The role of golf shaft fitting has always been a profound one. The golf shaft and club head are in need of constant communication and feedback for the relationship to flourish. When communication breaks down, intervention is needed. The professional tandem of the club fitter and Launch Monitor is there to "listen," measure, analyze and diagnose. To intervene and help mend those differences that have built over the golf seasons.
Jesting aside, we all know the holy grail to bombing those Saturday morning drives is a perfectly aligned club head and shaft to the swing. My goal today is to provide a general and simple guideline that will allow you to "eyeball" shafts by category, based on your swing profile. If you do decide to "go it alone" or bypass the help of your local club fitter and Launch Monitor, you will need a solid system to make educated decisions.
Golf
Introducing the Shaft Profile System (SPS).
But first, let's get a disclaimer out of the way. Nothing replaces the benefits you'll receive from getting fitted with a Launch Monitor. This undoubtedly is the best and most accurate way of getting fitted today.
OK, now on with a high level definition of the system.
There are three variables used in the Shaft Profile System, Trajectory, Torque, and Weight. Since shaft flex is an option within every conceivable shaft selection, we dismissed this as a criteria. We are focusing on the true variables that occur within shaft models in an attempt to predispose you to a selection of shafts that might suit your game.
Below, are the variables and short definitions used in the Shaft Profile System:
Trajectory is defined as the ability to promote the ball airborne. This is influenced by many things but mainly the Bend Point and Tip Flexibility of the shaft. The higher the Bend, the lower the trajectory.
Torque is defined as the amount or measurement of rotational twisting that occurs at the tip of the shaft. The lower the Torque, the less twisting occurs.
Weight is measured by the raw, uncut shaft. Very important and significantly undervalued performance indicator of the shaft. The weight is a very big contributor of control and distance.
There you have it, three variables we will use to align shafts to a player. We will be matching shaft profiles with the player skill level, swing speed, and swing tempo to come up with "suggested" shafts that fit your game.
Golf shaft fitting is a part scientific, part subjective with a dash of intuitiveness. Using the Shaft Profile System will allow us to make very educated golf shaft decisions based on the player swing and profile. Stay tuned because the next post will delve much deeper into this shaft profile system.
Golf Shaft Fitting Guide - Shaft Profiles Part I
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