Unlike steel shafts that can weigh anywhere from 100 to 300 grams, graphite shaft weights start from just 50 up to 80 grams. As a result, they’re longer and more suitable for gaining distance. Graphite shafts also provide excellent shock absorbency by dampening vibrations when you hit the golf ball, making your swing more balanced.
Full Answer
What are the best golf shafts for You?
Graphite shafts are best suited for senior golfers and lady golfers who cannot produce a lot of swing speed. 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.
What do players look for in a golf shaft?
Generally, players are looking for either Distance, Distance and Control, or Control. With regards to the shaft - The lighter the shaft, the longer the overall club length and more flexible the shaft is (within the players flex range), the greater the potential for distance gain.
Do you need a different shaft for high swing speeds?
Like almost anything in golf, there are no hard and fast rules so sometimes certain regular shafts can perform well with high swing speeds. Your tempo and how you load the shaft has an effect on what flex you need so speak to an expert about this too. What happens if my driver shaft is too stiff?
How far should a golf shaft flex chart go?
– Golf Shaft Flex Chart Carry Distance Swing Speed Flex Under 200 yards Under 75 mph Ladies or Senior 200 to 240 yards 75 to 95 mph Regular 240 to 275 yards 95 to 110 mph Stiff Over 275 yards Over 110 mph Stiff or Extra Stiff
How do I know what golf shaft to use?
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.
What club speed do you need for a stiff shaft?
Stiff – 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.
What shaft is best for a slow swing speed?
The two most common options are graphite and steel. Players with a slow swing speed normally will choose a graphite shaft to maximize the distance the ball travels, while those with a fast swing will choose steel for greater consistency.
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.
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
Which shaft is best for me?
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. Generally, if there is a doubt about which shafts you should have, choose the softer shafts.
What happens if shaft is too stiff?
There are a few tell tale signs that your shafts are too stiff, firstly you will lose the ball to the right, because the shaft is to stiff it will be hard to square up at impact, causing the face to be open when you hit the ball, this is going to produce a fade or slice shot, generally ending up on the right side of ...
Will I lose distance with a stiff shaft?
If the shaft flex is too stiff, your average distance will remain low.
What happens if 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.
Is regular flex good for most golfers?
The regular shaft is perfect for the golfer with around 90mph of swing speed. Most average golfers and beginners enjoy the regular flex shaft.
What's better regular flex or stiff flex?
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 shaft flex should a beginner use?
But if a beginner player already has a decent swing motion and generates clubhead speed between the range of 95 to 110 mph or more, then a stiff shaft or extra stiff shaft could be justified to be used by a beginner golfer.
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.
What is the difference between graphite and steel?
Compared to steel shafts, graphite variations tend to be much lighter, averaging about 50-90 grams per club. (For more on the difference between steel and graphite shafts, see this article: Steel Vs. Graphite Golf Shafts – Which is Better?)
What happens if your golf shaft is too stiff?
On the other hand, if you choose a golf shaft that’s too stiff, the lack of “spring” can significantly reduce your clubhead speed, resulting in a decrease in distance.
Why do golfers with slower swing speeds prefer high torque shafts?
This is because they benefit from having more feel through the impact zone instead of each shot feeling “dead” off the club face.
Why is a longer shaft better for golf?
This is because a longer club shaft can help you generate more clubhead speed which can often result in more distance.
How much twist through impact is required for low torque golf shafts?
Low torque golf shafts will usually be limited to about 2 or 3 degrees of twist through impact.
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.
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.
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 are golf shafts longer?
Longer shafts can produce extra distance because you will have a longer swing arc and more club head speed. Shorter shafts are easier to control and yield more accurate shots.
What is the difference between a high and low torque shaft?
This twisting effects the way the club face impacts the ball. High-torque shafts could help golfers with slower club head speeds and golfers who slice the ball. Low-torque shafts are good for low-handicap golfers with fast club head speeds, improving accuracy.
What is the difference between graphite and steel shafts?
Steel shafts are heavier and provide the golfer with more vibrational feedback on mishit shots. Graphite shafts are lighter , encouraging a faster club head speed . Graphite shafts also dampen the vibrational feedback on mishit shots, which can sting your hands.
What is flex in golf?
Flex refers to the amount of bowing the shaft does on the downswing. The most common flex choices are ladies, light, regular and stiff. The flex you need is determined by your swing speed. You should not try to swing faster or slower to try and fit your swing into a club.
Why use lighter shafts in golf?
Be aware that lighter shafts make it harder to feel the club's position throughout the swing, which could lead to less control. Heavier shafts are easier to keep on plane during the swing and help promote good tempo. Heavy shafts tend to produce lower-trajectory shots.
Which point of the shaft is the most likely to bow during a downswing?
Kick point is the area of the shaft that bows the most during the downswing and through impact. A low kick point bows near the head of the club, producing a higher ball flight. It is better for slower swing speeds. A mid kick point bows in the middle of the shaft and will have a medium-high trajectory.
Where is the mid kick point on a golf shaft?
A mid kick point bows in the middle of the shaft and will have a medium-high trajectory. A high kick point bows near the grip end of the shaft and produces a low trajectory. You need a fast swing speed to play a shaft with a high kick point.
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.
What is flex in golf?
Flex: This measures the ability of a shaft to bend under the force of a golf swing. Generally, slower swing speeds find better performance from more flexible shafts (ladies, senior, regular flex), whereas faster speeds need less flex (stiff or x-stiff flex)
What is the kick point of a golf club?
Kick point: This is the area of a shaft that will bend most during the swing. A low kick point is toward the head, a high kick point is toward the grip, and a mid kick point is near the center of the shaft. Kick point will influence how the club feels and what trajectory the ball launches at.
What is the difference between low torque and high torque?
Torque: This measures, usually in degrees, the shaft’s resistance to twisting. Low torque (around 2-3 degrees) means it doesn’t twist, or torque, much at all, whereas high torque (around 5+ degrees) means the shaft twists a lot. Low torque generally works better for high swing speeds, whereas high torque fits best with slower swing speeds.
What is the X stiff range?
X-stiff – This is the range where most high-level players fall. If you’re swinging the driver above 105 mph, it might be time to get some X stiff shafts in your set.
What is the average speed of a senior swinger?
Senior – Slower swingers fall into this category. Between 72 and 83 mph signifies you need to be hitting senior flex.
Can you extrapolate your swing speed to driver?
You should consider that your swing speed for your irons might not extrapolate perfectly to driver (and vice versa), so while a certain flex might be right in some clubs, that might not be the case in others.
Is True Spec Golf affiliated with 8AM?
Our friends over at True Spec Golf shared some data with us that illustrates the shaft that’s right for you based on your swing speed throughout the bag. ( True Spec and GOLF.com are affiliates of 8AM Golf ).
Who benefits from a stiff shaft?
If you can hit an 8- or 9-iron 150 yards, comfortably, then a stiff shaft is for you. This means that you will have a driver swing speed of around 100 mph and you will see the benefits of a stiff shaft.
What will happen if I shorten my driver shaft?
Firstly, and most importantly, you really shouldn’t cut a shaft down unless you absolutely know what you are doing and how to balance it out after the cut! You could ruin the performance entirely and waste the club. That being said, many top golfers these days use shorter driver shafts, so why do they do that?
Are heavier shafts stiffer?
Heavier shafts don’t need to be stiffer, however, the extra weight will make them require higher clubhead speeds in order to work efficiently which has a similar effect to less flex. Shaft weight is about feel for many. Personally, I play a heavier shaft in my driver because I love the feel of it, in my irons I have a lighter shaft because they are generally heavier clubs and I like the feel that that gives me. As you try more clubs and set-ups, you will start to learn what you like and it will help you make your choice.
Does shaft flex affect driver distance?
Yes and it is really important you get your flex right. In a study published in Sports Biomechanics, players were asked to hit identical driver with differing shaft flexes. The flex was hidden to everyone involved and the results were staggering. Not only was clubhead speed (which directly influences distance) affected in most players, loft angle was affected in a quarter of them and lie angle in all.
Does shaft flex affect accuracy?
As you’ve read above, there are a number of ways that shaft flex can affect the accuracy of your golf shots. Having a club that suits your swing means you will be more relaxed and consistent hitting the ball, that’s a huge advantage in terms of accuracy. Also, a stiffer shaft tends to help reduce dispersion as the club can move less through impact and so be more consistent.
How can I find out my swing speed?
It’s never been easier to find out these vital statistics of your golf swing. Go to almost any pro or shop that offers custom fitting and they will have some sort of instrument that can give you this number . Think of this as your starting point.
What happens if my driver shaft has too much flex?
In this case, you will tend to hit high slices. The club will feel a little too whippy in your hand and you will feel that you don’t have as much control of the head as you should have. There can be the benefit of making you slow down your swing to 80% effort though so some may even start to benefit when they make this realization. Golf really is a complicated mistress.