Shaft Help

[Sweep]

I have seen lots of posts on here about shafts and I was wondering, how on earth do I find out which shaft is right for me? And once I have this info, how do I go about getting it fitted into my clubs? It seems to me that different manufacturers have several different shaft options, but what if they don't offer the one you want? With the myriad of shafts available, this seems highly likely. With adjustable drivers, what happens if you want a different shaft as all the manufacturers seem to have different fitting devices connecting the shaft with head? Or are we all being too pedantic?Sorry if these are daft questions, but no-one has been able to answer this. Thanks for any advice.

 

[lyden]

You could do down the whole swing speed route etc etc, however i would advise getting fitted. It doesnt always involve a launch monitor just trying out loads of different shafts to see what you feel comfortable with. Whatever manufacturer you choose they will no doubt have a shaft that suits you. I have r300 shafts in my AP2s when all the stats said i should have s300, the s300's felt too weighty and stiff and i felt as if i lost a bit of swing speed. Ultimately it was about confidence.

 

[Ethan]

There are gazillions of shafts available nowadays and it is likely there are loads of them that suit you just fine. If you are a fast improving new player, play with something that feels OK and you can hit, and don't worry too much about all the technical stuff. The reason for this is that what fits you today may not fit you in 3 months time if you add clubhead speed/improve your swing etc.

Once your game has settled a bit, it can be worth getting fitted. Any competent pro can do this. I would go to a pro at a course rather than a large retail store. You don't need to be kitted out on equipment that looks like it comes from NASA, but a basic launch monitor will add to the skilled pro eye.

Adjustable drivers have detachable shafts, so you can buy a new one and stick it in. There are usually plenty on ebay for all the common brands and you can buy them through pro shops and online retailers too. Make sure the one you buy is fitted with the correct tip, or you know someone who can fit the correct tip. A shaft for a Taylor Made will not fit in a Titleist etc.

 

[Scotty_Tom]

Getting fitted is only the real way to go.

 

[Sweep]

Thanks for your replies. Much appreciated. The thing is I have been fitted, firstly in 2007 and again in 2011 though on that occasion I ended up with something unsuitable but that is a long story. So recently I have tried out the Nike covert and the Callaway X hot. The Callaway was coming out best, but when I looked into it they only really do one shaft for the likes of me with a 95mph swing speed. So I guess what I am asking is, with all the specialist shafts out there, how do the shaft manufacturers sell them if they don't get them on the club manufacturers list? Is there not a BIG opening in the market for a fitter prepared to offer shafts outside the ones offered by the club manufacturer? Or have each club manufacturer got it sewn up and the only options available to the club golfer wanting to play say a Titleist are the shafts offered by Titleist?

 

[lyden]

If you swing an iron on average 95mph then you might benefit from a proper tour fitting on trackman.

 

[Ethan]

If you swing an iron on average 95mph then you might benefit from a proper tour fitting on trackman.

I assumed the OP was talking driver speed.

 

[Sweep]

I was indeed talking driver speed - sadly! I guess that means I need a regular shaft. That is what I was fitted for in the past. Understandably most of the custom shafts are stiff or x - stiff, but there are kick points to consider.

 

[lyden]

I only had a choice of 2 in stiff flex as stock options. X-stiff was extra as was any other custom shafts. There are people that provide custom shafts for nearly all clubs. Tour x in Warrington is one, rightly or wrongly I assume most manufacturers feel shafts options are not as sought after in regular flex.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Fitting has to be the best option. A proper fitter (not AG or DG) will have many options and will have a monitor to track the results each shaft produces. A demo day may give you a few options usually but usually not much more than S or R but you can hit the balls and see the results on the range

 

[Sweep]

Thanks for the replies. I will look into Tour x at Warrington. I think you need the equipment that suits you the best rather than taking what the club manufacturers want you to have. Lots on here talk about TM's shafts on none TP clubs as being poor for example. Thanks again.