Slow SS Driver shaft?

73monte · May 16, 2014

Looking for recommendations. My SS is now around 85MPH, at 55yrs. old. I'm looking for a shaft that will help me make up for some distance loss. Is there such an animal, or is it a myth?

I'm sure I could just go to an ultralite, but don't want to get erratic. From my own research, some swear that the shaft is the engine, and some say it you won't gain yardage from a different shaft.

Currenty using a 65 gram Aldila Aura gold.

Stuart_G · May 16, 2014

Whether it's possible to gain distance (or accuracy/control for that matter) from a shaft change will completely depend on how good a fit your current set-up is. The only real way to find out is to go out and try different shafts and shaft weight options and see what the actual results are. What happens to club head speed and accuracy when you go lighter? Will you actually gain any club head speed or not? At what weight do you start to see control issues? what happens when you go heavier? how does the bend profile or feel of the shaft effect you and your swing? What are the actual launch conditions (ball speed, launch angle and spin) and can they be tweaked through the equipment to improve results?

These are the types of questions that have to be answered before anyone can even begin to make a valid or actually useful recommendation for a shaft. That's why an actual fitting is recommended so often. Suggestions without that type of info are just people guessing (providing an answer based on their swing and results, not yours).

johnnythunders · May 19, 2014

I have 2 shafts that I exchange based on the course and my needs, One id 65 grams for control that I use most of the time and then I have a 50 gram shaft for mor distance. I hit it about 10 yards further, occasionaly off-line due to the lighter weight. Im trying some high 50 gram shafts right now to see if I can get a happy medium.

I find that excersise and proper technique will you get you back the distance much better than chasing equipment. Check out the articles on here about increasing your club speed. I did excersise over the winter and gain 5mph in club head speed and im 62.

erock9174 · May 23, 2014

The miyazaki c kua comes to mind. R flex. I swing around 88-92 mph and it was a bit too tip loose for me. Circle back 3 years ago when I was around your speed and it would have been perfect for me. Another good but pricier alternative would be a miyazaki b asha 3 or 4 R

apras · May 24, 2014

My max swing speed is around 95-97 mph, but i rarely go full out, and usually i only use around 85-90 mph ss. You should try the mitsubishi bassara or the new blue board with 50-55 gr weight range, as they both have more "kick" feel. Or you could use the the attas 4u 60 gr / attas elements prototype 50gr if you want a bit more stout feel.

wiley1kinobe · June 1, 2014

Not sure what my swing speed is but I think you'll benefit from a lighter shaft. I had several Str8Fit drivers and tried different shafts in them. Consistent but short (220-230) with Aldila Voodoo 65 and the green Aldila (can't remember the name Venom?) 60 gram. Tried a few others like Grafalloy and so forth. Finally settled on Fubuki 50x4NG. Specs out at 56 grams. All stiff flex but the Fubuki is so much lighter. Consistently 235-245 now and if I go at one I can sneak it up to 275 but risking control loss. Weight is important but I am not sure how to apply it. Fitting is prob a faster way to go but since I was playing with older equipment, shafts were readily available on ebay and I like to tinker.

No shame in going lighter in weight or flex. Hit what works for you.

Forged4ever · June 8, 2014

[quote name='73monte' timestamp='1400234235' post='9306767']
Looking for recommendations. My SS is now around 85MPH, at 55yrs. old. I'm looking for a shaft that will help me make up for some distance loss. Is there such an animal, or is it a myth?

I'm sure I could just go to an ultralite, but don't want to get erratic. From my own research, some swear that the shaft is the engine, and some say it you won't gain yardage from a different shaft.

Currenty using a 65 gram Aldila Aura gold.
[/quote]Actually, your SS is not slow for the average amateur, it is right at the average-

Don't let all of the stud muffins on WRX influence you!

Don't sell yourself short

The best with your search and season

Fairways & Greens My Friend,
Richard

Woodrow · June 8, 2014

I might suggest the xcaliber tour shaft in a regular flex. I find it a nice balance of control and weight. I'm running 3 at the moment in my driver and 2 hybrids. I have another in a 3 wood as well.

73monte · June 9, 2014

I just bought a Harrison Eclipse 50 gram in regular. Haven't installed it yet, but hoping for the best. It CPM's at 266, which sounds abit stout to me.

That Bob Guy · June 9, 2014

[quote name='73monte' timestamp='1402304549' post='9457709']
I just bought a Harrison Eclipse 50 gram in regular. Haven't installed it yet, but hoping for the best. It CPM's at 266, which sounds abit stout to me.
[/quote]

266 cpm regular flex? Wow! Stout...I'd say.

myspinonit · June 9, 2014

The short answer is I think you need to go to a competent clubfitter and find a head and shaft combo that fits you.

I'm about your swingspeed, a few years older. Your transition (smooth or forceful), whether you have a late or early release are two important factors. I've been fit in the last year for shafts that are heavier and stiffer than my speed would dictate due to those factors with good results. In particular the Tour Black stiff 69g I put in my R11s last Fall that increased distance and control. And in April I was fit for a G20 stock stiff. Both were UST Mamiya shafts with a counterbalance component, including the Ping shafts that I understand are made by them.

That said, I've just gone to a Ping G25 driver 10.5 in a stock reg 53g shaft (with the counterbalancing built in ) as I found I was working a bit too hard with a stiffer shaft after some surgery recovery. Early days, but I think I'm getting a bit more distance, certainly carry, on average. The big difference is that I'm able to be smoother and not force the swing. Doing that, and it's down the pipe and I'm not as tired at the end of the round, when it probably counts.

I also bumped up the loft to 11* ( or whatever the real loft is! lol) for a bit more carry. I played my R11s at 11.25* also. So the "loft up" on the head may be a consideration on your driver head/ shaft combo also.

backtees · June 10, 2014

[quote name='73monte' timestamp='1400234235' post='9306767']
Looking for recommendations. My SS is now around 85MPH, at 55yrs. old. I'm looking for a shaft that will help me make up for some distance loss. Is there such an animal, or is it a myth?

I'm sure I could just go to an ultralite, but don't want to get erratic. From my own research, some swear that the shaft is the engine, and some say it you won't gain yardage from a different shaft.

Currenty using a 65 gram Aldila Aura gold.
[/quote]

The Miyazaki shafts are absolutely outstanding and definitely underestimated. Especially for slower SS or smooth transitions they perform greatly.

erock9174 · June 17, 2014

Have you seen this thread. Lots of good info

[url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/955395-lightweight-golf-shafts-for-the-senior-or-slower-swing-speed-golfer/"]http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/955395-lightweight-golf-shafts-for-the-senior-or-slower-swing-speed-golfer/[/url]

Ayoung19 · June 18, 2014

Best way is to get fit by a pro - always

remarkable · September 8, 2014

[quote name='73monte' timestamp='1402304549' post='9457709']
I just bought a Harrison Eclipse 50 gram in regular. Haven't installed it yet, but hoping for the best. It CPM's at 266, which sounds abit stout to me.
[/quote]

That Harrison is a great shaft, have one for my R1 TD5, produces very good numbers almost identical to a Matrix White Tie 5X3 Reg.