Stepped Steel Shafts
When thinking of stepped shafts, imagine steps that gradually get smaller the higher you climb. In essence this is what stepped shafts are. They are a pattern that gradually gets smaller towards the tip of the shaft, where the club goes into the hosel. Why? The stepped process allows for more consistency throughout the shaft, so it’s not weighted more at the bottom or the top. The benefit to evenly weighted shafts is each club feels the same. The majority of manufacturers use stepped steel shafts, so you’ll see these in most golfers’ bags.
Rifle Steel Shafts
Unlike the stepped steel shaft, the Rifle shaft is smooth from top to bottom providing greater consistency with your swing. With rifled shafts, manufacturers can measure stiffness all the way down to the decimal. This allows for technology to provide more accuracy to your game.
Graphite Shafts
When considering graphite shafts just remember they are lightweight and more flexible than steel shafts. This allows for more swing speed and distance, but that doesn’t always mean more accuracy. With greater swing speeds and flex you will lose some accuracy with the club. Graphite shafts are best suited for senior golfers and lady golfers who cannot produce a lot of swing speed.
Flex
The most important factor when buying a shaft is the flex because it affects your distance and direction. In essence flex is the ability of a golf shaft to bend during the golf swing. For example if you have a slow golf swing then you need a shaft with greater flex, and vice versa if your swing is extremely fast then you need a (Extra Stiff) shaft. How is flex rated?
| Extra Stiff (XS) | Swing Speed Over 110 mph |
| Stiff (S) | Swing Speed 95 – 110 mph |
| Regular (R) | Swing Speed 85 – 95 mph |
| Senior (S) | Swing Speed 75 – 85 mph |
| Amateur (A) | Swing Speed 75-60 mph |
| Ladies (L) | Swing Speed Under 60 mph |
The best thing you can do for your golf game is to find a local fitting professional and get fitted! Once you get fitted, check out TGW’s Custom Golf Clubs, where you can get clubs in the shaft, flex, and length you need. And with TGW’s Mulligan Playability Guarantee, hit your custom golf clubs for up to 90 days to decide if they’re right for you. We guarantee full credit return value on custom club purchases and will issue store credit towards the purchase of equipment that suits you better.
Hi
I am looking to buy the Ping G410 Hybrids 4 through 6. I am 75 years old and play off a 20 handicap and in more recent years have used graphite shafts.
I am rather confused at the appropriate shaft to order as you offer three alternatives, the Mitsubishi Tensei, the Ping Tour and the Alta Red. Are any of these shafts graphite and if so which would be most appropriate for me with the background I have provided above?
Your help will be most appreciated.
Thanks
For your first question, yes, all three of these shafts are graphite.
Second, when recommending a shaft, it comes down to more than just age and handicap. We would want to have an idea of your swing speed and personal preference, what kind of performance you are looking to get out of these clubs. If you have a slower swing speed and/or prefer a lighter weight shaft, the Alta Red shaft is the lightest and most flexible with high launch if you need to get the ball in the air with a slower or moderate swing speed. The soft regular (PING’s equivalent to senior flex) or regular flex may be your best option here. If your swing is a little faster and you need a heavier shaft to keep the club from getting to “whippy” and launch is not an issue, you may want the PING Tour shaft in a regular flex.
When you refer to swing speed in MPH is it with a driver swing?
Yes, we’re referring to driver swing speed.
I currently use a Ping G400max Driver (w/ Alta CB S flex which feels a little too light for my liking. Ball speed ~160-162) and am looking for a G410 2/3 Hy. Looking for advice on an X flex Alta CB or a heavier PingTour85/EvenFlow shaft (I use Project X 6.5 in my irons).
I’m 64 years old and play to a 7 handicap,I’m thinking of switching to a regular shaft from steel. I now hit a 7 iron 140-145 yards. Do suggest switching to a regular shaft?
When recommending a shaft, it comes down to more than just age and handicap. We would want to have an idea of your swing speed and personal preference, what kind of performance you are looking to get out of these clubs. What flex are you currently playing? Are you currently using graphite or steel shafts? If you want something light and have a more moderate swing speed, you may get the best performance out of a graphite shaft. If you are happy with your current distance and performance, it may be best to stick with your current shaft setup as well.
HI I AM 50 YEARS OLD , I HAVE MIZUNO IRONS BUT I HAVE XSTIFF , I HIT PICHING WEDGE 175Y 8 IRON 200Y, 5 IRON 235. BUT WHEN I FINISH I AM REALLY TIRED . CAN IT BE BECAUSE OF THE SHAFTS? DRIVER 340 TO 350Y.
Charles,
Hitting a PW 175 yards and a driver 340-350 yards your numbers are longer than the PGA tour averages and you are complaining about being tired??????? Something doesn’t sound right here.
The entire course must be down hill or down wind.
Hi,
I am a 55 year old who just picked up golf earlier this year. I am currently using a starter set of clubs with steel shafts. I tried some clubs at a local big box store, and was told that my club speed is low, and I need to get senior shafts to compensate. The problem is that I am a beginner, and am afraid that my club speed is low because I a bad golfer, and need lots of practice, not softer shafts. I am looking to get the Maverik Max clubs, but am torn between buying regular flex or senior shafts. Any suggestions?