Playing with a golf shaft that’s not right for you can be downright frustrating, even angering. The worst part is, it may not be readily apparent that you’re playing with a golf shaft that’s not right – which can make you think you’re the problem.
Now admittedly, bad form and bad habits can carry a long way, and golfers shouldn’t immediately blame their equipment for shot errors and sloppy performance. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t put your equipment under a lens.
Here’s what you need to know the next time you go looking for replacement golf shafts for sale.
Shaft Material
Unless you’re shopping for a shaft for an iron, the majority of golf shafts today are made from graphite or a hybrid with steel mesh. Graphite/carbon fiber shafts are strong, light, and can be manufactured to exhibit massive variation in flexibility.
Shaft Flex
Shaft flex is probably the number one thing that’s going to impact whether or not a shaft is well-fitted for you.
Shaft flexes vary and there is no uniform code that manufacturers use, but a shaft may be considered as “R” (regular), “S” (stiff), or “XS” (extra stiff). There are also specialty shafts for ladies and seniors, which are generally on the more flexible side.
Stiffer shafts are generally better for players with higher swing speeds, as higher swing speeds need less help from the shaft through transition or on the downswing to carry clubhead speed and energy.
On the flipside, those with slower swing speeds generally play better with more flexible shafts that load more favorably with energy and which, overall, are more forgiving.
Two other components of shaft flexibility are kick point and torque. Again, a higher kick point and lower torque (associated with stiffer shafts) are better for players with higher swing speeds whereas a lower kick point and higher torque are typically more suitable for players with slower swing speeds.
Shaft Length and Weight
Fortunately, shaft length is a metric that is easy to assess. You’ll need to get your measurements taken if you’ve never done that before – and the fitter will give you a number or a range.
If you’re playing with a shaft that’s outside of that range (and therefore is too long or short for you) you’ll be overcompensating in your form whenever you swing to “reach” the ball, causing a wide variety of shot errors such as fat or thin shots.
As for weight, a general rule of thumb is that players with faster swing speeds are more tolerant of heavier shafts whereas players with slower swing speeds generally prefer lighter shafts – but this is not a hard or fast rule and something you can work out with your fitter.
How Can I Tell If I’m Playing with the “Wrong” Shaft?
If you’re playing with a shaft that’s not good for you, you should know right away because something will feel off. Either the ball won’t go as far, you’ll become frustrated with shot dispersion, or you’ll just feel as if something isn’t right.
Either way, don’t guess – take it up with a club fitter.
Golf Club Fitting Services: And a Wide Assortment of Golf Shafts for Sale
Not sure where to start, but know something is wrong? Visit Dallas Golf Company in their store in Dallas, Texas, and work with one of their fitters to find out which shafts will work with you, and which won’t.
Then, pick them out – Dallas Golf Company carries a huge assortment of golf shafts for sale from Fujikura, Mitsubishi, Aldila, True Temper, and many more.
Give them a call at 800-955-9550 if you have any questions before you visit.
