How to Choose the Right Iron Shafts for Your Game

[@brianminnotte9688]

This is the reason i will always click on TXG before any other golf content....super loyal to the GOATS

[@TonyRotella]

As a guy who's likely heading into an iron fitting this season, this is TREMENDOUSLY useful information. Thanks Ian & Mattie-boy!

[@jvelez1998]

Ian is a golf fitting savant. Brilliant insight as always. Best in the biz. 🙌🙌🙌🙌👍👍💯💯💯

[@AL_1547]

The other suggestion I would have is to be careful and aware of what the fitter is trying for you. I went to Club Champion several years back and ended up getting fit into Oban shafts which of course were an additional $75 per club. CC was notorious for this back then, but I went away and did a little research. I went back in and asked if I could try the KBS Tour 90, and it turned out to be essentially the exact same performance for my swing with no up charge at all. The guy wasn’t upset about it, but I have a feeling some of these places will turn to the more expensive options first. He also pulled out the earlier gen PXG heads in the very first batch for me to try back when they were about double the cost of any other club out there. In the end I went from a $250-300 head and $75 shaft in the PXG/Oban to a $160 head and no up charge shaft in the Srixon Z565/KBS Tour 90 with the same or better performance. Needless to say, I decided against going through with the order through CC. It just felt a little slimy to me.

[@Cornish_Maid]

I’ve just been fitted for PXG Gen 5 irons. Because of my age and ailments, I’m going with a recoil dart 75 shaft, with P head, and due to arthritis in my hands I’m having a jumbo max grip. PXG have been unbelievably helpful by allowing me to send said grips to them, so they can accurately get my swing weight of D2. The great thing about these irons is PXG can change the weight in the back of the head to get to the exact swing weight. Absolutely brilliant.

[@garrettsbriggs]

Genuinely one of the most informative videos on the channel. Not that your other content isn’t brilliant but such good insights to be learned. Thanks for taking the time to make this!

[@paulbown3960]

You should do online courses for fitters, it would be amazing if I could go to a fitting and get this kind of advice that you guys have

[@johnk.atchley5079]

Excellent video. I am 82, have played for over 60 years. Two years ago I did a Trackman swing analysis that indicated I had a swing speed of 75 mph with my 7 iron. That iron has a Royal Precision Rifle Lite 120 gram stiff shaft. That heavy a shaft almost certainly reduces my potential swing speed. This year I had a set of the same heads I play built with a much lighter shaft, a Nippon NS Pro Zelos 8 that weighs only 87.5 grams in stiff flex. I do get an increase in ball speed, up to 99 mph, and carry with that shaft. Unfortunately, at the PGA Super Store where I go to use their practice bays, they are equipped with Foresight GC Hawk launch monitors that will give me ball speed but not club speed or smash factor, so while I have worked hard to improve my swing in addition to the shaft change, I do not have an exact current swing speed number. I also understand ball speed depends in part on loft, and my 7 iron has a 34 degree loft. I have a couple of questions. First, in your view can an experienced golfer with a swing speed in the range you say indicates he should use a Senior or A flex, nevertheless still use a Regular flex? Second, every time I see a shaft in A or Senior flex, it is also the lightest version of that shaft. Is there such a thing as a Senior flex shaft that is also the same weight as a Regular or Stiff flex shaft? That is, an iron shaft in the 95 to 115 gram weight but with an A flex? I have not seen such an animal, but you are the experts and would know. Is there a swing type or tempo that would work with a fairly heavy shaft but with an A flex?

[@dustinnelson8002]

Order one and slap it in your 7i

[@RicBergstrom]

Mattie is a freaking MACHINE!!! Amazing ability!! Learned a ton from this.

[@Daniel_a34]

This, 12 tips for a driver fitting, and the “what driver loft should you play” videos are the three greatest videos and the reason you’re a different and elevated channel.

[@setholson8131]

Absolutely spot on pointing out the folly of trying to manipulate ball flight with shaft changes. When fitting, I ask players to think of the shaft fitting process as being much like fitting shoes; the best pair of shoes for you are the ones that allow you to complete the intended task while drawing little to no attention to themselves. IOW the best pair of shoes for you are the ones you don't realize you're wearing so you can focus on what you're trying to do. If you are repeatedly hitting target with a shaft and it doesn't feel too heavy/light/stiff/soft, then that's the best shaft for you. Anything other than that is excessive noise in the system of trying to play the best golf the player is capable of.

[@teewhitt]

This video couldn't have come at a better time... took several years off and gotten older... new club search, and this info is gold! Thanks guys 👊🏼

[@sdennispga]

One of the BEST videos you've put out, period! As someone who often self-fits and always asks you iron shaft related questions, I couldn't have asked for a better explanation...particularly the commentary on temp and load characteristics. Thanks so much!

[@awol10199]

You guys are awesome, I have been fitted multiple times throughout my golfing career and I have never had any fitter go into the detail you do. Even have big fitters like Club Champion never went into this detail. I feel like I’ve been getting shorted all this time.

[@KMSchriver]

Isn’t this channel an affiliate or Franchise of Club Champion?

[@johnverheyen812]

This discussion is exactly the content which made your channel unique when I started following you guys in 2018. Great overall primer on iron shaft selection. 💪💪

[@jaytucker4338]

Here here! Well done TXG!

[@peterbarlock-sf7ws]

Your 20 years experience really shows and it's appreciated greatly. Your explanations are clear, concise and on target. You are true partners with your subscribers and those who should follow your expert team. Thanks!!

[@TheEsteroButcher]

I’ve been playing for 15 years now. Whether or not the beginner understands this “THANKYOU!!!!”this by far the most informative video I’ve seen on iron shafts. You’ll see 500 different videos with the same info. This is by far the best that I’ve seen. Well done boys! Well done!

[@wviti64]

The viewers should acknowledge the value of all this essential shaft fit information in this video. Indeed a life time knowledge summarized. Thanks again guys!

[@matt_sallie]

Systematic, honest, reliable... TXG in a nutshell 🙌 Great video chaps 🍻

[@gerencher]

I think the Mizuno DNA shaft fitter is the coolest thing ... just go to the shop swing a few times and out comes the three shafts best for you.

[@badbilly429]

Unfortunately didn’t work for me fit me into project x 6.0 graphite and I couldn’t get it off the ground thank god I took the set up outside to hit it before buying. Ended up going with the stock mizuno graphite shaft to get the launch up.

[@scotpage5526]

I just got fitted for irons at club champion. I love your in depth expertise. After spending $2,000 I'm a little scared that my fitter doesn't have the level of expertise that you have. The clubs have not been knocking me over so far.

[@JLong2544]

I had a similar fitting experience at CC. I had to come back twice to correct the swing weight as they blamed the club builder at the centralized center. I had to change to steel shaft from too light graphite shaft and swing weight. If you are lucky, you will get a good club builder/fitter otherwise it is like finding a home repair contractor… My dream is to have a fitting with Ian.

[@scotpage5526]

@@JLong2544 I'm with you 100%. Once you watch ian and his expertise and care, it's all down hill from there

[@chrisfreitag2603]

Excellent master class. Great insights and knowledge from the master himself. And who said picking a shaft is easy.

[@jonfister3237]

Great information. Awesome points about not expecting the shaft to dramatically change flight but matching the shaft to your golf swing and delivery

[@colinpastuch]

I needed this video so badly. I also think you guys need to do an educational video on Launch Monitor data and what it all means.

[@gazowens2755]

I just got fitted at Tour issue golf here in the UK for Mizuno jpx 923 forged irons with steelfiber i110 shafts !!!! Deadly accurate. I can't wait till they're built.

[@chefginge8761]

Was just in there fitting for shafts specifically. Was very eye opening about what works best and how weight,flex etc was so different in my current heads. Paul was great through that process.

[@roadtoscratchgolf3481]

Enjoyed the education on iron shafts. It is intricate, excellent reason you need some who really knows his or her stuff, and is NOT just looking for a pay day, but absolutely interested in helping you be the best you can be. Cheers.

[@jaytucker4338]

Ian was soooooooooo engaged on this video!! 11 out of 10. Not that he is ever not engaged...but this one was kinda special. Great video lads!

[@joe_lukes]

This is one of the best videos you guys have put out. For years I’ve heard about tempo and load and could never truly understand what each meant and how they married up with shafts in a fitting. Thank you for providing such a simple and clear overview

[@richardlovell7316]

It’s been a while fellas. Mattie is back. Ian is…well, Ian. The Master. Great play boys! I just have to watch this 10-15 times just to absorb the great content/info. Thanks!

[@jaytucker4338]

A good TXG video is a bit like an onion...it has layers. You don't get it all in the first watch-through.

[@rajp3667]

This channel is Gold!! It’s unlimited tech information yet presented in a very engaging manner. Bringing the technical information to life and showing the practical use of those data points in creating the best fits. Absolutely incredible content. Fan for Life!!!👍👍🤗

[@Cspotrun78]

People used to wack balls around with bamboo shafts...and now here we are! It's really mind blowing! Awesome vid as usual!

[@grahamwatkins3604]

Just started playing muiras and the swing weight is d4. This video came along at the perfect time! Going to buy some midsize grips now!

[@timothydaniels504]

I remember back in the day when Ian Baker Finch won the Open Championship he got an equipment deal with Daiwa Golf. Their clubs became more available in North America. They really pushed the envelope with lightweight graphite shafts that had a tremendous kick through impact. The problem was that there wasn’t much fitting available in 1993-94. Always wondered if Ian lost his game , in part because of equipment issues. You never heard about fitting in those days.

[@flopshotking]

Question. So if you had a guy who was not consistent in swing plan but was in distance how would you go around that?

[@ipotato95]

I swing x flex speed but grabbed 80S Mitsubishi MMT graphite due to excessive hand pain. Been loving the switch and hand feels great now

[@daramaccarthy]

Moved back from Graphite to light weight metal with P790’s - very happy with TM fitting

[@Cheddarsharp]

This video was amazing! Being able to really understand why or how you're choosing what you do will make every future fitting more enjoyable to watch. I'd love to become a fitter and content like this is such a good training tool.

[@arsey5118]

Very clear overview of a complicated topic. Thanks for once again sharing your experience!

[@bmlavely]

I'm getting an iron fitting from Club Champion in two days, so this was pretty good timing to releasee this video

[@tonyk501]

KBS shaft player here in both irons and wedges. Very smooth feeling shafts. These guys also make a very good point in emphasizing the importance of higher-balanced shafts vs lower-balanced shafts. Shaft length is also very important. Don't settle on using clubs that are too short if you're a taller person. Get fitted for the correct length, shaft weight, and stiffness.

[@jaymorin7131]

Steelfiber i80 F2 with a soft-step in the tip is what I ended up with and they feel great.

[@jacklcfc]

Love the video.excellent and informative. I have a question. I was fitted into project x lz 6.0 with the t100s heads. Would I be able to use the same shaft type in a different head (mizuno) and see the same results?

[@garymutch601]

This is great content guys. I’ve spoke to Joel in Glasgow so I’m going to get booked in very soon and get my irons/shafts once and for all. Keep up the good work. 🤙

[@johnsahhar7599]

Can you do a Q&A where we can ask questions? Great video, you answered many of my questions, but. look, I have more...... How do we find the balance point of a shaft? It does not seem to be a variable the manufacturers identify or something that can be determined by looking at a shaft profile graft. My irons have variable weight heads. 4-iron is 250g and PW is 294. How does this fit into the shaft selection? I hope you do more of this. And, I have to say, I have tried many other KZbin stations and, literally, no one is as captivating as you two. Please keep up the great work. Much appreciated.

[@TheeNickyT]

Love the channel and love the videos… HATE that anytime I go talk with any other fitter or golf retail associate I feel like I’m talking to a simpleton because I know that someone like Ian can provide so much more. I honest to goodness don’t feel I can trust anyone in the golf retail world that I ever talk to anymore.

[@Chris_Rowles]

Great video. Next level to this would be going through every shaft on the wall and separating them into; stiffness, balance point, and profile. It’s hard to know since there isn’t a universal way to measure shafts based on those 3 factors. I know EI profiles are the closest thing, but even those are more of a guideline than exact data. Probably too difficult to put into one video, but would love to see a complete breakdown of the everything out there.

[@kevencornett939]

I hope TXG Toronto is this thorough 🤞

[@johnaleixo9070]

Really appreciate this video. Great breakdown

[@ErndogGolf]

This video is getting me PUMPED for my fitting on Tuesday. Awesome stuff as always, boys!

[@ryanbrownley]

This makes perfect sense. I have KBS tour 90 shafts on my clubs in a stiff flex (102g). My swing speed is around 87mph with a 7i but smooth, or it feels smooth to me.

[@nsbc6775]

Love the Cabot swag. What a course!

[@christophercoleman857]

Excellent stuff boys. Really well explained. Thank you.

[@John_Wood_]

Been playing DG-S300 for 25 years, great feel. Rifle/Project X always felt so stiff by comparison.

[@RetiefMoosen]

This video came out at the perfect time for me!

[@seancook2264]

Great Video. Super informative as always! Personally have been fitted for every set of clubs since 2008. Was an early adopter when the guys at Urban Golf (London) were about the only people that used strain gauges for shaft fitting and high speed cameras and golf simulator technology. Built me the best clubs I ever had and also ball fitting. Fitted into Nippon NSPro1050; Super Peening for Wedges. Maybe re or less the same spec 14 years later (Modus 105). Never quite got on with anything else. But defiantly interested in trying some of the graphite options.

[@MrRatFinkster]

Very interesting - when I got fit for my JPX921 Forgeds, I swung like a madman and was clearly swinging out of my shoes so these shafts worked to match my super aggressive swing. Now that I am in the midst of rebuilding my swing, I cannot mesh with them anymore. Lots of factors mentioned in this video might push me to spend more money...

[@raybalberman1575]

1. Heavier shaft weight for plane changers to manage the over the top/more awareness of swing plane? 2. Very interested in ascending weight shafts, but what are the practicalities of testing this during a fitting when most fitting happens on 6 iron? Throw in combo sets like Mizuno JPX923 and it becomes a bit complicated as the 6 is going to feel and perform very different than a 9 iron! Haha

[@Diabolical_Prankster]

I really love the feel of my Accra iSteel Green.

[@adamspencer9280]

Great information and a video I will bookmark.

[@ryansavarese6471]

Would love to see a video like this for driver shafts. I find that market difficult to navigate with so many different options

[@garrettcole8533]

Such a well done informative walk through. Thank you! It’s a dream of mine to get in for a TXG fitting.

[@AussieBob999]

Wish I had seen this before. I have been to many manufacture based 'fittings' and all they did was recommend their standard shafts and no options were given (too hard?). You guys have the best approach, (totally independent). The only place I could find near here that had 'fitters' jad them all specialists in one brand or two. - the Titleist fitter recommended their brand and the Ping fitter the same - guess what so did the Taylormade. After all that I asked the manager (big place) if there was any 'independent' fitters - and he looked at me like I had 2 heads. If someone did what you did in Australia they would do very well - but the Aust PGA would probably shut them down. Wish I lived near you in UK. PS - I ended up with Ping as their fitting process was far more comprehensive.

[@tellwilliams4493]

Love this video would love a video on 1 to 2 inch long graphite shaft with low swing weight. The reason for the longer chefs back injury and right arm injury seven iron swing speed between 77 and 79. Driver‘s 89-94

[@robchapman3514]

Seriously considering a trip to Canada and getting a fitting from Ian

[@marymckenna5524]

Thank you!!! Will be viewing this video several times and taking notes. Sometimes "fitters" are tasked with selling product as their primary goal. With this information, I can screen out the sales people posing as fitters. Edit: Does your experience fitting senior women golfers with sub 70 mph driver swing speeds change any of your recommendations?

[@mikewilliams1479]

Well I understood some of it but got lost a bit when it comes swing types. Nice video over all. Made my choices simpler for my DTC buy now. Sticking with KBS Tour 130 for irons and wedges and Accra Tour RPG Z for my driver and long hybrids

[@ryanmurphy8895]

I used to be dgx100s in old mix mp59, then I got fit for Cobra cb/mb and the $taper put the ball in a better window and I timed it better. I don't play as much anymore and wanted some help, also I had WAY too much spin. Went zx7 with modus 120x and love them.

[@thedude271]

Excellent video! I’ll be very interested in the Axiom iron shaft review. Hopefully it’s coming soon!

[@ftball90]

Best video you guys have ever put out!

[@awsedr122]

I've been waiting for a shaft video!!!

[@chrisengland1]

Great video & it’s taken me many sets to finally get it right

[@BiologistRyan]

also trying out different swing weights. Ive found out I like a light swing weight.

[@hansflatz1795]

Really interesting, thanks for going over it.

[@scottyeaman8377]

Great stuff fellas !!!

[@jasonmaestre1355]

great video guys , very interested in the new axiom iron shafts , I hope you will be doing a review on these

[@rlbjr]

Awesome video. Unfortunately very few fitters have this knowledge and actually look at these things in a fitting. Anyone know of a fitter that is capable of this level of detail in the NJ area?

[@nol_clss]

Thank you. Love this video post- so informative!

[@clubchampionmedia]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@allboutthemojo]

​@clubchampionmedia do you know if there are shafts out there that weigh 120 grams but have regular flex? I'm looking for 120 / 125 but everything I see from kbs or true temper is a stiff flex in that weight. Everything regular flex seems to be maximum 110 grams

[@chrishudson348]

Hi Ian, I hope you're well. Great video as always. I've decided on a new set of Srixon irons ZX5/7 Combo. Unfortunately I can't flyout to you! So could you recommend someone here in the UK where I could visit for a custom fit, that has similar knowledge and expertise as yourself. Thanks in advance, CH

[@ChristopherBurress]

It would be interesting to see what difference a very mismatched shaft would have for a player. Many of us are playing whatever clubs and shafts came in the set or what we could afford at the time. If im swinging 95mph with regular 80g graphite shafts what is that doing to my ball flight compared to the proper fit and weight shaft.

[@zacharymilos392]

Guess those lessons w Scott paid off... Casual whip crack of 104chs 7i lol 😮😮

[@canadamike6397]

Fantastic! This was amazing!!

[@andresschwender1596]

Best Video ever from you

[@TRIKushbeachside]

I would love to see a video about fixing certain misses. Example: I am a decent player but recently I have developed a serious issue with chunking irons , particularly in the wedges and short irons. Once that starts it bleeds into the rest of my bag and I’m in trouble. I’ve been working on my grip and my mid/long irons are flying really nice for the most part but I’m now loosing drives with a cut/slice a lot of the time. I know that’s a very broad statement but a video on a way to fix those tendencies would be awesome. Maybe a quick clip about proper grip and take away. A video about stance and weight distribution. When I play my best my misses are on the thin side, my worst is when I start seeing fat shots. I would love a video to address relatively simple ways to try and combat issues like that. Shooting a 78 one day and a 90 the next week is maddening to say the least.

[@druidz1001]

Are you seeing a golf coach out of interest?

[@jasonwiercinski5250]

Finding the right shaft for my irons was not easy. I knew I needed an x flex but found out the hard way that not all extra stiff shafts are created equal. It took me three shaft changes before I took a chance on some KBS C-Tapers. Im convinced there isn't a better shaft than those for high clubhead speeds.

[@kylesinclair203]

🤯🤯🤯 You truly are the master……

[@waynepark4430]

Excellent educational information.

[@sgasax]

brilliant video. thanks guys.

[@naimjivraj6052]

Interesting, at least for swing speed. I was around 87-90 mph swing speed (88mph avg) with my 6i at a TXG fitting and I was fit with DG R300 95g shaft for my irons (T300 5-GW).

[@mashedpotatoes5276]

That’s wild, no way

[@canyonaro]

If they feel good and your dispersion is good, then that's great. Most of shaft stuff is voodoo. Everything is player dependent. Extra tough with good players - I can hit R, S, or X just fine if you give me a few swings to adjust. A lot of it comes down to pure preference.

[@DanCarnall]

Great video lads. Could you tell me where the old rifle f.c.m shafts would fit in with swing characteristics e.g. smooth transition or a heavy loader. Thanks

[@bowhunter6852]

Great info! Thank You!!

[@tellwilliams4493]

I think more players fit into the Mike club shaft fitting category stiffer shafts with the lower irons like pitching wedge and more flexible shafts in the six iron category

[@Ecka63]

Awesome video boys, love your work!

[@stephenchrishanson]

@Club Champion (Ian) ..... when fitting, if someone likes a particular grip (lets say a midsize less tapered style grip) do you make sure that person is using that grip when testing out different shafts/heads? That way the feel and/or swing weight is truly what they like/need?

[@jontwibell2467]

Great stuff guys!

[@justinsikorsky4699]

This was very helpful information.

[@r.wakefield521]

WOW! That was an excellent video!!!

[@johnguillaume5919]

Excellent…thank you! Most of us have been fitted using that Mizuno iron shaft analyzer gizmo. It feels like that’s an easy button for 90% of fitters in my experience. What are your thoughts on that device?

[@craigwoody3243]

Hey guys. I note you don't talk much about KBS but they seem to be common on iron sets..eg kBSs tour lite

[@haydenspencer-gx6xz]

Recommendation for higher balance point iron shafts? I play 1/2" over standard length.