The True Role of the Golf Shaft

[@justinstephenson9360]

The key thing about both Mark Crossfield and TXG is that their views are based on data and repeatable tests but both also repeatedly state that the test are based on their swings and other people may get different results. I watch both TXG and Mark, some of the most interesting and informative videos out there. Now what is needed is for TXG to get Mark over to Canada for a shaft test across multiple shafts - a real good shafting!!

[@billryan8707]

Justin Stephenson Bill Ryan. Windsor. They are both outstanding groups and I have watched mark cross field for years he is brutally honest TXG guys are as well

[@AUSSIEGOLFREVIEWER]

Well said mate

[@OpaKnows]

I enjoy a lot of the stuff from Mark Crossfield, and I hesitate to criticize folks in a comment section. But I do feel that Crossfield speaks from a slightly cynical point of view, and maybe rightly so. For every honest golf equipment seller out there in the public, there are 5 that just want to up-sell anyone and everyone, having no or little regard for the player's need. TXG fills a huge hole for guys like me. I think Crossfield believes he is serving his clientele to the best of his ability. I choose to learn from a wide spectrum of resources and leave out that which does not benefit me. I appreciate you guys!

[@OpaKnows]

One other point: I appreciate your objective, by-the-numbers methodology. It is refreshing that you show us the data, then let us decide.

[@clubchampionmedia]

Thanks! We appreciate that.

[@leslieburns5095]

Absolutely

[@ScottDreyfus]

sabr686 it's that whole British stiff upper lip attitude!

[@devinwright131]

sabr686 I emphatically 2nd your main comment here.

[@billyferris3349]

Best channel on KZbin. Got new irons today and I knew so much more as far as what questions to ask. The numbers on the screen (ball velocity, dynamic loft, etc.) also meant a lot more to me than before I found this channel. Thanks for making me better educated on this stuff. I wish I lived close enough to come to you guys for this stuff.

[@notbyalex]

Another stellar video. I like this channel so much because you guys bring a new, fitters perspective, on golf equipment that most instructors and journalists can’t bring to KZbin and print. And being fitters you guys have access to all the resources most don’t, and you guys use it to help educate. Best golf channel by far!

[@timothydaniels504]

Returning to golf after a 12 year break, I’ve found the quality of information from TXG and Mark Crossfield to be exceptionally helpful. Having aged by twelve years during that time, I’m very tuned into the feel and response of a golf club, pro and con. Love Mark but the TXG guys have my confidence on this topic. Every part of the club has a role.

[@anthonymckenzie7951]

Great, objective video Team TXG! Not sure why there is so much venom against Mark Crossfield by some viewers, but as someone that has viewed his content and an ardent fan of this channel, the more pure objectivity Ian and Matt brings to assessments provides more confidence in their findings. Ian did a great job explaining why Mark saw some of his results without attacking him. That is much appreciated professionalism, which some viewers need to learn from.

[@clubchampionmedia]

👍

[@mikecook8059]

This is part of what makes your site so special. Logical, non-emotional fact that does not benefit any company, just your customers!! Outstanding explanation as to Mr. Crossfield’ s inaccurate statements!! Keep up the fantastic work. Looking forward to your next video!!!

[@Struieboy]

I’ve been fitted by some of the best club fitters in the UK and had hundreds of lessons from teaching professionals who have coached PGA and LPGA players. Nothing has yet been able to overcome my sheer lack of talent.

[@joemannella5519]

This is such a great example of a professional response to another professional. You guys do such a great job presenting your point of view while respecting the point of view of Mark. Great job gentlemen, very interesting stuff.

[@rohanmostert4975]

Have just watched Mark's part 2 video. My summery of all this; shaft does matter, however just coz i have a certain swing speed does not put me into a determined shaft. To find the best club for me i first need to select the club head that gives me the best launch (best FOR ME), and then try lots of shafts that provide the most consistent results FOR ME.

[@andrewooo001]

You guys have such a holistic approach to your craft, I absolutely love it. So much knowledge on this video. Keep up the good work!!! 🤙🤙🤙

[@Manoster101]

It's a touch and go area I believe and it's different from person to person. I guy with a good swing can make a good swing with any shaft if they have good club face awareness. As a fine tuning thing I agree. I have a 115 mph club head speed but I got fit with a stiff shaft instead of an extra stiff. I have a 80g stiff shaft because for some reason the extra stiff made me more inconsistent on the club face. It was weird for the fitting Pro as well as he said my swing doesn't have massive mechanical faults and I have fast club speed but, as soon as he strapped an extra stiff shaft 65g on, which he said is the avg for my numbers, my dispersion was all over the place and I even hit 2 sky balls. The shaft felt wrong for me as well, almost like I have a different swing and my timing was off. Then he placed me in a stiff shaft thatch heavier, take note I am a big guy (rugby player), my dispersion became better than my previous shaft and I even gained 2mph and 20 extra yards om my driver. He said the shaft is a bit stiffer than a normal stiff shaft but, he thinks it has something to do with the load I am placing on the shaft and the extra stiff shaft made me release to early, causing my swing to get out of sync. I am not an expert, but what I have seen from my Iron re shafting and what I felt with my driver re shafting, it can make a difference in dispersion and feeling but, it is more connected to your specific swing and timing. When I re shafted my Irons, my dispersion came in by at least 35-40 yds and I gained 10 extra yds on my irons(not that I need any more distance) but, I also gained height, and more back spin. So my irons rolled out less, they where going further but instead of rolling a 6 Iron over the green I was able to land and stop a 7 Iron on the green. Take note that My old shafts where a 90g KBS stiff from when I was still in school where my new shafts are a 120 modus pro. It also made my misses more consistent. I know Mark, have been a follower of him for years and his a good golfer, but out of personal experience, re shafting will help you if you are not yet so good and so aware of your swing that you can change your angles to compensate for you swing mechanics. My re shafting made me play much more consistent and gave me more confidence in my swings. It is expensive tough, but for someone wanting to start playing golf again or I would recommend it 100% as it;s less expensive than buying new clubs, especially where I live, and I am striking my balls better than I ever had. I am much more consistent with where on the club face the balls hit and I have a natural fade now, trying to switch it to a natural draw. The most important of it all is I have consistent misses now, which I never had, so I know to aim a bit more to the right as I miss left with my irons if i miss and to aim more left with my Driver as I miss right when I miss my driver. It helped me hit a lot more greens and fairways, hell I have even made some greens with one shot on short par 4's by catering for my miss and draw with a driver. I for one believe in a re shafting as it helped me. Just make sure you are doing it with good people who won't try and pressure you into buying new clubs.

[@billryan8707]

You and Mark both are totally valid and honest in your methods And I test a ton of flex’s and shafts to the extreme And a good feel player will adjust to anything and results never cease to amaze me Bill windsor🇨🇦

[@performanceinsurancegroup1313]

I experienced this very thing in my own fitting with Ian while working through various shaft alternatives and I’m in mid handicap player. As we narrowed it down, the launch conditions between the two finalists varied only slightly but in my case the Accra shaft had a better strike pattern and thus that’s the shaft we went with. A key point is that the science here works for players of all skill levels.

[@mattschanne9696]

Love the approach of this video not an attack at Mark just knowledge providing and i love the start saying we weren’t surprised and his tests were accurate and stating that changing the shaft isn’t going to change everything for you and i LOVE the information both channels provide and i think too many players look at a shaft as this is a low launch or high launch etc and it will change their results and scores immensely...GREAT INFORMATION AND TESTING AS ALWAYS FAN OF BOTH CHANNELS AND ITS AWESOME SEEING THE IDEAS BEING SHOWN AND DISCUSSED IN A PRODUCTIVE WAY AND NOT BASHING ONE ANOTHER

[@oakcctrk]

Ok haven’t gotten through the whole video to be fair because of work will finish later. I still stand by an earlier comment the shaft is a timing mechanism and is like fuel in a car the right fuel will make an engine perform better. The right profile of a shaft can help you feel your swing better to help find center more. I’m an avid crossfield fan and love you guys too. Here was my take away mark was saying that lessons will help you improve your strike point more for an average golfer than just getting a new shaft. More so learning what your swing characteristics are. I love your points of view are and I think both you and mark are correct.

[@Sp-mv5ki]

Really superb information and detail as always guys on shaft explanation and keep up the great work, I have yet to see anyone else explain things in this level of detail that is also understandable

[@Gwilson275]

I just paused this at 5:15. When I got fit for my I200 irons, the shaft definitely changed strike location. With the AWT 2.0 shaft Regular flex was out on the toe, Stiff was on the heel (or possibly vice versa), Stiff Regular in between the other two(Japan Spec) was centre of the face. I also saw this with other flexes on the shafts Ping offer.

[@AlanWoo]

I rarely leave comments on KZbin videos but this was a really good video guys and valuable education of the role of the shaft! I’ve argued this many times with my friends and couldn’t quite put it into words. Keep up the great work.

[@randalllaframboise360]

I've watched Crossfield's videos about shafts in the past, and the only conclusion I can come up with is that he is tremendously consistent, both in loading the shaft and delivery of the strike. His technique is so "median", that his timing lets him get away with swinging pretty much everything. Great for his swing, not so much for everyone else, who may exhibit swing characteristics that are not close to the "model" of an ideal swing. Everybody has idiosyncrasies, but Mark's swing is probably closest to vanilla perfect as I've seen. You're spot on with the shaft as a timing device...each shaft has characteristics, like fingerprints that will fit a particular golfer, warts and all. But when we talk about fitting a shaft to a human being, it's the other way around - we are fitting a human being to a shaft. Humans are the ones with all the habits and faults, not the shaft. The shaft is part of the tool set if you will - most everyone can use a hammer because the characteristics of the handle, the weight and limited joint involvement makes the learning curve shorter. The golf swing involves more joints, more inclusion of body weight, and obviously more involvement in technique. And everybody is different. For Crossfield to say that shaft fittings don't matter is a bit of a disservice, but I understand the undercurrent of what his counterpoint is, that some people can get taken with respect to improper fitting and unscrupulous sales tactics. Still, practically every sport played on earth customizes equipment for the individual, and golf is no different. And a good fitter or golf professional works with the person in front of them. Good golf equipment is like eyeglasses - they make you see better, not confer sight on the individual. The last I checked, dispersion was still important, as well as strike consistency and proprioceptive feel with respect to the implement one uses. How can the most influential part of a golf club be discounted? Give everyone a steel rod to use?

[@ronlandry7672]

Love the software disclaimer! Another informative, well thought out video. Had some preconceived thoughts about the purpose of shaft and your videos have really opened up my (and frankly thousands others) understanding of club design and fitting. Great stuff.

[@JJ-lm4pg]

Great stuff as always. I have been here since 200 subscribers and I do not plan on leaving!

[@AUSSIEGOLFREVIEWER]

Sasho Mackenzie and ping do great work, I have spoken to Sasho and he said he just does the studies, he shares the finding and people can take what they want from that. People react to what they see and feel and that's what mark is saying. Shafts change things definitely, but still it's the person on the end of the stick that reacts. Great content as always boys

[@paulwilson774]

So very informative, you two are the perfect comb Matt hitting balls & Ian the Oracle of golf club/shaft technology👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@andystone5493]

I have tried a number of different heads and shafts over the past 2 years. I play to a 13 HC and can honestly say that the shaft is the MOST important aspect of my driver. I recently put a Kuro Kage XT 60 Stiff flex in my M3 and immediately started finding more fairways. My last round was the 3rd full round with this shaft and I hit every fairway. Can't remember the last time that's happened. In my opinion, there are heads that look better to each golfer's eye but at 460cc most are more similar than they are different. I can't believe the difference this particular shaft has made for my 100-105 mph swing speed. Not trying to oversell this particular brand, but I can't say enough about the world of difference the shaft made to my strike location on the face. If it weren't me, I don't think I'd believe it.

[@mancest]

just amazing explanation. Thank you guys for coming back to this topic. So much to learn about fitting and you guys are bringing the goods.

[@fernandoberoiz5083]

I have followed Mark Crossfield for long time and I have to say that you guys are I a totally different and much more interesting dimension

[@philovenell5644]

Really happy to see this video and the comparison with Mark's video. I'm still learning and all of this kind of information helps my understanding of the dynamics.

[@robhampton6216]

Keep up the great work guys, easily understood.

[@ScottDreyfus]

I'd love to see this test with someone who is extremely quick takeaway, and hard load through transition. Crossfield and Dan are smooth release and Matt builds momentum so smoothly the shaft weight didn't seem to effect them as much. Personally my tempo is quick and I struggle to find the face with a lighter setup.

[@andyh7889]

Agree. I've got a very quick tempo and hard transition and my GC Quad shows a WILD difference under the same testing conditions.

[@brendengeim7553]

Super interesting conversation. I really enjoy when you guys get into the science behind why and how club or shaft design changes swing results. Really great stuff!

[@logankelch4869]

I hit every driver I have ever hit out of the heel. I have tried to changed my swing, slow it down, stand closer, further away, I stood almost 8 inches away from the ball and I still hit the heel... it’s in my swing. Would a shaft really help that? Great videos guys! Keep up the great work and the awesome information! Best show for fitting and tech!

[@sduke39]

Great stuff guys. It would be fun to see Mark at TXG

[@jonh.1685]

Thank you for the content and viewpoint. I enjoy this channels clubfitting centric approach to equipment. It is easy for a part of the complete club to be over emphasized. What is often lost in the over analysis of parts is the lack of respect of unique swing characteristics as you mention, and a complete club is not the sum of the parts.

[@torokitchencabinetsllc3577]

I like Mark Crossfield. He's a bit of a dominant babbler. Though he is entertaining and quite sharp. I also like that he couldn't help himself but to lay it on the line and say that, even though he knew it would cause trouble. I also think both of you are correct. The Subliminal bio-mechanical shift in the hands to accommodate a different flex profile is a good observation towards the idea of the human machine and how sensitive it can be. I personally swing about 107 to 110 mph and use stiff shafts in most of my clubs...And I prefer the KBS over the True Temper. Except in an Adams Hybrid that I have. That club shaft is a Mitsubishi Fubuki Ax 350 Regular...I wouldn't change it . It's an amazing combo for me. One of my favorite clubs. The club head is light weight. So It doesn't require the added shaft stability. The weight of the club head in concert with the shaft profile matters...And if you lose two extra swings at the ball per round because you have perfectly matched club and shafts throughout your set...That's a lot... if you're a professional. Could mean you're making cuts instead of driving home. Even if your just a home course player...Might mean you never pay for lunch. Also: You also saw that Dan in Marks video said he wouldn't change to a ladies shaft. The Psychology of it. Personally....If it would help me win more rounds I'd play a full ladies set and enjoy it. I would love to take my friends money after beating them with ladies clubs.

[@reidthompson1825]

Best channel on KZbin. Glad I found it from gear dive podcast convo.

[@petemajor4454]

Interesting listening. I've been playing Aldila NV Rip'd 65 Stiff 3.8 torque. 90mph SS Switched to NV Rip'd 65 Reg 4.4 torque. Never missed so many right. Felt the clubface was lagging/staying open. Switched back to stiff regained some consistency. Recently picked up an Aldila Tour Green atx 65 stiff 3.5. Didn't realise at time but it is a TS which sits between S & X. Tried it out and have never hit so many drives out of dead center. No obvious loss of distance but may gain more roll when fairways dry out.😎 Tried a few lightweight shafts as now 62 but found them all going low right? My conclusion is Torque is a big factor.

[@blakeh81]

Ian the man who’s hair never grows 😬. Great content as always guys!

[@mikebest634]

Very good video guys,I really hope you do a section on fitting a true x flex shaft to good low to mid handicapper (under 90 mph swing speed) , that really must show flex matters .

[@jaripelto-piri2993]

Could you talk about or test shaft spine alignment/puring/neutral bend point? Is it bs or something we all need? STT Pure website lists tour players with pured shafts and there's a few big names.

[@donaldbarar6877]

Gentlemen, Thank you for putting this video together. I continue to learn a lot about the science of golf from your content. In order to reduce elbow issues I am considering changing to graphite shafts for my irons. It would be terrific if at some point you could make video about differences between steel and graphite shafts for irons. Don Barar

[@jnjfleming]

Great video and would like to see steel vs graphite as well.

[@shanesmith5917]

Guys, I would love to see Mark come in to TXG for a fitting. I think it would be very educational and entertaining. I really enjoy both channels. With Marks swing I think it would be very interesting to see if Ian can help Mark with his #262 😊. I am sure it would be an awesome session. Excellent work guys, keep it up. I would love to come in for a fitting, but its a long way to go from Vancouver Island.

[@clubchampionmedia]

There's direct flights to and from Toronto/Victoria 😆 - took one myself last summer. Beautiful place!

[@danielc114]

Love this video, has really opened great conversation and debate . For mine once you have a solid swing (solid not perfect) shaft can help a lot, don’t know any tour pros using reg shafts, but if your a 20 handicapper shafts will still help to an extent as well. I really think we would all love to get lesson, make changes and have clubs changed to help suit.....perfect world hey

[@kirkreed7481]

Great video. I wish there was a portion in there where you talk about the weight of the shaft 50g,60g,70g ect and what affect that can have.

[@nigelday001]

You guys are awesome, thank you for the time and effort put into all your videos.. the content and the way you discuss this is second to none 😉🏌️⛳️🍻

[@paulkelly2168]

Outstanding content guys. Love watching the videos and learning from all the information you give.

[@harrykorver9690]

nice vid with again some interesting insights. Mark Crossfield is a pro who advocates measuring instead of guessing. But also is enough down to earth to say that a lot of the technology is making just minor differences and that swing and strike is more important. great to see you more or less come to the same concusion!

[@slice2scratchgolf302]

Another great video guys.. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@devinwright131]

The role of my driver shaft is especially heightened because I mostly play on a tight championship course where you HAVE to masterfully shape it both ways off the tee to shoot a great score. Every hole is dog legged with overhanging trees and bunkers in play. Only one hole of the par 4/5’s is straight on the entire course, and even then there’s a bunker in play on the right edge of the fairway and tight tree trouble all down the left. In addition, most greens are raised and sloped making positioning off the tee all the more important and can change given different pin locations and wind direction. A swing/shaft/head combo that eliminates one side is a no go for me. I spend a lot of time on the range working on the 9 flight boxes and accuracy. If equipment hinders that then I’m in trouble at the next week’s match. On the plus side, I tend to eat more open courses for breakfast 😊

[@thebigeasy8609]

Another beauty of a vid guys! Love content. So interesting. Well done.

[@alanlovesgolf3462]

Great video gents, very clear explanations. Love you guys.

[@zxgopher]

I think an awful lot of people are missing the point. I can’t help feel Mark is trying to say... if your a 15 HC with a wild push slice, a €500 shaft will not fix your swing or make you a 10 HC. You can’t buy skill. To be good at golf takes hard work, not expensive shafts

[@eleson00]

Really looking forward to the Ping Lab stuff! We can discuss heads and shafts as much as we like, but nothing has made more impact in golf than the emergence of launch monitors!

[@chrisrichardson5309]

packed with info as usual......great video

[@Spongerob0]

One curious thing about Marks video test was the difference in shot dispersion between the 2 shafts. They mostly covered the shot characteristics like spin and ball speed but ignored the pattern. The shot pattern on the ladies shaft was a third of the size. That's very significant but it was ignored. The test golfer could have upped the loft on his driver and gamed it. He didn't like the feel of it but I would sure learn to love doing stripe shows in the fairway all day. Great job as always guys!

[@eleson00]

I'd agree on that, the precision of the Lady shaft was ugly good. But if Dan (or anyone) don't like the feeling of it, it will never make it to the tee. An explanation of the tighter pattern would be interesting, is it so easy that the softer shaft is more of a rope, and hands can't affect it as much, it just becomes an extension of the swing plane?

[@michaelslinger6903]

Shaft can totally change strike point. I was labouring with an Atmos Black with strikes all over the face and no consistency. Changed to a Hazrdus Yellow and the strike is much more centre than ever. Was a great change.

[@albertofernandez-sanguino3373]

Wow, great video guys! This has certainly opened up Pandora's box though!! Looking forward to seeing any follow up vids because this is a huge topic which could run for months!! Btw am currently using a shaft from yesteryear - a Graphite Design Pershing 65 stiff in my driver. What"s the bend profile and torque on this? Am simply loving it!!! Thanks for sharing, very educational and informative as always. 👍

[@theboombapp6351]

THIS IS WHY YOU GUYS NEED TO BE ON TGC. Much like Covid -19. People just do not believe what you are saying. I am a true believer that the shaft can make or break ones game.

[@petercusanelli5663]

What do you feel about the Mitsubishi grand bassara shafts in epic star irons. While very light they feel stable and good swinging 82 mph with 7 iron... I am a low ball hitter and this launch high even with crazy low loft on irons.

[@stevesjohnson4902]

You guys are too kind. Crossfield, in my view as I watched his video, was clearly suggesting that shafts were highly over-rated. I came away thinking that he wants to convince us all that club fitting was far less important than his Lessons. Now I don`t doubt that his Lessons could help me and others but he wasn`t doing a fair evaluation of the value of both! I would have to say that your videos are much more objective than those made by Crossfield!

[@adl9705]

I hit too golfs with such beautiful tempo and I have recorded my swing multiple times and I can definitely have more shaft lean and distances are within 5 yards of mine. I can’t have any shaft lean with mine, I have to really really try. Do you think I should go with a different profile?

[@sirnorbertsmith9435]

i struggle with the feel but I do work on visual effects better...what would be the best method for me to get fitted, is there any difference from indoor/outside fitting?

[@rufussthoo4083]

Speaking of deflection, I'm guessing that 45mm of droop and nearly 80mm of lead deflection at impact on my 6 iron, is a bit excessive and that I should be looking at firmer shafts (in conjunction with swing adjustments). Do you think the excessive deflection is a contributing factor in my high, low-spin and fading ball flight, or is it more likely to simply deliver inconsistent strikes?

[@ndeproperty1735]

Orange Tour AD is the best looking.

[@hudsonrilke]

Mark made some interesting points. Mainly that lessons will help more than a change of shaft and its human nature to adapt to changes or perceived changes. I’ve watched a fair few of your vids and your knowledge of equipment really helped people get the right club head and the right shaft. The fine tuning seemed to help with dispersion Makes me think that it helps with feel on the back swing, leading to consistency. My swing is so inconsistent a shaft change wouldn’t make that much difference. I’d like to have seem a Mark have a high mid handicapper try the same test.

[@zacharymilos392]

#1 source for technical golf talks on the internet! Keep it up. PS - I've seen Lexi swing in person and it's no surprise she loads the heck out of the shaft...What a hitter. Also, what is your opinion on the regular Rogue vs the G400 Max? Did Matt test it and just not like it?

[@clubchampionmedia]

Liked the regular Rogue as well, just for me not quite as good results as with the G400 Max. The Rogue is very good on ball speed, and off center hits too.

[@benh580]

I got a personal question about iron shafts. This season I've changed my irons from taylormade r7 reg flex (I know they are old lol) to ping g series stiff flex. I've lost about ten to fifteen yards but I'm way more consistent in dispersion. Could my swing speed have changed? Or, could the reg flex create more energy, because hit with them I feel more of a sling shot effect if that makes sense. Also, the r7 7 iron is, I believe 2 or 3 degrees more loft than my new set. Also, I swing around 90 mph for my 7 iron, at least that's what it was when a few months ago.

[@clubchampionmedia]

That is interesting since the loft are stronger on your new set. Sounds like you're getting more spin with the new irons, which would account for both the shorter distance and more stable ball flight.

[@camgilbert9073]

why were you playing regular shafts if you're swinging at 90 mph with a 7 iron? seems a bit soft to me

[@benh580]

Cam Gilbert Golf my regular shafts were my first set from 8 years ago or so. My swing speed was a lot Less back then.

[@camgilbert9073]

Ben Harris makes sense. 90 is quick for a 7 iron. I’m at 93 with a 6i. Quick tempo though. C-Taper 130X was the direction I went with my irons

[@benh580]

Cam Gilbert Golf I also just went to the golf store and it seems my swing speed has gone down. I was trying drivers and my speed went from 105 down to 95 - 99. So, I think my 7 -iron went down too.

[@matthewgove7980]

Can a driver shaft length influence the angle of attack? If I’m playing a 45” driver and have an avg angle of attack around -2 would a 44” or 44.5” length neutralize the negative angle or potentially nudge it to a positive?

[@clubchampionmedia]

Shorter shaft would tend to make your attack angle more negative, not more positive.

[@johanmelander4521]

Is it possible to add launch, peak height, by changing driver shaft? What does shaft weight do? Have you talked about this? If so, in which video? Many thanks!!!

[@clubchampionmedia]

It is possible Johan, we haven't done a video specifically on that yet though. Best thing to do is book a fitting session where you can try various shaft options and compare the results.

[@vanduros8072]

Do shafts have different frequencies which cause the rate at which they deflect to be unique to each shaft? What I am most curious about is the rate and timing of how a shaft starts bending forward during the downswing. Does this timing influence/affect club speed at impact?

[@clubchampionmedia]

Good questions, we should be discussing this more in future shaft videos!

[@Godisnotjesus1967]

Can you explain my Dunlop irons shaft. It has on the sticker.....and FM 6.5. PRO MODEL DP 501

[@Your_Mailman_Grows_7121]

Really enjoyed this deep tech dive.

[@andyv6299]

I've ordered some heavier weights for my rogue sub will will extra 3 gram at back change much and if I added 15 gram overall will that make shaft more flexible and change swing weight got 4 diferent weights coming

[@clubchampionmedia]

Swingweight yes, doubt it will change the feel/performance of the shaft though.

[@MARTIN-xt5zk]

Great content and very insightful, thanks. I’ve watched the Mark Crossfield episode and some points seem valid, it’s just a shame he approaches the subject from a negative view point. Whilst the marketing around shafts should be questioned, the effect of a shaft can’t be dismissed so easily. We all feel / react differently something you guys acknowledge but seems to escape Mark (which is mentioned several times by Dan in the episode but dismissed because it doesn’t suit his narrative). I guess it’s easier to be controversial to gain views than send out a positive message like you guys do.

[@MrMannydac]

MARTIN 2676 did you actually listen to those videos? Because Mark absolutely DID talk about individual feels and even talked about how Dan and he changed their swings depending on how they felt the shaft would perform, hence the second video with the club player. Mark said a few times, buy a shaft if it feels right for you, not because it will lower your spin, change your launch angle etc etc

[@MARTIN-xt5zk]

I did thanks

[@MrMannydac]

MARTIN 2676 ahhhh, you’re one of those. You listened, but only heard what you wanted to hear. Keep being ‘shafted’ out of your hard earned money!

[@MARTIN-xt5zk]

And I guess you're one of those... ! keep trying. I guess when you've researched the subject as much as I have its hard to listen to less informed opinions.

[@MrMannydac]

MARTIN 2676 hahahaha! You’re an amateur golfer and you’ve ‘researched’ this subject thoroughly?! Haha, the funny thing is, I havnt researched shit and I’d still smoke your ass with a 25 quid dunlop driver with the flimsiest shaft on the market and still hit target! Amateur golfers researching golf shafts, do me a favour. Just get on the course and enjoy yourself, these people pray on suckers like you.

[@mikeadrian3834]

Great explanation to the shafts role in the club. What would be the head characteristics of a titleist 915 d3 9.5 head?

[@clubchampionmedia]

D3 model is the lower spinning/launching model in Titleist's driver range. Titleist drivers tend to spin a bit more than other manufacturers drivers, making them a good option for a player that needs a bit more spin. That being said, with a proper fitting they can be set up to perform well for a lot of players.

[@nejimakana]

Head makes a huge difference. I went from a 915d2 10.5 to a g400 lst 8.5 and it's much flatter and more penetrating. It's great

[@ahmadhanifah617]

Really awesome content...Would love to see you guys do a video together with Mark Crossfield sharing knowledge together in a future video...I am a big fan of the both of you guys...

[@richardwigley]

Like I said on Instagram... new swing looks brilliant. Looks more compact and controlled. Love it.

[@JZ-xu3vg]

theoretically if you hit use say a regular flex and the x stiff with the same swing tempo. assuming the regular flex is bent at all when it strikes the ball, not only will the club head will be behind the ball it will be shorter. Therefore you hit the heel lower on the club resulting in a low (compared to your normal hit not standard) draw.

[@JZ-xu3vg]

Thats not for me though I slice a lower flex, and the stiffer the straighter and more consistent. Its likely the placebo effect like you mentioned, I just dont like the idea of the club bending when I strike.

[@Michael_303]

Semi related to this. Do you guys find spine location and FLOing shafts when building clubs to be important?

[@clubchampionmedia]

Depends on the shaft Michael, in some cases yes, but in other cases like with TPT shafts there is no 'weak point' to identify.

[@sjc6717]

Another great video guys, quick question I hope you don’t mind me asking - im high spin and pretty high flight and I was fitted in to a set of P790 which out on the course I am hitting insanely high and spinning a lot - have you found this fitting this head? Thanks

[@clubchampionmedia]

Generally the opposite actually, it's usually quite low spin. Launch wise it can be relatively high.

[@sjc6717]

TXG Tour Experience Golf What I thought, on trackman my spin was around 10500 for 9 iron 8500 for 7iron and very high so not great in the wind lol

[@clubchampionmedia]

That is definitely high!

[@arthurford829]

I’d really love too see you guys compare a stock shaft and its aftermarket counterpart.

[@scotty_teee4226]

The over swing and matsuyama pause have gone matty! Shorter back swing and not as much of a pause. I have found between the 3 shafts i have played with in my current driver head they have given me 3 different strike points, I'm assuming based on their profile. Hzrdus yellow 70x gave me srike pattern lower in the face, rogue silver 70x more central and atmos black 70tx higher in the face. When i hit them all from the centre, they do the same thing, its just that they trend to different areas of thr face as a whole. I'm going to take a guess that hzrdus yellow being counterbalanced and soft mid section is deflecting more, rogue silver has more of a sofer butt section and i think the profile fits well and the atmos feels stiffer all over and probably deflects the least out of those, or the slightly stiffer feeling is causing me to drag the handle forward more. All of which with a bit of time, i could change myself to play it. I could be way off there haha

[@melwaller2558]

Great video again. As a scientist I love what you do. I also love Mark’s point of view. He seems to place outcome on the golfer. I don’t think think there is much separation between you guys. He is also the most vocal advocate for proper fittings including instruction as you are also. I am going for a new club fitting next week. The guys at the golf store are great but there is no way they can be as focused and attentive as you. I am taking my coach to be my advocate. She knows my swing and what I want. By the way is there any way I can adopt Matt?

[@clubchampionmedia]

😆😆😆

[@MikeDoba]

Mark Crossfield is a very skilled guy with a driver in his hand, when you can strike as consistently as he can or even call your shot as to where on the face you're about to hit it, then there might not be as huge of a difference in the results. You can also see it with Matt in this video, however for us mortals who don't strike consistently, a fitting can go a long way to improving that strike pattern and in return performance.

[@dylancoo5133]

I don’t know my 6 iron club head speed but my driver is 115 mph. My irons are kbs tour 105 grams. Would you say they are to light for my speed. I struggle with over cooking them often. Thanks!

[@clubchampionmedia]

They could be Dylan, best way to find out is to demo something heavier and see how it affects the ball flight.

[@nb2866]

I think it's worth remembering that the shaft itself can't be high spin or low spin, rather it only changes the delivery conditions of the head.

[@functionalphysique8468]

Hey guys, is it unheard of to have a mixture of shafts in the bag for the individual? Say the driver has a stiff shaft, the irons are softer flexes and have a mixture of graphite and steel materials through the clubs as well? -Stefan

[@seriostar94]

I worked at one of the most popular hockey stores (not too far from you guys actually), and have played hockey since I was basically born. At the end of the day, nothing will replace lessons and training. I believe it is the most important thing to improve your game. However, saying that, because of the technology in hockey equipment these days (and I would also say in golf equipment), having the right fitting equipment that assist your characteristics can help immensely. There's a reason why pros have custom fitted equipment that's tailored directly for them. Again, nothing will replace training, but now a days we cannot overlook how much the technology can aid.

[@clubchampionmedia]

👍👍👍

[@seriostar94]

Appreciate the videos. One of the few channels that goes into detail with the equipment. Will have to swing by one day to do some fitting.

[@johanmelander4521]

Is there a video where you guys talk about shaft loading, how to load and whatever you Think is important regarding this?

[@clubchampionmedia]

Not specifically, but I'm sure we will in the near future.

[@KennyGrinols]

With all of this in mind, do you feel shaft effects are consistent across Drivers and Irons? Will results of shaft difference be the same as what you just saw in Matt's driver? What are your thoughts on the Mizuno shaft optimizer?

[@clubchampionmedia]

Generally the ball flight you look to achieve with a driver is different with the irons since we want to be able to stop a ball properly on the green. That being said, there are definitely some parallels and a lot can be done to influence and compliment a player's swing with an iron shaft choice.

[@richardgatehouse1520]

Great content again guys , always look forward to watching your stuff. Could you tell me what Accra shaft would have the same characteristics of the ping tour 65 in regular which I play in a g30 head. Can’t get to try anything like that out , I need you to relocate to the south coast of England Keep up the great work

[@clubchampionmedia]

Accra FX 2.0 300 60g in regular flex

[@richardgatehouse1520]

Many thanks

[@chrismoore1387]

That swing is way shorter! I’m down for anything that creates a one way miss. For me working on getting rid of that pull off the tee. Eliminated it mostly from the rest of the bag, but still can get stuck and flip it closed here and there

[@whiskerrub]

75 -25. No frenzy, find a fitter you trust and find a coach you trust, and always have fun, golf is a great game for all. If that doesn't work try the Canadian way " We're sorry Mark, TXG is golf " he will chuckle. ;-)

[@charlesmelaisis4872]

Great stuff lads Very interesting vlog

[@ryankelso7980]

Who else would love to see Mark Crossfield and the TXG guys do some collab videos! either playing videos or fitting videos??

[@lukpri84]

Please don't Crossfield is one of the most annoying people in the golf world.

[@aaronmccardie8795]

I think what mark crossfield was getting at and I may be wrong was a stock shafts vs a after market shaft why pay £200 to £400 for after market shaft if the stock shaft gives you the same results so why spend more money. Just a thought.

[@dylancoo5133]

Can Ian and/or Shawn get together and do a swing analysis of Matt ! And talk about why he’s so good and timing and making effortless power. I think a lot of us would benefit !

[@kylecooper7437]

After watching all three videos that mark and TXG have done, the information that is passed to the player seems to be key. In Marks video with the senior shows that someone who has limited knowledge club path to face of the club didn’t change on his perception of what the club / Shaft would do. In this video lots of information about the shafted was passed to a skilled player, and the strike pattern became more erratic. This could of been down to his subconscious trying to compensate for his ideas of the club. Which in turn would play a part on the number you were getting. As you said during the video a skilled player would be able to adjust to the club/shaft and put more or less shaft lead into the swing. I think people need to remember the robotic test show none to very little variance in a swing and I would suggest that no average player has that degree of tolerance in their swing.

[@clubchampionmedia]

Don't know if I'd agree with that completely Kyle. There's no doubt that all things being equal, different shafts vary in performance - they deflect differently and can have an effect on strike point, path etc. What you've said is valid though, it's hard to eliminate the human factor when doing testing. But there is plenty of research and data out there showing the influence of shafts. The idea is to fit a player to a shaft that fits them properly, so neither conscious nor unconscious adjustments are needed to get the best performance.

[@clubchampionmedia]

And I'll add this since another commenter above brought up the variance in human testing as well: we do have plans to incorporate robot testing into our channel in the future. To give a truly objective test of how shafts work with no additional variables added by a human tester, that is the only way to go.

[@kylecooper7437]

TXG Tour Experience Golf: thanks for the reply, if the shaft had that much influence on the club (and not the human) then you could eliminate all factors and get people to hit just straight balls? But I would suggest that the club path and face of the club plays a much larger part in shot shape, direction and distance etc. I could be wrong? They used to pure shafts in clubs but that seems to have gone by the wayside. What I would agree with is that it’s a lot about feel and how comfortable the person hitting the club feels over the type of shaft being used.

[@clubchampionmedia]

For sure, the player's swing will always have more influence on the ball flight. We definitely would never suggest that a shaft would have more influence than the actual golf swing itself.

[@russellfothergill9082]

Ian, I thought quad measured clubhead speed at the centre of the face not at strike point. Hence the toe will be moving quicker, and this will give greater ballspeed hence why on trackman you get 1.52 smash’s on toe hits