A golf shaft is the part of a golf club that players hit the ball with. In modern-day golf, it’s composed of metal or graphite, but it started with just wood. The Wooden shaft was known as the Hickory shaft, and most golf clubs shafts were made out of wood in the initial stages of the game.
Full Answer
What is the best golf club shaft?
What are the best golf shafts?
- Aldila NV 2KXV Blue 60 Driver Shaft + Adapter & Grip
- Matrix OZIK X5 White Tie 50 Driver Shaft + Adapter & Grip
- Accra New Tour Z 55 Counter Balanced CB Driver Shaft + Adapter & Grip
- Aldila Rogue Black 60 Graphite Wood Shaft
- Fujikura Vista Pro 55 R-Flex Shaft + Ping G / G30 Driver Tip + Grip
- Project X PXV R-Flex Shaft – TaylorMade SLDR, R15, M1 Tip
What shaft should a senior golfer use?
Manufacturers of the best golf driver for seniors typically label the shaft as either ladies flex, senior flex, regular, stiff, or extra stiff flex. Knowing which one is right for your game is challenging to work out independently.
How to pick the right 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. ...
How much does a golf shaft cost?
For the budget-conscious golfer, replacement shafts can start at $30 for no-frills, entry-level quality. For players who are willing to pay a bit more, there are plenty of options lying between $50 to $200, for shafts in all five flex categories.
What does a golf shaft do?
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 the distance without any unwanted vibrations.
How important is the shaft on a golf club?
How Important are Golf Shafts? Choosing the right shaft for your clubs is all part of the goal of giving you consistency. It can give you the best chance at striking the center of the face that will result in optimal launch conditions on the course. It absolutely has an effect on how well you can play.
What difference does a shaft make in golf?
The heavier a shaft is, the more likely it is that your golf ball will fly low and with less spin. If it's lighter, the ball will tend to fly higher and spin more. As Briand explains, the weight of a shaft has less impact on swing speed than golfers think, but that lighter shafts could increase the rate of closure.
What is a regular golf shaft?
Regular Shaft A regular (R) shaft is favored by golfers who have a medium-fast swing and drive the ball between 225-250 on a regular basis. Golfers who play regular shafts have club speeds between 80-95 mph.
How do I know what golf shaft to use?
A player with a very fast swing will require a shaft with less flex, while a player with a slower swing will need a shaft with greater flex. Flex is generally rated as Extra Stiff (XS), Stiff(S), Firm(F), Regular(R), Senior(S), Amateur(A) and Ladies(L).
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 flex do I need for my driver?
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 flex shaft do I need for irons?
Determine the Proper Shaft Flex for Your SwingIf You Can Hit 150 Yards with a...Then Your Optimal Shaft Flex Is...6- or 7-IronRegular Flex (R)5-Iron/Hybrid or 4-Iron/Hybrid(Male or Female)Senior Flex (A/M)Any Iron/Hybrid lower than 4 or any Fairway Wood (Females or Juniors)Ladies Flex (L)1 more row•Apr 6, 2022
Are regular shafts more forgiving?
Regular shafts are more flexible compared to stiff shafts. They're also a little lighter in weight which means they're going to flex more. This flex produced by regular shafts can benefit when you're hitting the ball at a slower swing speed.
Do any pros play regular shafts?
Kramer's 2006 “Golf Magazine” article cites a survey showing that just 2 percent of PGA Tour players and 10 percent of PGA Champions Tour players used regular flex shafts in their irons. He also notes that PGA Tour swing speeds average 110 mph, so the players favor a stiffer shaft to better control the club.
What is better stiff or regular shaft?
The regular flex golf shaft is more flexible and easier for slower swing speed golfers to swing than the stiff flex golf shaft. A stiff flex golf shaft creates more resistance in the swing of a golfer. Therefore when they attempt to hit the ball with a bit more speed, they can get the incredible distance.
Can you hit a 300 yard drive with a regular flex shaft?
Let me put it bluntly – No You Can't! If some guys on the PGA Tour can't hit it 300 yards – you can't either. Understanding the 'true distance' you hit the golf ball is more important than the 'bragging distance' you can hit it.
How much weight should a golf shaft be?
Weight. Getting the correct weight of your shaft is an important factor to consider as well. Shafts can range anywhere from 40 to 135 grams. Typically the rule of thumb is that a golfer with a slower swing speed will benefit from using a lighter shaft, and you would add weight as swing speed increases. As you might expect at this point, there are ...
What is the most important thing about a driver shaft?
One of the most important things about shafts is how they handle the force that a player’s swing will apply. Generally speaking, there are two extremes. Some players apply a late load to their swing, which would require a stiffer tip of the driver shaft. Conversely, a player that extends early in their swing (most recreational golfers) ...
What is the difference between stock shafts and aftermarket shafts?
The difference between stock shafts and aftermarket shafts is usually found in quality control. Many times the bigger OEMs will strip off the paint of last year’s model and give them a new exterior. The graphics look attractive, but you really have no idea what is beneath it.
What is the biggest misconception about golf shafts?
One of the biggest misconceptions about shafts is that there are standards out there that manufacturers adhere to. Most golfers assume that a shaft marked regular or stiff will be the same across the board, no matter who they buy it from.
Why didn't Nick Price find a stiff shaft?
Regardless of the similarity in their swing speeds, Nick Price couldn’t find a shaft stiff enough for his swing because he would apply such an enormous amount of force, whereas Couples didn’t need as stiff of a shaft because of his smooth tempo.
Why is shaft profile important?
Getting the right shaft profile for your swing is very important. It will greatly affect your ability to hit quality shots on the course . There is a lot of confusion in the golf shaft industry. With no standards for performance, the quality greatly varies, and often you get what you pay for. We hope that we have cleared up some ...
Is the shaft of a truck the same as the transmission?
It absolutely has an effect on how well you can play. The shaft is similar to the transmission of a car. While it’s not the engine, it’s still extremely important. If you are driving a truck you want a transmission that can handle its particular demands.
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.
Is there a real standard for shafts in golf?
It is accepted within the golf industry that there are no real standards when it comes to shaft manufacture and the different properties they all claim to have.
What is the shaft of a golf club?
Many consider the golf shaft the "engine of the club". Golf shafts are either made from graphite or steel. Both types have its benefits and disadvantages. Either way, the golf shaft is where power is stored and released at impact. Sitting in between the golf grip and club head, a solid connection is what allows the golf shaft to do its job.
What is shaft flex?
Shaft flex is a description of how much a shaft will bend under the force of a golf swing with a head attached at the tip end. The speed and frequency of your swing will determine what flex you need. There are generally 5 different flex notations (from most bendable to least bendable): A-flex (Senior), L-flex (Ladies), R-flex (Regular), ...
How long is a 0.370" iron shaft?
decreasing in length from #3-PW). 0.370" parallel iron shafts arrive in uncut lengths, usually 41" or 42" for irons or 46" or more for woods.
What happens if you swing too heavy?
If the overall club is too heavy, you can lose swing speed which can result in a loss of yardage. Too light of a club will be hard to guide and control which can lead to mishits. Players with faster swing speeds or more accelerated tempos can benefit from heavier shafts.
What is the function of a golf shaft?
Function of the Shaft. Acting as a lever, the shaft is what allows a golfer to hit the ball over great distance simply by using the rotation of his body (hips, shoulders and arms). The distance between the golfer and the ball – through the shaft – is what allows for the multiplication of the force onto the golf ball.
Where is the shaft on a golf club?
The shaft is the part of the club that connects to the clubhead. It is located in the middle of the club, between the grip and the head. The grip covers the top part of the shaft whereas the bottom end is inserted into the clubhead through the hosel.
Why is a shorter shaft better for golf?
Conversely, a golfer with an extremely fast swing speed may find he is able to better control his driver when it is fitted with a shaft that is shorter than usual. A shorter shaft would position him closer to the ball for more control, at the cost of slightly less leverage and ultimately less distance.
What does tapered shaft mean in golf?
This means that they are wider at the top near the grip and progressively become smaller in diameter as they approach the clubhead.
Does the shaft length of a golf club decrease as the loft increases?
For the clubs situated in the middle of those, generally, the shaft length will decrease as the loft will increase. So for example, a 5-iron will be a bit longer than a 6-iron, which will be longer than a 7-iron, and so on.
1. The basics of shaft flex
Jonathan Wall, Managing Equipment Editor: If you’re new to the game, just worry about shaft flex. There are a few shaft manufacturers who choose to use something other than SR, R, S, X, TX, to designate the flex on a driver or fairway wood shaft, but most use the same lettering.
2. Know the big five
Andrew Tursky, Senior Equipment Editor : There’s five main points you’ll want to know when it comes to shafts.
3. It influences the way you swing
Luke Kerr-Dineen, Game Improvement Editor: Your equipment and your golf swing work dynamically together. It’s a relationship, where one effects the performance of the other.
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 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.
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 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.
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 do golf shafts bend?
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.
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.
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.
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.
