Graphite Golf Clubs

Graphite golf clubs were once considered "new technology". Graphite composite technology is now found in the shafts of almost all drivers, and is readily available for shafting in most clubs. The technical specifications are important in choosing a graphite composite shaft for the appropriate swing and clubs.

To provide an example of graphite shaft technology and design variables, a Pro Force V2 Driver shaft will be utilized, simply because it is available for review. There are a variety of great graphite shafts available in the marketplace. Most graphite club shafts will have similar specifications.

A discussion of the categories typically specified will assist the golfer in understanding the performance of the golf shaft. The categories to be discussed are: length, butt diameter, tip diameter, tip parallel, weight, torque, launch, flex and stiffness profile.

Length - The typical shaft length will vary based on the physical dimensions and swing of the golfer.

Butt Diameter - The butt diameter is the outside diameter of the shaft, taken on the grip end of the shaft. A butt diameter of 0.600" would be considered typical.

Tip Diameter - The tip diameter is the outside diameter of the shaft, taken at the club head end of the shaft where the shaft is fit into the hosel. Typical tip diameters would be 0.335" or 0.350" depending on the club head manufacturers specification.

Tip Parallel - The tip parallel is the length of the shaft that is not tapered, measured from the tip. This means that there is a constant outside diameter for this distance, to accommodate trimming the length and ensuring a good fit into the hosel of the clubhead. A Pro Force V2 shaft will have a tip parallel length of 4", measured from the tip.

Weight - The club weight should be specified to allow the individual golfer's swing to maximize the acceleration of the club head as it impacts the golf ball. A lot of this is also the "feel" of the individual golfer. Although shaft weights vary considerably by manufacturers and golfers preference, a shaft weight of 66 grams would be in the typical range for a driver shaft.

Torque - The torque is the measure of the shaft's ability to resist deflection, around a given point. Think of it as resistance to "twisting". Less torque, means the shaft has a stronger resistance to deflection (or twisting) , more torque means the shaft will deflect (twist) more. Typically a higher swing speed would be matched to a lower torque number, while a lower swing speed would be matched to a higher torque number.

Kick Point- The kick point in the shaft is the predictor of what the trajectory of the ball will be. If a high trajectory is desired, then a low kick point is desired. If a low trajectory is desired, then a high kick point is desired.

Flex - The flex of the shaft needs to be sufficient enough to control the club head during the swing and still allow for the shaft to "whip". The flex is typically matched to a swing speed range to produce a balance between stiffness and whip. In simple terms, the faster the swing speed, the stiffer the flex should be. The terminology of shaft flex will differ by manufacturer and brand and should be matched to the golfers swing by a professional fitter.

Stiffness Profile - The stiffness profile is the result of the tip stiffness, mid shaft stiffness and butt stiffness in combination. A graphite composite shaft can vary the stiffness profile between the three points by varying the ratio of the inside diameter to the outside diameter at the given points, while varying the type and amounts of composite fibers. This profile will be critical to the launch and overall flex of the shaft.

These specifications will vary considerably from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, the specifications outlined above should be typical, even if the terminology varies. An understanding of these variables and specifications should greatly assist the golfer in understanding club performance and determining preferences for fitting the clubs.