To complicate things even further, price is no determinant either! A $12.00 graphite shaft may be a far better choice for you over an $80.00 shaft because it has the particular specifications you need over and above the $80.00 shaft. Go figure…
The reason high handicappers can benefit greatly from custom fit golf clubs is that each of these variables in the golf shaft can be considered in light of that player’s abilities and particular playing characteristics.
Each of these variables affects the playability of the shaft in 5 important ways:
1. Trajectory
2. Solidness of feel
3. Consistency of hit
4. Directional control
5. Clubhead speed or distance
The key factor in determining the appropriate shaft flex for a particular golfer is their swing speed which correlates to how far they can hit the golf ball. Swing speed for the average golfer is around 84 -87mph. Golfers with lower swing speeds require a shaft that is more flexible but getting a shaft that is too soft will find that golfer spraying his drives all over the golf course and spending more time looking for golf balls than playing golf. A shaft that is too stiff will cause a lower than normal ball trajectory with subsequent loss of distance, consistent pushing the ball to the right or slicing and will tend to feel like a board in the hands of a golfer with a sub-95mph swing speed.
The lighter a shaft is the faster swing speed can be attained (and greater distance) but too light a shaft will cause problems. Golfers with smooth swing tempo’s can benefit from lighter golf shafts. Golfers who tend to have quicker swing tempo need more weight (and stiffness).
The ‘bend‘ point of a golf shaft helps to determine ball trajectory and directional control. A low bend point (towards the clubhead) provides for a higher trajectory and softer ‘feel’ but may cause some directional problems with faster swings.
A golf shaft’s ‘torque’ is an important consideration in terms of feel. This is only a consideration for graphite shafts. Golfers with high swing speeds require shafts with low torque to reduce twisting. Golfers with slower swing speeds would look for higher torque to get a better feel for the golf club.
So, not all golf shafts are created equal. Each golf shaft has particular characteristics that impact playability and shafts between manufacturers are not consistent with respect to key factors such as flex with price having little to do with either quality or suitability for a golfer.
That being said, there is a high degree of flexibility by a custom golf fitter to fit the appropriate shaft to a golfer so that they can hit the ball with a normal trajectory, good consistency and directional control while providing a solid feeling for the golfer.
