The first step in choosing the best shaft for your golf swing is to know the pattern of your shots. Do you slice or hook? Do you hit the ball high or low?

If there is a pattern to your shot-making, matching up the right shaft for your swing is relatively simple.

Fitting a golfer into the perfect shaft over the internet is a difficult, if not impossible, task. All driver swings are unique, and there are numerous options on the market today.

Best Drivers Shafts

Mitsubishi Diamana

Mitsubishi is a well-known brand throughout the world for producing automobiles, electronics, and sporting equipment.

Their arsenal of golfing equipment includes driver shafts, with the Mitsubishi Diamana D+ series having a long history of success.

The Diamana D+ Plus Limited Edition shaft is a low-launch, low-spin shaft with Dialed Pitch Fiber in the butt portion for optimal stability. This includes the Multi-Dimensional Interlay and the Tough-Qure Resin System from the firm, which allows for high speeds and a penetrating ball flight.

It, along with the DF model, is one of the most commonly used shafts on professional golf tours by top professional players. The DF shaft has a stiff tip part and is ideal for low-to-mid launch and low spin.

Diamana 2nd Generation S+ is made with cutting-edge materials, including pitch fibers strategically placed in the shaft for increased stability and performance without losing feel.

It is offered in a number of flex and weight variations, making it suitable for golfers who need workability. For golfers who struggle to get the golf ball into the air off the tee, the mid-kick position optimizes medium launch and maximum distance.

Diamana is a graphite shaft that weighs between 62 and 77 grams and is available in R, S, and X flex variants.

Fujikura Vista Pro 60 Shaft

The Fujikura Vista Pro 60 shaft is made by a well-known firm that has earned a reputation for producing high-quality shafts for numerous sorts of drivers.

The graphite shaft features the company’s proprietary rigid “cage” structure, which provides power with thin walls that mimic the sensation of a heavier shaft without the added weight.

If the previous shaft is great for low-launch, this one by none other than Fujikura is best for golfers who want extra launch. Because it is a straightforward, logical answer — the longer the ball remains in the air, the farther it can travel.

Even the energy transmission provided by the Fujikura Vista Pro 60 is ideal for increased in the clubhead during impact. Because of the brand’s ground-breaking Enso technology.

It has the capacity to adapt to your specific golf swing pace, which is absolutely remarkable if you have average golfing talents.

The grip on the shaft is the traditional Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360. It enables you to make adapter changes without altering the logo’s location. Without a doubt, this Tour-tested grip combines Tour-level aesthetics with pro-grade technology and versatility.

But, to be perfectly honest, the Fujikura Vista Pro 60 is primarily built for increasing distance. As a result, it is the best for 85 mph swing speed because it is the slowest in comparison.

Accra Tour Z 85 Driver Counterbalanced

Accra is one of the lesser-known amateur shaft makers, but it has been supplying shafts to professional golfers for decades.

The Accra New Tour Z 85 shaft is counterbalanced, producing low spin, and comes with an adapter for simple plug-and-play, making it the most consistent shaft for mid-handicap golfers.

Lightweight shafts are specifically designed to have a low spin for maximum distance and stability.

Each shot has a consistent ball flight and shot shape because of the low spin.
A sleek black and silver finish provides visual appeal while being reasonably priced, and a high-quality grip is added before shipping.

There’s ST, which provides a low launch. There is an LS for a mid-launch. Then there’s this one: CB (Counter Balance) for low to mid-launch.

CB’s shaft tip is softer, and the torque is lower. When these two elements are combined with the increased CG, the result is a higher ball flight with a low/medium spin rate.

It’s also the best option for drivers who have a rotating hosel, which means you won’t have to worry about radial consistency. The Tour Velvet 360 Grip, which is adjustable, is particularly noteworthy.

HZRDUS Project X

These shafts are really effective. In the case of the HZRDUS (perhaps a clever way of saying hazardous), we find a product that looks appealing and performs admirably.

The design inspires confidence at address, and the general engineering concept is simple enough to meet the needs of the majority of players.

Project X New HZRDUS Yellow

The Project X New HZRDUS Yellow shaft is perfect for fast swing speed and comes with a selection of adapters for maximum versatility. It has incredible strength throughout the swing and a low flex for a steady feel and consistent distance.

At the time of delivery, it comes standard with a high-quality Golf Pride grip.

Green Project X Hzrdus T800

This is one of the most popular mid-weight shafts on the market, with a wonderfully solid feel and mid-level spin that promotes exceptional distance over control. As with other HZRDUS shafts, the grip is a high-quality Golf Pride.

HZRDUS Project X Smoke

A lightweight graphite shaft designed for golfers with slower swing speeds contributes significantly to consistent distance gains.

HZRDUS Project X Black

This is one of TrueTemper’s top driver shafts right now. It was created for fast-paced golfers, with an extremely stiff midsection for improved force in the swing.

Golfers that play at a fast pace will create low trajectories and low ball speeds without sacrificing accuracy and control.

HZRDUS shafts are available in weights ranging from 62 to 75 grams, with R, S, and X flex options and a high kick point.

True Temper has a wide selection of high-quality Project X steel iron shafts and graphite driver shafts. It’s shown to be the most adaptable shaft for low handicap golfers.

Even Flow Project X

True Temper also manufactures the Even Flow family of shafts, which are engineered for optimum load transfer and maximum energy release at impact.

It has a mid-launch ball trajectory and mid-spin, making it suitable for drivers as well as fairway woods.

The Project X Even Flow Blue Shaft is designed for golfers with fast swing speeds who demand a great feel.

The typical length of 46 inches enables adjustment if necessary.

The Project X Even Flow Riptide is a mid-spin and mid-launching shaft with Torsional Stability Optimization for stability and a smooth feel. The Even Flow shaft’s bend design improves energy release during impact.

Graphite Design Tour

The AD-DI (Deep Impact) is built with Graphite Design’s Nanoalloy technology at the tip portion for increased stability, high launch, and reduced spin from the soft midsection.

The AD-BB (Blue Bullet) is a low-to-mid launch and low-spinning shaft with a stiff tip and midsections that is created with the company’s Nanoalloy technology in the tip part, comparable to the AD-DI.

AD HD driver shafts come in five distinct kick points (HD-4, 5, 6, 7, and 8) and are made of high-quality carbon for increased rigidity and stability throughout the shaft. This produces consistent spin quantities with high accuracy.

Graphite Design driver shafts are the shafts of choice for many players across the world, and they come in a range of types for exceptional performance and feel.

Senior, normal, Stiff, and Xtra-stiff are the various flex types.

All graphite variants are available in a range of weights ranging from 49 to 88 grams.

Tensei Ck (Mitsubishi Tensei)

Simply select your personalization options before inserting this Mitsubishi Tensei CK Blue 60 Shaft into the clubhead of your old driver. Authenticity is guaranteed, as is outstanding performance in terms of feel, spin, and ball flight.

Tensei is a Japanese word that signifies “change.” And the multi-material structure is nothing more than the incarnation of that word.

You have a blend of carbon fiber and Kevlar, which work together with the Tour-proven, smooth bend profile to increase your adaptability. Regardless of your golfing abilities!

It comes in a number of models.

Mitsubishi Tensei CK Blue

Mitsubishi Tensei CK Blue is designed for mid-spin and mid-launch. The spin and launch rates are increased in comparison to Tensei CK White. The latter, on the other hand, has a stiff tip for generating a more penetrating ball flight.

So, as is clear, each Mitsubishi Tensei model has its unique set of advantages and disadvantages, correct?

But there’s no disputing that Tensei Blue appears to be a better fit for players looking for a smooth feel that genuinely blasts through the golf ball and provides greater launch.

So, if you have good control over your spin while still benefiting from mid-launch, this one is well worth your time and money.

Tensei CK White Mitsubishi

The Tensei CK Pro White shaft has a strong tip section and is low-launching and mid-to-low spinning. It is intended to provide a more penetrating ball flight than the Blue variant mentioned above.

RIPX Aldila

Aldila is a well-known and trusted golf shaft manufacturer, and the RIPX is a reintroduction of one of their most memorable shaft releases. The RIPX extends the stability provided by Aldila’s hallmark Reverse Inter-Laminar Placement (R.I.P) technology to a whole new level.

The stronger butt (top) part of the RIPX ensures a steady feel throughout the swing and upon impact. Furthermore, it incorporates Aldila’s Micro Mamba technology, which eliminates weight from the shaft’s center, resulting in increased stability and feel.

Graphite shafts are available in a number of weights ranging from 52 to 97 grams, with a high kick point and in a variety of flexes.

The RIPX is available in a wide range of flex and weight combinations, making it suitable for players with a wide range of swing and ball speeds.

The updated and improved RIPX will undoubtedly start up where the first iteration of this popular shaft left off.

Factors to help you find the right driver shaft for your swing

Shafts come in a variety of flexes, lengths, weights, kick points and torque characteristics, and they can also be tipped to improve performance and feel.

Finding the right shaft for your driver is, to put it mildly, like traversing a minefield. That is why it is better to be fitted into a driver shaft by a professional fitter.

Given that we do not live in an ideal environment, the fact is that many golfers will forego getting fit and instead purchase aftermarket shafts without consulting.

Golfers purchase specific shafts for a variety of reasons. Some desire to play the popular Tour shaft or the one Tiger Woods uses, or they may have heard from a friend that a certain shaft is fantastic.

The issue is that buying a shaft because someone else uses it is like buying a size 44-long jacket because Tiger does. Buying a shaft that isn’t suited for you can be detrimental to your game.

I’ve developed a list of items to think about when purchasing a new driver shaft.

Torque or Twist – Reduces Hooks and Slices

  • If you slice the golf ball, you need help squaring up the club head at impact, so you need to find a shaft with some torque or twist. This means you have to go for a graphite shaft, as steel has very little torque.
  • Just before impact, if you have torque in the shaft, the club head will close down, helping to avoid the big slice.
  • Generally, the bigger your slice, the more torque you need. The amount of torque varies, and the amount is printed on the side of the golf shaft along with the weight. (e.g., 65 gms and 4 degrees of torque).
  • Conversely, someone who hooks the golf ball needs to choose a shaft with hardly any torque. This will help keep the club head square through the shot without flipping over.

Golf Shaft Types – Determines Swing Speed

Steel and graphite are the two most common types of golf shafts. Often, your club will have been manufactured with any of these types of shafts; nevertheless, if you desire to alter your shaft, you should understand the differences between each shaft type.

Multi-material shafts are some newer choices that blend the two materials.

Shafts of steel

Steel shafts are significantly heavier, more durable, and less expensive than graphite shafts. They are typically composed of carbon steel, but stainless steel is also used and starts at 120 grams.

Steel irons will benefit many players since the torque or lateral twisting observed in all graphite shafts does not occur in steel.

As a result, steel shafts provide more control and place a larger focus on accuracy over distance, requiring a faster swing speed to create the same distance as a graphite shaft.

Steel shafts are recommended for players with average swing speeds who want better control when they play.

Shafts made of graphite

Graphite shafts are significantly lighter, less durable, and more expensive than steel shafts, weighing between 50 and 85 grams – roughly half the weight of a steel shaft!

These lightweight shafts aid in providing a faster swing speed for more power, but they compromise control due to the flex generated in the swing.

As a result, graphite shafts are an excellent option for all golfers. They are especially suited to women golfers and seniors who may struggle to achieve a fast enough swing speed to properly employ a steel shaft.


This shaft type is frequently available in a wide variety of flexes and colors, making it appealing to both amateurs and experts.

Shafts made of many materials

Multi-material shafts, which are utilized on both irons and drivers, are a recent addition to the market. This type of shaft combines steel and graphite into a single shaft to provide the best of both worlds for each player and to accommodate all playing styles.

In most cases, the shaft is constructed of steel with a graphite tip. The steel shaft helps the player to have better control over the ball’s trajectory, while the graphite tip assures the golf ball can travel the distance without causing any undesirable vibrations.

Graphite or Steel – Controls the Speed of Swing

Whether you need a steel or graphite golf shaft is again relatively simple. If you have a short, fast golf swing, steel is the shaft for you.

A longer, more graceful golf swing will benefit from a graphite shaft. Ladies or senior golfers will nearly always benefit from a light graphite shaft to help build club head speed.

Flex – Adjusts the Height at you Hit the Ball.

The flex of the shaft deals with how high you hit the ball. Some golfers naturally hit the ball high, while others find it difficult to get the ball airborne. Generally, the more flexible the shaft, the higher you will hit the ball.

The flex of the shaft is printed on the side, R = regular, S=stiff, L=ladies, Light =seniors.

Golf Shaft Flex Chart

Even though getting fitted for a specific shaft is the best approach to locating the proper shaft, the following chart will provide some broad pointers to get you started in the right direction:

Carry DistanceSwing SpeedFlex
Under 200 yardsUnder 75 mphLadies or Senior
200 to 240 yards75 to 95 mphRegular
240 to 275 yards95 to 110 mphStiff
Over 275 yardsOver 110 mphStiff or Extra Stiff

Flex has a rating of

  • Extra Stiff (X) is appropriate for players with swing speeds more than 110 mph.
  • The most commonly utilized flex is stiff (S). It is best suited to golfers with swing speeds ranging from 100 to 110 mph. The fast swing speed provides a lot of backspin, which allows for more height.
  • Regular (R) shafts are mid-flex shafts designed for amateur players with stronger upper body strength and swing speeds ranging from 90 to 100 mph.
  • Senior (S) / Amateur (A) is appropriate for juniors, seniors, and beginners, with swing speeds ranging from 80 to 90 mph.
  • Ladies (L) is appropriate for golfers who have a swing speed of less than 80 mph.

Shaft flex has no industry standard, and it might vary amongst shaft manufacturers.

Weight – Power

Whether a batsman at cricket, a snooker player, or a golfer, the most powerful players benefit from a heavier club. The heavier shafts are steel, and the lighter shafts are graphite. The weight of the shaft dramatically affects the overall weight and ‘feel’ of the club.

Most normal golfers will need graphite, but manual workers who are strong in the arm should possibly investigate a steel shaft.

Choosing the right shaft for your swing can help you become a more consistent striker of the ball and in turn, lower your scores. If in doubt, go to your local golf club, where a member of the PGA will help you make the right choice.

Men’s graphite driver shafts weigh 0.12 to 0.13 pounds, while women’s shafts weigh 0.09 to 0.11 pounds.

Benefits of a Heavy Shaft

  • improved command
  • Reduced torque for improved clubface stability
  • Reduced launch angle
  • Producing less spin
  • increased precision and consistency

The disadvantages of hefty shafts are as follows:

  • Swing speed is reduced.
  • Difficulty in getting the clubface to release
  • Reduced spin

The benefits of light shafts are as follows:

  • Boost your swing speed and distance.
  • greater launch angle

The disadvantages of light shafts are as follows:

  • Inconsistent clubface contact results in decreased ball speed and distance.
  • The trajectory is steep.

Length

Of course, the length of your driver shaft influences how the golf club feels, but it also affects strike points. As Briand points out, a longer shaft results in a less consistent stroke on the face and causes the player to hit the ball closer to the heel.

A shorter shaft, on the other hand, will result in a more regular strike pattern, but the impact position will be on the toe.

Physical size, arm length, swing speed, consistency, ball flight, and feel preferences are all key factors to consider when selecting the best driver shaft for you.

Without undergoing a professional fitting, trial and error might assist you in determining the most comfortable and effective length for you.

How do you determine the length of a golf club shaft?

Stand erect and have someone measure from the crease where your wrist and hand connect to the floor to establish the length of your club. Take an average of the two measurements and repeat with both hands.

The table below shows what shaft lengths you should consider at various heights. If the crease where your wrist and hand meet the floor is as follows:

Heightsirons should be based on a
29 to 32 inches5-iron of 37 inches
33 to 34 inches5-iron of 37 1/2 inches
35 to 36 inches5-iron of 38 inches
37 to 38 inches5-iron of 38 1/2 inches
39 to 40 inches 5-iron of 39 inches
41 or more inches5-iron of 39 1/2 inches

Kick point

A high bend point, according to Briand, reduces ball flight, while a low bend point increases ball flight. So, if you have a tendency to have a high ball flight, seek for shafts with a high kick point, and vice versa.

It is crucial to remember that differences in length and shaft tilting will have an impact on a shaft’s designed bend point.

Frequency

The shaft is secured at the butt end, and it is pushed and released with a weight on the tip end, causing the shaft to sway back and forth. The stiffer the shaft, the faster it sways.

The weight of the shaft might influence the sway. The frequency measurement of a heavier shaft will be slightly lower than that of a lighter shaft.

Another way to define stiffness is frequency, which determines how quickly a club will vibrate with that particular shaft.

Appearance

The most noticeable feature of modern graphite shafts is their appearance. Shafts appear trendy and complement a driver well, thanks to a fun combination of colors and graphic motifs.

Some manufacturers like adding multiple colors to their shafts, letting golfers mix and match their new shafts with their current set’s color scheme.

Unlike older graphite shafts, which were wider near the grip and thinner near the head, modern shafts are significantly more homogeneous and lack distinguishing forms and sizes.

Cost

Driver shafts can be purchased for less than the cost of a new club. The majority of gamers will most likely prefer a middle-of-the-road option. The truth is that more expensive shafts are unlikely to yield outcomes commensurate with their cost.

If you’re a mediocre player, check into methods that are inexpensive but effective. The length, flex levels, and weight are the most significant factors to consider.

If you find the ideal combo there, it won’t matter how much you paid for it.

Can you do it yourself?

So, now that you have this new shaft, what are we meant to do with it? Although installing a driving shaft is not difficult, most people prefer to have it done properly.

The reason for this is that professional installation is reasonably priced and nearly guarantees good outcomes.

However, if you want to install it yourself, you may do so with a modest arsenal of tools.

A solvent, a vice grip, and special golf club glue are required to install the driver shaft. All of these items should be available either online or at your local golf retail store.

Begin by securing your club’s shaft to your vice grip. Then, using high heat, loosen the glue and remove your old shaft from the club’s head.

After removing the shaft, use a solvent to remove any leftover adhesive from the club head.

Simply pour new shaft glue into the hosel of your club, then insert the shaft fast before the adhesive hardens. Finally, carefully turn the shaft until it is completely aligned with the hosel. That’s all there is to it!

Remember that even if the club shaft is now inserted, you are not finished. You’ll also need a grip, as well as glue and golf tape.

Fortunately, this is reasonably priced equipment that you can easily get in a golf shop.

Some shafts are not precut. It might be delivered at the size of 50 inches. It is then up to you to cut it to the desired length.

Before making the cut, take precise measurements. After that, sand the modified area until it is smooth.

If you are uncomfortable with this portion of the procedure, it may be in your best interest to hire someone to do it for you. A poor cut can render the shaft utterly worthless. Therefore, it is well worth your time and money to make sure it is done correctly.

But why is this so?

Now that we’ve covered how to install let’s look at why you might do so. Is the process really worth it? It all depends on the type of player you are.

If you enjoy tinkering, that may be enough of a reason to take the DIY path. When we get home from work, some of us prefer to head out to the workshop with the radio and fiddle for a few hours. It’s a path that many golfers, including many professionals, take.

Learning how to perform your own club maintenance is also a great way to save money. For example, a pro shop may charge you $5 per club in labor only to install a grip. Installing a shaft can be considerably more expensive.

The amount of money you save on labor after a lifetime of playing can really add up.

How do you tell if you’ve chosen the wrong shaft?

You’ll know right away if you’ve chosen the incorrect shaft. When you swing the club, you will notice that the ball does not travel as far as it should and that you may hit the ball off-center.

You may also notice that the club feels “dead” if the shaft is excessively heavy or stiff or if it is too soft and weak – all of which can have a substantial impact on your game.

If you don’t know what to do, don’t assume because you can end up with the wrong shaft for you, which can be costly to fix if you have to buy more shafts or new golf equipment.

If you’re unsure, don’t assume — get custom fitted.

Custom fitting, which was once exclusively available to Tour professionals and the greatest amateurs, is now available to every golfer willing to invest the time and money in getting a professionally fitted set of clubs.

With today’s technology and a plethora of goods to choose from, a professional club fitter can assist anyone in finding the proper club shaft for their golf club.

Most manufacturers provide custom fitting for woods, irons, wedges, and even putters, and expert fitters will work with you to determine the custom fit lie angles, face angles, lofts, lengths, swing weights, and other options.

Custom fitting may raise the cost of your set of clubs, but the benefits in terms of performance (and not having to change clubs as frequently) are well worth the extra money.

Which shaft should I use?

This is a tough subject, but in general, the following factors apply shaft flex, weight, length, torque, and kick point.

Slower swinging players should use a lighter shaft with more flex, strong torque, and a lower kick point.

Faster swinging players will benefit from a heavier shaft with less flex, less torque, and a higher kick point.

Based on typical swing speed and ball speed figures, the table below might help you decide which shaft to use in your driver. If you don’t know what your average driver swing speed is, consult a PGA professional.

Shaft flexAverage driver swing speed (mph)Average ball speed (mph)
Ladies flex (L) 53-62>100
Senior flex (A)63-76100-110
Regular (R)77-92110-139
Stiff (S)93-107140-160
Extra stiff (X)  108+160+

FAQs

Will a long drive shaft improve my score?

Driving distance is crucial, but there are a variety of other elements to consider when it comes to golf scoring.

For example, it is critical to guarantee that you can hit straight drives in order to maximize your scores while also selecting a driver that meets your demands, whether you employ a novice driver or a senior driver.

Are there any unique rules for driver shafts that I should be aware of?

Yes. It is critical that you remember that drivers are not permitted to surpass 48 inches in length. The good news is that most manufacturers will offer their shafts premeasured, eliminating the possibility of breaching the laws.

Are driver shafts interchangeable with any driver?

Almost entirely! Unless it’s an unusual shaft, you shouldn’t have any issues.

What happens if I shorten the shaft of my driver to increase accuracy?

It’s normal to shorten your drive shaft to increase accuracy. Shortening your driver shaft makes it less flexible.

A shorter driver shaft, in addition to increasing the rigidity of the shaft, may result in slower swing speeds with your driver.

Is it possible that I’m slicing my driver because the shaft is too stiff?

A lot of reasons can contribute to sliced tee shots. Most of the time, swing flaws are to blame, but it can also be the result of utilizing the improper driver shaft.

Shafts that are too stiff for the player will struggle to unload at contact, causing the golf ball to slice to the right.

What is swing speed appropriate for stiff shafts?

To get the most out of stiff shafts, your swing speed should be greater than 105 mph. Without a doubt, swing speeds beyond 105 mph are considered fast, although even players between 97 mph and 104 mph frequently use a Stiff shaft flex.

What are the best driver shafts for first-time golfers?

As a golfer with a slower swing speed, a mid-weight, Regular-flex shaft is ideal for you. This, more often than not, results in a moderate launch angle as well.

However, you can always purchase custom-fitted golf clubs that are more forgiving and perform better for your ability level.

What happens when the shaft is too stiff or too weak?

Loading the shaft properly during the downswing becomes difficult when it is excessively stiff. Even unloading is difficult. As a result, the clubface remains slightly open, and you wind up slicing the golf ball.

And when it isn’t rigid enough, i.e., when the shaft flex is too flexible, it opens the door for all sorts of misses (low and left, high and right, etc.)

What is the lifespan of a driving shaft?

A driving shaft should, in theory, be able to last indefinitely. However, if you play frequently, you may notice that it wears out faster.