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Tech Talk
A Few Tips On Tip Stiffness
By Chad Hall
Director of Marketing
True Temper/Grafalloy
The primary goal of a shaft is to optimize ballflight and maximize
efficiency for each individual swing profile. With the heightened focus
the past few years on launch monitor fitting and proper launch and
spin, it’s important for golfers to understand the significant
consideration these features are given during the design of each shaft.
The most important design feature is the tip design, or the
relationship between the stiffness in the shaft’s grip section and tip
section.
We identify a particular player profile, and then make sure the
appropriate tip flexibility or stiffness is achieved through extensive
testing to produce the desired ballflight. By the way, tip stiffness is
independent of the shaft flex.
When you see a shaft with an X, S or R designation, you’re essentially
seeing its stiffness at the grip end. So you can still have a flexible
shaft with a stiff tip section. That’s very important, particularly in
large-headed drivers that need to be more stable at impact.
With the highly publicized USGA regulations in place regarding clubhead
design, the shaft will continue to play an even more significant role
in upcoming years.
—Scott Kramer |
Royal Precision Project X Woods
www.royalprecision.com
(800) 920-4747 | $N/A
 The same technology that made the Project X a great iron shaft is used to create an outstanding wood shaft.
Features: All Rifle steel shafts feature four distinct
technologies—Frequency Matching, Stepless Design Technology, Flighted
Technology and Internal Rifling.
Advantages: Frequency Matching provides superior consistency from club
to club, allowing golfers to match the performance of their driver and
fairway woods perfectly. Stepless Technology helps prevent loss
of energy and distance, while Flighted Technology provides variable
shot trajectories that can be customized to the individual. Internal
Rifling dampens harmful vibrations.
Benefits: You name it.
What We Like: The whole deal.
Material: Steel
Weight(s): 115g-130g (X-R)
Torque(s): N/A
Flex Point: N/A
Flexes: X, S, R
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UST Proforce V2
www.ustgolfshaft.com
(817) 267-2219 | $65
 A high-performance shaft that delivers higher launch angles and increased ball speed with less spin for less shot dispersion.
Features: A low-torque design that’s optimized to work with modern
drivers that measure over 400cc in volume. In addition to stabilization
properties, the V2 also features a more flexible overall profile,
including a more flexible tip section for enhanced feel and a better
sense of where the clubhead is throughout the swing. UST’s Hoop
Strength Technology is also incorporated into the V2 design to help the
shaft recover more quickly when loaded or flexed for a greater transfer
of energy at impact.
Advantages: Greater stabilization of today’s modern oversized driver
clubheads leads to more consistent impact positions, better contact and
increased overall control of the clubhead through the swing. The more
flexible overall nature of the V2, including the more responsive tip
section, makes the shaft easier to swing for a wider range of players,
and also promotes a higher ballflight that results in longer carry
distance.
Benefits: Golfers who like the feel of a more flexible tip section, as
well as those who want to hit the ball higher without having to alter
their setup or swing in any significant way.
What We Like: Providing Tour-like performance without demanding a Tour-like swing.
Material: Graphite
Weight(s): 55g, 65g, 75g
Torque(s): 2.2˚ (75g), 3.0˚ (65g), 3.7˚ (55g)
Flex Point: Mid to Mid/High
Flexes: X, S, R (A 55g only)
| Royal Precision Saber Tour Vector
www.royalprecision.com
(800) 920-4747 | $40
 Designed for stronger players who need enhanced stability.
Features: A construction that utilizes a combination of amorphous
nanostructure technology, extremely sophisticated material engineering,
and Energy Inertia (E.I.) Curves (a unique shaft analysis process that
precisely gauges the stiffness of a shaft from tip to
butt).
Advantages: The goal of all the impressive technology used to produce
the STV is to achieve the ultimate in launch control, which means
optimizing launch angles and spin rates. Once this is accomplished,
distance is maximized.
Benefits: Powerful players who want more distance.
What We Like: Focusing on launch parameters is key.
Material: Graphite
Weight(s): 65g, 75g
Torque(s): 3.1˚
Flex Point: Mid/Low
Flexes: X, S, R
| UST iROD Driver
www.ustgolfshaft.com
(817) 267-2219 | $50
 In
2004, UST introduced the now highly successful iROD Series, which
consisted of shafts specifically designed to optimize the performance
of hybrids, long irons and fairway woods. Engineers at UST took much of
the same technology they used in the original line and applied it to a
driver shaft.
Features: Manufactured with a super-responsive,
interlinked carbon material that effectively increases torsional
stiffness in the midsection of the shaft.
Advantages: The design is said to reduce clubhead twisting during the
downswing for greater transfer of energy and greater accuracy.
Benefits: All players.
What We Like: Active tip section helps increase ball speed while encouraging a higher launch angle.
Material: Graphite
Weight(s): 65g
Torque(s): 2.6°
Flex Point: Low
Flexes: X, S, R, A
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UST Low Carb
www.ustgolfshaft.com
(817) 267-2219 | $80
 The UST Low Carb is light on weight and low on torque—what most golfers need.
Features: Designed with a proprietary micro-carbon fiber, the Low Carb
is aimed at players looking for extreme lightweight playability with a
relatively low amount of torque.
At an amazingly light 52 grams, the Low Carb fits the bill not only
with its weight, but also with its ability to produce high-launching
drives for players of all swing speeds.
Advantages: The micro-carbon fiber design is said to provide a
“controllable feel” for additional confidence and accuracy.
Benefits: The ultra-light weight is geared for players looking for more clubhead speed.
What We Like: We’ve tried the Low Carb, and it really works.
Material: Graphite
Weight(s): 52g
Torque(s): 3.7°
Flex Point: Low
Flexes: S, R, A, L | |
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