What are step patterns in golf shafts?
Those ridges are called “steps,” and they play an important role in how the shaft performs during the swing. Let’s use Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson as examples. McIlroy plays a stepless Project X 7.0 product while Johnson prefers the step pattern found on True Temper’s Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100.
How do I choose the right golf shafts?
The golf club head and golf grip will each have their own specifications/measurements as well, and having all this information on hand can guide you to choose the right shaft, as well as ensure the club assembly process goes smoothly. Here are 5 golf shaft specifications you'll want to know:
How are the steps added to the shaft of a shaft?
As far as how the steps are added to the shaft, it’s done through a machining process called “swaging,” whereby the diameter of the steel is altered slightly in an efficient manner with minimal material waste.
What is the best shaft for a slow swing speed golfer?
Aldila Quaranta Blue -A perfect graphite shaft for seniors and the slow swing speed golfer. High launch and plenty of spin. Their range of shafts allows all golfers to find a shaft suitable for their swing speed. Well respected and been in the industry for many years.
What does soft stepping a shaft do?
Soft stepping would enable the flex of the club shafts to be softer and more flexible. If you soft step a stiff flex shaft it would feel between a regular and stiff flex.
What is a stepped shaft?
Stepped shafts are widely used in drive trains. They are generally holding large gears and cams, which are key elements in power transfer. Mostly supported by bearings at the end, the shaft experiences bending loads, axial thrust and torsional loads. The shaft must have greater strength to withstand these loads.
What does hard stepping a shaft do?
Stepping shafts is a method of reshafting that focuses on a flex between the specific designations, say, between a regular and a stiff flex. "Hard stepping" would make a shaft stiffer, "soft stepping," more flexible.
What is a 5.5 flex shaft?
Regular – 5.0. Regular Plus – 5.5. Stiff – 6.0. Extra Stiff – 6.5. Extra Stiff Plus – 7.0.
Can you soft step a graphite shaft?
1:276:04Hard Stepped and Soft Stepped Golf Shafts Explained - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell you can you can soft step it by instead of using if this is a five iron.MoreWell you can you can soft step it by instead of using if this is a five iron.
How do you make a stepped shaft?
0:032:56Stepped Shaft Design of machine Elements : How to read ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe are in a diameter capital D here you reacted at the capital e and small D so D by D is equal toMoreWe are in a diameter capital D here you reacted at the capital e and small D so D by D is equal to one point which is given in the question. Then it is even filled analysis.
What is Tiger stepping?
0:585:39TIGER STEPPING / TIGER WOODS WEDGE BUILD SETUP - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHead on any shaft. It's going to make it more flexible. So for consistency's sake the whole pointMoreHead on any shaft. It's going to make it more flexible. So for consistency's sake the whole point really is we're trying to get the shaft to flex consistently regardless of what iron.
Does soft stepping make a difference?
When you soft step a set of irons, you are putting the golf shaft of a nine iron into the pitching wedge. This helps to make the club a bit longer, and it has a softer feel overall. In turn, golfers are able to get a higher ball flight and more performance from their golf clubs.
Does soft stepping increase spin?
"The main reason for soft stepping or hard stepping is to change the feel of the shaft for golfers who really want their shafts to feel just right. The second reason is to try to change the launch angle and trajectory of the shot or to reduce or increase spin. A ½ inch can exhibit the beginning of a 'feel' difference.
Is a 6.0 shaft Stiff?
5.0 out of 5 stars 6.0 62g is VERY stiff! Great shaft! The only thing I would say to someone who is looking at this is if you normally play a stiff shaft you should go with the 5.5 62g variant. the 6.0 62g shaft is extra stiff in my opinion.
What is a 4.5 shaft flex?
Yes the 4.5 means senior shaft the 70 means the grams and the flex of the shaft that's what the guy from Mizuno told me like 70 is extra stiff the way I understood it is that right or wrong thank you.
Which golf shaft flex is right for me?
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 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, ...
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.
What is the kick point of a golf shot?
The shaft kick-point – also known as flex-point – is the point where the shaft bends and affects the trajectory of the shot. Although the effect is only small, it is still measurable.
Why is shaft length important in golf?
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.
What weight shafts are available for clubfitters?
Clubfitters now have the option to fit these shafts with weights from 95 to 110gm. This is a reduction from the 115 to 125gm range previously on offer. Steel generally has less flex, more stability, low torque, and provides more accuracy. Standard steel shafts are shorter.
What is carbon fiber shaft?
Modern composite graphite shafts have 3 layers of fiber winding, adding substantial rigidity and performance. Carbon fiber offers increased flex, greater clubhead speed, but reduced accuracy, due to more torque. It also dissipates the stinging shock from a poorly struck shot and will protect the hands and wrist.
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.
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.
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.
What is a low kick point?
A low kick-point launches the ball easily and high, with plenty of spin, which ultimately creates more carry and distance. The competent golfer who is capable of launching the ball and doesn’t require too much spin should consider the mid-kick-point shaft. The high-kick-point encourages low launch and minimum spin.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is soft stepping on a parallel tip shaft?
Soft stepping on a parallel tip shaft is simply the process of trimming less than what the manufacturer suggests. For example, if you have a 5-iron, you tip trim the shaft like a 4-iron. This is called soft stepping once and would decrease the stiffness by a quarter flex. Soft-stepping twice would be cutting the shaft as a 3-iron ...
What does it mean to soft step twice?
Soft-stepping twice would be cutting the shaft as a 3-iron or two clubs more and would decrease the stiffness by a half flex. If you soft step once for one club, you will do so on all the irons and wedges to have a uniform progression of flex throughout the set. The downside to soft stepping is two-fold.
What is hard stepping?
Hard stepping is the opposite of soft stepping whereby you elect to tip trim more than the amount suggested by the manufacturer to create a stiffer flex. There are two things to be aware of when doing so.
What is the downside of soft stepping?
The downside to soft stepping is two-fold. First, since you are cutting less off the tip, that means you are cutting more from the butt end. While the variation is small, it can lead in some cases to a smaller grip size under the lower hand.
Is a taper tip shaft hard stepped?
The concept of hard stepping a taper tip shaft is just the opposite of soft stepping. However, this is rarely done because you run out of raw lengths when you get to your shorter scoring irons and wedges. If you examine the row labeled "hard stepped once", notice the 9-iron and wedge entries.
Can you tip trim a long iron?
Secondly, if you have a long iron or hybrid, you cannot tip trim less than zero which will not maintain uniformity in the set. In the example above would affect the 2-iron by soft stepping once or the #2 and 3-iron by soft-stepping twice.
Is a 39.5" shaft stiffer than a 4" shaft?
The 39" 5-iron shaft is not only shorter, but stiffer than the 39.5" 4-iron shaft to offset the heavier weight. Therefore, if we placed the 39.5" 4-iron shaft into the 5-iron (or soft stepping once), then the club will become more flexible. Soft stepping twice would be placing the 40" 3-iron shaft into the 5-iron.
1. Establish a baseline
Before even venturing into the abyss of the shaft market, you should first take inventory of your performance with your current set. This means hitting every single club in your bag on a launch monitor to gather data, preferably under the supervision of a local fitter or teaching professional.
2. Do your research
This step may be the most painful for some, but I promise it will be valuable in the long run.
3. Conduct testing (with minimal variables)
OK, so the painful research part is out of the way. Now for the fun stuff: it’s time to try out new shafts!
4. Find a professional builder you trust
Purchasing the perfect shaft is great, but unfortunately that’s only half the battle. The shaft has to be physically attached to your club head, equipped with a grip, and the assembly needs to be done with precision.
5. Monitor your performance
After following the first four steps, you should now have a shaft setup that matches your golf swing.
How are steps added to a shaft?
As far as how the steps are added to the shaft, it’s done through a machining process called “swaging,” whereby the diameter of the steel is altered slightly in an efficient manner with minimal material waste. Depending on the pattern and length between the steps — as well as the length of the tip and butt sections — launch, ...
Is Dynamic Gold a stepped steel shaft?
Both shafts are considered extra-stiff products, but according to Paul Loegering, True Temper’s director of Tour operations, there are some differences based on the steps (or lack thereof). True Temper's Dynamic Gold is a stepped steel product.
Do steel shafts have ridges?
There’s a good chance it features a uniform smoothness or has some subtle ridges in the lower section of the shaft.
