Shorten the shaft?

JIMF25 · February 22, 2006

I recently got a good deal on an R7 425 ($299 used). anyway, it was an S flex 45" I was hitting balls at the range today and my instructor said I should have gotten a 44" (i'm 5'6").

I guess I impulsively bought the used but it was 25% off retail...anyways, will cutting the butt end of the shaft (Fuji reax) materially change the properties of the club. I know that it will make it lighter (which may be a good thing) but my question surrounds the performance (kickpoint, torque, make it a lot stiffer)

Just wondering if amyone has experience or thoughts concerning trimming a shaft by only 1"

thanks in advance.

another question...what does "tipped" mean?

tbowles411 · February 22, 2006

"Tipping" is trimming the shaft to make it stiffer for harder swingers, or softer for slightly slower ones. My Nike SasQuatch is tipped actually the other way to make it a little more loose.

Shortening the shaft will increase control. If you are standing far away from the shaft and have to force your swing, the club is too long. I would argue (depending on your wrist-to-floor measurement), the shaft could even be 43 to 43 1/2 inches long.

themouth1 · February 22, 2006

You will change the swing weight when you change the length. AS A GENERAL RULE, for every half an inch, you lose three swing weights. The good news is that with the R7, you can get that weight back by going with heavier weight cartridges. Two grams will equal about a swing weight. So, if you cut one inch, you need to put 12 grams back in the end somehow. I do agree that shortining the driver is good for almost everyone. It is easier to hit the sweet spot with a shorter shaft. Good luck!!!

diesel234 · February 22, 2006

I am a certified PGA member and Club Fitter.

No offense to the first response but you can not tip the other way to make it softer. That would involve lengthening the tip of the shaft wich is impossable. If you shorten the club you will change the overall weight and change the swing weight wich can be rectified with lead tape or you might like the club better at the lighter weight and shorter shaft. Also it will make the shaft slitely stiffer but not as much as if you were to tip the shaft. Take your club to a qualified pro in your area and he can help you with all of this.