Drivers: Stock vs Premium shafts...your experiences

[JudgeSmails]

So I have never played a driver with anything but the stock shaft it came with.  

For those of you that have gotten fitted and purchased a premium shaft for you driver, did you see real gains in distance and accuracy?

I normally play a regular flex shaft, I've always kind of considered the premium shafts to be for harder swingers, am I wrong?

Just curious on your thoughts if this is something you went through.....With all the new drivers coming out, seems like there is very little performance difference from model to model, I'm wondering if a premium shaft could be a better investment for someone (just got an M1 last year, so not in the market for a driver, but wonder if a shaft would be worth looking into) 

Thanks.

[cnosil]

I think shafts are important and many are coming with no up charge options. The characteristics of the shat help to fine tune the clubs performance in areas like spin, launch angle, and rotation. I thing when fitting any club you should look at how the club performs with various shafts

[therod]

Years ago, at a demo day, I was hitting some drivers. I now don't even remember who the rep was working for, but we were talking more about shafts than heads. He seemed to catch on pretty quick that I was at least a little bit informed, so he became very interested in talking specific details. In the course of the conversation, he told me that the shafts that were sold in drivers over-the-counter were almost all generic blanks with whatever paint job they were supposed to mimic. The only actual experience I have was with a Callaway C4 years ago (a very good driver btw). I bought the driver to take with me on a vaca to Phoenix. First day (day 1 of 6), 2nd round, walking off the 18th tee talking to my cart partner. I was tapping the head of the driver on the ground as we walked and talked. We were still on the tee box, so I was tapping the head of the driver on grass while holding the grip end of the driver. While tapping the head, the shaft snapped just below the grip. I think (take that for what it's worth) that an aftermarket shaft would NOT have snapped like that. I took it home after the trip, drilled it out, and put the shaft in it I would gotten to begin with had it been an option. Did it break again? Nope. Did it perform differently? Yes. Not in length, but it seemed to be more consistent and accurate. That's my $.02

[revkev]

I know that MGS has done studies on this and being fitted for the proper shaft matters. There is no form fast rule that an $800 shaft will automatically be the better fit either. Swing speed is only one factor in fitting so it does matter for a guy who would typically need a R type shaft.

 

Having written that I was fitted for my SLDR but saw an uptic in distance and accuracy when I demod the Patterson Shaft 2 years ago. I went for a driver fitting 6 months ago and the combo of that shaft with my G30 head worked best for me.

 

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[djahubes]

I have been through numerous fittings, including the GBB Epic at the Callaway performance center this afternoon. From my experience, the shaft is the most important part of the process. Not saying you need to pay hundreds of dollars upcharge for a "premium " shaft, especially since now most OEM offer many options as no charge stock offerings, but you need to know what characteristics fit your swing, and get a shaft that suits you.

 

 

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[djahubes]

 

 

As a side note, the GBB Epic is the real deal. I saw an average of 6 mph increase in ball speeds over my 917 D3 with great launch and spin numbers. May be trading in the titleist!!

[hckymeyer]

I really think we need to throw out the term premium.  It's a shaft.  Just like any other good there are a range of prices and performance characteristics available.

 

What matters is not if the shaft is stock, premium, aftermarket, made-for, exotic, cheap, expensive etc.  What matters is does the shaft fit YOUR swing?

 

We need to start talking in terms of a fitted shaft vs a non-fitted shaft.  So out of however many hundreds of different shafts there are on the market, does the one in your driver fit you?  If it does then you aren't going to see any gains by going to a different shaft.  If it doesn't then there is a good chance you leaving both distance and accuracy on the table.

 

The answer is not to buy a premium shaft, the answer is to go get fit from a competent fitter.

[JudgeSmails]

I really think we need to throw out the term premium.  It's a shaft.  Just like any other good there are a range of prices and performance characteristics available.

 

What matter is not if the shaft is stock, premium, aftermarket, made-for, exotic, cheap, expensive etc.  What matters is does the shaft fit YOUR swing?

 

We need to start talking in terms of a fitted shaft vs a non-fitted shaft.  So out of however many hundreds of different shafts there are on the market, does the one in your driver fit you?  If it does then you aren't going to see any gains by going to a different shaft.  If it doesn't then there is a good chance you leaving both distance and accuracy on the table.

 

The answer is not to buy a premium shaft, the answer is to go get fit from a competent fitter.

 

excellent point..I guess I always think of non-stock as 'premium', being that they can be costly

[evershady]

I really think we need to throw out the term premium.  It's a shaft.  Just like any other good there are a range of prices and performance characteristics available.

 

What matter is not if the shaft is stock, premium, aftermarket, made-for, exotic, cheap, expensive etc.  What matters is does the shaft fit YOUR swing?

 

We need to start talking in terms of a fitted shaft vs a non-fitted shaft.  So out of however many hundreds of different shafts there are on the market, does the one in your driver fit you?  If it does then you aren't going to see any gains by going to a different shaft.  If it doesn't then there is a good chance you leaving both distance and accuracy on the table.

 

The answer is not to buy a premium shaft, the answer is to go get fit from a competent fitter.

And what really constitutes Premium? At a driver fitting the gentleman doing the fitting told me I had a good shaft. I just need as stiff as I can get was using an $80 Bimatrix (Bubba's Shaft) he said I could get maybe a little better performance maybe not using a $700 shaft like DJ uses but he hated telling people that they should use a shaft like that because if you but a $700 shaft you better find the fairway every time. I'll take $80 over $700 all day. The possibility of marginally better performance not worth it. I only originally bought the Bimatrix because I broke the stock shaft and the replacement Ping sent me just wasn't the same, and I wanted that extra tip stiffness.  

[MGoBlue100]

I have been through numerous fittings, including the GBB Epic at the Callaway performance center this afternoon. From my experience, the shaft is the most important part of the process. Not saying you need to pay hundreds of dollars upcharge for a "premium " shaft, especially since now most OEM offer many options as no charge stock offerings, but you need to know what characteristics fit your swing, and get a shaft that suits you.

 

 

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Couldn't agree more. In my personal opinion, based on nothing more than personal experience, a lot of players would gain more by keeping the driver head they already own and having that head fitted to a new shaft.

 

 

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[GolfSpy Dave]

Finding the right shaft has made a huge difference for me. As soon as you could easily swap shafts in and out of heads I did just that. A good fitter should be able to suggest some options, but once you find a good fit, don't be surprised if you end up putting that shaft into every new driver. Currently for me, the Fujikura Pro 63 is the one. Just matches what my body does. Was a blueboard guy forever before...

[hckymeyer]

Couldn't agree more. In my personal opinion, based on nothing more than personal experience, a lot of players would gain more by keeping the driver head they already own and having that head fitted to a new shaft.

 

 

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It's really about finding the best fit for each component.  It's not all shaft, it's not all head and they are both equally important.  I don't care what shaft you put in it, I'm going to spin the crap out of a driver that has a high back COG like a Ping G series.  It just doesn't work with my swing.  Could the right shaft mitigate some of that?  Sure, but it's still the wrong head for me and will never give me the results I'm looking for.

[chershey]

The best thing you can do is find a fitter that has a variety of shafts to try out on the launch monitor and see what gives you the best results. It doesn't have to be premium (I've found that out through too much trial and error). I have a fitter that will let you borrow the shafts and try them out for a few days so you can make sure you are getting good results on the course. I have 4 shafts I purchased for my current Callaway driver that I'm waiting to sell so I can see which one gives me the best results in the new EPIC driver if I decide to go that route. I'm also planning on trying some of the shaft options that come with it to compare. A good fitter can help you with all of that. The nice thing about the M1 you already have is that you can make adjustments to the loft and weights to get a really good fit with a shaft that fits your swing.

[MGoBlue100]

It's really about finding the best fit for each component. It's not all shaft, it's not all head and they are both equally important. I don't care what shaft you put in it, I'm going to spin the crap out of a driver that has a high back COG like a Ping G series. It just doesn't work with my swing. Could the right shaft mitigate some of that? Sure, but it's still the wrong head for me and will never give me the results I'm looking for.

Fair point for sure. Just feel like a lot of guys have drivers with 459 adjustments, and continually try to dial in draw vs fade bias, and move their weights around, but never consider a new shaft. They just put that driver in a bin in the garage, buy another newer driver of the same vein, and start all over with the same process.

 

 

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[Kenny B]

We all say that we should get properly fit.  I have had a fitting, but not from someone that can take a head and switch out a number of different shafts.  That would be nice, but I don't know that I would really gain that much with my swing speed.  I'm like the Judge; I'm playing a regular flex shaft.  My fitting was hitting a number of different brands with the shafts that came with those clubs.  Some felt good and gave decent number on the launch monitor... for me; others didn't feel good and were worse.  Between the ones that felt good; different heads and different shafts, there was minimal difference in performance.  Could I gain yardage with a different shaft than what comes in a club?  Maybe.  Do I want to spend a lot of money on that type of fitting to find out?  Probably not, because I don't think the gain would be that significant.  I really wish it could, but I have my doubts.

 

I will be doing a fitting at Ping HQ in a few weeks; maybe they can change my mind.

[hckymeyer]

Fair point for sure. Just feel like a lot of guys have drivers with 459 adjustments, and continually try to dial in draw vs fade bias, and move their weights around, but never consider a new shaft. They just put that driver in a bin in the garage, buy another newer driver of the same vein, and start all over with the same process.

 

 

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Oh yeah, absolutely.  I'm just saying it's a 50/50 shot that they had the right head in the first place.

 

Just goes back to how important fitting is.

[MGoBlue100]

I will be doing a fitting at Ping HQ in a few weeks; maybe they can change my mind.

I think they just might, rabbit... Enjoy that fitting! Got mine fit at Bridgestone (Thanks, MGS!!! ) and different shafts made significant differences in all facets.

 

 

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[Kenny B]

I think they just might, rabbit... Enjoy that fitting! Got mine fit at Bridgestone (Thanks, MGS!!! ) and different shafts made significant differences in all facets.

 

 

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I would love to go to Bridgestone just to see if they could optimize my JGR.

[null]

Play whatever fits you best. Sometimes it will be stock and sometimes it won't. There's really nothing to discuss outside of that

[Maverickping]

Big believer in the aftermarket shafts. The materials involved, the r and d that goes into them etc. Where it is important is getting fit, or it is truly hit and miss with what you get. A lot of the ready to go clubs the shafts might say, "R" flex but if they are checked out spec wise, they could be any flex. I can appreciate the cost involved, as money is really no object here. Matrix has one shaft at $1500.00.

I've been using my Accra TourZ in many different driver heads. It works for me. The other Accra shafts have not been changed out and I cannot seeing the need. In the long run I feel it was money well spent. The dispersion is very good for me with these shafts.

[BigtazzGolf]

If I buy a driver I'll swap the shaft to an after market shaft that suits me and my game.

I think the stock shafts are good but not for everyone or every swing.

Main reason I went to an aftermarket shaft was to help lower my spin and increase my accuracy with my tee shot. And for me it did help.

Good luck

 

Tazz

[ole gray]

I suppose getting a fitting at a facility that has many shaft options is the ticket. Unfortunately there are many who don't have this available. I'm fortunate enough to have some fitting options within driving distance and I plan to take advantage of this

 

 

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[BigtazzGolf]

I suppose getting a fitting at a facility that has many shaft options is the ticket. Unfortunately there are many who don't have this available. I'm fortunate enough to have some fitting options within driving distance and I plan to take advantage of this

 

 

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Think for those that aren't able to get fit. The GolfWorks online tool is pretty useful.

http://www.golfworks.com/mpf-shaft-fitting-worksheet/a/496/

 

Few simple questions and your on your way to aftermarket shopping lol.

 

Tazz

[MDGolfHacker]

Just a reminder, there is no standard in shafts. An R-flex in one manufacturer's shaft maybe a A-flex or S-flex in another. As others have said, getting fit with the proper head and shaft can get you the desired launch, spin and to some degree distance.

As for "premium" shafts, I equate that to an upgraded cost over standard stock shafts. I'm loving that a lot of manufacturers have expanded their standard stock offerings which will help better fit those of us who don't want to spend extra $$$ for a premium/upgraded shaft (and sadly yes, I've plunked down more of my fair share of money for upgraded shafts).

I say don't worry about the labels on the shaft, find the shaft the works best with your swing within your financial comfort level.

 

MDGolfHacker

[null]

And is there even a thing such as stock shafts now? With all the no upcharge options there really aren't many made-for shafts anymore

[drewneddy]

The shaft is everything. I'd take a knockoff brand head with a premium shaft over a brand head with stock shaft anyday.

 

 

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[hckymeyer]

The shaft is everything. I'd take a knockoff brand head with a premium shaft over a brand head with stock shaft anyday.

 

 

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And I'll take the head that fits me paired with the shaft that fits me twice on Sunday.

[Jmikecpa]

Depends on the head and the shaft. The up charge that I paid for the Oban Black in my 915 D2 was well worth it as was the up charge for the AD DI in my 815 DBD Alpha. In my 816 Alpha and 915 D3 stock offerings worked the best. I have a Matrix White Tie that I bought for a specific head since I "thought" it would work and I have yet to find a driver head that it fits. I am not sure aftermarket matters as much as finding something that works for you.

 

 

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[MDGolfHacker]

Depends on the head and the shaft. The up charge that I paid for the Oban Black in my 915 D2 was well worth it as was the up charge for the AD DI in my 815 DBD Alpha. In my 816 Alpha and 915 D3 stock offerings worked the best. I have a Matrix White Tie that I bought for a specific head since I "thought" it would work and I have yet to find a driver head that it fits. I am not sure aftermarket matters as much as finding something that works for you.

 

 

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Love those Oban shafts, but none of the shafts fit my swing profile. I still had the devotion 6 in my Nike vrs driver and played it but didn't get optimum distance with it.

 

MDGolfHacker

[Big Canoer]

I suppose getting a fitting at a facility that has many shaft options is the ticket. Unfortunately there are many who don't have this available. I'm fortunate enough to have some fitting options within driving distance and I plan to take advantage of this

 

 

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Ole gray makes an excellent point. To do a proper shaft fitting you need a facility that has tons of shafts to test. Unfortunately most pro-shops deal with one or two brands such as Titlist or TaylorMade and you are limited by the demo shafts that come with those. I have a friend who went on a min-tour a few years ago and was fortunate enough to have a full fitting for shafts. He spent 3 hours doing a driver fitting and went through about 40-45 different shafts and tested them on a launch monitor. He told me as he went through the process there was one shaft that finally clicked for him. It was a "Holy cr*p this is MY shaft!!". He knew instantly. Of course he was semi-pro with a plus handicap but the point I am making is to get THAT shaft for YOU, you have to spend time, effort and money thus the majority of us settle for stock shafts even if a manufacturer offers other options as we have no clue what is right for us even if the shaft is a uptick for free. I was fortunate enough last year to have a full fitting and found the shaft for my swing but like all of us here wonder if there is something else out there that will improve on what I have. That is why we lurk out on this site - to find that nugget of gold someone else dug up.

Ole gray - keep digging and when you get fitted it will be worth it.