SHAFT PERFORMANCE GUIDE

No one specification defines shaft performance.

Shaft designers have many ways to change the performance and feel of a golf shaft – the materials used and the way they are cut and oriented all impact specs such as torque, frequency and weight. Most golfers find it difficult to feel subtle differences in specifications or to feel the difference between specific specifications such as torque and tip stiffness. The best way to select the best shaft is by hitting shots with a trusted, expert fitter to guide you through the process.

Frequency is measured at the shaft tip and butt.

Frequency is typically measured by clamping the shaft at the butt and oscillating the shaft using a 200 gram weight at the tip. With modern graphite shafts utilizing varying stiffness profiles, Titleist has found that measuring frequency at multiple shaft points provides a more complete analysis.

Our research indicates that shafts with high butt frequencies feel firmer and more "boardy" for most golfers, while shafts with low butt frequencies feel softer and more responsive. Additionally, shafts with high tip frequencies tend to decrease launch and feel firmer at impact, while shafts with low tip frequencies tend to increase launch and feel softer.

Testing methods vary by manufacturer.

When test methods vary, so do the results. The specs on this website are based upon our extensive testing which is replicated consistently on every shaft we offer. We share our information to make it easier for serious golfers to make comparisons of shaft data.

Shaft tipping can fine-tune flex.

A shaft is tipped when more of the prescribed amount is trimmed from the tip of the shaft before assembly. Generally, this increases stiffness by between one-fourth to one-third of a flex for each ½ inch tipped.