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🧬 Golf Shafts Explained — Find the Perfect Flex, Weight & Feel
The shaft is the engine of your golf club. It controls how the club loads during your swing and how energy transfers into the ball. Get it right, and you’ll gain distance, control, and consistency. Get it wrong, and even the best clubhead won’t help.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about choosing the right golf shaft — including flex, weight, material, and torque — so your clubs truly match your swing.
⚙️ Why Shaft Choice Matters
- Affects ball flight, spin, and distance
- Impacts feel and timing during the swing
- Can reduce slice/hook tendencies when properly fit
- Tailors your clubs to your unique tempo and strength
A properly matched shaft turns a decent club into your perfect club.
🧾 Shaft Flex Guide
Flex refers to how much the shaft bends during your swing. Choosing the correct flex is crucial for accuracy and energy transfer.
| Swing Speed (Driver) | Typical Flex | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Under 85 mph | Senior (A) | Slower swing speeds, seniors, smoother tempo |
| 85–95 mph | Regular (R) | Casual golfers, most intermediates |
| 95–105 mph | Stiff (S) | Stronger players, faster swing speed |
| Over 105 mph | Extra Stiff (X) | Advanced players, aggressive swing tempo |
Unsure of your swing speed? Try a launch monitor or use driver carry distance as a proxy.
🪵 Steel vs Graphite: Which Shaft Material?
🪶 Graphite Shafts
- Lighter weight = faster swing speed
- Softer feel = shock absorption
- Great for drivers, fairways, hybrids, and many irons
- Ideal for seniors, juniors, and slower swingers
🧱 Steel Shafts
- Heavier = more control and feedback
- More stable and consistent
- Preferred in irons and wedges for better accuracy
- Best for stronger, more experienced players
Many mid-handicappers use graphite in woods and steel in irons.
🧩 Other Shaft Specs Explained
🎯 Shaft Weight
- Lighter = faster, easier to swing
- Heavier = more control, less dispersion
- Driver shafts: ~50–75g
- Iron shafts: 80–130g
Match weight to your strength and swing tempo — not just feel.
🧵 Kick Point (Bend Point)
- High kick point = lower launch, more penetrating flight
- Low kick point = higher launch, more carry
- Mid kick point = best for general players
Better players often prefer high kick points for workability.
🌀 Torque
- Measures shaft twisting during swing (in degrees)
- Low torque (2.5–3.5°) = more control, firmer feel
- High torque (4.5–6°) = softer feel, more forgiveness
Torque is more noticeable in driver shafts than iron shafts.
🛒 Best Shaft Options by Golfer Type (2025)
| Player Type | Recommended Shaft | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | UST Helium Graphite (A) | Lightweight, easy to swing, high launch |
| Intermediate | KBS Tour 90 Steel (R) | Mid-weight, balanced performance, great for improving players |
| Advanced | Project X LZ Steel (S/X) | Stable, low spin, excellent feedback and flight control |
Looking for a specific shaft?
🛒 Browse all shaft options on ClubJunkie
🧠 Quick Fitting Tips
- If your shots slice, try a softer flex or lighter shaft
- If you hook, try stiffer or heavier
- If your shots balloon too high, consider a higher kick point
- Consistency is key — go with the shaft that helps you repeat your best swing
🏁 Final Thoughts
Choosing the right shaft is just as important as choosing the right clubhead — maybe more.
Whether you're looking for more distance, better dispersion, or just the right feel in your hands, the shaft should match your swing tempo, strength, and goals.
🎯 Ready to fine-tune your clubs for max performance?
👉 Shop golf shafts now