Golf shafts are an often-overlooked aspect of the game of golf. We have covered balls, irons and driver for beginner golfers now lets look at shafts. Choosing the best golf club shaft for beginners can have a significant impact on your performance. The shaft is the part of the golf club that connects the grip to the clubhead, and it plays a crucial role in determining how the club will perform.

There are many different types of golf shafts available, each with its own unique characteristics and performance characteristics. Understanding the differences between these shafts can help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Best Golf Club Shaft For Beginners.

Types of Golf Club Shafts

Source: Golf Support

One of the primary differences between golf shafts is the material they are made of. The most common materials used in golf shafts are steel and graphite. Steel shafts are known for their durability and consistency. While graphite shafts are lighter and can help players generate more clubhead speed.

Graphite

One of the main advantages of graphite steel shafts is their lightweight design. The lighter the club the more clubhead speed and distance on your shots. Additionally, the graphite layer helps to dampen vibrations and reduce the amount of feedback that a golfer feels through the shaft. This can be beneficial for someone with arm, shoulder and wrist injuries as it reduces the vibrations through the body.

There are some downsides to graphite steel shafts. One of the main disadvantages is their cost. Graphite steel shafts are typically more expensive than traditional steel shafts, which can be a barrier for some golfers. With the graphite clubs being much lighter than the steel this also means that they are more susceptible to breaking. Finally, some golfers may find that the added weight and flexibility of graphite steel shafts can affect the accuracy and control of their shots.

Steel

One of the main advantages of steel shafts is their affordability. They are typically less expensive than graphite shafts, which can make them a more accessible option for many golfers. Additionally, steel shafts offer a more traditional and consistent feel, which can help some golfers with accuracy and control.

Another advantage of steel shafts is their durability. Steel shafts are known for their strength and ability to withstand heavy use, this can help to extend the life of the club. They also provide a more solid and direct feedback, which can be helpful for some golfers to understand their swing and ball flight.

However, one of the main disadvantages is their weight. Steel shafts are typically heavier than graphite shafts. This can make them harder to swing, especially for golfers with slower swing speeds or physical limitations. Additionally, steel shafts are more prone to rust and corrosion than graphite shafts, which can shorten the life of the club.

Golf Club Shaft Flex

Another important factor to consider when choosing the best golf club shaft for beginners is the flex. Shafts are typically classified as having a “regular,” “stiff,” or “extra stiff” flex. Regular flex being the most flexible and extra stiff being the least flexible. The flex of the shaft should match the player’s swing speed. For example, a player with a slower swing speed may benefit from a regular flex shaft, while a player with a faster swing speed may need a stiff or extra stiff shaft.

Regular Shaft

A regular shaft is a great option for golfers with moderate swing speeds (between 85-95 mph) because it provides a balance of control and power. The regular flex is considered to be the most common and suitable for the majority of golfers. This is because it allows for a decent amount of distance on shots while still providing enough control to keep the ball in play. Regular flex shafts are typically more forgiving and easier to control than stiff or extra stiff shafts. This can be beneficial for golfers who are still developing their swing technique or for those who are looking to improve their accuracy.

Stiff Shafts

A stiff golf club shaft is designed for golfers with a swing speed between 90- 105 mph. These shafts are a great option for golfers who are looking for more control and accuracy in their shots. The stiff shaft flex is generally less flexible than regular or senior flex shafts. This means that it will provide less give and less power, but will provide more control. Golfers with a faster swing speed who are looking for more control and accuracy in their shots should consider using a stiff shaft. The stiff shaft is also preferred by golfers who are looking to maximize their distance and power on their shots.

Golf Club Shaft Weight

In addition to the material and flex, golf shafts can also vary in terms of their weight and overall design. Heavier shafts can help players generate more power, while lighter shafts can improve control and accuracy. The weight of a shaft is typically measured in grams. Shafts can range from around 50 grams for ultralight shafts to over 120 grams for heavyweight shafts.

Heavier Shafts

Heavier shafts, typically weighing between 120-130 grams, offer a number of benefits for golfers. One of the main advantages is that they provide more stability and control on shots. This is particularly beneficial for players with slower swing speeds, as the added weight can help generate more clubhead speed and distance.

Heavier shafts also tend to have a lower torque, which means they twist less during the swing. This can lead to improved accuracy, especially on longer shots where the clubhead tends to rotate more. Another benefit of heavier shafts is that they can help improve a golfer’s swing mechanics. Because the added weight requires more effort to swing, it can help players develop a more efficient swing and improve their overall technique.

However, there are also some downsides to consider. Heavier shafts can be more tiring to swing, especially for players with weaker upper body strength. They can also feel less responsive and less “whippy” during the swing, which some players may find less satisfying.

Lighter Shafts

On the other hand, lighter shafts, typically weighing between 80-90 grams, offer a different set of advantages and disadvantages. One of the main benefits is that they are generally easier to swing and less tiring on the body. This can be especially beneficial for players with slower swing speeds, as it can help them generate more clubhead speed and distance.

Lighter shafts also tend to have a higher torque, which means they twist more during the swing. This can lead to improved feel and responsiveness on shots, which some players may find more satisfying.

Another benefit of lighter shafts is that they can help improve a golfer’s swing mechanics. Because the added weight requires less effort to swing, it can help players develop a more efficient swing and improve their overall technique.

However, there are also some downsides to consider. Lighter shafts can be less stable and provide less control on shots, especially for players with faster swing speeds. They can also feel less accurate, especially on longer shots where the clubhead tends to rotate more.

Golf Club Shaft Length

Source: The Golf Warehouse

How Height Affects Golf Club Length

One of the biggest factors that influence golf club length is your height. Generally, taller players will require longer clubs, while shorter players will need shorter clubs. This is because taller players will have a longer arm length, which requires a longer club to make the same swing as a shorter player.

In addition to height, your swing can also affect the length of your golf clubs. Players with a slower swing speed may benefit from shorter clubs. This will allow them to generate more clubhead speed and increase their distance. On the other hand, players with a faster swing speed may benefit from longer clubs, as they’ll be able to generate more power and control.

Choosing the Right Golf Club Length

When it comes to selecting the right golf club length, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first step is to get professionally fitted. A golf pro or club fitter will be able to take into account your height, swing speed, and other factors to recommend the best length for your clubs.

You can also use a swing analyzer or launch monitor to help determine the ideal length for your clubs. These tools can provide important data on your swing, such as clubhead speed, launch angle, and spin rate, which can help you make informed decisions about your equipment.

Another factor to consider is the type of club. While standard lengths are a good starting point, you may find that you need slightly shorter or longer clubs for certain types of shots. For example, shorter wedges may help you generate more control and accuracy around the green, while longer drivers may help you generate more distance off the tee.

Get Fitted

At the end of the day this is all theory. When analyzing the best golf club shaft for beginners your best option is to get into a store and get fitted by a professional. They will use all the latest technology to analyse your swing and tell you what is right for you. In addition to getting fitted by a professional, it’s also a good idea to try out different shafts before making a purchase. Most golf stores will have a selection of shafts available for you to try, and many will even allow you to try them out on the course. This will give you a chance to see how different shafts feel and perform, helping you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Wrap Up

Overall, golf shafts are an important aspect of the game of golf. As a new golfer it is important to ensure you choose the best golf club shaft for beginners. Choosing the right shaft can have a significant impact on your performance. By understanding the differences between the various types of shafts and getting fitted by a professional, you can find the perfect shaft for your game and take your performance to the next level.