Best shafts for arthritic hands and arms

[Golfer X]

Father time is catching up with me, any suggestions for best shafts for a hacker like me, who inherited arthritis from his parents?

[Sean2]

I had severe tendinitis problems in my elbows and went with graphite on the recommendations from my doctor and my pro. I have been pain free since.

[animalgolfs]

Just switched to i95 regular and feel SO GOOD

[MrFlapjack]

UST recoil prototypes would probably be at the top of the list for iron shafts for wear and tear on joints etc. Talk to Bobby Ennis. I won't be dealing with him anymore, but he's the guy to talk to.

[GWD]

Had golf (tennis) elbow in both arms and arthritis in one hand.

Went to Callaway Project X graphite shaft in X-Hot irons. Within a week all pain was gone! Unbelievable to me but I'm not asking questions...just enjoying.

Also, medium oversized grips were installed and that may have helped also.

[myspinonit]

Aerotech Steelfiber. Kept me playing. One poster above is recommending them too (i95), but those are too stout for me. I go i70 and i80. Lots of threads on them here if you do a search.

[TKD24]

I give another vote for the Aerotech Steelfibers.

I have a tendency to get trigger finger and some numbness in my fingers after some aggravation from time to time. My i110s are great. They still provide excellent feedback while being easy on my hands.

[SHIVAN]

[quote name='MrFlapjack' timestamp='1383098730' post='8076755']
Talk to Bobby Ennis. I won't be dealing with him anymore, but he's the guy to talk to.[/quote]

Well, that is the oddest baited trap...

So why no more dealings with Bobby?

[Golfer X]

Appreciate all the suggestions. But, yeah, why no more dealings with Bobby?

[sandy]

[quote name='SHIVAN' timestamp='1383100695' post='8076899']
[quote name='MrFlapjack' timestamp='1383098730' post='8076755']
Talk to Bobby Ennis. I won't be dealing with him anymore, but he's the guy to talk to.[/quote]

Well, that is the oddest baited trap...

So why no more dealings with Bobby?
[/quote]


Easily qualifies as the oddest post I've read in years....

[MrFlapjack]

[quote name='sandy' timestamp='1383103504' post='8077077']
[quote name='SHIVAN' timestamp='1383100695' post='8076899']
[quote name='MrFlapjack' timestamp='1383098730' post='8076755']
Talk to Bobby Ennis. I won't be dealing with him anymore, but he's the guy to talk to.[/quote]

Well, that is the oddest baited trap...

So why no more dealings with Bobby?
[/quote]


Easily qualifies as the oddest post I've read in years....
[/quote]

He knows his stuff not gonna argue that fact, but my experience left a bad taste in my mouth, and I'll leave it at that.

[Rebel420]

I have not tried the high end graphite brands mentioned (SteelFiber, Recoil etc), but can tell you, the stock graphite irons out today are not bad at all, as long as you are ok with the lower weight. The high end brands mentioned are in more traditional weights, but do cost significantly more (above the normal up charge for graphite shafts in general in clubs).
An option you can also look into,, and it worked for me, is the Nippon 950 shafts. Still act like steel, but are much smoother. There is also the choice to possiBly add prosoft inserts if I find I need more dampening (so far I haven't seen need). It was the perfect thing for me, in conjunction with the heads and grips I have...gave me the relief, without a huge up charge (and since they are steel, I can avoid admit that I'm getting old for just a little bit longer. (Just joking here, as when it comes to medical reasons, ego needs to be left at the door). The nice thing about the Nippons, is that they are very minimal, or no up charge over standard steel for most OEM...and still cheaper than the stock graphite... So if you want to try that option (assuming the stock graphite too light for you), and still need more, you can add the insets, and if still need more, you could reshaft with recoils or a high end option.

Some other things that may help:
1. You could try the prosoft inserts in your current clubs until you make the move. They are like $30 + you would need to regrip your clubs
2. Look into softer grip options (ie corded grips or NDMC are not your friend here)
3. If you are buying new irons, be cautious of the heads you use-- I loved my forged blades, and when pured were soft...but mishits were BRUTAL. The TaylorMade SpeedBlade irons were a big help-- that 3M material in the slot helps dampen vibration a good bit (RocketBladez would be the same I would think). But I'm sure there are other heads that are better than others
4. If you have a smooth swing, or feel like you can work on one, there is no shame in going to a softer flex. I was solidly in a S flex in irons (and could play an X... But border the R or S flex in driver....not so much speed, but was very agressive with irons--- think Sergio vs Els). With my irons, along with the Nippon shafts, I went to an R flex- softer flex will be easier on the joints
5. If you are an agressive swinger, you can work on smoothing it out...less impact
6. Look into some of the different gloves out there

Best of luck on your search. Lots of good answers here, and many of us who have suffered various issues the "young ones" may not understand...but many of us with good success stories

[rymacatthedisco]

I am in this same boat as the OP. I am only a young guy though, but have osteoarthritis in my knee, wrist, and hands (thank you for great genes and many years as a bowler/catcher for baseball). I love my x c-tapers but after a round, it's ice and advil...I will be checking out some recoil shafts as I have heard great things. (making a smoother swing is not in my near future)

[Upgrayedd]

forged carbon steel heads on reg-senior flex graphite or rayon shafts with oversized (avon or tacki mac) grips

[Smiley_Face]

I have graphite shafts in my irons and woods and would suggest that as an option. I have older ping shafts in i5s and the stress is much less. I hit a few balls with a steel shaft the other day and the difference was surprising.

[OnePuttEagle]

I'll be inserting some 5-7" strips of Frost King Poly Foam Caulk Saver 1/2" in my golf shaft to try it out and reduce vibration. Sensicore charges $30 a package.

Got the tip off this site and thanks to the poster!

[Golf1965]

I have arthritis and a wrist that I broke some 30 years ago and never had set. Anyways I used to play DG s300 but eventually couldn't take the stress on my wrist. I now play KBS Tour 90's and haven't had much pain. Recently tried the Dynalite XP's and they sting more than the KBS even though they are very similar in weight and design. Graphite is probably the best solution but for whatever reason the KBS Tour 90's make a big difference for me.

[gmiller598]

I have mild rheumatoid arthritis that is being managed by medication to cover any pain and stiffness but I play the UST Recoil SMACWRAP 780 shafts and love them. The vibration dampening is great. I can feel the shots I make with my irons but no stinging vibration shooting up up my arms on mishits. I'm not sure I would ever switch to something else at this point.

[SAM_PGA]

@Golfer X I've tried lighter shafts and Recoil, but ball flight was not what I preferred. If you are enjoying the game for the health benefits and camaraderie, I suggest going graphite. If you desire a particular ball flight performance or consider yourself a tournament player, there is options. For a season or two I continued to play my steel shafts, but used ProSoft inserts in all clubs (cheap and easy to install) and regripped with Golf Pride CP2 grips. This combo was inexpensive as compared to reshafting or a new set of clubs and helped my arthritis and tendonitis... but nothing helped like routine "maintenance" with deep tissue massages on my arms/hands and lots of stretching.
Good luck and keep it in the short stuff!

[grantc79]

I just went to Jumbomax ultralights and aerotech steelfibers

[animalgolfs]

UltraLites - yes

 

Steelfiber - yes

Though I'll say Recoil provide better dampening{whether the right fit or not)

[grantc79]

Hoping aerotechs solve the problem if not that will be my next move