- Material. The first decision you need to make regarding shaft selection is whether to use steel or graphite. The two main differences are weight and vibration feedback.
- Flex. Flex refers to the amount of bowing the shaft does on the downswing. The most common flex choices are ladies, light, regular and stiff.
- Length. A golfer's height is not the only factor used to determine what length shaft to use. ...
- Kick Point or Bend Point. Kick point is the area of the shaft that bows the most during the downswing and through impact. ...
- Weight. Shaft weight is mostly a individual preference based on feel. Using lightweight shafts will result in faster swing speeds and possibly more distance.
- Torque. Torque is amount the tip of the shaft twists during the swing. This twisting effects the way the club face impacts the ball.
Full Answer
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. ...
How important is choosing the right golf shaft?
What is the Kick Point in a Golf Shaft?
- High Kick Point. A high kick point shaft means that it will bend the most at the top of the club near the grip. ...
- Low Kick Point. A low kick point shaft is one that will bend most at the lower end of the shaft, closer to the clubhead.
- Mid Kick Point. ...
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 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 do I know what type of shaft I need for golf?
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.
How do I know what shaft flex is right for me?
Some General Guidelines About Shaft FlexTake a look at the distance you hit your driver. ... If you have a very smooth swing, you might benefit from a softer flex even if you swing fast. ... If your drives go left, you might benefit from a stiffer flex; if your drives go right, you might benefit from a softer flex.
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
Are stiff shafts good for beginners?
With the proper fit, the new golfer can learn without making compensations for clubs that are too stiff or too flexible. In general, the faster a golfer's swing speed the stiffer a golf shaft should be in order to provide more control over the ball's flight.
Choosing The Best Shaft For Your Game
One of the most difficult aspects of fitting today is choosing the best shaft for a player. There are so many variables, that club fitters and play...
Shaft Selection Primer 1.0
Single most important determining factor in shaft flex (indicator of overall strength of the player).General Swing Speed / Ball Speed ranges and co...
Swing Tempo - Pace of The Swing
1. Fast 2. Medium 3. Slow Generally, the faster the tempo, the stiffer the shaft flex needed. The slower the tempo, the softer the flex needed.
Trajectory - Height of Ball Flight
What is the players ball flight? What is the players preferred ball flight? 1. High 2. Mid 3. Low Generally, the more flexible a shaft, the higher...
Flight Direction Tendency
1. Hook 2. Draw 3. Straight 4. Fade 5. Slice Improperly fit shafts can cause inconsistency in flight direction, due to the mismatched flex characte...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 long is a golf driver shaft?
The standard retail driver shaft measures 45.5 inches. If you have not been fitted for clubs, then this is likely the length of your driver shaft. Longer shafts help you to generate accelerated clubhead speed. However, it becomes more difficult to control the clubhead, increasing the risk of off-center strikes.
What is the number one driver shaft on the PGA Tour?
According to Golf.com’s Andrew Tursky, The Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Tini Xts is the number one driver shaft on the PGA Tour. The shaft is used by Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Australians Adam Scott and Jason Day. Mitsubishi designed this shaft for aggressive swingers, providing low torque, launch, and spin.
What is a driver shaft?
Driver shafts come in varied flex, weight, and length options, all designed to assist different golfers. The correct driver shaft is vital to achieving your desired spin rate, launch angle, shot shape, carry, and total distance. For example, faster swinging golfers may generate too much spin and height with a softer driver that has more flex.
Why is clubhead speed important in golf?
This increases the club head speed on the downswing. Clubhead speed does not guarantee a great golf shot, but it helps to amplify the C.O.R at impact.
What happens if your driver shaft is too heavy?
If your driver shaft is too heavy, it will cause you to achieve a lower flight and less spin off the tee. This could significantly reduce your carry distance and total distance. On the other hand, if your shaft is too light, you will likely balloon your drives and gather excessive spin.
Why are shafts so stiff?
On the flip side, shafts that are too stiff for your swing will deliver low levels of spin, low ball flight, and also reduced your carry and total distance. Golf.com’s Andrew Tursky suggests that if you are struggling to generate a higher ball flight and are losing carry as a result.
What is torque in golf?
Torque. Simply put, torque measures the shaft’s ability to resist twisting. Shafts with low torque can withstand twisting, making this option suitable for faster swinging golfers or those of you who tend to hook the ball. These shafts often carry a higher price tag in comparison to the higher torque options.
What are the physical properties of a golf driver shaft?
The physical properties of best golf driver shafts that should be considered are length, weight, torque, kick point, and flex . All these properties combine to produce a balance and a feel to a driver and can greatly affect the overall performance of the club. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
What happens if you use a golf driver with an improper shaft?
Using a golf driver with an improper shaft can adversely affect the distance, accuracy, and trajectory of your drives. The shaft is often mistakenly referred to as the “engine” of a golf club. In fact, it is more the “transmission” as the power, which is supplied by the golfer’s arms and body, is transmitted through the shaft to the clubhead.
What is the kick point on a golf driver shaft?
The kick point, which is also referred to as the flex point or bend point, is simply the point along the shaft where it starts to flex the most under load in the downswing. Golf driver shafts of the same overall flex or stiffness can have different kick points. Manufacturers can locate the kick point by varying ...
What is the resistance of a shaft to twist around its own axis when a force is applied to the
Simply put, the resistance of the shaft to twist around its own axis when a force is applied to the clubhead (see diagram). Manufacturers apply a set force to a clubhead and the resulting rotation is measured in degrees.
How much does a graphite shaft weigh?
Weight Of The Shaft. Graphite shafts are manufactured in a variety of weights ranging from the sub-40-gram category up to about 90 grams, with the most common being in the 65-gram vicinity. The shaft weight has a major effect on the overall weight of the driver.
What happens if a golf shaft is too stiff?
Using a shaft that is too stiff for your swing will most likely result in a lower ball trajectory and loss of distance, as well as an open face at the impact that will push the ball to the right, or the fade side.
What is shaft flex?
Simply put, shaft flex is a rating given to the golf shaft’s ability to resist bending under load during the golf swing.
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 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.
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 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, ...
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.
What is the softest point of a shaft?
Then there are shafts with a stiff tip and a soft grip area. Basically the tip is the softest point of the shaft. These shafts are nevertheless stiffer at this point than, for example, in the middle of the shaft.
What is graphite shaft?
Theoretically, they can combine the best of both worlds. A graphite shaft is basically lighter and able to dampen vibrations better. Shaft weight: The weight of a shaft influences both the total weight and the swing weight of the club.
How fast can a 6 iron hit?
This category includes above average amateurs who hit their 6 iron between 155 and 170m and have a club head speed between 80 and 90mph. Please note that these are only approximate values.
How long does it take to find the perfect shaft profile?
It is difficult to give basic recommendations and the perfect shaft profile can only be found in a fitting and usually over longer playing periods. It can take years for a player to find the perfect profile. Therefore a player usually stays with it and remains consistent throughout the set.
What does the stiffness of a shaft mean?
The stiffness indicates the stiffness of the entire shaft, but not whether the shaft is stiff in the tip, middle or butt section.
Is a carbon shaft flexible?
A carbon shaft therefore does not mean being flexible at the same time. You can find the respective shaft weight in the charts above. It is important to know that a number like 80 always represents a "lower limit" and the actual weight is always slightly above this number, e.g. 83g.
Is a carbon shaft stiffer than steel?
Basically, carbon shafts tend to be lighter than steel, but can be built just as stiff - sometimes even stiffer. A carbon shaft therefore does not mean being flexible at the same time.
What is the best mph for senior flex?
Between 72 and 83 mph signifies you need to be hitting senior flex. Ladies – By no means do all women’s golfers will fall in this category, but this is where many of the recreational women’s players find themselves.
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.
