Graphite Shaft Performance

[d1217]

If you had the same shaft, lets say a stiff shaft that is designed for swing speeds between 100-110 mph, do you think that the performance of the shaft would be different for different swing speeds that fit into that category, distance and accuracy wise.
And do you reckon that every single shaft has its own optimum swing speed that is never the same? even though they are manufactured to be the same.

just thought it would be an interesting topic for discussion.
Discuss

 

[Ethan]

Swing speed is only one determinant of the right flex. Players who have a fast tempo and a lot of snap in their swing need stiffer shafts than players with a very smooth tempo. Feel is also important - some like to feel the kick, others like a boardy feel. Trajectory and weight also have an effect.

 

[d1217]

yeah i understand what you are saying, what i mean is that if a golfer with a swing speed of 110 mph and the same golfer slows it down to 103mph swing, with the same shaft would its characteristics be different, like different trajectory or would accuracy be compromised with a quicker swing.

i am probably talkin a load of rubbish the thought popped into my head so i thought i would see what you guys thought.

 

[Screwback]

I think if any player was considering changing there shaft for a 7mph decrease in swing speed they would have to be doing the game for a living.

 

[SammmeBee]

I know what you mean and I think the answer is 'Yes'! I would say sometimes even 2 clubs that are the 'same' would be different....next time you're in the Pro Shop get 2 or 3 drivers that are the 'same' and just look at them, none of them will be exacly the same......

 

[Swinger]

One will be on the left and one will be on the right??

I know shafts have production tolerances that mean that a group of the same shaft will all respond slightly different but are you saying the heads are different?

I know there are faulty heads sometimes but thought that with head production they would all be the same.

 

[SammmeBee]

Get 3 same drivers together and look at them all together - you will find one 'suits the eye' better than the others - one will be open, one shut, one looks like it has a bit more loft....eventually you will find the 'one' for you....

 

[bobmac]

I cant speak for any other club manufacturer except Ping.
I took a tour of their factory where the clubs are assembled and their attention to detail is very impressive.
In the olden days, graphite shafts were very hard to match up through a full set of irons with slight variations in flex and kick points. Thats the main reason most of us are using steel shafts today.
But things have moved on since then.
In answer to the original OP, I would say that shafts, while differing from one make to another are made to a very high tolerance and work well in a range of speeds. So dropping your speed from 110mph to 103mph isn't going to have a huge affect on the shaft's performance.
As a mid handicapper, I would suggest you forget about shaft performance and worry more about your own performance.
Good luck this year and feel free to keep asking questions.