The golf shaft is probably one of the most important components of a golf club, yet there are still players today who try to minimize its role in the performance and trends of a club.
I’m not saying it’s more important than the club leader himself, but you need to understand each one’s role and how the club leader and club shaft work together. Like a high performance car, you have the speed and power in the engine (clubhead), but you’re not going anywhere without the right transmission (shaft) to manage it.
When you look at the shaft, it is usually divided into three distinct areas: the top, middle, and butt sections. Understanding the role of each and how that translates to the player is probably one of the most important jobs. your club fitter, like us here at True Spec Golf.
What are shaft bending profiles?
The reason this can be difficult for players to try to figure out on their own is that we all react differently to these bent profiles. Three players with the same axis could get three completely different results.
The good thing is that manufacturers openly display this information for the consumer and some have even simplified it for the average golfer to understand. Each section of the shaft will be labeled with a term that represents feel, such as soft, stiff, or firm, and this gives the player a sense of how that section of the shaft should be felt during swing. She too let the assemblers understand how should he react.
Examples of different shaft profiles
WB Diamonds: Back = Firm / Middle = Firm+ / Top = Med+
BB Diamonds: Back = Med+ / Middle = Med+ / Type = Med
Diamana RB: Back = Med / Middle = Med / Top = Soft
Some manufacturers have simplified it even further and give the shaft a launch and spin designation such as “Low Launch/Low Spin” or “Mid Launch/Mid-High Launch”. These can only be useful in trying to understand what the spindle profiles are intended to do, but trying to match performance with these parameters alone can be discouraging and expensive. As I mentioned, three different players can give three different launch characteristics from the same shaft.
There are also more in-depth methods like the EI profile graph, which will show the actual progress of the shaft from butt to bottom. This is extremely useful for assemblers to better understand how the shaft will match your swing dynamics. It is also a useful tool for comparing different axles side by side.
Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana BB Wood Shaft
Diamana BB (Blue Board) is the second profile in the latest generation of Diamana shafts. It features the traditional branding that made Diamana famous, including a return to the original 53/63/73/83 weight class designations. This shaft incorporates advanced engineering and material innovation, making it a good choice on tour. Key Features: Maximum Energy Transfer: Uses super high modulus 80-ton pitch dialead fiber in the butt. Greater stability: Uses 46 tons of high modulus fiber in the shaft rotation angle to reduce torque. Improved feel and durability: Mitsubishi’s proprietary Xlink Tech system increases the shaft’s overall strength and durability, while increasing carbon fiber volume for superior feel.
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Now, what do these different sections mean and what role do they play?
Here is a simple overview of each and where you can “feel” it in motion and their intended results.
ATTENDANCE SECTION: This section is often used to manipulate the initial feel of the shaft, especially at the top of the swing and through the stroke. Players who build a ton of power and speed may gravitate toward a stiffer butt section that feels more stable and offers more control. While players with a softer tempo may like something that is softer to help them create more speed and a softer feel through impact.
MIDDLE SECTION: The middle section can help manipulate the overall feel of the shaft throughout the swing and works to promote or reduce release. Some of your faster players may want to minimize that “loading” feeling and have a more consistent feel to a piece. Where players with a softer tempo or slower speed may want to feel the shaft “load” more on the downswing and help promote more speed. It also acts as a starting point for how that shaft will want to release and spin, as you can manipulate how the shaft “steps” and in return how much loft is being delivered at impact.
TIPS SECTION: The bottom of the shaft is also the most active part and plays a large role in overall launch and spin, but also the tendency of the clubhead through impact. A “softer” tip can help promote more release, but can also make the head feel like it’s moving a little easier through the stroke. A stiffer tip would feel more stable through impact, but also works to reduce launch. This is why you see this part of the axle generally reinforced with different materials to perform as consistently as possible. This is where your aftermarket shafts stand up, as they may give players a better feel but use exotic materials to stabilize the tip.
Even if you understand these and the roles they play, it is recommended that you visit a fitter to help determine what is best for you. I’ve learned over the years that the labels given to each shaft tell us more about how it will feel in the swing, but not always how it will perform with every golfer. as we all bring the club differently.
Save yourself some time, money and headache and visit yours Real local pepper today.
True Spec Golf Club Mount
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