heavier vs lighter golf iron shafts
Popular belief states that lighter shafts enable golfers to swing faster. People have different comfort levels and strength , so the only way you can figure out your personal preference is to be fitted by a professional or by trial and error. The problem is usually that players do not approach the matter objectively. Golfweek reported that steel shafts can weigh up to 125g and extra-heavy shafts up to 139g. Heavier vs Lighter Golf Shafts – Pros, Cons & Benefits Of Each. However, this supposed rule is found not true for all golfers. The CobraGolf website says the SpeedZone driver has a 460cc clubhead. To add another dimension to the complex topic, your ideal swing weight and preference of total weight will probably change over time. Here are some of the differences between heavier golf shafts and lighter golf shafts: Accuracy ; Heavier golf shafts are generally shorter than lighter golf shafts and because of this heavier shafts are more easily controlled which results in clean contact with your golf ball. Another element of varying shaft weight that is important is that heavier shafts can help golfers to swing more inside out, and lighter shafts can help golfers to swing more outside in. Those of you playing with heavy shafts will notice a reduction in your clubhead speed, which may prevent you from generating accelerated ball speeds. To explain how this works, we’ll use a relatable non-golf example. However, if they're steel shafts they give way more feedback. The weight of the shaft that you use is not linked to your handicap or overall golfing abilities. I still feel that beginning golfers should stick with lighter golf shafts when first starting because the extra 5-10 mph on your swing speed is going to greatly increase distance. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; prefer and perform best with heavy shafts. Heavier golf shafts are less likely to slice or hook on the course because they have less torque than … However, in choosing between heavier vs lighter golf iron shafts, you must consider a balance between distance and accuracy. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "reviewsforg0a-20"; Heavier shafts are generally made from steel and lighter shafts from graphite. Your tempo will benefit from a heavier shaft and produce better contact. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; What happens if you get one too light? eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'golfershacks_com-box-3','ezslot_6',162,'0','0'])); As you immerse yourself into the wonderful world of golf, you will hear players talking about the weight of their clubs. A lighter golf shaft helps golfers from pulling over the top with their bodies too much. A high kick-point creates a low shot trajectory and a low kick-point a high shot trajectory as the shaft tip whips the clubhead through. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Long time reader, 1st time post. Fairway woods have shafts that are between 1 and 3 inches shorter than your driver shaft. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Torque is the twisting movement of the shaft during the golf swing providing a rating about the ‘twisting’ characteristics of the shaft measured in degrees. As you become a better ball striker, you may want your clubhead to feel lighter or heavier. I've tried clubs with lighter shafts… Myth #3 – Heavier shafts are always more accurate. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; https://southamptongolfclub.com/heavier-vs-lighter-golf-shafts So lighter golf shafts will not necessarily increase your swing speed – it depends on so many physical factors around the golf swing and your body that it is highly individual. I am, 6'0, 240lbs and have been playing a +1" Nippon 90 gram steel iron shaft for the last 2 or 3 years with a 7 iron carry of about 160 yards and a swing speed on that club of 85-90mph. Does club head size factor into it? This is such a dark corner of the golf industry that I truly believe needs a lot of work. They are also the best in terms of consistency for our club building team. A heavier golf shaft will give a more experienced golfer the weight they want to better “feel” their golf swing and to better square up the clubface to hit consistent golf shots. Those two were long hitters and low handicap players. I just couldn't stay consistent, but they were also reg and I need a stiff. The weight of the shaft on irons plays a decisive role in your ability to reach the apex that is best suited to your game. "I need to feel that weight during my swing. Because a heavier shaft is usually shorter than a lighter shaft, the club should be easier to control and the end result is cleaner contact with the ball. People have different comfort levels and strength , so the only way you can figure out your personal preference is to be fitted by a professional or by trial and error. Graphite shafts also dampen the vibrational feedback on mishit shots, which can sting your hands. The weight in the shaft will help lower the ball flight. Ultimately the best-suited shaft is the lightest shaft that enables you to exert control over your shot while still getting a good distance. What kind of players need a light shaft, what kind need a heavier one? The swing weight might very well be the culprit – since it can throw you off and camouflage the actual weight of the club. Longer irons require slightly lighter shafts to increase your swing speed and to increase the launch angle thus getting the ball flight to be higher. © 2021 Amazon Associates Program. I'm starting to see more of a slight fade with my light weight steel shafts with everything else being equal, so, what I'm trying to determine is, if I have a new set of irons I really like but have noticed more of a tendency to fade shots and the shafts are much lighter than I'm used to, would replacing them with a heavier version of the same shaft make a difference, on … Weirfan. My clubs are lighter than they used to be by 10g or so, but still relatively heavy. scotts33. A lighter driver shaft rarely leads to a faster swing. Weight in the shaft is linked to your preference for feel and swing speed. Graphite shafts are often used by golfers with slower swing speeds (less than 75 mph), like women, senior men golfers or juniors. The whole idea of a golf swing is clean center contact with as much speed as possible. In choosing the best golf irons for you, one important point to consider is whatever fits you best in regards to heavy vs light shafts. Having your clubs and shafts fitted at your nearest golf professional or club fitter will yield the best results. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "reviewsforg0a-20"; This will translate to hitting the ball off sweet spot. Another test made by golfwrx showed that out of the total number of test participants, only two golfers increased their swing speeds when using the lightest club. The light Vs heavy shaft debate ultimately boils down to personal preference. Why Is Graphite Used in Golf Clubs?. Another test made by golfwrx showed that out of the total number of test participants, only two golfers increased their swing speeds when using the lightest club. Lighter shafts produce longer drives, more difficult to control. Thankfully, most of the player or “pro” models still come with heavier shafts. As you might expect at this point, there are always exceptions. Graphite shafts can now be produced in similar weights to the steel shafts and have more torque than steel enabling you to square the clubface more efficiently at impact. ... Mucklow’s data also shows that a heavier shaft improves your swing path. Low swing speeds want to produce more flex while fast swing speeds require stiff to extra-stiff shafts. Regarding lighter-weight graphite iron shafts (less than 95 grams) -- Both the Recoil 800-Series (TourSPX-only) or Recoil 680 (non-TourSPX, 82 to 84 grams) iron shafts are able to hold-up to aggressive swings; however, the 800-Series (82 grams in F3 or R-flex, 91 grams uncut in F4 or S-flex, and 94 grams in F5 or X-flex) are the only parallel-tip Recoils that come in at 3.0* … amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; If you are hitting a regular shaft straight, but the ball seems to be ballooning in the air, try something heavier. Heavy shafts tend to produce more distance, accuracy, and lower ball trajectory for a golfer with faster swing speeds. So some advice from here is to pay more attention to getting the, The same logic holds true in golf where the appropriate weight will help you swing consistently and produce longer and more accurate shots. The driver that produces the greatest distance may also be more difficult to control, leading to errant shots. Steel shafts are heavier and provide the golfer with more vibrational feedback on mishit shots. They’ll buy a new driver without once considering if the new shaft is markedly heavier or lighter than their current one and how that may help or hurt their game. I've tried clubs with lighter shafts… eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'golfershacks_com-medrectangle-1','ezslot_1',672,'0','0']));report this ad, GolfersHacks.com is a part of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; Typically, the irons in your golf set will be either of these two shaft options. This also applies if you have a fast tempo. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "graphite golf shafts"; The faster your swing speed the more bend you will get in the shaft. Shaft Weights: Certain steel and graphite iron shafts are constant weight so the only variable in the feel of the club will be the added weight of the club head as you go down in loft. Does A Lighter Golf Shaft Increase My Swing Speed? “It’s just a few Golf is full of intricacies in the swing mechanics and the equipment required to perform optimally. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; The longer iron shafts have longer tips, making them ‘softer’ than the shorter iron shafts with stiffer tips. Bottom line is that these shafts have done the best job of increasing our golfers distance, accuracy and consistency. It's about centrifugal force (did I spell that right?). amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; The majority of drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids are fitted with graphite shafts as standard these days. Golfers with very fast speeds and tempo should play heavier shafts. "I've always used heavier shafts," said Stricker, who uses an 86-gram UST Mamiya ProForce V2. Those two were long hitters and low handicap players. The higher the torque of the shaft, the higher the trajectory will be. Graphite shafts are generally about a half-inch longer than steel shafts, according to Learn About Golf. A normal 460cc head weighs about 200 grams and installing a 123-gram grip will bring the balance point very close to the handle. After custom fitting golfers for the past 40 years, we are happy to share our knowledge. What Are the Benefits of Heavier Golf Shafts?. Get the best shaft out there to suit your physical attributes and swing. For this test, we brought together seven testers. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; The average golfer has no regard for shaft weight. Some people prefer to use light shafts while others like it heavier. Graphite shafts were introduced as early as the 1970s, but came into mass production in the 1990s. While most Divers, woods and hybrids come with graphite shafts nowadays, you can select graphite or steel in your irons and graphite will suit slower swing speeds the best. Different people all swing the club at different speeds and the trick is to find shafts with the optimal weight to maximize your swing and thus the distance you get while maintaining accuracy and control. Hopefully, this article can shed some light on wedge shafts for you. I don't get enough speed gain to offset the loss in mass. Thanks a lot! However, this supposed rule is found not true for all golfers. Heavier iron able to assist in term of head momentum and less acceleration input from golfer is needed. . "I've always used heavier shafts," said Stricker, who uses an 86-gram UST Mamiya ProForce V2.