Don't Make These 2 Shaft Weight Mistakes / What Iron Shaft Weight is Best?

[@JeremiahAlphonsus]

I’ve gone down the rabbit hole about swing weight during the last two weeks. Your videos have been an essential part of that. Keep up the excellent work.

[@blairdriscoll2801]

I went from a 120 steel shaft to a 105 graphite shaft a few years ago. It coincided with a marked improvement in my game. But as you get better, you always want to tinker with equipment to see if something can help at the margin. Great information on the topic, thank you.

[@PeterPula-z9k]

@@blairdriscoll2801 your welcome …golf is a hobby unless your doing it for a living lol. I thought I could have been a pro golfer until I played with a few pros. Wow ummm noooo def will never be a pro. And I was a pretty dam good . Yea I was delusional lmao 🤣 but back to your comment. Enjoy it. It’s a great game the right equipment helps. But it is extremely difficult game to play my advice to anyone. Take some lessons. PGA pros are constantly working on their swings and being taught. Blair when you learn how to hit the ball and actually make the ball do what you want it to do. It’s wow ! Yessss ! Yeahhhh ! For a golfer there is no better feeling a purely struck golf shot and it’s only the golfer that can make that happen. Not the equipment

[@ElmarDempers]

It's like in the gym, moving lighter weight around is sometimes more difficult as it is harder to control perfectly. In contrast, using heavier weight in many cases is easier as it forces your body to move a certain way which is many cases is more accurate. In conclusion, the heavier weight takes out all the inconsistency as the weight is your friend. Thank you for this golden nugget, I don't know why I went to buy 55g graphite shafts, and also don't know why the shop couldn't at least make me aware of the differences in the weight of the shafts. Now I find myself down this rabbit hole, however, your video has come to my rescue!

[@michaelfenton4878]

I like heavier shafts because they slow down my tempo and help my swing stay in sync because I can get quick.

[@Thataintnothing]

Exactly the same!!!!

[@Keef1664]

I would just like to say on this subject, that I have reduced the weight in all my clubs over the last 6 months and I would never go back to heavier shafts. I feel better, I'm playing better and the dispersion problems you mentioned, I haven't witnessed it personally. If you have the strength to play heavy shafts great, I'm not in that camp.

[@williamcassidy8679]

Age 74, I have just combined this video with 2 of "Today's Golfer"- Best Iron Shaft 2024" Best irons for 2024 and just happen to spot a slightly used set of Ping 430 with TT Dynamic Gold X100 (that is the last thing I was looking for before I saw this video), I was chasing lighter weight shafts down, down. Well just returned from my second day with these irons. Two things- 3 shots were only 2-4 feet offline from directly at flag AND distance was longer than with any other irons (2) that I own, one 85 gram graphite and one 90 gram steel and have used 65 gram graphite. On one par 3, I was slightly too long with an 8 iron, so thought let me try a slightly harder swing with the 9 iron, Boom right on the green about 16 feet from the hole. I had never reached this hole with a 9 iron before. I have been doing some weight lifting with 5 and 8 lb dumb bells while I watch tv, I think that has helped with the distance some. So believe this video. I am hitting 120 grams farther than 85 and 90. Don't know the long term results yet, may find it is too much for the arthritis in my fingers, I just started wearing two gloves and slathering on lots of Voltaren on my fingers before playing.

[@brodygoalie]

Are you using senior flex or regular flex??

[@mitch2519]

Best video on this subject I have ever seen. So happy to see and hear someone clearing up widely broadcast myths. I have always found that a heavier iron shaft provided me with much better results than lighter shafts. The heavier shaft helps me maintain a smooth tempo, and it is not so easily manipulated. Thanks for posting this!

[@Cryptonomics7]

U haven't seen a lot of videos then..or studied the subject. 😂

[@mitch2519]

@ Thanks for sharing that insightful comment.

[@jdwond3673]

I'm getting so much information from your channel. So, thanks for that. In the past 2 months I have replaced all my iron shafts. I took a chance and went from 90 gram steel, to 60-65 gram graphite. I cut the graphite .750 inches longer than standard for a more upright swing and to help with the swing weight. I went from approximately D2 to about C9 swing weight. I must have done something right. I went from a hook miss to a straighter shot or draw. I'm also getting more height and distance. At 71 years old, I love my old AP1 irons again!

[@52t99]

I went from 105g shaft to 70g shaft, it helps me with my stamina through out the round. I was so tired with the 105g afterwards and no so much with the 70g now.

[@bloatedsodium7301]

How old are you?

[@52t99]

@@bloatedsodium7301 I’m old bro. In the 60s

[@bloatedsodium7301]

@@52t99 hopefully I’m still playing when I’m in my 60s. Hit’em good! 💪🏻 ⛳️

[@rufussthoo4083]

Hey AJ. Nice expose. I especially like your second point. I've not heard anyone else mention that particular effect before, but it makes a lot of sense. I recently fitted myself for my new shafts and did the light vs heavy swing speed comparison. As a senior golfer, I've lost speed and was looking for a way to recover some of it. But I got the same result as you - virtually no chs difference. I tried a 95g and 106g (R and S) and 120g from the same family/model and compared them to my current 130g shafts and a 120g one from the same family/model. With the 95g shaft I just couldn't find the centre of the club face, so it was eliminated quickly. Both 120g shafts didn't feel any different to 130g ones so I eventually settled on the 106g shafts. That 22g made a big difference. With the new shafts, I got rid of my tendency to get my hands stuck behind me, and lost my right-side bias. My timing and strike improved, although dispersion is roughly the same, just more left. I also saw a big change in how tired I was feeling by the closing holes. With the lighter shaft, I now feel I am swinging the same on the 18th as I was on the 3rd. With the old shafts, the last few holes started to feel like an effort and the swing suffered. Once I settled on the 106g I tried stiff (106.5g) and regular flex (103g). I liked the feel of the R but preferred the weight of the S so settled on soft-stepping a set of the S flex. What I gained is a lower effort swing with improved direction and consistency, and 2 strokes off my handicap. I didn't gain any speed or distance but hey, we can't have everything. Can we? Thanks for putting out such great content. I've learned a lot from you over the past years. Cheers.

[@ph469]

Wow, takes a lot of resources and reshafting efforts to get to that perfect point.... which most of us don't have.

[@rufussthoo4083]

@@ph469 I managed to keep the cost down a bit by buying 2 of the same model ex-demo clubs for US$35 each that happened to be fitted with 2 of the shafts I wanted to test. I already had the 130g and 95g shafts so only needed to purchase the 2 Modus 105 shafts and they cost me $35 each also. It would have cost me more in fuel to drive to my nearest fitter 😕. The rest is just a bit of epoxy, and time.

[@hoppman6649]

I picked up a club a couple of weeks ago, Srixon blade with DG X100 shaft in it, I tried to swing it and about threw my back out, considering I had back fusion surgery just over 1 year ago, this was problematic. My gamer shafts are 85g graphite with ZX5 mkii heads and midsize grips, I would never go back to either steel or heavier shaft as they put too much stress on my back, elbow and other body part. Even my wedges are now 95g graphite shafts and they are perfect.

[@pdmv8471]

The heavier shaft also does wonders to compensate for imperfections in the shaft.

[@richarddoble5841]

Thanks for all your great free information. I’m 65 and getting back into golf after taking 2 decades off due to a back injury that basically made me afraid to play. As I’m getting back into the game it has changed significantly in terms of club heads, shafts, grips, etc., And I’m trying to figure all this out. I’ve learned a ton from your videos which I’m grateful for. The one thing I’m still really confused about is shaft torque. If you have already done a Video on this I apologize as I couldn’t locate it. If not, I would be grateful if you could explain how it affects the club face and swing. Oh, the other thing I had to lose in getting back into golf was my ego. I can no longer hit my 8 iron 150 which really sucks. That’s more like my 5 iron now. lol.

[@EFGMC]

It's simple, don't worry about torque. The torque will match up based on the flex and weight of a shaft. If you have those right you can assume that the torque is in a good range for you.

[@NetoperekMordulec]

It even more pronounced with driver shafts. Lighter shafts in drivers are disaster - heavier shafts are "smoothing" the swing and prevent rapid and uncontrollable transition from the backswing into the downswing. I have noticed that with lighter shafts it is much easier to cut across the line ending in a typical slice. A great vlog!

[@makemyday1477]

So I instead went with the Brava shaft on my Stealth plus driver and added weight to the head. It worked out well. The swing weight didn’t hurt my club speed and it helped straighten out my tee shots. Finding more fairways and the ball gets out there further than I was hitting it without the extra weight. I watched your videos on those two topics except instead of using the lead tape I just added an additional sliding weight which I put into the draw position and left the original weight in the center position. I think those clubs had a tendency to fade originally and the newer models just added more weight to the club to help them stay straighter. So I came up with this solution and your videos helped me come to that conclusion. I am no club fitter and I may be all wrong but I know it’s working for me 😅 thanks for your help.👍

[@seancook2264]

Having played DG S300/S400 growing up (way too heavy) discovered custom fitting in 2008 and have alway fallen into the 105g region and D3 swing weight for irons. Got fitted for Modus 120 soft stepped for some T20 wedges a few years ago and it was a stroke of genius from the fitter!

[@seancook2264]

Best description I have heard for the shaft in all is guises is Ian @TXG “the shaft is a timing device”!

[@steven3747]

Interesting video. I'd be interested in adding the nuances of graphite vs. steel iron shafts in this analysis. As we "boomers" age and like me, are afflicted by arthritic hands and elbows, graphite is a necessary or tempting transition to make. Since many OEMs are primarily offering light (60-70 grams, max) weighted graphite shafts, many of us need to customize through a fitting. And as another poster mentioned, swing tempo is a crucial ingredient in this as well.

[@j.mccarthy3008]

Very interesting. I have been toying with the idea of going to a heavier weight in my irons. I have to try the lead tape idea. Years ago I went to a Golfsmith (remember them?) club building training. I know just enough to be dangerous. 😮 Thanks for your help.

[@bonksmusic1]

I went for my first fitting , went from 98g nippon gh950 Neo to a dynamic gold 115 mid… everything you mentioned is exactly how I feel about it. Generally, a better feel & more consistent dispersion , most the numbers on a good strike are still similar

[@johncandlish1282]

Very informative video, I play a 125 gram iron shaft and I never increased my clubhead speed when I tested other shafts at 110 and 115 grams, I would agree with you in general but I have seen other golfers who pick up speed when switching to lighter shafts, you seem capable of swinging a 130 gram DG X100 so lighter shafts yielded you no increased speed but for much slower swingers they would lose a few mph in clubhead speed with a 130 gram shaft which is much too heavy and stiff for them.

[@EFGMC]

All that is true if we take things to the extreme. Giving a golfer with a 60mph head speed a 130g shaft is not going to be a good idea most of the time. Every golfer will fit into a weight range, for some that range would be 115-130, for others it would be 70-85. My point is it's better for most golfers to lean towards the heavier side of whatever their range may be.

[@RR-yd2fj]

You have a good way of explaining things without making it too complicated, like this video and the one where you showed how to measure loft with your iPhone.

[@polykoala]

I'm a believer of going heavy(as long as I can handle it) on golf shafts. I have two sets, Nike CCI forged with 130g shaft, and Wilson Staff FGT M3 with 115g shaft. The M3 is supposedly tons more forgiving and easier to hit, but I hit my Nikes way more consistently. Just about every number is way better with Nike. And now, I'm about to put steel shaft in my hybrids.

[@danring505]

Thanks for posting this. I just picked up a set of clubs that have Oban Ct 125 shafts( I don’t know the flex) but I have found the heavier shaft for me helps with feeling where the club is for me.

[@industrialpalletworx3548]

Great video thoroughly debunking a myth. I was certainly in that group that thought lighter was faster. So much so I was using my kitchen scale weighing clubs and shafts trying to match a driver shaft to a particular head thinking it was going to be faster. I was perplexed as to why it didn't perform as my hypothesis suggested. Now I have a better understanding

[@nevvanclarke9225]

You might be able to answer my question. I have a slower swing speed (90). I have had a slower swing speed all my life. I recently got back into golf after about a 10 year break. I'm 55 now. I used to use the nippon NS pro 95 g shafts which I really really love. I'm now using a dynamic gold XP regs which I think they weigh about 115 g and I can definitely notice the difference both regular shafts. I think I'm gonna go back to my nippons NS pro ?

[@1averageamerican]

50yo old 15hc here. I was fitted last year and was surprised to find that I hit heavier shafts and swing weights better. Distance, dispersion, consistency, feel we're all better. I ended up with Cobra King Tour pw-4i and RTX wedges with stiff D.G. S400 TI at swing weight D-7. Have played about 15-20 rounds so far, and I really like these new clubs.

[@wpk286]

Excellent video. Question - my friend (77 y/o) is convinced that switching from his regular flex PXG driver to a lighter senior flex will help his chronic slicing and add more distance. He has a good swing and used to be a single digit handicap. I'm telling him that if he solves his slice, his distance will increase.

[@ddream1313]

Less flex will definitely not help correct a slice.

[@briansmith008]

A young, strong , athlete like yourself will have no trouble swinging a heavy(130g) shaft. Wait until your my age(74). My 130 g shafted irons were like swinging lead pipe. My 155 yard 7-iron carry, over time, slowly reduced to 130 yards. Us oldies need light shafted clubs!

[@azcharlie2009]

I agree. We old guys (77 here) need as light a shaft as they can make. It's even more important that the flex.

[@PeterPula-z9k]

@@briansmith008 my apologies. I’m getting older as well. I’m 50 I haven’t lost any distance yet. But as I get older I’m sure I will. You are right. For senior players or maybe someone had injury a lighter shaft can help you still play the game we love. But for the golfer who can’t hit the ball and they think hmmm it’s I need a lighter shaft. Or a different swing weight. Or hmmm I need a new set. Etc etc. it’s not the shaft or swingweight or irons. Learn the game. Learn how to strike the ball. It’s a wonderful game when you learn how to play it and can strike the golf ball. My first set of clubs were a $15 dollar set of old Wilson staff irons and powerbilt persimmon woods. My dad and myself were driving and saw a yard sale I played those clubs for 10 years . I never knew the swingweight or shaft flex I just wanted to play golf …..I learned the game , learned draws , fades , knockdown shots , spin shots , watched all the great players on tv. And watched what they were doing etc etc It’s a beautiful game when you just play it and enjoy it

[@Onemoreday1623]

130g is no weight though. It's like the weight of 4 packets of crisps It's nothing!

[@BrettWaldemar]

I did a blind test with my normal weight shaft (115grams) and a 105 gram shaft and then a 95 gram shaft. I hit the 95 gram shaft 10 yards farther carry with the 95 gram shaft. No problems with dispersion nor launch angle. With the 115 shaft my 7 iron swing speed was 78 mph and the 95 gram shaft was 82 mph. My swing style is not very handsy at all and maybe this is a factor.

[@daviddegrandchamp2078]

Love your videos. So informative and helpful. I’ve been looking to replace my iron shafts. But never knew how to determine what shaft to go with. And don’t have the money to pay someone to do it. Your videos are helping me choose and replace the shafts myself. Thank you!

[@Menz890]

I went from 120 to a 105 but also dropped weight in the club head much better feel for me. If a club doesn’t feel good when you pick it up mentally it will affect your game in my opinion.

[@mick19421]

Your videos always show how important it is to have a club fitting when getting new clubs. Brilliant watchable and knowledgeable.

[@mksprt]

So true. I struggled with side to side dispersion for over 10 years+ due to playing with lighter shafted irons believing that as I got older I needed to lighten up. I always suspected that my iron shafts were too light since all of my wedge shafts have always been DG X100 130g and I had little to no dispersion issues with these clubs. At 62, I recently switched to heavier shafts in my irons and my accuracy and smash factor (consistent ball striking) have improved tremendously. My accuracy is back on par to what I experienced in my younger days. Of course, the youthful distance is not there, but since switching, I've gained some distance along with the better accuracy. My playing partner has also done the same and has experienced a noticeable improvement as well.

[@jamesyeh5956]

I have watched many of your videos and in terms of club building, I tend to agree with most of the information you offered. However, the say that there’s no difference in how a shaft will respond or how it affects the delivery is too simplistic if not outright wrong. Even for a stronger golfer with faster club head speed like >90 mph for #7i, the effect on CHS may be marginal but the timing and release of the club would be dramatically different even for a better player. The situation will be starkly different for a slower CHS golfer swinging at 75 mph as the mere 30g difference in weight can mean how his cadence can be affected, particularly for someone with a slower transition. The heavier overall weight could mean the golfer struggling to even reach a full back swing. An average +18 golfer with a slow swing and smooth transition can only benefit and likely swing more “in-plane” if he uses a lighter shaft (which is correspondingly softer for his tempo) and instead of erring on the heavier side, he still use the lightest shaft he can handle and not otherwise.

[@EFGMC]

Not sure you watched the video because I never say there's no difference. I do say no difference in club head speed, but there will often be very obvious differences in ball speed, dispersion and consistency based on that weight change.

[@paulkellygolf3671]

Tempo and transition will have a huge influence on what weight works best. The faster the transition the heavier weight usually suits the golfer, As always there are exceptions and no absolutes. Fitting is always key. Good video.

[@travanw85]

Totally agree, I just tried a modus 105 and then a 120 and the 120 significantly improved my contact patch and smoothed out everything.

[@timfagan235]

I was fitted for the Ping 430's and was supplied with 45g graphite shafts. I also have an ancient set of knock off Ping Zings from the 1990's with TT Lite steel shafts. I don't hit the old ones as far (maybe my age?), but I hit them straight and have scored better. Plus, 2 of the 45g shafts have snapped on me and it's certainly NOT because of my clubhead speed.

[@GeorgeBlackshawlivingthedream]

I really enjoy the 130 gram weight in my KBS Tour X shaft, definitely helps with a quicker tempo swing

[@FozDoesStuff]

Totally agree. Tried to play KBS tour x 105 didn’t know where the club head was. Love the KBS Tour x 130. Feel is beautiful imo

[@rstar88105]

Recently I had the fun time of diagnosing what to do with a set of iron heads that were about 10grams under weight after refinishing. This lead me to begin with adding 10g of tip weight (hated it) with the original 130 gram shafts to 115 gram shafts and tip wieght (this was ok but not great) to now the (closer to 100 gram) Nippon NS 950 Neo shafts and adding weight directly behind the sweet spot on the back side of the iron heads. Now the clubs feel right again.😊

[@Bootyman19]

For me personally, I went to lighter shafts to help when I have back problems (130 to 120 in irons and 68 to 58 in driver. The lighter shafts help me to be able to move the club decently when my back isn’t super healthy and also energy up when later in the round.

[@AngusBeef0]

120-130g is heavy

[@Bootyman19]

@@AngusBeef0to me 120g is light enough. Any lighter I start losing the club path and feels too light.

[@petegalindez9961]

Great stuff, as usual. However, I would respectfully disagree with your default to a heavier shaft when fitting…a fitting is done hitting a few shots (10, 20, maybe 30)….however, over the course of a round of golf, the weight of the shaft does have an effect on you…for someone a little older, or who has some physical limitations or ailments (most of us), a lighter shaft would be better off. I used 120g shafts for the longest time. In testing, I hit that shaft very similar to my current shaft over a 20 ball test. But, now 55 with both hips replaced, back issues, and shoulder surgery from a lifetime of ice hockey, I now find hitting a 105g shaft to suit me better over the course of 18 holes. I wound up testing this by buying the different shafts and using each for a range session of 75 balls (though I usually shoot in the low 80s so wouldn’t hit 75 shots with irons/woods when putts are considered…closer to 50 shots). Again, this is all premised on your initial position that if the two shafts give you similar results…with a younger golfer with no issues, I would then agree with you that heavier might be the better way to go….

[@antoniom5440]

Great video, very informative as always. Although IMO "Play the lightest shaft you can control" is a valid concept for everyone. When you suggest to go to a heavier shaft then is simply because the lighter shaft was not the lightest one you can control

[@douglasgardner4004]

Thanks for this info. I've been wondering about shaft weight in my set. Based on what you've posted here I really shouldn't be worrying much about it. I get good ball flight. I had wondered if a lighter shaft would yield more club head speed. Doesn't seem that is likely to be the case. I have tried lighter shafts in a second hand golf shop and definitely had more two-way misses. At some point the shaft gets light enough that I turn the club over too easily. My take away is to play more golf and do less worrying about gear.

[@earlybyrds]

On my irons have gone from regular steel 110g nippon mizuno mp20's hmb to graphite Mitsubishi MMT 70g Pxg's and i have never been happier with the weight and ease to get the ball in the air, specially from 150-210 yards out which are my 8,7,6,5 and 4 irons... Misses are still misses with both but my enjoyment of the game has changed for the better

[@VariousJ]

Swinging your mid iron around 90mph will be better with more mass on the club so 120+ grams will help. For short hitters definitely recommend light shafts + go try them out. Each manufacturer has different kick points and one might just be light bulb moment

[@user-ml5em9ic4q]

It's not just lighter shafts or heavy shaft. it's where the weight is located. My old shafts were 120 gram nippon. I experimented. Purchased 105 nippon, but i put 10 grams in the butt and 5 in the tip. I discovered it allowed me to feel where the club was during my swing, and it quieted my hands. No more flipping. Since the weight was in my hands, the head felt lighter. And it allowed me to feel the release better. My dispersion is a lot smaller. On an unexpected benefit. I discovered a 3-yard draw. Oh on the launch monitor, very little number change. But the feel allowed me to swing better.

[@RobertBarber-s5n]

I started p[aying golf in 1975, but 1978 weekly. amazing how the shaft of the driver now is the lightest and the head is most forgiving and least spinning, which is opposite of what I learned with playing 90 and 100 compression wound, balata Titleist balls. What happens when people play 55-65 gram shafts in their driver, but their irons are 85-120 grams?

[@petersamways923]

Great content as ever, AJ. Thanks. I recently finished reading Tom Wishon's The Search for the Perfect Golf Club (well worth a read for everyone out there) and he mentioned that a drop of 25g in shaft weight would only yield about at most a 1mph increase in swing speed. Your test backs that up.

[@jenniferpaik8299]

Can you do a video on driver shaft weight? And for purposes of having more videos, a separate one for woods shaft weights, wedges, other videos on misconceptions between the flexes of shafts relationship to weight and swing speed (i.e. everyone with 90mph swing speed must use stiff flex and certain shaft weight), and how these factors can affect the ball flight. Maybe even a live club fitting - video for each (driver/woods, irons, wedges, putter)

[@ANTPS32CREWCHIEF]

I have hit Reg shafts my entire life. Was given a set of stiff shafts last week. Holy cow! My ball flight is now lower and my 8i hits, hops, stops. Previously it would come in much steeper, fly higher, hop and roll a few feet. Am changing balls for even more spin.

[@iamawesome6462]

First time someone has addressed this important issue! I actually have higher clubhead speeds using a Project X 5.5 115g rifle shaft vs. a KBS Tour Lite at 105g.

[@mikaelouellette6825]

I think it really depends on the golfer prefer feel and body limitations. I prefer a lightweight shaft, I came to that conclusion when I went to my local 2nd swing store, grab a bunch of different used set with various shaft configuration and headed to the trackman bay. The set up with the heavier shaft didn't correspond well for me and I only swung a 7 iron in the low 70mph. On the other hand, the best feeling used set I was able to hit without putting stress on my body was a set of Mizuno Hot metal 923 HL with Senior ESX recoil 460 in the high 70's club head speed. These shafts are roughly 60g according to the manufacturer website, but didn't want to spend $7-900 on this set, so I got myself a set of Maltby TS3 (6-P) built with fujikura vista pro 50i shaft. for less than $500 new. With this set, I can swing my 7 iron around 76-78 mph according to my lunch monitor.

[@antomaa]

One big thing. I had too heavy shafts eralier. Had a hard time controlling the low point in the arc. Also had the tendancy to hook it more, but due to lie angle

[@toddwmac]

Great vid and I could not agree with you more and I've always questioned the light = clubhead speed = goodness mantra. Thank you. I love the tape and choke methods, but I did have some feedback about applying tape. With the introduction of tape, the shaft is no longer symmetric, it's drag coefficient has increased and ultimately it will slow down the shaft. Also, depending on the exact position of the tape relative to swing path, an introduction of the Bernoulli effect could introduce lift to the shaft and make it nearly impossible to make a downswing that actually makes contact with the ball. At least that's what the guy that wanted to sell me a new set of light shafts told me. :) Always appreciate your content.

[@Cliffy_jr]

I went from 105s to 130s and my consistency improved IMMEDIATELY. I could not agree more that heavier is better.

[@rdalmasso7326]

I heard 2 things, swing weight fro Driver can be very different from other clubs, some pros having D3 on their irons but a C8 on their driver cause of the way they swing it and use it. Also one general rule apparently is, the faster a pro swing the heavier the swing weight will be, general rule again, BUT Swingers tends to have higher swing weight than Hitters, that’s also why many Hitters on tour could go down to C8 for their irons, while Swingers like Rory or Woods can go up to D4 D5 i think

[@bsmith4u2]

Very timely. Thank you. Heading off in the next few weeks to work out what I want in some new clubs/shafts. Moving away from game improvement And very light shafts to more of a players distance combo set.

[@ANTPS32CREWCHIEF]

Maltby from Golfworks are great

[@JDSFLA]

Informative and helpful video. The lead tape trick is something I may try. Thanks.

[@sepetisionelatu5539]

I've played the X100 but not going to Nippon Pro 950GH which is 115g and saves 15 grams of swing weight from my body/back. The Nippong Pro 950GH is a very stable shaft and it fits me and l am just playing the S, not the X.

[@grandpagolf]

Tremendously precious video, many thanks 👏😊. Linked to the shaft weight, which swingweight is best for the average Joe?

[@williamholt1337]

I am going to buy hopely the Takomo 100 or 100t the problem is that I don't know which one to buy I am 63 good shape I think my swing speed is 90 to 110 I shoot between 90 and 100 I feel i still can get a lot better what would you recommend in shaft and model 100 or 100t than k

[@Criscross292]

As always… super valuable Golf fitting content. Thank You!

[@ddpronto1]

Great info, thx! You have a great swing! I get that speed dictates just about everything regarding distance. However, your distance was 171y -105g, 185y -80g, 197y-130g. Was this just the "warm-up-effect"?

[@EFGMC]

I always hit a heavier shaft farther and more consistently. The 105 vs 80 is more just showing the inconsistency for me at the lighter weights.

[@Ken-bo4dc]

Question? I have a kbs s taper lite 100 and I'm interested in the dynamic gold 105. Not much of a difference but when i swung the 105 I thought it made such a difference. Even though it's only 5 grams. I'm still on the fence though. Not sure if it's worth spending the amount of money for only 5 grams of weight. Anyone feel like 5 grams would make a big difference for yall in the long the run? I just don't have the time to experiment 🥺

[@keithkeister374]

I just viewed this video and found it interesting that your shot distance displayed was longer for the 80 over the 105, but that the 130 was longer than the 80. The differences were significant considering all shots were struck with basically the same clubhead speed.

[@barrygoodson4952]

I'm 68 and just started back after not playing for the last 5 years. I thought going to a lighter shaft would be best as I'm 60 lbs lighter and noticeably weaker so I thought 85 gram R flex shafts would work well. I couldn't have been more wrong. I am not using 110. Gram R flex shafts and actually getting back to my old distances which is 148 yd 8 iron and 160 yd 7 iron. I was having trouble hitting 145 yd 7 irons with the lighter shafts. I play TM R9 Tour issue carbon steel C heads which are a nice solid heavier head that I have had for about 12 years but looking at maybe getting some Takomo 101T heads or even 101's to try . I also have a like new set of Bridgestone J38 Dual Pocket cavity forged irons that play great. Both my sets are older but I have never seen that big a difference in good older irons and good newer irons unlike driver where the newer ones do make a difference. Still hitting a Titleist 910 D3 12* adjusted to 10.5 perfectly well. Have a Taylormade Areo Burner 10.5 but the length on it is 45.75 compared to my Titleist at 44.5". I was worriedl shorting the TM would make it too light. All your video are help as I do my own club work and have for about 24 years. Keep them coming !

[@ericwalker4803]

This is a good vid and you make a lot of points I never thought of before. But I have one minor issue. You said you can tell that a shaft is too heavy if after several shots you get tired. I think if you get tired you lose club head speed over the round. If thats true and for me it is then how can you say that shaft weight has no effect on club-head speed? If your right about this then you might want to ask PING about the High Launch G430s who promise more speed for slower club-head speed swingers. The only difference between the HL model and the regular ones is the club is lighter.

[@geoffreypleavin5268]

Surely the swing weight changes also? By adding the lead tape? To the shaft.

[@stephenshaw7980]

What about flex, I was fitted into a light shaft but stiff flex to stop it ballooning. Excellent video

[@danielwiggins4960]

Good video. When adding lead tape to the shaft, I would find the balance point and then put the tape half above and half below. That would have the smallest impact on swing weight.

[@KyleW0806]

How do you find the balance point? Also, is having lead tape on shaft legal? Thanks

[@danielwiggins4960]

@@KyleW0806 Lead tape is legal. Just balance the club on one finger so it doesn’t fall. Where your finger is - that’s the balance point. If a heavier club works better , you would want to replace your shaft for long term use

[@ph469]

Ah, I like that test and will give it a shot..... how do u know how much to add???

[@thinkblue611]

Can you address ball flight? My understanding is a lighter shaft can help increase peak height and land angle

[@EFGMC]

It can assuming the lighter shaft allows the golfer to increase the dynamic loft. But it doesn't always work that way so I wouldn't promise that result.

[@jmrm0478]

I fully agree with the overall explanation of shaft weight, but about the same being translated to swingweight? It is not the same if we swing D1 and D5...

[@EFGMC]

Swing weight is going to be different because you can create all sorts of swing weight by adding weight to different areas or changing length so it can be a little more of comparing apples to oranges to grapes all at once.

[@oceanyt8]

Hi, I had an iron set and cavity muscle and have been using true temper shaft black 90. The iron set is snake eyes 675c and still looks good. But my distance seems stagnant. By changing to heavier shaft, will it makes any difference ?

[@PeterPula-z9k]

Golf shafts , flexes , shaft weight. Swing weight. Flat lie , upright. Etc etc. all these things make differences when you can actually swing a golf club and play golf. The answer is not new clubs , more weight , less weight , blah blah blah been playing golf for almost 40 years your golf clubs are nothing more than a tool to hit a golf ball. Learn how to play. Learn your swing. Not trying to copy someone else’s swing Rather learn your swing …. What your capable of , learn how to hit a draw, a fade , a knockdown , learn how to hit full shots , 3/4 shots , etc etc Stop thinking about shaft weight and club head speed , no shortcuts or easy fixes to get better. It’s not about the equipment it’s about learning how to play golf Old saying it’s not the arrow it’s the Indian. This applies to any sport. If you can play you can play if you can’t no matter what equipment you have you will still suck. Lol

[@alexmills1329]

Tin cup moment, but I absolutely agree with you.

[@justusroloff8209]

While this is true, as someone who rows on the water I can tell you a proper weight class boat, proper inboard/outboard size for your ability oars and so on all make a huge difference. When you get good enough to tell the difference between equipment that’s when it matters.

[@PeterPula-z9k]

Boating is not golf. I get the analogy. But not the same. I play guitar…. They make cheap guitars , expensive , different shaped necks and nut widths , different style of guitars. Flat tops , archtops, classical , electric , then you old vintage guitars , you also have different gauge strings as far as thickness , you got flat wound , phosphorus bronze , nylon strings , mixed sets , silk and steel. Then you could go on to pickups on the guitar Single coil , peizo,floating pick up. Oh then the amps if you play electric. The list goes on and on. Just like golf or any other hobby Guitar players make so many excuses. Yea I wasn’t warmed up yet. Or yea I didn’t know what key we were playing in. Or it’s the drummers fault. Etc etc. I’ve even heard yea it’s the weather the humidity makin my guitar sound off. The. You have guys that can play. They can use any guitar and get the job done …just like golf. Go back to the basics …learn how to play …it’s not your clubs or weight or shafts. It’s your golf swing. A property measured set of clubs proper swing weight and flex etc etc. the difference that will make in any golfers score is not even worth talking about if they can’t play. My best game was 69 I was 23 years old playing with a set of old rusted out Walter Hagen sticks from the 60’s. They were 1 inch shorter ,had regular shafts , and they needed grips. I was on vacation and used a set my buddies grandfather used to play. The golf industry will telling you. Your shaft flex , shaft type , low kick point , grips etc etc. these things will make no difference with someone who sucks or can’t play

[@justusroloff8209]

@ while I agree most of this is a distraction and capitalism at its finest, you need the right tool for the right job. What works and what’s ideal are two different things. But I also think most people need lessons more than a new shaft

[@PeterPula-z9k]

I agree. But they already have the right tool it’s a golf club. New shovel old shovel wood handle or fiberglass. Spade shovel flat or pointed If you need to dig a hole. Then dig. Lol. Hey if your a decent golfer and you like a heavy swing weight or a lighter one. Or you prefer stiff flex in heavy shaft or x stiff in lighter shaft. At least you know the game and know what you prefer. Or your looking for a certain feel I find that just about ever great golfer I’ve played with. And I’ve played with some crazy good golfers few of them were pros all they were focused on and practiced was their swing. I’ve also played with guys that totally sucked I mean terrible. And a bad golfers mentality is …. Dam I need new clubs. More forgiving. I need heavy shafts. Or no. I need lighter one. Or no. It’s the flex. In my experience playing golf for 40 years …good golfers are focused on the swing Bad golfers always are focused on the equipment That’s why I originally wrote. Learn the game learn how to hit the ball. Keep a set of irons for a few years. Get familiar with your tools. Stop focusing on what handle the tool has. Use the friggin thing. Lol. Get good with it. You got fitted for the right weight flex. Etc etc. then learn how to swing the dam thing golf is extremely difficult and the manufacturers know this. Cmon brother it’s business. As long as people buy it. They will keep selling the latest new golf fix that we golfers gotta have

[@carlitosrodriguez7033]

I wonder if it is possible to put lead tape on the rod to increase the weight as a test and in what area of ​​the rod would it be? Thanks

[@ph469]

Ive gone from cast irons w 85g steel shafts to the newer hollow body distance irons w 80g steel light shafts and cant feel the face anymore.... wondered if its the weight and added a lot of if lead tape unsuccessfully.... hoping to experiment w a heavier shaft

[@ph469]

That's tape on the back of the head... not shaft

[@mrneutral5081]

Excellent video. I had a golf lesson and it was suggested that I got lighter shafts. I went for a fitting and the shafts weight recommended was 105g. I ended up selling my clubs and buying a new set of irons, which I really enjoy. Having said that, I’ve got a set of Mizuno MP-59’s with Dynamic Gold S300 shafts, which I bought years ago and hardly used. I have started using these as my practice clubs and really get on well with them but agree I do feel I get tired quicker. Aside from the tiredness, is it wrong to practise with heavy shafted clubs and play with a lighter shaft?

[@EFGMC]

I say why not. I made a heavy practice club to do just that.

[@mrneutral5081]

@@EFGMC Thank you.

[@brodygoalie]

So for s senior 70 yesrs old. Stay with senior fkex but maybe go with s bit heavier shaft? I am 😊using g25 senior flex stock so i have no idea the grams but overall i believe i am spot on with these shafts. But would love to try a different weight

[@EFGMC]

Get some lead tape and run a strip down the back of the shaft. A 10 inch strip starting about an inch below the bottom of the grip will add about 10g of neutral weight. Easy way to test if heavier could improve your strike.

[@jeffnahass8373]

My shafts are heavy. I like it that way. I’m a strong guy. I need to learn more about this. After listening, I’m good.

[@tommynguyen8942]

Wife ordered me a set of Miura ic602 with Mitsubishi Chem. OTi 75g. I can’t feel the club head bc it’s too light and I’m all over the place with them. I play 105g

[@ronaldolson3393]

Pitching and chipping is more accurate and “feel” is better with the heavy. Also light shafts need heavier head to maintain C or D range swingweight range.

[@michaelsliwinski8044]

Opposite

[@TheHookUp]

I recently added some lead tape to my driver after shortening the shaft by a full 2". The good news is I'm hitting it straighter than ever with only a ~20 yard loss of distance (285 carry to 265 carry), but I'm wondering if you have any tips on how to improve the durability of the lead tape, or possibly something to coat it in so I don't feel like I'm getting lead all over my hands every time I pull the driver out of the bag. Thanks.

[@mbillmiller1]

I put clear shipping tape over my lead tape

[@billymills5637]

You need to make sure the frequency is the same for each shaft with the different weights to do a True Comparison. If you choke up on a club to decrease the weight you are making the Frequency Stiffer. Everyone has a perfect frequency. Frequency is what helps to make your shot patterns tighter. As we age a lighter shaft might help with our energy levels in playing a round of golf. It has been proven that if you play with the frequency for your physiological makeup your shot patterns will be tighter. No promises of distance but direction is the key to better shots. Happy Golfing 😎

[@Ducebogies]

Man what cool info I've been following you for a long time and man you've helped me with my own club craft, always some new trick to learn from you thanks!😅

[@markdunn1931]

Nice channel, I play the Apex 2019 irons with the aerotech fc 90. My 7 iron club head speed is 70-75 these seam to be working, also trying to improve my golf any suggestions I might try. Cheers...

[@deepakrampal9200]

Amazing video.. learnt a lot. Thank you.. Please guide, am 60 yrs, 14hcp using mizuno mp 60 irons(mb, forged) dyna gold true temper steel shaft( dont know the shaft weight). Should i shift to graphite shaft or go for lighter steel shafts? TIA

[@EFGMC]

Those shafts I am assuming are the 130g DG that was used in the MP 60. Not sure how light you are planning on, but I would figure that out first. Also do you have pain you are wanting to mitigate with graphite shafts? These will be what determines where to go.

[@oolaspalmas]

I used to play 105g and went to 90g. It really felt that I can put more speed In To my swing and Ball was easier to launch. But misses were much bigger also and distance control wanst really there. Now I use 115g shafts and those are accurate but expence of some speed. 110g could be ideal to my swing since that 115g feels slightly too heavy. I tried 130g and that felt like a workout.

[@Mr.Big33]

Very good channel with solid, scientific knowledge.

[@danb.2605]

Very educational. Although the swing speeds are the same, how about the ball speed? Shouldn't heavier club generate higher ball speed?

[@ANTPS32CREWCHIEF]

In theory. Force = Mass x Accel Velocity or club head speed is meaningless. 9yr old Korean girls hit 230 drives because the club is going faster after impact than before. Most hack golfers' club heads reach max velocity before striking the ball and then as the ball goes forward the club head goes backwards or decels.

[@EFGMC]

I did have the highest efficiency with the 130, ie faster ball speed. Actually second place in this test was the 80g but that could easily just be the sample size.

[@andrescordovez7412]

Great content. Is there any reason why I would find more forgiving to hit with lighter shafts ? I was fitted to 95s I used to play with 65s. My swing speed definitely suggests heavier shafts but I just feel that I hit it a lot more solid and overall easier with the old lighter shafts I used to have. I know miss my dispersion is definitely higher , but I hit it so solid when I use the lighter shafts.

[@EFGMC]

This is a general rule and by no means a one size fits all. Some people will hit more solidly with lighter shafts. The important thing is to try different weights and see what yields the best results.

[@jvw1973]

I completely agree with your assessment...Thank you.

[@davidb8586]

80g graphite shafts in my irons work’s perfect for my slow swing speed. Anything heavier feels like I’m swinging a sledgehammer.

[@TheBigBananaaa]

✳️ I use NS850 reg ✳️ Rose Zhang a LPGA player is using the same shaft ✳️ very surprising..

[@woody5581]

I use a 90g KBS shaft. Need the ball height. It’s stable in my hands too

[@nickmillar9651]

Great info. I have a driver shaft that is 8 grams heavier than the Venus shaft I have. Will the heavier shaft slow down my swing speed

[@dragg292]

Best video I've seen on the subject

[@Kenneth-n9t]

Are u in California.. you seem very honest..I would see u for my new set of irons..

[@EFGMC]

Sorry, Atlanta.

[@FullContactDrummer]

I'm looking for new irons. I have Taylormade SIM irons with a regular flex graphite 65g shaft. I 'feel' like graphite is better since I'm a mid speed swinger, around 100-105 driver. I'm not sure now after watching this. I guess a fitting for irons is in my future.

[@EFGMC]

See what happens when you try a 65g vs 85g vs 105g. Pay attention to both the numbers and what yields the smallest dispersion, but also how the different weights feel when swinging.

[@robertmelvin4493]

It would be nice to know what the swing weight was for each club iron as that can make the club feel heavier or lighter

[@FedericoCarrau]

Today i test taylor Qi with stiff ventus blue i hit 145 carry , with regular 155 and with A ( senior ) 165…….I am still trying to understand !!!!! I am 8.5 index with swing with iron 7 around 78 mph. I appriciate some opinions.