Shaft tips - low/mid/firm?

Question

What effect does the firmness of the shaft tip have on the driver. Why would you want one over the other - soft/mid/firm tip?

Answer 1

The shaft tip firmess actually has alot of function in what the club feels like upon impact.  Generally, the softer tipped shafts will allow for a higher ball flight that can float in the wind, but is great for players that want to be able to control their trajectories better.  The mid tipped, which is what most of them come in, is in between obviously, which allows for a medium ball flight and medium spin rates as far as backspin and side spin.  The firm tipped shafts allows for a low, penetrating ball flight which is harder to control, but will gain more distance.  Also, less spin will occur, leading to less wind resistance.  However, these are much harder to hit consistently.  For an average mid handicap golfer, I would recommend the mid tipped shaft.  It is really the best of both worlds if you dont know how to use it correctly.  Once you get better, then decided which ball flight is best for you.

Generally, not always.  Kickpoint has alot to do with it as well, but usually the lower the kickpoint, the stiffer the shaft and tip.  But, if you have never hit the same shaft with the same kickpoint with different tip firmess, there is a trajectory difference as well.

Answer 2

Shafts are rated by club speed.  If your are swinging a 125 MPH club speed, you need a shaft stiff enough to allow 125 MPH....If you swing a 125 MPH head speed and your shaft is rated for 85 MPH, then the club will be around your ear and your hands will be at the bottom ready for impact.

Having the wrong shaft for your swing can be detrimental.

Have your swing analyized and get the right shafts !

Lengths can be altered too.....

Answer 3

Agree with CDC above and since it has a lot to do with FEEL you need to find the right one for you.  Our local driving ranges have "demo days" where you swing the clubs with the shafts they offer in the line.  Try them there.

Answer 4

I believe the tip stiffness has more to do with torque or how much the shaft will twist on off center hits.  I like a firm tip with the lowest torque.  The ball flight high, medium, or low has more to do with where the kick point or most flex is in the shaft.  A low kick point results in a higher ball flight, and higher kick point a lower trajectory.  But ultimately the trick is finding the right combination for your swing speed and the type of ball flight you want.  Long live DEMO day!!!

Answer 5

The firmer (stiff) the shaft the more difficult to swing and hit the ball accurately - unless you are very strong or a low handicap player (under 10, I'd say).

Regular shaft best for average player and those growing older!

Soft is for seniors and slow swingers & most ladies.

Graphite is best for all but v.g. players who use steel.