“Torque” is a property of golf shafts that describes how much the shaft is prone to twisting during the golf swing. A shaft with a lower torque rating means the shaft better resists twisting; a shaft with a higher torque rating means the shaft is more prone to twisting (all other things being equal). How does shaft torque effect ball flight?
What is the difference between torque rating and shaft type?
A shaft with a lower torque rating means the shaft better resists twisting; a shaft with a higher torque rating means the shaft is more prone to twisting (all other things being equal). A golfer's swing, and the clubhead attached to the end of the shaft, exert forces on the shaft that lead to twisting.
What is the torque of a golf shaft?
Torque is the twisting motion the club head has at impact with the golf ball. The torque of the shaft is the what can help control twisting of the shaft during the swing. Higher rated torque numbers means the shaft twists more but it also has softer feel. An example is a 5 degree torque vs a 3 degree torque.
What does a good shaft torque feel like?
I like to emulate the feeling of steel shafts in my woods. A shaft with a higher torque will feel more “whippy” or smooth even if it is extra-stiff. Likewise, a regular shaft with a low torque can feel very stiff in your hands.
What determines golf shaft performance?
There’s yet another factor that influences a shaft’s performance: torque. Torque is simply defined as “resistance to twisting,” and it’s measured in degrees. Basically, a low torque value means the shaft will twist very little during the swing; a high-torque shaft twists more.
What does torque on a golf club mean?
a twisting forceTorque is defined as “a twisting force that tends to cause rotation.” In the case of a golf shaft, it's the amount of twisting (or lack thereof) that occurs during the swing.
What is the torque on steel golf shaft?
A steel shaft will have less torque simply because of the material it is made of. A degree of 3 to 4 is normal for a steel shaft. Graphite shafts can have a lot more torque. Since graphite is not a solid piece of material, the torque can be much higher; to degrees of 7 or 8.
What is a low torque golf shaft?
A low torque shaft means that the shaft actually has a high degree of resistance to twisting. The “low” refers to the number assigned to the torque value. For example, a shaft that has a torque value of 2.5* has a very low degree of torque, which means that is has a high ability to resist twisting.
What stiffness of shaft should I use?
Golfers at driving speeds over 90 mph should generally use a stiff shaft. Under 90 mph should probably use a regular shaft.
How much torque should my shaft have?
So for most golfers, as long the torque of a graphite shaft is between 3.5 and 5.5 degrees - which is the case for the vast majority of graphite shafts today - the golfer will be OK and torque will never be a factor to worry about in the shaft fitting.
What is the difference between high torque and low torque?
As previously mentioned, torque tells you how an engine feels when you accelerate. Cars with high torque engines tend to accelerate slower off the mark but quicker from low revs in a high gear. Conversely, cars with low torque engines tend to accelerate quicker off the mark but slower from low revs in a high gear.
What weight driver shaft should I use?
The shafts in the drivers of most golfers are probably in the 60 gram bracket. These shafts are light enough to help with speed yet heavy enough to give that feeling of more stability during the swing. This shaft weight will be beneficial to most golfers out there.
What does lower torque mean?
Torque is the amount a golf shaft is twisting when subjected to a defined amount of force. A lower torque means that a shaft is twisting less, a higher torque value means that a shaft is twisting more. The torque is measured by degree.
What kick point should I use golf?
Unless you think you have a significant problem with a ball flight that is too low or too high, the mid-kick point golf club will be the best choice. The mid-kick point drivers are easiest to find in the game improvement category of golf clubs.
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
Will a stiffer shaft help my slice?
If you are struggling with a hook it might be because your shaft is too flexible, try a stiffer shaft, this will help keep the face square at impact, and prevent the face from turning over. If you are struggling with a slice you might be playing with a shaft that is too stiff for you.
What shaft is best for my swing speed?
– Golf Shaft Flex ChartCarry DistanceSwing SpeedFlexUnder 200 yardsUnder 75 mphLadies or Senior200 to 240 yards75 to 95 mphRegular240 to 275 yards95 to 110 mphStiffOver 275 yardsOver 110 mphStiff or Extra StiffOct 15, 2019
How does golf shaft torque affect ball flight?
If we think about torque affecting how the club head is delivered to the ball at impact, you can imagine that it would affect ball flight. One study in 2017, showed that shafts with a higher torque caused a more open club face at impact which led to a slightly higher launch that tended to go right.
What is shaft torque in dc motor?
Shaft Torque of DC Motor The torque in a DC motor which is available at the shaft of the machine for doing useful work is called as shaft torque (&taush).
How does shaft affect ball flight?
Generally, the more flexible a shaft, the higher the ball flight. The lower the bend point in the shaft, the higher the ball flight (minor affect). Generally, the stiffer the shaft, the lower the ball flight. The higher the bend point, the lower the ball flight (minor affect).
What kick point should I use golf?
Unless you think you have a significant problem with a ball flight that is too low or too high, the mid-kick point golf club will be the best choice. The mid-kick point drivers are easiest to find in the game improvement category of golf clubs.
What does it mean when a shaft is high torque?
A high-torque shaft will twist more than a low-torque shaft. Put another way, some shafts resist twisting better than others. A shaft with a lower torque rating means the shaft better resists twisting; a shaft with a higher torque rating means the shaft is more prone to twisting (all other things being equal). ...
What is torque in golf?
Warren Little / Getty Images. "Torque" is a property of golf shafts that describes how much the shaft is prone to twisting during the golf swing. All shafts, steel and graphite, exhibit torque, which is measured in degrees. A high-torque shaft will twist more than a low-torque shaft. Put another way, some shafts resist twisting better than others.
What is twisting in golf?
A golfer's swing, and the clubhead attached to the end of the shaft, exert forces on the shaft that lead to twisting. This twisting is simply a part of the swing.
Why is torque narrow?
In steel shafts, because the type of steel material is the same throughout the entire shaft, the torque exists in a very narrow range of degrees, one that is much more narrow than in graphite shafts.
Is torque a factor in golf shaft selection?
Therefore, torque is not a factor to worry about in the selection of a steel shaft, but it is a point to keep in mind for some golfers when selecting a graphite shaft.
Who is Brent Kelley?
Brent Kelley. Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism. Tripsavvy's Editorial Guidelines. Brent Kelley. Updated 04/17/18.
Why should you care about torque?
You should care because torque is a major component in how a shaft feels, much more than flex . You could have an XX-stiff shaft with high torque, and it might feel “smooth” or even “whippy.”. Alternately, you could have a senior flex shaft with low torque that can feel “boardy.”.
What is torque in a shaft?
Torque is really pretty simple: it’s the shaft’s resistance to twisting. Torque is measured in degrees (meaning: how many degrees will the shaft twist under a certain amount of force), and you’ll typically see measurements as low as 2° and as high as 5°, 6°, or 7°. As with many other things, these numbers don’t necessarily mean a lot ...
What are the two main tenets of torque?
The conventional wisdom on torque consists of two major tenets: 1) Players who tend to hook the ball will benefit from a lower torque shaft. Players who tend to slice the ball will benefit from a higher torque shaft. 2) Players who swing faster need lower torque.
Is torque a rule?
Torque matters, and, like flex and weight , there are no easy rules to follow. You need to try a variety of things and be fit into the shaft that will work best for you.
Does torque affect where the ball ends up?
Torque also has a major impact on where the ball ends up. All other things being equal, a shaft with higher torque will lead to a club face that is pointed further left (for a RH golfer) at impact…but we know “all other things” are rarely equal when you add in the human element.
Why is shaft torque important?
Shaft torque becomes increasingly important the faster you swing. Torque is the measure of how much the shaft twists during the golf swing. It may be hard to imagine this even happening, but shafts are made with that particular fact in mind. They are even made to resist it more or less, depending on your swing and what kind ...
What happens when you have less torque in your golf club shaft?
When you have more torque in your club shaft it is said that your shots can be less accurate but go further and have a nice soft feel.
Why does a steel shaft have less torque?
A steel shaft will have less torque simply because of the material it is made of. A degree of 3 to 4 is normal for a steel shaft. Graphite shafts can have a lot more torque. Since graphite is not a solid piece of material, the torque can be much higher; to degrees of 7 or 8.
When you strike the ball, do you want your club head to be square?
When you strike the ball, you want your club head to be as square to your target as possible. When the club head twists, it can make the club head a degree or two open or closed when it makes contact. Therefore you want less torque when you are looking to straighten your ball flight.
Where is Jennifer Stow?
Based in Minnesota, Jennifer Stow has written golf related articles for Dick's Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy and local golf media. She has been a professional golfer and a golf professional for over ten years and has experienced all sides of the business. She holds a Bachelor of Arts sociology from Rollins College.
Does Tiger Woods know how much torque he needs?
Certainly Tiger Woods knows exactly how much torque he needs for every club in his bag , but for a beginner it won't matter much. Torque should be one of the last things you look at when trying to improve your game. Golfweeks' Adam Woodard breaks down the results from the match.
What does a lower torque shaft feel like?
Lower torque shafts feel stiffer . What many players describe as a shaft feeling too soft or too stiff may not be related to flex as much as it’s related to torque. Additionally, the shaft’s torque will affect how it feels on mishits. Shafts with lower torque will feel harsher and more punishing on mishits. Conversely, shafts with higher torque ...
What is torque in mechanics?
Torque is the measurement of a shaft’s resistance to rotational twisting . Torque is expressed in degrees – the higher the number, the less resistance.
What is the function of the shaft's GJ profile?
Torque is a function of the shaft’s GJ profile, where G is the shear modulus (resistance of the material to twisting) and J is the shape (diameter and wall thickness). In a carbon shaft, we can vary the G by changing the type of carbon we use of the size of the torsional ply we use. Because of the steels used in golf shafts, G is always the same, ...
What is clamped on a shaft?
The butt of the shaft is clamped, a force is applied to the tip, and the degrees of twisting are measured. What can vary are the size of the clamp, the distance between the clamp and the force, and the amount of force used.
Can torsional stiffness be separated?
Bending stiffness and torsional stiffness cannot be separated in steel. Composite materials are anisotropic , meaning their properties vary in different directions. As a structural designer, there is a lot more flexibility in designing with composite materials.
Where does Matt Saternus live?
He's worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking. Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters. Latest posts by Matt Saternus ( see all)
Is torque measured on graphite shafts?
Most shaft manufacturers report the torque measurement on their graphite shafts, but it’s not a number you typically see on spec sheets for steel shafts. We asked the manufacturers why that is. In short, torque values are smaller and less variable in steel . It can be measured the same way, but the range of values is not large, ...
What materials are used to stabilize a golf swing?
Torque can be controlled a number of different ways, but the most common is utilizing exotic materials — including Kevlar, Carbon, Boron and Zylon — to stabilize the shaft. Accomplishing this makes the profile more resistant to unwanted twisting during the swing, especially at impact. In other words: improved consistency.
Why are low torque shafts so expensive?
“As you go up in grade of material, which is actually going up in stiffness and strength of the material, you essentially double the cost of the material for every step you take up ,” said designer John Oldenburg.
Who is Jonathan Wall?
Jonathan Wall is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s Managing Editor for Equipment. Prior to joining the staff at the end of 2018, he spent 6 years covering equipment for the PGA Tour.
Why do golfers need torque?
Golfers with slower swing speeds (less than 90 mph) typically need higher torque to help them return the clubface to square at impact. Of course, a shaft’s torque must mesh with other qualities (length, weight, flex etc.) to produce the desired results for any individual golfer.
What does low torque mean in golf?
Basically, a low torque value means the shaft will twist very little during the swing; a high-torque shaft twists more. The range of available torque is wider in graphite shafts than steel, because manufacturers can blend different graphite composites to produce very specific characteristics. Still, the torque range that applies to most golfers is ...
How fast does a golf club need to be to match torque?
The basic rules when choosing a shaft with the right torque are as follows: Golfers with high swing speeds (100+ mph) typically need lower torque shafts.
What is the shaft of a golf club?
By now, most golfers are aware that the shaft is the so-called “engine of the golf club .” They have a basic understanding of how length, weight and flex affect ball flight and shot distance. They may even be familiar with the concept of the shaft’s bend or kick point.
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.
What is equalizer software?
It came with a calibration stick that was used to standardize the readings to a common denominator across instruments. During its dominance as a club makers organization the PCS did not promote discussion of alternative shaft stiffness systems.
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.
CosmosMpower
After doing some research and reading some specs on shafts after demoing I came to decide I like high torque shafts. After trying a few and deciding what I like (blind test of sorts) then looking at the specs most the shafts I like are over 4.0 torque ratings.
arkstorm
I think there's a lot more to torque than feel. If you play too high a torque it will increase your dispersion dramatically. But I agree with the original poster that the name of the game isn't necessarily playing the lowest torque shaft. I also found that I favor the more mid torque shafts but that the very low torque ones don't work for me.
mikec222
I wouldn't say that by trying a v2 you can lump low torque shafts as boardy. I suppose at a low price point this is somewhat true, prolaunch red, v2, not so much aldila's offerings though. Alot of more expensive shafts don't have that boardy feeling at all regardless of torque.
chickenpotpie
From what i've read on the topic torque is mostly about feel today. When graphite shafts first came out, they were very inconsistent and low torque was necessary for a stable shaft. That said, hard swingers will still need a low torque shaft, simply because higher torque shafts may feel too whippy (regardless of what the dispersion looks like).
thewitt
Another thing to keep in mind here - you cannot compare torque readings across companies using their published data.
CosmosMpower
Another thing to keep in mind here - you cannot compare torque readings across companies using their published data.
arkstorm
Another thing to keep in mind here - you cannot compare torque readings across companies using their published data.
What Is Torque?
How Is Torque Measured?
- If you read the first Shafts 101, you know that there are virtually no industry standards in shafts. Measuring torque is no exception. While the specifics may vary, the procedure for measuring torque is the same across the point. The butt of the shaft is clamped, a force is applied to the tip, and the degrees of twisting are measured.What can vary are the size of the clamp, the distance …
Torque = Feel
- One of themes that came up frequently was the connection between torque and feel. When a shaft has higher torque (is more able to twist), it willfeel smoother and softer. Lower torque shafts feel stiffer. What many players describe as a shaft feeling too soft or too stiff may not be related to flex as much as it’s related to torque. Additionally, t...
Is Zero Torque Possible?
- The answers to this question ranged from, “Possible, but difficult” to “Impossible.” What everyone agreed on, however, is thatit’s not desirable. MRC pointed out that a shaft with zero torque would transfer very little energy to the golf ball. Others mentioned the drawbacks of extremely rigid feel and the lack of forgiveness
Is Torque Relevant to Steel shafts?
- Most shaft manufacturers report the torque measurement on their graphite shafts, but it’s not a number you typically see on spec sheets for steel shafts. We asked the manufacturers why that is. In short,torque values are smaller and less variable in steel. It can be measured the same way, but the range of values is not large, so it’s not typically reported. If you want to get into the science o…
Finding The Right Amount of Torque
- Overall, faster swingers and players with more aggressive swings benefit from lower torque shafts. More rhythmic swings and players with less club head speed often prefer more torque. However, these are general rules, and there are many exceptions. Feel and shot shape preferences must be considered as well. Nippon, True Temper, Fujikura, and MRC all agreed tha…
What Have We Learned?
- Torque, just like shaft flex, is an important factor in selecting a shaft. Not only does it have a huge impact on the way a shaft will perform, it’s one of the biggest factors in how a shaft feels. Just as with flex, there are some general rules of thumb for selecting flex, but all the best shaft makers agree: if you want to optimize the performance of your golf clubs, there is no substitute for a pro…