the circular rotation of the shaft during the swing.

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