Can someone explain...

[BrandNew]

the difference in shafts? I'm pretty new to golf and only played a handful of times and don't realize the impact that different shafts will have on your drives.

I've got a Cleveland Launcher and want to have the right shaft...rather than the one that it came with.

[Davebud]

I'd say go hit it, just a thought.

[ezra76]

Changing shafts is a pretty advanced step. You have to know what you are looking to accomplish first. I think a lot of people don't give manufacturers enough credit. Do you think Cleveland, TaylorMade or Calloway just put any garbage shaft into a driver and sell it? TaylorMade tested over 200 different shafts for the R7, the new one comes with a Fujikura Rombax made specifically for that club. Unless you have a couple hundred dollars burning a hole in your pocket to get fitted on a launch monitor, buy the new shaft and have it put on the Launcher, give the stock one a shot first. Until you can hit the thing on the screws 20 times in a row you really won't know what changes would be beneficial anyway.

[Slingblade61]

Do you think Cleveland, TaylorMade or Calloway just put any garbage shaft into a driver and sell it?

Callaway does.

[nsherman2006]

ezra, i really do. they're getting better now, but stock shafts are still crap

[VtDivot]

I agree - the old MAS shafts in the TM drivers were crap

[GregInOz]

Originally Posted by ezra76

TaylorMade tested over 200 different shafts for the R7, the new one comes with a Fujikura Rombax made specifically for that club.

Buying the hype much?

Seriously though, most OEM shafts are garbage compared to aftermarket models in terms of consistency. As Neal said, they're getting better, but that doesn't make them good. That said, you have to be reasonably consistent to take advantage of what other shafts can offer you, and you can buy the most expensive shaft on the market, but if it doesn't fit your swing, it's no better than the stock shaft, a metal bar, or a reinforced piece of linguini. Who knows, the OEM shaft could be the perfect shaft for you.

[ezra76]

Originally Posted by GregInOz

Buying the hype much?

Not really. When I start hitting bad shots with good swings I might. I spoke with the pro at Golfer's Whorehouse and this is basically the info he gave me. They have new software for the launch monitor that will give you a selection of different shafts suited to your swing. He told me if I really wanted to spend the $ he could set up an appointment. I guess when I feel it's neccessary to turn a $320 driver into a $500 driver I'll give them a call.

[Rockford35]

Originally Posted by nsherman2006

ezra, i really do. they're getting better now, but stock shafts are still crap

I disagree, to some extent.

Sling is right - Callaway stock shafts suck donkey anus. And chicken arse. They are just terrible.

However, I was impressed with the OEM Fuji Gold from Cleveland. In the stiff offering, I was putting them out there 300+ with ease, and dead straight.

Give the Launcher a go. If you find it a bit wild, take a lesson. If your instructor recommends a shaft change, go get fitted for a shaft.

You could try 200 shafts before getting the "perfect" one.

R35

[Dave Ireland]

Sonartec and iRod is a match made in heaven ... if it's not broke don't try an fix it

[dave.]

I have a hybrid that lives in my bag.Its a Howson Attacker,with a stock shaft.It cost me 10 pounds,thats about 2 of your bucks.The shaft must a dollars worth and its a regular shaft,I play extra stiff in the driver.

I nut the beast every time 210 yards,high and mighty.Its awesome.The shaft is important to pros,how much does it matter to handicap players? Dunno,right flex is important,but imo the loft on the driver is just as important but all the stuff about torque points,tipping etc etc etc makes me laugh,I haven't a clue what my gear is in that regard.