Dan DeRoeck
On this website, you will read many references to the importance of the golf club shaft itself. And with good reason. One of the biggest decisions you will make on your equipment is the type of shaft you play on all your clubs. Whether it is your driver, fairway woods, hybrids or irons, the type of shaft you chose will make a dramatic effect on your overall game and the ability to score to your potential.
The two most important parts of the golf club are the head and the shaft. The shaft of the golf club connects the grip to the head. Most modern day golf club shafts are made of either steel or graphite.
Most manufacturers rate their shafts in one of six levels for stiffiness. From the least to most stiff are: Ladies (L), Seniors (A) ,Regular (R), Firm (F), Extra Firm (X) and Stiff (S). Most golfers prefer a stiffer shaft and manufacturers generally comply with the demand. Keep in mind however, if you make a shaft too stiff for your game, it will negatively affect distance. The same can be said for getting a shaft not stiff enough, only control suffers.
Steel or Graphite Golf Club Shaft?
There are big differences between steel and graphite golf shafts. Generally, if you have back problems or not very confident with the strength of your swing or drive, you should stick with the graphite. Graphite golf club shafts reduce the weight of your club (you can really feel the difference if you've used steel shafts before). They weigh between 50-85 grams, while their steel counterparts generally start at 120 grams. Graphite shafts significantly reduce the shock at impact. They also allow for longer clubs. Keep in mind however, long clubs may be good for attaining distance, but counterproductive for control.
Whatever shaft you choose to elevate your game, it should be to fit your style, swing speed, strengths, weaknesses, etc. The best way to really know and understand the dynamics of the swing and how those dynamics fit inside your game, getting custom fitted is probably the best decision you will make. Getting fitted will reduce and in some cases eliminate the guesswork involved in choosing the correct shaft for your game.