Acting as the “engine” of the golf club, the shaft forms the crucial connection between the clubhead and the golfer. Its length, flexibility, kick-point, weight, and alignment profoundly influence the club’s performance, warranting a thorough examination. Our experts at HIO Fitting are here to provide detailed insights.
Types of Golf Shafts
Golf shafts come in many types and subtypes, each with distinct properties affecting the game. Modern shafts are typically made from steel, graphite, or composite materials.
The Difference in Shaft Material: Steel or Graphite
The notion of “precision with steel vs. speed with graphite” is debunked by HIO Fitting experts. Golfers comfortable with graphite shafts will achieve precise shots, and those handling steel’s weight won’t necessarily swing faster with lighter graphite shafts. The increased swing speed associated with lighter shafts is due to their reduced weight, not their material.
Technological advancements from 2000 to 2015 have nullified the old belief that steel shafts offer more precision. Graphite shafts now dominate woods, while steel shafts are still preferred in hybrids for power players. The advantage of graphite in long clubs lies in their lighter weight and customizable profiles.
Steel Shafts
Heavier and stiffer, steel shafts suit players with high swing speeds and are cost-effective to produce. Typically weighing between 90g and 130g, they offer flexes from Regular to Extra Stiff (R-X). Though technically feasible, making steel shafts lighter and softer is prohibitively expensive.
Graphite Shafts
Our HIO Fitting experts dispel common myths about graphite shafts:
- Graphite shafts are durable and don’t wear out or become fatigued.
- Modern graphite shafts offer stability and precision even for high swing speeds.
- They provide a consistent feel, ideal for perfect iron sets.
Graphite shafts are manufactured by wrapping graphite tape with epoxy resin around a steel spindle. After heating, the spindle is removed, and the shaft is ground, cut, and painted.
The primary advantage of graphite shafts is their low weight. Available from 29 grams in woods to 39 grams in irons, they can also weigh up to 125 grams, matching steel shafts in weight. Graphite shafts cater to all flex variants, from “Ultra-Light” to “X-Stiff,” accommodating every swing speed. They are also beneficial for golfers with joint issues due to their vibration dampening properties and can be customized to individual preferences.
Multi-Material Shafts
Multi-material shafts, which emerged in the mid-2010s, combine the best properties of steel and graphite, revolutionizing irons and wedges. New methods to incorporate steel fibers into graphite have made these shafts stiffer and lighter.
High-End Carbon Fibers
Innovations in the 2020s have introduced pure graphite shafts with advanced carbon fiber structures, like Mitsubishi Chemical’s “Braided Carbon Technology,” integrating new fibers like 1K Carbon Fiber or MR70. These shafts achieve high stiffness at low weights, with some as light as 30 grams or customizable in weight distribution.
Key Golf Shaft Terminology
What is Flex?
Flex refers to the shaft’s ability to bend, categorized into Ladies/Light (L), Amateur (A), Senior (S), Regular (R), Stiff (S), and Extra Stiff (XS). Flex levels vary by manufacturer, lacking a unified standard. Flex is measured by the shaft’s vibration frequency (CPM) before installation. During fitting, stiffness is adjusted by trimming the narrower end (tip trimming).
The Impact of Flex on Ball Flight and Feel
A shaft that’s too soft bends excessively, resulting in higher trajectories and leftward spins, while a stiff shaft does the opposite. However, HIO Fitting experts note that these effects vary among golfers. During fitting, flex is tailored to swing speed and golfer development, with a focus on feel and control.
Driver Distance and Corresponding Flex
- Ladies Flex: Driver distance less than 175 yards (160 meters).
- Senior or A Flex: Driver distance 175 – 210 yards (160 – 190 meters).
- Regular Flex: Driver distance 210 – 240 yards (190 – 220 meters).
- Stiff Flex: Driver distance 240 – 275 yards (220 – 250 meters).
- X-Stiff Flex: Driver distance over 275 yards (250 meters).
What is Torque?
Torque measures the shaft’s twisting under load, impacting the clubface on off-center hits. Lower torque means less twisting but a stiffer feel, potentially losing feedback and distance. Finding the right torque value is essential for individual swing speeds.
What is a Kick-Point?
The kick-point is where the shaft bends most during a swing, influencing feel and ball flight trajectory. High kick-points result in lower ball flights, while low kick-points lead to higher trajectories.
The Weight of the Shaft
Shaft weight, measured in grams, affects clubhead speed and distance. Lighter shafts increase speed, while heavier ones provide stability. Proper weight distribution can significantly improve coordination and reduce mishits.
The Length of the Golf Shaft
Correct shaft length, determined by measuring the wrist crease to the ground, is crucial. Longer shafts increase distance but require repeatable, solid shots for consistency. Accurate fitting prevents distance loss due to off-center impacts.
Better to Get Fitted Than to Guess
Fitting, once exclusive to tour players, is now widely accessible. An experienced fitter can demystify shaft selection through a comprehensive fitting process, including static and dynamic fitting, ball flight analysis, and personalized adjustments.
How Can the Right Shafts Improve Your Game?
Hitting Further
A lighter shaft or optimized ball flight parameters through dynamic fitting can increase distance.
Hitting Straighter
A stiffer or heavier shaft can reduce dispersion, but lab conditions are recommended for comparison. Properly bent angles in irons and wedges also help.
Hitting Higher
Light shafts with low kick-points or heads with deep, rearward centers of gravity produce higher flights through increased backspin.
Hitting Lower
Heavy shafts with high kick-points or heads with forward centers of gravity achieve lower flights with reduced backspin.