Golf Shafts: Their Impact on the Golfer`s Ball Performance

Golf shafts started to come into life after being made from the carved wood sticks used as the game was developed in the 14^th and 15 centuries. They became the hickory shafts that people use through the 1930s. Since then, stainless steel shafts have been utilized and graphite was made known as a 1970 shaft material. Compared with stainless steel shafts, graphite shafts are stronger and lighter. Graphite shafts are likely to enable golfers to generate more clubhead speed and make a farther ball hit while they feel less vibration once an impact is made.

Specifications

A club’s overall length should be between 18 and 48 inches except for putters that tend to be longer. It is important for the shaft to be fixed to the clubhead permanently, thus, it could not be adjusted once the play starts. Except for putters, the shaft should be connected to the clubhead so the club’s heel part is within 0.625 inches of the shaft’s straight portion.

Flex

This is the measure of the amount of shaft bend. Such bend is based upon the speed of the club’s swing and the distance the swing takes until the golfer strikes the ball. Shafts that are too stiff allow the swing speed result in drives to have less than optimal distance. Very flexible shaft can result in erratic shots. in general, shafts are graded X for extra stiff, R for regular men’s, S for stiff, L for ladies and A for seniors. Choosing the right shaft is based upon the height of the golfer, swing mechanics and swing strength. Players with fast and strong swing are capable of handling a stiffer shaft. Manufacturers tend not to set a standard method to measure flex. Therefore, an R rating of a company may not be the same as the rating of others. The bend profile or kick point is also a component of flex.

Clubhead

The same Fujikura Shafts can have a different feel once paired with various clubheads. The clubhead’s weight and shape and the length of the hosel can impact the flex of the shaft. Because of this, different clubs, woods and irons, require various shafts. As the shafts of woods tend to be longer than shafts of irons, the shaft of a wood must be stiffer. In general, a longer club shaft makes players capable of hitting a longer drive. It is important to remember that longer doesn’t have to mean more accuracy.

Fitting

For most golfers, the swing speed is overestimated and the length of time the swing takes is underestimated. A launch monitor can be used for analyzing various factors of the swing of a golfer. Based upon such information, a set of clubs can be fitted to improve the abilities of the player. The right shaft for the swing characteristics of the golfer are usually identified as the custom fitting’s part.

Torque

Torque refers to the property of resistance to twist or turn. As the clubhead hits the ball, the shaft tends to twist. The twist will determine the potential of the ball to fly straight, to the right or to the left.

Author Bio: Jeff Brandon is an expert journalist who has covered sports for over 20 years. He has focused primarily on golf tournaments as well as health and travel topics. His write-ups on Fujikura Shafts have been recognized by many golfers from around the world.