There is no “best” driver shaft, despite what some manufacturers would have you believe. The right driver shaft depends on your swing, your tempo, and the driver head you pair it with.
That said, here are some things you should understand about driver shafts, with a few notes on your personal swing characteristics that should also influence your choice.
Shaft Flex
Shaft flex refers to how much the driver shaft will bend when a load is applied to it, that is, when you swing it.
Higher shaft flexes tend to produce higher launch angles and sometimes produce more spin, which can help carry the ball farther distances. The tradeoff is that soft shaft flex ratings can create more shot dispersion.
Lower shaft flexes tend to produce less spin, lower launch, and more penetrating drives.
There are several shaft flex ratings, including R (regular), S (stiff) and XS (extra stiff), along with a few others. Which is best for you depends on your swing speed, tempo, and the rest of your player profile.
Shaft Weight
Driver shafts vary in weight as well as flex rating. The lighter a shaft is, the more likely it is to produce a higher launch and spin, and the heavier, the lower the launch angle is likely to be.
Also, lighter driver shafts tend to enable slightly higher swing speeds, which increases clubhead speed and therefore ball speed, a main driver of carry distance.
That said, heavier shafts can feel more stable, and can reduce hooking, so if you have an issue with that you might want to look into a heavier shaft.
Your Golf Swing Speed and Tempo
Your golf swing speed and tempo should also influence what you look for in a driver shaft.
For instance, if you have a higher swing speed, you may prefer a heavier shaft, one with a lower flex rating that produces a lower launch angle and less spin.
Tempo, which is not how fast you swing it, but rather “how you swing it fast” also impacts shaft performance. For example, players with smooth swing tempos may find they can swing driver shafts with more flex, whereas a player with a harsher transition might prefer a stiffer shaft.
Don’t Guess, Get Custom Fitted
If you’re currently playing with driver shafts that you’d like to replace but have never worked with a professional before and don’t know where to start, eliminate much of the guesswork by working with a fitter.
A professional golf fitter will observe your swing, talk to you about areas of your performance you’d like to see improve (as well as what you do well), take your measurements, and more. Once you’ve been fitted, the fitter will make personalized recommendations for shaft and club combos that should work well for you.
It’s one of the best things you can do as a golfer if you want to make it easier on yourself when shopping for driver shafts in the future.
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