Are stock shafts a waste of time?

[peteman29]

Do any of you actually like stock manufacturer's shafts? I use one in my driver

[powaygolfer]

i haven't had a stock graphite stiff shaft that could keep up with me. i had my R7 shaft tipped 2 inches and stuck in my 3 wood and i like that, im still gonna change it with something that would kick better for a little higher ballflight. then again my dad has no issues using the stock R-flex in everything he owns. i think it just depends on the person and their swing.

[Redbird]

My 3wood has the stock NVS, FT-Hybrid has the NVS stock Hybrid shaft, and my irons and wedges all have the stock shaft. Driver is the only club I had to reshaft.

[dpwrx]

I do not use a stock shaft, but ordinarily I would have no problem doing so. The driver shafting issue is pretty interesting, overall, so I hope you don't mind a few protracted comments.

 

I think stock vs. custom shaft depends on the player, and the manufacturer. Driver shafts are among the most customizable and person-specific choices among equipment. Even for the individual, shaft choice can vary depending on what that player is looking to accomplish with trajectory, dispersal, spin, etc. Before I go on, I think the short answer is that if the shaft works for you, who cares if it is stock? But, a few more thoughts as to why driver shafts tend to be a leading obsession when it comes to tricking out your golf bag.

 

The specs of stock shafts tend to be targeted around average to slower swingspeeds, thus you'll see many stronger players and lower handicappers complain that the performance is not up to par. For me, I can probably feel the difference between a premium shaft and a stock shaft, but do not have the swingspeed or skill level to take advantage of top-of-the-line shafts on a consistent basis. There probably is an OEM shaft out there that would help me, but I don't have the time, money, or the regular professional advice to go out there and find it. Nor am I curious enough or care enough about playing what the pros play.

 

All of that said, not all stock shafts are created equal. Some manufacturers put in the effort to put a decent stock shaft in, because they realize most of the recreational golfing world won't test, test, test, and reshaft before they buy. I've swung Nike, Cobra, and Mizuno drivers with stock shafts and been confident that I could make it work with some practice. Other manufacturers don't even seem to try. My current driver (An older model), had a horrible stock shaft that felt mushy and inconsistent. So I reshafted with a cheap, stable option that I knew would perform consistently, even if my swing doesn't.

 

I hope this helps. Hit 'em well!

[Titleist87]

I use all stock shafts and don't have a problem. I'd like to see a blind test with several golfers hitting their driver with multiple shaft options - all blacked out. I think you'd be suprised to find out how many people would pick out a $50 Harrison over a $250 Fuji or Diamana. When there are no graphics or names to turn up the ego, many shafts are comparable.

[slicer365]

The shafts in the TaylorMade r500 series, sucked. I do like the stock in my fw, typically I think most factory stafts in drivers are done without much thought. Mass production is the name of the game.

[Spumoni]

My swing speed is in the low 90's. I've tested the NV & the Prolaunch shafts vs the stock shafts. For me the launch monitor spin rates & overall distance is better with the stock shaft. As always getting fitted & test/demo with different shaft combo's.

[mfo]

I have the stock Fujikura for Titleist Speeder in my 983K in stiff. I went to a clubfitting yesterday and my numbers were right where they should be. BTW, the fitter told me the shaft in the Titleist drivers costs Fujikura about $15 to make - it is not the same quality as an after market Fuji shaft. But it works for me.

[JHR]

The OEM's are getting much wiser, they are all using upgraded " stock " shafts and offer many options for ordering.

 

So i guess i would have no problem using a "stock" shaft with the wide variety available.

 

Plus, the stock shafts that they are using are usually set up to favor the majority of players, they will not work for everyone, but they will fit the profile of most golfers.

[juststeve]

My 905 R has the stock YS- 6 shaft in it and I love it. I only wish it had come with something else so I could have reshafted it with the YS-6. That would have been way cool!

 

Steve