Do shafts really make that much difference?

[bazzeruk1]

I have a set of Ping, bought new about 4 years ago. The only real check that the pro did before ordering was the lie of the clubs.

What should my next step be - buy new irons or work with the ones I have

Go through a thorough test at one of the specialist centres and have new shafts fitted if necessary?

Go to a club fitting day at a local club?

My pro did a fitting but didn't say anything about different shafts as the readings seem to suggest "normal" shafts were ok, but there seem to be a plethora of shafts available - what differences do they all make?

10 handicap - early 60's

 

[hovis]

http://wishongolf.com/how-important-is-the-shaft-in-the-performance-of-golf-clubs/

this might help

 

[Foxholer]

http://wishongolf.com/how-important-is-the-shaft-in-the-performance-of-golf-clubs/

this might help

That article is absolutely spot on! For some (maybe the majority), it doesn't make any difference at all (well, virtually none!) what shaft is used. For others, it makes quite a difference - which can be both a positive and a negative!

As far as advice to the OP is concerned, then I'd suggest that unless there's a specific problem/issue there's no real need to either change nor get re-assessed! Ping's fitting works for 95+% (a number picked out of the ether) of players and, likewise, their clubs and shafts work for 95+% too!

You MIGHT be able to eek a couple of yards of better distance or dispersion, but it's likely to be an expensive and possibly quite confusing journey - that may actually hurt your golf! I'm a similar age/handicap and (being naturally 'analytical' anyway!) enjoyed the 'hobby within the obsession' when I did that journey 10-15 years ago - and continue to dabbe! It's not something that HAS to be done, but if you wish to, Lee Porter in Chelsmford is someone in your area who has a great 'independent fitter' reputation - no personal experience though!

 

[User62651]

Yes v important.
I hit my my new irons for the first time earlier today, maybe 60 or 70 balls. mostly 6 iron with a few 9 irons. They have the project x shafts in a 5.0 flex. Haven't struck an iron so well in years, I had a fantastic grouping, was really excited by how well I was hitting them. They get up quick and bore for a long way. Been working on technique - getting through the ball better with irons, swinging from the bottom up. Starting to find a very good rhythm. Stopped before I overdid it and I still have a tendency to get the shoulders going after shots which always ends in a strong pull left for me, lose my rhythm as I get more tired.
5.0 in project x is not that soft, somewhere between regular and stiff by comparison with true temper for example, have made the 'macho' mistake in the past of playing both 6.0 and 5.5's but both are too rigid for me.
Shafts give the shots energy, have to be right for you to get the most out of your game....imo

 

[bazzeruk1]

Yes v important.
I hit my my new irons for the first time earlier today, maybe 60 or 70 balls. mostly 6 iron with a few 9 irons. They have the project x shafts in a 5.0 flex. Haven't struck an iron so well in years, I had a fantastic grouping, was really excited by how well I was hitting them. They get up quick and bore for a long way. Been working on technique - getting through the ball better with irons, swinging from the bottom up. Starting to find a very good rhythm. Stopped before I overdid it and I still have a tendency to get the shoulders going after shots which always ends in a strong pull left for me, lose my rhythm as I get more tired.
5.0 in project x is not that soft, somewhere between regular and stiff by comparison with true temper for example, have made the 'macho' mistake in the past of playing both 6.0 and 5.5's but both are too rigid for me.
Shafts give the shots energy, have to be right for you to get the most out of your game....imo

Many thanks - how did you determine which shaft to use?

 

[User62651]

Many thanks - how did you determine which shaft to use?

Trial and error, online research too and realising I'm not Sergio Garcia was important - seriously it's hard to accept you're not as good as you think you are, I cant hit it as far as bigger guys but straighter and accurate is more important imo.

 

[MadAdey]

the beast way t find out is going into somewhere like american golf and trying the same club with diffreent shafts in