Looking for the Unicorn of shafts

[ss113]

So I just picked up a new Ping G400 10* LST and I’m struggling to find the perfect shaft ...I have played everything from the Callaway epic standard to the Taylormade 2017 M2 both with the Kuro Kage 60 TS flex ...they where both okay but I just wasn’t consistent...my swing speed is between 105 110 and very fast tempo definitely not smooth ...I seem to always look for lower torque shafts because I can always feel the head twist if I get to fast with my tempo ...I pulled out an oldie Taylormade RBZ tour 9.5* with the made for taylormade Matrix Ozik Xcon 6 X flex and it’s buy far the best shaft I have ever swung in a Driver ...so I went on amazon and found the same shaft for 20.00 bucks threw a .350 adapter and popped it in the Ping G400 10* Lst and it’s just doesn’t respond like the one in my RBZ it feels just a bit more tip stiff ..it doesn’t have the kick like my rbz does and it’s the same exact shaft same length ...I believe it’s 62 grams 3.5 torque ....When I 1st got the ping I borrowed my buddy’s Tensei CK Blue 65 Stiff not the pro version and I was bombing the thing 20 yards past all my buddy’s that day swinging nice and smooth and then the next day i was just not in sync and my tempo was faster or if i tried to step on it ...I could feel the head twisting and I was all over the golf course left then right then left no telling where it was going to go ...I just wish I could find that perfect shaft ...does anyone have any suggestions..I’m looking for low to mid spin ..mid to high launch...but with the Right torque so if I step on it the head won’t twist ...PLEASE HELP

[MadGolfer76]

Was the Matrix in the RBZ a non-Tp shaft? If so, that may explain why the new (authentic aftermarket) shaft feels less smooth. You might play around with adding some lead tape to the head if you can handle the different feel. If you like the Tensei 65s, maybe just consider tipping it anywhere from a half to full inch.

[Jagpilotohio]

Sorry to tell you, but the reason you were “all over the course... left, then right, then left....” has absolutely nothing to do with the torque. You just had a bad day.

 

 

[Jagpilotohio]

In a follow up post to attempt not to come off as a jerk, I will throw out a popular suggestion based on what you’re asked for.

 

Graphite Design Tour AD DI is mid launch, mid to low spin, low torque shaft and has been a favorite around here with good players for a very long time.

 

There are a huge number of similar shafts so I imagine you will get a ton of suggestions that will probably just make your search more confusing. Good luck on your quest. Watch out for those windmills.

[Spooky67]

I can emphasize with the OP I too have been on the mythical quest for the unicorn of shafts....

 

But in the end I ALWAYS return to the Oban Devotion. I can be all over the place with a new shaft I’m tryig out, I can pull it out and put the Devotion back in and I’m in the fairway.

 

I think the Devotion might be the unicorn of shafts...?

[Valtiel]

To add to what Jagpilotohio said and clarify torque, you aren't feeling the head twist during the downswing as that is impossible, you aren't exerting any of the right types of forces to cause that. What you're likely feeling is just the load of the shaft which is going to have to do with tip and mid stiffness in relation to the shaft's handle. Torque should only be considered for feel purposes as it is only realized at impact. With your swing speed and aggressive transition it just sounds like you just need to find something that loads correctly for you, but that also demands a consistent swing on your part. If you want to feel the shaft loading more, something in the Blue profile range like that Tensei you were trying would be a fine choice, just step up to an X-flex so it does not load on you too much when you go after it. If you want the shaft to feel more rigid and stable then a more tip stiff profile like a Rogue Silver, Tensei White, or Aldila Green type of shaft.

 

As for wanting low-mid spin and mid-high launch you'll need to let go of looking for those characteristics in a shaft because they don't exist. Low-mid spin is fine and many shafts will fit that bill but mid-high launch is going to depend on the right driver loft and the right contact. High launch/low spin only truly happens when you zero in on striking the ball just slightly above the COG and *slightly* out to the toe side if you want max speed. All a shaft can do with regards to this formula is add or subtract dynamic loft via forward deflection which with an equal strike will add or subtract spin proportionately. After that it is all down to contact so finding a shaft that makes YOU feel comfortable is the most important part. Comfort leads to better swings which leads to better strikes and better numbers.

 

Also to reiterate, you'll need to reframe how you're looking at torque measurements because what you think you're feeling is not related to torque. If you continue to fixate on a torque number as your key to success you will likely end up looking at the wrong shafts. Weight, flex, and bend profile are the important things to focus on. Weight is your overall timing number, go up if you feel you need to smooth your tempo/transition out a bit and go down if you feel like you're working too hard. Flex and bend profile will be your feel in transition, go for mid launch/spin types of shafts like the Blue if you want to feel more loading and step up or down in flex if you like the loading feel but there is either too much or too little of it.

[Awainer1]

synergy black is the unicorn and the holy grail combined into one

[TollBros]

Synergy Black or possibly Kuro Kàge XD. Both fit what you're asking for.

[phatchrisrules]

Why don't you go and pay for a fitting at a place like Club Champion, Cool Clubs, Hot Stix, or whatever that has 100 shafts to try and has fitters that know what they are talking about? Seems the only logical solution. You could dump $1000 into a revolving door of shafts for your club or you could spend $100 to get fit and find out exactly what works and then be on the hunt for one.

 

If you won't take advice 1, then advice 2 is: the stock Ping Tour X. It's relatively inexpensive, is pretty stout, and is mid flight with low spin. Seems to be exactly what you are looking for.

[grochol17]

What shaft came in the LST you bought? The G400 is a pretty heavy head and if yours was originally ordered with a shorter shaft, it could be heavy enough that throwing in a non-counter balanced shaft really messes with the swing weight and thus feel. You might want to call ping and ask about the build based on the serial number on the head.

 

Also if you're looking for something that feels pretty stout, have you tried the stock HZRDUS yellow? I've got a similar swing speed and it feels like I can go after it if I need to. I went with the 6.0, but if you've got a very aggressive transition you might want to give the 6.5 a try.

[platgof]

Stuck a Speeder 65 in my M2, and cut a Heavenwood back a 1/2 " and regripped.

[Gehly]

I have the unicorn: Aldila Cinnamon Prototype 65-X

very stable and you won't overpower it, yet can still step on it and feels smooooooth

send me a PM if interested...may consider selling (but about same $$$ as new SYNRGY or other highend shaft)