GET IN TUNE
By Brady Riggs, PGA
![]() |
While there are definite differences in the clubhead’s angle of attack at impact when using an iron or a driver, the relative position of the body is nearly the same. The left arm is long while the right arm is still bent, the hips are open, and the legs are pushing away from the ground and becoming straighter through impact. With both the irons and the driver, the hands lead the shaft into impact. The amount they lead is up to the player, but there must be a little forward handle position if the ball is to be struck properly. While it seems hard to understand, the clubhead can be going down with the iron and up with the driver while the hands are leading in both swings. The good news is, if you sequence the swing correctly and keep your hands and arms relaxed, the alignments at impact will be much easier to achieve. You just can’t force it!
Even after years of preaching it in the pages of Golf Tips, it seems many golfers still ignore the most critical component of the golf club. Really, once you find the right head to your liking, what shaft you put in it makes all the difference in how well it will work for you. Pay attention not only to flex, but also factors such as torque, length and weight. All these variables need to be considered if you want to make the most of any club in your golf bag. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Aldila
RIP Phenom Key Feature: The mean, pirate-looking graphics on the new RIP Phenom hide a ton of new technology geared for added stability and power. The Hyperbolic Flex Zone provides a stiff tip section and a firm butt section, meaning the shaft flexes in the center. Thus, you have a penetrating launch and a very fast swing speed, thanks to some serious tech under the hood. It’s our favorite Aldila shaft! |
Aldila
RIP Trinity Key Feature: As the name implies, the Trinity combines three technologies into one shaft: RIP technology for control and distance; S-Core Tech for incredible stability; and Micro Laminate Tech for improved feel. |
Fujikura
Blur Key Feature: Designed as a lightweight, higher-balance-point shaft, the Blur helps golfers generate greater clubhead speed without compromising the great feel that some lightweight shafts just don’t have. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Fujikura
Fuel Key Feature: The new FUEL shaft from Fujikura is hell-bent on distance, without sacrificing any control. The "Combustion Chamber," as it’s called, is loaded with a series of high-modulus carbon plies that are orientated at 45_¡ and 90_¡, which reduce friction and ovaling during the swing. Meaning, this shaft wastes no energy and directs more of it toward the golf ball. |
Fujikura
EXS Key Feature: There’s an EXS shaft for everyone, thanks to a very comprehensive fitting system–that means there’s an EXS shaft to perform, however you need it. |
Grafalloy
Blue Key Feature: The original Blue shaft from Grafalloy is one of the most popular graphite shafts of the last few years, and the new Blue shaft from Grafalloy promises to follow up with the same level of popularity, especially among those who want a trajectory that’s lower and doesn’t cause the ball to balloon into the air. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Graphite Design
Tour AD GT Key Feature: The all-new Tour AD GT shaft from Graphite Design has a slightly stiffer profile than the Tour AD DJ, resulting in a higher kickpoint for a mid-trajectory and improved control, especially among those who swing on the stronger side. |
Graphite Design
Tour AD BB Key Feature: The Tour AD BB "Blue Bullet" shafts have increased stiffness from the tip to middle section, which helps the shaft promote a mid-to-lower launch. In other words, if you’re a fast swinger, this shaft will help you maximize distance and control without excessive spin. |
KBS
Custom Lab Key Feature: If you’re looking for a sweet set of wedge shafts that have a personal touch, the KBS Custom Lab shafts are it. Available in sets of three, you can spec out your wedges in three finishes (we like the white the most) and an assortment of grips, ferrules and even decal color combos. Looking good has never looked so easy. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
KBS
C-Taper Key Feature: The KBS C-Taper steel shaft has a Stiff Tip design for a lower ballflight, all while retaining a smoother feel through impact. This shaft also incorporates much of the same design and tech found in the popular KBS Tour shaft, hence, the buttery feel and Tour-preferred trajec-tory (low launch, low spin) these shafts create. We dig that satin chrome finish, as well. |
Matrix
OZIK X3 White Tie Key Feature: The new OZIK White Tie shafts promote a high-launch/low-spin ballflight with increased stability and a tighter feel–the whizzes at Matrix have found a way to make the popular OZIK XCON shafts even better than before. All that without adding excess weight. If we had the space to list all the technology in this shaft, we’d need the whole page. It’s that awesome. |
Mitsubishi Rayon
Diamana B Series Key Feature: he third-generation Diamana shafts are here, featuring the latest in curing advancements and tech to make the Diamana line even better. These new shafts are MRC’s signature "smooth" blend profile for balanced stiffness on both ends of the shaft and a stiffer midsection. The result? A shaft that’s destined to be a huge hit. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Mitsubishi Rayon
Fubuki K-Series Key Feature: The K-Series use the same Modulus Differential Technology found in the Fubuki Tour and Fubuki profiles, in addition to the company’s Power "Ninja" Core. This allows for a thin layer of metal in the butt section to increase stability and maximize power and speed. |
Mitsubishi Rayon
Kuro Kage Key Feature: The Kuro Kage shafts are designed with MRC’s High Density Prepreg–they have more carbon and less resin. This means that MRC could add more strength to the shaft while at the same time increasing feel. |
Miyazaki
B.Asha Key Feature: Building on the success of the C.Kua line, the B.Asha series has enhancements in weight reduction and more stable International Flex Code profiles. The new B.Asha shafts are poised to be top performers across a wide spectrum of golfers. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Miyazaki
JDL Key Feature: The new JDL shafts are designed specifi-cally for drivers with adjustable hosels. How so? Through a scientific process that’s way above our heads, the whizzes at Miyazaki have created virtually spineless shafts. So, no matter how it’s oriented in the clubhead, it performs exactly as it should: flawlessly. |
NVENTiX
Nunchuk Key Feature: The one-size-fits-all Nunchuk features Tri-Zonal Stability tech, which eliminates excessive twisting, flexing and droop, all factors that lead to inconsistent hits. Even at 103 grams, the counterbalanced Nunchuk performs exceptionally well for players of any skill. The Nunchuk also comes in a handy hybrid model. |
NVENTiX
Nunchuk xi Key Feature: On the heels of the successful wood and hybrid shaft, the same Tri-Zonal Tech made its way into an all-new Nunchuk graphite iron shaft. Again, the one- size/one-weight-fits-all fitting system is in place, and these graphite shafts promise less vibration, better feel and uniquely better "bio-feedback" to help golfers make similar swings with each iron in the bag. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
OBAN
Kiyoshi White Key Feature: The new Kiyoshi White shaft from Oban has the company’s MultiPlex Design Technology that combines a soft butt section with a stiff tip and midsection for a new level of high performance. |
Project X
PXv Tour 52 Key Feature: The second generation in the Project X franchise, the PXv Tour 52 produces maximum ball speed while preserving critical stability and control through the hitting zone. |
SK Fiber
Fury Key Feature: Designed to promote the much desired high-launch/low-spin ballflight, the Fury uses a proprietary composite layer to reinforce the mid- and tip sections. And, well, it does just that: creates a high/low-spin launch. |