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.
How to choose the best golf shaft?
Info - Choosing the Best Shaft for Your Game
- Choosing the Best Shaft for Your Game. ...
- Shaft Selection Primer 1.0: Single most important determining factor in shaft flex (indicator of overall strength of the player).
- Swing Tempo - Pace of the Swing. ...
- Release. ...
- Trajectory - Height of Ball Flight. ...
- Flight Direction Tendency. ...
- Distance Control. ...
- Price. ...
What are the best golf shafts?
best golf shafts for irons
- UST Recoil ZT9 Iron Shaft Set. UST Mamiya Recoil ZT9 Iron Shafts are known for the best and unparalleled stability in the industry.
- Aerotech Steel Fiber FC 90. The new SteelFiber FC shafts are designed with a progressive tip that gives higher ball flight in the mid- and long irons also classic ...
- Mitsubishi-Rayon Kuro Kage Black 70 Iron R Shaft. ...
What type of golf shafts are right for You?
- Steel shafts are less expensive than their counterparts’ graphite and multi-material shafts.
- As these shafts are made with heavy steel, you will get great control over the golf club you are using.
- Though these shafts will ensure control, you may suffer when it is about taking the ball some extra yardages. ...
Should golf beginners play with a stiff shaft?
Stiffness or Flex
- Swing Speed. The stiffness or flex of the shaft is a much-neglected aspect of your golfing equipment as most golfers are more interested in the brand, or technical features, or ...
- Indications. ...
- Over Correcting. ...
- Classification. ...
- Beware, Don’t Over-Compensate. ...
How do you tell what flex shaft you need?
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.
Should I choose regular or stiff 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.
Do I want a lighter or heavier shaft?
Having clubs that are too heavy will result in lost distance and a lack of control and having clubs that are too light will result in erratic and uncontrollable strokes. What is this? Fast swing speeds will usually need a heavier shaft and slower swing speeds need lighter shafts.
What flex should I use golf?
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.
What happens if shaft is too flexible?
When a golf shaft is too flexible, you will not be able to hit the ball straight. You will also end up losing a bit of distance. When a golf shaft is too flexible, it isn't easy to control the clubface and get it to square up at impact.
How do I choose the right golf shaft weight?
The easiest way to think about it is that, in general, the faster you swing it, the heavier the shaft you should use. However, things like how you load the shaft during the transition can make change what weight works best for you. It's always best to get properly fitted by a pro.
How do I know if my golf 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.
How do I know if my driver shaft is too soft?
When To Move To A Stiffer Shaft?Feels 'whippy' in your hands.Feels too light.Your ball is ballooning in the air.Your ball is behind your pitch mark when you hit your driver.You ball spins to much on the greens when you approach with your irons.Your accuracy has dropped.You start hitting hooks.More items...
Why do you need a shaft in a golf club?
The shaft is a critical component of the golf club. The shaft is used to transfer the energy of your swing to the golf ball. You should not pick a shaft solely based on the popularity of a brand name or on what type of shaft your old clubs had. By taking the time to pick a shaft to match your golf swing, you can ensure your clubs will help improve ...
Where is GolfSmith located?
GolfSmith: Golf Club Shafts. Writer Bio. Based in Memphis, Jackson Lewis has been writing on technology-related material for 10 years with a recent emphasis on golf and other sports. He has been freelance writing for Demand Media since 2008.
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.
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.
Is graphite shaft better than steel shaft?
When considering graphite shafts just remember they are lightweight and more flexible than steel shafts. This allows for more swing speed and distance, but that doesn’t always mean more accuracy. With greater swing speeds and flex you will lose some accuracy with the club.
What to consider when choosing a golf club shaft?
However, in all cases, there are 6 main things you need to consider when choosing the right shafts for your golf clubs: The flex of the golf club shaft. The material used to make the club shaft. The weight of the shaft. The length of the shaft. The kick point and torque of the shaft. The manufacturer of the shaft.
How much does a golf club shaft weigh?
According to D’Lance Golf – a top 100 club-fitter in America (Golf Digest) – the average club shaft weight for both men and ladies are as follows: “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.
How does weight affect golf?
Although it’s important to realize that there are exceptions, here’s how club shaft weight generally affects your golf game: Swing Speed – lighter club shafts allow you to swing the club much faster and are therefore prefered by those with slower swing speeds.
What is the kick point of a golf shaft?
The kick point of a golf shaft refers to the area that bends the most as you initiate the downswing and make contact with the golf ball. It’s important to understand the difference between low kick, mid kick, and high kick shafts because this feature plays an important role in determining the trajectory of each shot.
Why invest in graphite shafts?
For players who are lagging in the distance department, you might want to consider investing in graphite shafts because they’re lighter and will help you increase swing speed. If you have plenty of speed, a durable steel shaft might be your best bet to help you maximize control.
What does a high kick point shaft do?
A high kick point shaft means that it will bend the most at the top of the club near the grip. High kick points generally help produce a lower ball flight.
What is torque in golf?
Torque refers to the twisting forces that act on the golf club during the golf swing. It is measured in degrees and can range anywhere between 2 and 8 degrees. The higher the torque of a club shaft, the more it will twist during the swing, and vice versa.
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 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 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.
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 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 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.
