SELECTING THE RIGHT SHAFT FOR YOUR GAME – SHAFT TORQUE

Hello Golf Fanatics!

I’m back with another installment of Golf Circuit’s series on shaft fitting.  As more and more interchangeable drivers appear on the market it’s important that golfers understand all of the factors that go into selecting the right graphite shaft for their game. In our first two shaft fitting posts we focused on shaft flex and shaft weight, and today we’re going to zero in on another popular element of shaft fitting – torque. Shaft “torque” refers to the twisting of the shaft on the downswing and through impact.

Torque is measured in degrees, and ranges between 2 degrees to 8 degrees depending upon the construction and design of the shaft. The higher the torque the more twisting the shaft will experience during the swing. While torque is often discussed by both amateurs and professionals, it actually has a very limited effect on shaft performance. In my experience working with major equipment manufacturers shaft torque actually has more of an effect on the “feel” of a graphite shaft than the actual performance of the shaft.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when evaluating the torque of a shaft:

• A graphite shaft with a torque range of 3 degrees to 6 degrees will be well suited to most any golfer.

• A graphite shaft with a torque range of below 3 degrees may have a feel that is preferred by stronger players or those with quicker swing tempos.

• A graphite shaft with a torque range of 7 degrees or higher may have a feel that is preferred by players with smoother, slower swing tempos.

Of the three elements of shaft fitting we have discussed so far torque is by far the least important. Both shaft flex and shaft weight will have a much more dramatic effect on the overall feel and performance of your club.

That’s all for this week my friends, but stay tuned next week when we wrap up our four part series on shaft fitting with a discussion on kick point and trajectory!

From Tee to Green,

James

Golf Circuit PGA Teaching Professional

Click Here ====> Check Out Golf Circuit’s Great Selection of Shafts!

SELECTING THE RIGHT SHAFT FOR YOUR GAME – SHAFT WEIGHT

Greetings Golf Circuit Fans!

Today I want to bring you the second installment of Golf Circuit‘s shaft fitting series.  In our first installment we focused on defining shaft flex and how it plays into performance and fitting, and today we’re going to focus on another element of graphite shaft construction and design – weight.

Measured in grams, Shaft weight is one of the most under appreciated elements of shaft fitting and it has a major role in the feel and performance of a golf club.  Today’s ultralight graphite shafts weigh in at around 40 or 50 grams, while their heavier counterparts tip the scales at 80 to 90 grams.

Shaft weight affects a club in the following ways:

• Performance:  A heavier shaft will often be stiffer and better suited for stronger players, while ultra light shafts are engineered to increase swing speeds and increase distance in players with average to mild swing speeds.

• Feel:  Heavier shafts can cause players with quick tempos to slow down their swings because they can actually feel the club more during their swing, while lighter shafts can almost feel weightless and easy to swing.  Heavier shafts are also sometimes well suited for experienced players who learned the game with older equipment since they better mimic the feel of the clubs they developed their swing for.

Use the following as general rules when selecting shaft weight for your swing:

• 40-50 grams (ultra-light):  These shafts are best for players who like the feel of a lightweight club, swing with a smooth tempo, and have mid to low swing speeds.

• 60-70 grams (mid-weight):  These shafts are great for average players who aren’t sure what they are looking for.  They fit a variety of swing speeds and tempos without a drastic light or heavy feel.

• 80-90+ grams (heavy-weight):  These shafts are best fit for strong players with quick tempos who are looking for a substantial shaft that will help them control their swings.  These shafts can also be great for senior players who grew up building their swings using the heavier equipment of the past.

Keeping this information in mind should better help you understand the numbers found on your current graphite shafts, and also select new shafts that will improve your performance and lower your scores!

That’s all for this edition, but stay tuned for our next post when we will focus on another element of shaft fitting – torque.

Your Friend,

James

Golf Circuit PGA Teaching Professional

Click Here ====> Check Out Golf Circuit’s Great Selection of Shafts!