Shafts Buying Guide

If you're looking to improve your golf game, one of the most important investments you can make is buying the right shaft for your clubs. Shafts come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, and choosing the right one can have a huge impact on your accuracy, distance, and overall feel for the game. In this buying guide, we'll explore the different types of shafts, what to look for when choosing one, and some of the best options on the market today.

Types of Shafts

There are three main types of shafts: steel, graphite, and multi-material. Let's take a closer look at each one.

Steel

Steel shafts have been a popular choice for many years and are still widely used today. They offer several advantages, including:

• Durability: Steel is a strong material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear, making it ideal for golfers who play frequently and put their clubs through a lot of use.
• Consistency: Steel shafts are typically more consistent than graphite shafts, which means that they provide a more predictable feel and shot shape.
• Control: The weight and stiffness of steel shafts give golfers more control over their shots, which can be especially helpful for players who struggle with accuracy.

However, there are some downsides to steel shafts as well:

• Weight: Steel shafts are heavier than graphite shafts, which can make them more difficult to swing for some golfers.
• Vibration: Steel shafts can transmit more vibration to the hands than graphite shafts, which can be uncomfortable for some players.
• Less distance: Because steel shafts are heavier, they don't allow for the same amount of clubhead speed as some graphite shafts, which can result in less distance on your shots.

Graphite

Graphite shafts are a newer technology that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Some advantages of graphite shafts include:

• Lightweight: Graphite is a lighter material than steel, which can make it easier for golfers to swing their clubs and generate more clubhead speed.
• Less vibration: Graphite shafts absorb more vibration than steel shafts, which can provide a more comfortable feel for golfers who suffer from joint pain or other injuries.
• More distance: Because graphite shafts are lighter, they allow for more clubhead speed, which can result in longer shots for many players.

However, there are some drawbacks to graphite shafts:

• Cost: Graphite shafts are typically more expensive than steel shafts, which can be a consideration for golfers on a budget.
• Inconsistency: Graphite shafts can vary more in terms of stiffness and torque than steel shafts, which can make them less predictable for some players.
• Durability: While modern graphite shafts are quite durable, they can still be more prone to cracking or breaking than steel shafts, particularly if they are mishandled or stored improperly.

Multi-Material

Multi-material shafts are a newer invention that combine the best of both worlds from steel and graphite shafts. They typically feature a graphite tip section and a steel or composite lower section. Some advantages of multi-material shafts include:

• Lightweight: Multi-material shafts are typically lighter than steel shafts, which can provide more clubhead speed and distance on your shots.
• Increased feel: Multi-material shafts provide a great deal of feel and control, which can be especially helpful for players who struggle with accuracy.
• Improved vibration dampening: Multi-material shafts can provide the vibration dampening of graphite shafts but with more consistent performance.

However, there are also some downsides to multi-material shafts to consider:

• Cost: Multi-material shafts can be quite expensive, particularly if you choose top-of-the-line models.
• Less consistent: While multi-material shafts are more consistent than graphite shafts, they can still vary more in terms of torque and stiffness than steel shafts.
• Durability: Multi-material shafts are more durable than some graphite shafts, but they may still be more prone to cracking or breaking than steel shafts.

What to Look for When Choosing a Shaft

Choosing the right shaft can be a challenging process, but there are a few key factors to consider that can help make the decision easier.

Weight

The weight of a shaft is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a shaft. As a general rule, heavier shafts provide more control, while lighter shafts can help golfers generate more clubhead speed and distance. However, it's important to note that the weight of a shaft is not the only factor that affects how it feels and performs. The flex and torque of a shaft also play important roles.

Flex

The flex of a shaft refers to how much it bends during the swing. Shaft flex is typically rated as one of the following:

• Extra stiff (X)
• Stiff (S)
• Regular (R)
• Senior (A)
• Ladies (L)

Players with a high swing speed typically require stiffer shafts, while those with a slower swing speed may need a more flexible shaft to get the most out of their swings. It's important to note, however, that the ideal flex for any given player is highly dependent on their swing tempo, release point, and other factors. Golfers should always consult a professional club fitter to determine the best flex for their game.

Torque

Torque refers to the amount of twisting a shaft undergoes during the swing. Shafts with lower torque have less twisting during the swing, while those with higher torque twist more. In general, lower torque shafts provide more control, while higher torque shafts can help golfers generate more distance.

Kick Point

The kick point, or bend point, refers to the location on the shaft where it is most likely to bend during the swing. Shafts with a high kick point bend more toward the clubhead, while those with a low kick point bend more toward the grip. Players with a slower swing speed typically benefit from a lower kick point, while those with a faster swing speed may prefer a higher kick point for more control.

Top Shaft Brands

Now that we've covered the types of shafts and what to look for when choosing one, let's take a look at some of the top brands on the market today.

True Temper

True Temper is one of the most popular and widely recognized brands in the golf industry. They offer a wide range of steel shafts that are designed to meet the needs of players of all skill levels and swing types. Their Dynamic Gold shafts are particularly popular, with a reputation for consistent performance and control.

Fujikura

Fujikura is a Japanese company that specializes in the development and production of high-performance graphite shafts. They offer a wide range of options to suit the needs of golfers of all skill levels, from advanced players to beginners. Their Atmos series of shafts has received high praise for their lightweight design and improved stability.

Mitsubishi Chemical

Mitsubishi Chemical is another Japanese company that has made a name for itself in the golf industry. They are known for their high-quality graphite shafts, which are designed to provide exceptional performance and feel. Their Tensei series of shafts has become a favorite among professional players, with a reputation for providing excellent distance and control.

Aldila

Aldila is an American company that has been producing high-performance graphite shafts for over 40 years. They offer a wide range of options, including the popular Rogue and NV series, which are designed to provide maximum distance and control. Aldila shafts are used by many professional players on tour.

Project X

Project X is a popular brand that offers high-end steel and graphite shafts designed for serious golfers. Their HZRDUS series of graphite shafts has received high praise for its lightweight design and stability, while their steel shafts are known for their consistency and control.

Conclusion

Choosing the right shaft can have a significant impact on your golf game, and there are many factors to consider when making your decision. Whether you opt for a steel, graphite, or multi-material shaft, it's important to take into account factors like weight, flex, torque, and kick point to ensure that you choose a shaft that complements your swing and provides the performance you need.

By considering the types of shafts, what to look for when choosing one, and some of the best brands on the market today, you can feel confident in your ability to choose a shaft that will help you take your game to the next level.