Shaft Trimming

[PittShark]

Someone tell me whats up

Ok, so here's the deal:

I've played most of this season with a HiBore XL and shortly after purchase I decided to experiment with having the shaft cut down to 44", partly because I was looking for more control and also because I'm only 5'7" and a shorter shaft sets up great for me. It was trimmed at the butt of course, and I honestly noticed no difference in the shaft characteristics, and no loss in distance....just better control as I had hoped.

So now I'm buying an almost new Ping G10 w/ a PL red shaft from a buddy who works at a golf shop. He told me the shaft length right now is the stock 45.75" and I said ok, I'll probably have it brought down again, maybe see how 44.5" works for me. He comes back and says that I shouldn't do that because I'm going to make the shaft too stiff for my swing. I didn't feel like getting into an argument with him (especially since he's giving me the club for next to nothing) but I could have sworn I've read on this site that butt trimming basically just changes the length of the shaft, where as tip trimming changes the characteristics and length of the shaft.

If someone could set the record straight for me on this I would greatly appreciate it.

[RoscoeCoaltrain]

I have the exact same question related to the exact same club (see sig). I have been wondering the same ever since I bought it. I can't get setup the correct setup distance from the ball and I think it's because of the shaft length. I also have hardly no control over the ball flight (i.e. spraying all over) and I think shortening the shaft would help.

 

Another newbie question, can you simply cut the butt down by an inch using a hacksaw or a cut off wheel? I always regrip my own clubs so that's no issue. Just wondering if this method is an "at home" type repair or something you need to take to the repair shop.

[berkeleygiraffe]

shortening the length will lessen the swingweight causing the shaft to play slightly stiffer.

 

if you're getting a G10 for a good deal I'd pick it up, try it at it's length now and then trim. If you decide it is too stiff (highly doubt it) then you can pick up a PL red for not too expensive and reshaft.

[Grum]

Lost swingweight can be remedied with some trusty lead tape. No problem. Go for it.

[Peoples Golf]

yeah you will not notice the stiffness change however you will notice the more fairways you hit. go for it.

[pulk]

I just used a dremel and a cut-off wheel to trim a shaft butt, it was very easy. Just mark the shaft (I used a carpenters pencil, only thing I had on hand) and then wrap some masking tape below the mark as it may help keep the shaft from splintering. Here is a pic of a dremel cut off wheel...

 

[Tupperwolf]

Wrapping the shaft in tape is a great idea to keep it from splintering (I have never cut a shaft but I have done a lot of work with similar materials and wrapping with tape is always a good idea), and I would definitely wear long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection. It will only take a second to cut the shaft but graphite fibers and dust can be irritating.

[Wildwing55]

I have the exact same question related to the exact same club (see sig). I have been wondering the same ever since I bought it. I can't get setup the correct setup distance from the ball and I think it's because of the shaft length. I also have hardly no control over the ball flight (i.e. spraying all over) and I think shortening the shaft would help.

 

Another newbie question, can you simply cut the butt down by an inch using a hacksaw or a cut off wheel? I always regrip my own clubs so that's no issue. Just wondering if this method is an "at home" type repair or something you need to take to the repair shop.

 

For a graphite shaft, I recommend taping the shaft, then using a fine cut hack saw to avoid fraying the shaft. Works very well.

[andre112]

wear a mask. don't breathe in that stuff.