Lesson on Golf Club Shafts

We have been in the golf business for many years and have bought shafts from every significant steel and graphite shaft maker. We find much greater quality differences in graphite shafts versus steel shafts, but the good news is that the quality of graphite has improved significantly over the past ten years. (Callaway RAZR X Irons)In fact the quality of graphite shafts and their affordability is much better than just two or three years ago. So, here are our short thoughts on shafts and why we use whom we do as suppliers.

 

In our opinion, the shaft is as important as the head of a golf club. In fact, we often find greater performance differences in using different graphite shafts with the same head than we do using different heads (provided the heads are made from the same materials) with the same shaft. (Callaway FT-iZ Hybrid)Did that make any sense to you? Well, it's the truth. So, the bottom line: shafts are very important.

 

Strongly consider using graphite shafts in your woods if:

You are a woman You are a senior You are a baby boomer You have joint problems You want to play a longer driver You have pretty good swing speed tempo and are younger You are an average player who wants to play better

Strongly consider using graphite shafts in your irons if:

You are a woman You are a senior You are a baby boomer You have joint problems You love having graphite shafts in your woods? You have a slower swing and want to add distance

 

So, what is the logic of our advice? Well, graphite shafts reduce the weight of your club (it is actually quite remarkable to feel the weight difference in an entire set of clubs made with steel versus graphite shafts)—this is good for all players, but especially women and seniors. Graphite shafts weigh from 50 grams to 85 grams, while steel shafts generally start at 120 grams. Graphite shafts reduce the shock at impact—this is good for women, seniors, aging baby boomers and those of us with joint problems. Graphite shafts allow for longer clubs—this is good for distance (but maybe not quite so good for control). Graphite shafts have greater construction alternatives so that they can be designed to affect the flight of the ball to a greater degree than steel shafts.

 

Who Makes Pinemeadow's Graphite Shafts?

There is a much greater quality difference between graphite shaft makers than steel shaft makers. Aldila has been the #1 graphite shaft maker for as long as we have been in business. Why take any risk here? We know that with an Aldila graphite shaft we won't have any breakage problems, whipping torques or other quality issues. And, their performance is superb. Enough said. We use Aldila graphite shafts for all our graphite shaft needs. However, for those of you who like to experiment and have your own favorites, we offer a variety of custom shaft upgrades.

 

What About Stainless Steel Shafts?

We use FM Precision, True Temper and Apollo for our steel shafts. The reasons are simple.(Callaway Diablo Forged Irons) They all make superior shafts, are long recognized as industry leaders, have very compatible steel shafts with each other and are extremely reliable. These shafts manufacturers are used by virtually every golf club manufacturer in the world today.

 

Golf Club Grips

Grips are the least expensive yet one of the most important parts of a golf club. Our most important advice is—change your golf grips often. Grips tend to oxidize, harden, get slick, and lose their grip over time. It is a two-edged sword—the grippier they are, the faster they lose that grip.

So, we have taken a position that attempts to cut it both ways. We buy the highest quality grips that have a greater than normal longevity, but not the absolute highest grip factor. This way, if you don't re-grip when you are supposed to at least you will have good grips. But, we do recommend re-gripping often—it will have a positive effect on your game. It's just like changing the oil in your car. Only every six months or 3,000 rounds. We also allow you to select from an excellent variety of custom upgrades for your grips.