Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned weekend warrior, you might not know the difference between your golf club shaft’s torque and flex or
even if you’re using the right length. In today’s high tech world, golf shaft technology can be analysed in more detail than ever before.
Here we’re going to take you through everything you need to know when looking at shafts for your metal woods (driver, fairway woods, hybrids and rescues). Read on to find out the fundamental components you should be aware of and learn more about how choosing the right golf shaft can help improve your long game.
Shaft Material
Most metal woods today come with graphite shafts. These are lighter, coming in at around half the weight of a steel shaft. For those with a slower swing speed , graphite shafts will increase power, making them easier to hit than steel and great for getting distance off the tee.
STEEL SHAFTS
GRAPHITE SHAFTS
Shaft Flex
Flex is the next area you want to be aware of. The flex you get will depend upon your swing speed and it’s vital to ensuring your long game remains consistent. If you were to choose a shaft with too much flex for your swing, then you could be sacrificing accuracy. A shaft that’s too stiff could see you losing distance. The chart below outlines the ideal range for choosing flex. However, if your swing speed lies somewhere in the middle of these ranges, it can sometimes be as simple as trying out different flexes to see which one feels the best for you.
|
Distance (Yards) |
Swing Speed (MPH) |
Flex |
| Less than 200 |
Less than 75 |
Ladies or Senior |
| 200 - 240 |
75 - 95 |
Regular |
| 240 - 275 |
95 - 110 |
Stiff |
| More than 275 |
More than 110 |
Extra Stiff |
Kick Point
Never heard of this before? Or just not sure what it actually refers to? Don’t worry – we’re here to break down the exact meaning of kick point for you and why it’s so important in the shaft of your woods. Essentially, the kick point is the exact area where your shaft bends when it flexes. This is usually labelled low, mid or high.
Heavier shafts will have a higher kick point, meaning the apex is closer to the grip end of the shaft. This is most suitable for players with high swing speeds because it’s not as forgiving, and generates a lower launch.
Lighter shafts generally have a low kick point, meaning the apex is towards the clubhead end of the shaft. A low kick point can be beneficial to those with a slower swing speed. For golfers that struggle to get ball flight, this will definitely help.
A mid kick point, as you can probably guess, is when the apex is in the middle of the shaft area. Like the high kick point it will generate a lower launch.
Torque
Measured in degrees, torque refers to how much the golf shaft will twist during your swing and it can assist players looking to control shots left and right by promoting a draw or fade bias.
The higher the torque value , the more prone the shaft is to twisting and the softer the feel. The lower the torque value , you can expect lower trajectory and a stiffer feel.
Shaft Length
You may or may not have ever thought about your golf shaft length before, but did you know it’s really important? In the 1990s the average driver shafts were 43 inches long where today they’re 45 inches (44 inches for a women’s driver).
While many golfers subscribe to the precept that the longer the driver, the more distance you will get, it’s important to recognise that this distance can come at the cost of accuracy. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to ensure your shafts are at an ideal length for your height, ball speed and swing speed.
Custom Fit – The Ultimate Way to Get it Right
Thanks to the invention of launch monitors and simulators, golfers around the globe now have easy and direct access to their numbers,
pretty much any time they want them. This has made it simple to understand exactly what golf clubs are right for your game.
In terms of picking the right shaft, a custom fit session will be able to look at all your metrics to ensure you’re getting the best fit.
But there is another benefit to custom fitting – the fact you can try as many options as you want. Regardless of what the numbers say, sometimes a shaft flex or length just feels better. Therefore we always recommend a custom fit to truly open up your game. Book your appointment today at GolfInstore and gain vital insight to help you on the journey to lower scores!
