Expensive vs Economical

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By JMT-064

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  1. JMT-064

    JMT-064
    Richmond, BC

    What benefits are there between an expensive driver shaft over an economical shaft? Anyone?

  2. Edward K

    Edward K
    Wesley Chapel, FL

    Military
    In all honesty, I don't see the real benefit of exotic shafts unless you have a very high clubhead speed. I'm 115-120 and I still couldn't see the logic in going beyond the stock shaft in my new driver. A majority of amateur's can be fit using a basic swing speed and loft combination. Trackman or a similar monitor is very helpful, but, it all boils down to consistency through impact. Some do look pretty though!....LOL
  3. Chris92009

    Chris92009
    Ohio

    There are not many at all, in fact, three of the tour fitters at Titleist Oceanside when asked this question by myself have said the numbers and performance are what is important vs. the price of the shaft.  That being said, I would imagine more expensive shafts might have minimal performance characteristics that only a Tour Pro might be able to utilize however for us mortals price is second to performance is my position!

    Hope that helps!

  4. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    Starting with off the rack at large retailers, there is usually a shaft and flex designated for a club as the "typical" (mythical) golfer. For drivers, 12/10.5/9.5/8.5 heads will come with Senior/Reg/Stiff/X-stiff shafts. LH golfers are more "typical", they apparently all fit in 10.5/9.5 drivers. Titleist offers any combination of degrees of loft with a large number of quality shafts in multiple flexes and even length. Since I'm not typical anything (LH/12 degree/R-flex S+), I do well with shafts in the base selections. For the more serious golfer there are exotic shafts to fine tune to their specific swing. Since the "lab" is generally the PGA, most of the benefit of exotic shafts will be for golf swings well in excess of 95 mph driver head speed and have consistent ball striking.
  5. Blake B

    Blake B
    Harbor Springs, MI

    This is a question with several different answers. Given that most, or generally, the general public are average or lower golfers, the answer would be that there is not a great amount of benefit at that level. That being the case, the above average golfers can find and gain a significant benefit from being properly fitted for their swing and all of it's components. There is no rhyme or reason at which handicap you determine you "need" any of these benefits, but I would say traditionally if you are around/near a handicap of 5 or lower, you may be interested in exploring the advantages a bit deeper. 

  6. JMT-064

    JMT-064
    Richmond, BC

    Thanks everyone for your comments. Some of you may already this, but this was news to me.

    A typical fairway wood has a tip diameter of .335. This helps the club head to add height in the swing. A typical hybrid has a tip diameter of .370. This helps the tip of the shaft to remain strong. An expensive shaft with a tip diameter of .335 costs more to produce, based on the number of "wraps" of graphite material. A cheaper shaft will have a tendency to break over time, just above the driver or fairway woods head, due to less "wraps" (If you will).

    Some club manufacturers cheat this, by creating a tip diameter of .350. With this number, they can use a cheaper shaft that remains strong, but without you knowing, actually robs you of any additional kick that club head may offer you.

    Ask yourself this. When was the last time you ever bought a new driver for the shaft? I bet never, the shaft is just there. We always buy a new driver for the glossy paint and a new design of the club head itself. When really, the shaft is the most important part of your new driver.

    Just in passing. I've decided to re-shaft my clubs with Aldila's NV. That shaft has been around for years, unlike any other shaft I have seen. There's a reason for that.

  7. Andre G

    Andre G
    Glen Allen, VA

    Shafts come and shafts go. IMO, the most important questions are around what type of shaft better fits your delivery of the club head to the ball. Firm tip, firm butt, kick point, torque, weight, etc. sure the exotics have some appeal, but as others have stated, the benefits (if any) are at the extremes. Get fit for a shaft that feels right and performs in both power and control. Then spend the extra money on fresh groves for your wedges. Fairways and greens...
  8. JMT-064

    JMT-064
    Richmond, BC

    Today, I am thrilled to say my 5 Titleist 913 hybrids are all getting new shafts. The process begins. These are clubs I bought through eBay and all are still new, never hit. I have a guy who is doing the work for my. Thank you Brian. I will post a completed photo when the work is complete.

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