The right shaft for your golf clubs can help you lower your scores in addition to providing you with the feel and control you want. This most important component of your club affects the distance, trajectory and accuracy of your shots. When choosing the right shafts to improve your game, you need to consider the material, flex, kick point, torque and length of the shaft. While having a basic understanding of these terms will help you when selecting shafts for your clubs, Scott Kramer of Golf Magazine recommends working with a professional club fitter.
Step 1
Consider the pros and cons of steel vs. graphite shafts. Graphite shafts absorb shock at impact and weigh less, but it costs more than steel. On the other hand, many golfers find steel shafts offer more consistency in their performance. Ask your golfing buddies if you can test drive some of their clubs or take a few practice swings at your local golf shop.
Step 2
Determine the correct shaft flex for your game. Estimate the average distance of your driver shaft. If you routinely hit farther than 250 yards, use a "Stiff" flex. If your shots normally land 230 to 250 yards, "Regular" flex will probably work for you. For shots of 200 to 230 yards, get the "Senior" flex. And for anything less than 200 yards, get the "Ladies" flex.
Step 3
Think about how you normally hit the ball when deciding on the correct kick point for your shaft. A shaft with a low kick point will cause the ball to fly at a higher trajectory. If you want your ball to follow a lower trajectory, choose a shaft with a high kick point.
Step 4
Consider the proper torque rating for your new shafts. The shaft's ability or resistance to twist is the shaft's torque. The higher the torque rating, the more twist the shaft will have, allowing for more sidespin. It also affects the feel of your shaft. A shaft with a lower torque rating will feel stiffer than a high torque rating shaft.
Step 5
Determine the correct length for your shaft. According to Pine Meadow Golf, approximately 80 percent of golfers should use standard length clubs. But if you are very tall or short, getting custom length shafts may improve your game. Your local golf retailer can help you with custom fitting, or you can find custom fitting wizards online to help you figure it out for yourself.
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