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5 Questions on Shaft Fitting

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WHAT IS SHAFT FREQUENCY? A shaft’s frequency rating comes from using a special machine that oscillates the shaft in a controlled matter. The fewer the oscillations (more often referred to as cycles per minute—CPM), the stiffer the shaft. Tour Talk KBS Iron Shafts Already in play by several top touring professionals, the KBS Tour Steel shafts are best known for their unique step design that reduces the radius and mass of each step proportionally to the center line of the shaft. kbshafts.com

Question 4: Are all shaft companies the same underneath the paint job?

Answer: No way. Not in the least. Different shafts from different companies are constructed in their own way, and each has individual characteristics and performance benefits. The elite shafts have better tolerances and shaft uniformity—two reasons they cost more. Some flex more consistently, droop/deform less (impress your fitter and ask what “droop” means), etc. As for wear and tear, it’s not likely your shaft will deteriorate from usage. If anything, nicks and dings from inside the bag, trunk, etc. are what may cause your shaft to break or wear (treat them nicely, and they’ll treat you nicely).

You heard it here, folks. We’ve tested a lot of shafts, and, generally, the premium shafts do perform better than discount shafts, but there isn’t enough data to support that claim as unequivocally true. Many value shafts are a great buy. What matters most are the shaft performance characteristics and the fit—flex, weight, torque, etc.

Question 5: I have the perfect driver shaft. What about the rest of my clubs?

Answer: Matching your driver shaft with your fairway-wood shafts may seem like the logical next step, but before you cough up a lot of cash for an upgrade, consider what you want to achieve with your woods. You may prefer a lighter, softer fairway-wood flex to hit higher shots. A good fitter will match fairway shafts (swing weight, grip size, etc.) so they feel more like your driver, even though the shafts may be a different brand, type, etc.

As for all the other clubs in your bag (hybrids, irons, wedges, even your putter), they too should be fitted to your swing specifications. Even if you get fitted only to find out that your current set is optimized, it’ll be a nice confidence boost. If you need new shafts, rest assured your new set will help you play your best.

Special thanks to UST/Mamiya Shafts and Cleveland Golf for supplying equipment for our testing.

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