How to Measure Shaft Length in Fairway Woods

[Brenkj]

How is shaft length measured for fairway woods?   Is it the length of just the shaft disconnected from the head, or is it the length of the assembled club (head and shaft)?    Thanks. 

[kylemd]

It can be both. 
if you have a “raw” shaft.... ie one that is not cut ( butt cut or tip trimmed) it can be measured  in that state then tip trimmed ( 1/2 inches for 3 wood or one inch for a Five wood for example). 
Lets say I have a Graphite design ys-6.... I do .... in brand new raw uncut condition. I want to put it into a adaptor and Play it at 41 inches for a five wood...If the raw shaft length is 46, I will tip trim per manufacturer specs for said wood, then epoxy on the adapter. Once the epoxy has cured ( 24 hours to be safe .... wont go into using quick setting/ curing club building epoxy) I would attach  the club head and measure and mark the butt of the club for 41 inches. Then cut the butt end and grip it. 
The easiest way to measure a club with head on is to use a club ruler With a moveable foot / club rest at one end ( sole of club rests on it ).  You can get these at club building websites like Golf Works ( the one I use all the time) or Hireko golf, and use it to measure the club and make the cuts. 
 

Measuring a built club can be done head on or off. Head on is best IMO cause thats how you play it. Just remember an adapter will add some length ( plus inch give or take depending on adapter) to the shaft tip. Thats why I like to fix the adapter in place then Add head then measure for Total playing length and then cut to that length. 
Hope this helps some and answered your question. 

[Stuart_G]

9 hours ago, Brenkj said:

How is shaft length measured for fairway woods?   Is it the length of just the shaft disconnected from the head, or is it the length of the assembled club (head and shaft)?    Thanks. 

 

"Shaft Length" or "Cut shaft length" is just the length of the cut shaft (doesn't even include the adapter if one is installed).  

 

Although some people are interested in the length of the shaft plus the adapter depending on the context they are using the value.  This is a new thing so there is no official term for it.  Many use "shaft length" for that (incorrectly IMO).

 

"Playing length" is the length of the club which includes the shaft, grip cap and the amount the head adds.  There are variations on how this is done but here is an overview.

https://www.hirekogolf.com/how-is-the-length-of-a-golf-club-measured

 

Which particular measurement you might need can depend on why you want it.