Different types of golf club shafts : Which is batter for you
A rightly chosen golf club shaft has the potential to deliver quality speed, control, and extra yardages. Not every shaft or shaft flex is suitable for every golfer. Players need to choose the shaft of the club according to their playing types. If you are playing with the wrong shaft or shaft flexes, you probably are not performing with your true potential. Let us find out the shaft and shaft flexes that would enable you to perform better on the course-
Golf club shaft types
If you consider the material of the shaft, a golf club shaft can be of three kinds. These are-
- Steel shaft.
- Graphite shaft.
- Multi-material shaft.
1. Steel shaft
Many people prefer calling the steel shaft an old shaft. These are the heaviest shaft among all three kinds. As the construction material, they tend to have carbon steel or stainless steel. In general, the weight range of a steel shaft will fall between 110 to 140 grams.
Benefits and demerits of steel shaft
- Steel shafts are less expensive than their counterparts’ graphite and multi-material shafts.
- As these shafts are made with heavy steel, you will get great control over the golf club you are using.
- Though these shafts will ensure control, you may suffer when it is about taking the ball some extra yardages. These shafts hardly ensure distance unless you have an excellent swing speed.
- Steel shafts can be an excellent choice for all high-handicapped players who are suffering regarding accuracy and control.
2. Graphite shaft
As you can say that these shafts are made with graphite, they tend to be much lighter than steel shafts. In general, these shafts fall between 50 to 80 grams, making them half the weight of a steel shaft. Graphite or steel whis is the best for you see this article.
Benefits and demerits of a graphite shaft
- Graphite shafts are the most expensive type of golf shaft that you would notice on the market.
- Because of the shaft material, a graphite shaft tends to produce more speed and yardages than a steel shaft.
- Though you will get more speed and yardages, all of these will be possible for the sake of control and accuracy. This kind of shaft will not ensure proper accuracy and control over the club.
- In fine, this kind of shaft suits best for those who can control their swing. Especially, low-handicapped players will feel comfortable playing with Graphite shaft.
3. Multi-material shaft
Multi-material shafts are the most recent invention. This kind combines both steel and graphite, making the club reasonable for all types of players.
Benefits and demerits of a multi-material shaft
- This kind of shaft tends to carry a moderate weight, making it suitable for all types of players.
- As this type has both the combination of steel and graphite, a player can hope to get both accuracy and distance at the same time.
- Because of its combined materials, a graphite shaft will produce less vibration than the rest of the twos’.
- Multi-material shaft tends to be expensive.
Golf club shaft flexes
While making your swing, a golf club shaft tends to bend a little. This ability of bending is known as the flex of the club.
According to your swing speed, you need to choose the right flex type. If you are playing with the wrong flex type, the probability is that you are not getting the right distance and accuracy that you should get. In general, there are five different types of golf club flex types that you can choose according to your swing speed. These are-
- Extra-stiff (X-S).
- Stiff (S).
- Regular (R).
- Senior (S).
- Ladies (L).
1. Extra-Stiff (X-S)
The more professional you are, the stiffer your club should be. By stiffer, it means that your club should have more weight. Players with extra stiff shaft flex are very rare. If you are the kind of player who tends to take the golf ball around 260 yardages or has a swing speed of 93mph or higher, you should be playing with extra-stiff shaft flex.
2. Stiff (s)
Stiff shaft flexes are more common for professional golfers. If you are swinging with a club speed of 84 to 90 mph and tend to take the golf ball around 240 to 260 yardages, you probably need to play with a stiffer shaft flexes.
3. Regular(R)
Regular shaft flexes are the most common shaft flexes that most of the average players tend to play with. Players with mid-handicapped ranking usually prefer playing with this kind of shaft flex. If you are swinging between 75-80mph club speed and tend to take the golf ball around 210 to 240 yardages, you probably should be playing with a regular shaft flex.
4. Senior(S)
This kind of shaft flex is suitable for aged golfers who fall between 45-70 years. If you tend to swing between 60-70mph and can take the golf ball around 180-200 yards, you probably should be playing with a senior shaft flex type. Many single-digit female handicappers also prefer playing with a senior shaft flex.
5. ladies(L) shaft flex
This is the only flex that is dedicated mostly to female golfers. Many old aged men and amateur golfers also prefer playing with this kind of shaft flex. If you are swinging between 55-60 mph or less and can take the golf ball around 180 yardages, you probably should be playing with a ladies flex type.
Shaft flex chart
Flex type | Yardages | Swing speed |
Extra-stiff (X-S). | 260 yardages | 93mph or higher |
Stiff (S). | 240 to 260 yardages | 84 to 90 mph |
Regular (R). | 210 to 240 yardages | 75-80mph |
Senior (S). | 180-200 yards | 60-70mph |
Ladies(L) | 180 yardages or less. | 55-60 mph or less |
Why you should pick up the right shaft?
- The shaft transmits the energy produced by your hand to the clubhead, allowing the ball to get the extreme distance. If you choose the wrong material or flex shaft, you will get less energy, causing the ball to get less distance.
- The shaft of the club controls the accuracy and distance. In case you are playing with the wrong flex type, you probably are not using your 100% potential.
- A wrong shaft can deteriorate the playing condition. Suppose, you lack distance but have enough control over the club. Now instead of a graphite or multi-material shaft, if you prefer using a steel shaft, you probably will not be able to get the distance you are looking for.
Final words
Many beginners and high-handicapped players blame themselves thinking that they are not practicing enough. In reality, they are playing with the wrong club shaft, causing the accuracy and distance to deteriorate to a great extent, even after practicing a lot. In case you succumb to that kind of illusion, it should be the right time to look at your club’s shaft.
