Shaft Selection

Golf club shaft selecting has immensely improved over the years. When graphite shafts were introduced in the early 1960’s, it was so wobbly that golfers were turned off with their inconsistent make-up. Today, it is a different story. Composite shafts are in high demand due to state of the art technology introduced by NASA scientists in its R&D as well as in its production process. There are five main characteristics that a good golfer looks into a golf shaft. These are: (1) Graphite vs. Steel, (2) Shaft Flex, (3) Kick Point, (4) Torque and (5) Weight.

Graphite vs. Steel

Graphite shafts are made of light composite material sheets that is rolled into a golf shaft. Due to its light composition, this allows the golfer to have more clubhead speed and more distance. Albeit, caveat emptor, a lighter shaft will also promote shots going all over the place due to lack of control.

Steel shafts have been found to be heavier, more consistent, less torque which provides  greater control and accuracy especially in the mid to short game.

There is no one formula in choosing the right shaft(s) for a golfer. The best approach is to follow what the best golfers in the world do: use graphite shafts for the woods (driver, fairway woods and hybrids) and steel shafts for the irons and putter. If you have a slow swing speed then an all graphite shaft set would be the prudent way to go. Ladies, seniors and younger kids/juniors use graphite shafts to play better and learn good habits. Remember, an incorrect shaft may do more harm than good to your golf swing and learning bad swing habits as a result is detrimental to a good game.

Shaft Flex

Relates to how little or how much the shaft can bend in relation to the golf swing. A proper flex is important for the proper connection of a golf club at impact. The proper loading and unloading of the shaft in relation to a golfer’s swing will determine the effectivity of the shaft’s performance. This consistency in the bending property of the shaft is the link that every golfer is seeking to replicate in every swing. Carry distance, swing speed and flex are all interrelated characteristics in determining a proper shaft property.

Rule of Thumb: The lightest and most flexible shaft a golfer can control is the best shaft for that golfer.

Shaft Flex Chart

Carry Distance         Recommended Swing Speed Range          Flex

Under 180 yards                   Under 70 mph                                    Ladies

180 - 200 yards                         70 - 79 mph                                    Senior

200 - 240 yards                         80 - 89 mph                                    Regular

240 - 275 yards                         90 - 99 mph                                    Stiff

Over 275 yards                      Over 100 mph                                   X-Stiff

Kick Point

Also known as flex point or bend point is the location on the shaft that bends the most during a swing.

To extremely illustrate, a lower kick point means that the shaft bends more towards the tip end of the shaft, hence, will help bring the golf ball higher in the air; increase shot trajectory. On the other hand, a higher kick point flexes more towards the grip end of the shaft promoting a lower ball flight; lower trajectory. Surprisingly, the difference in the low and high kick points is approximately 2 inches only.

Average golfers should seek shafts whose kick point is midway on the shaft. This is a way to achieve a mid to high trajectory for maximum distance and control.

Torque

Shaft torque is the shaft’s resistance to twisting and turning during the swing. Shaft torque is expressed as a numerical value in degrees. The higher the degree of torque, the more the shaft will twist during the swing. This type of shaft is good for slow swing speed golfers. Numerical value: 4.5 to 5.5 degrees torque values are designed for this type of golfer.

A faster swing speed player have the strength and ability to work the ball in a variety of ways. A lower degree of torque works best for this type of golfer. Numerical value: 3.5 to 4.0 is best suited for squaring the clubface at impact.

Weight

Shaft weight can contribute to the difference between a good swing and a bad swing. Too light a golf club can take the control away from the golf swing. Too heavy a shaft can impede club speed. Finding the ideal shaft weight is without a doubt the product that the golfer is looking for. This type of shaft is neither too light nor too heavy to swing and control. This weight is unique to a golfer.