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FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the impacts and benefits materials have on the shaft’s performance.

Composite golf shafts consist of sheets of graphite material of varying weights and strengths that are cut to exacting dimensions and wrapped around a steel rod called a “mandrel”. The graphite is then vacuum wrapped and sealed before being heated to cure. Once cured, the mandrel is extracted leaving behind a graphite tube or shaft.

Graphite shafts are designed and built in a myriad of specifications including weight, flex, and bending profiles. The overall design and desired product performance outcome dictates which types and how much of certain materials are used.

Graphite offers an incredible amount of flexibility when designing a golf shaft. Just about any combination you can imagine regarding weight, flex, bend points, torque values, etc. are not only achievable with graphite, but we’re also able to adjust these factors independently of one another.

In graphite shaft designs, adjusting one performance metric of the shaft doesn’t necessarily affect another. This enables our engineers to create products that meet specific performance characteristics without compromise.

In the early stages, graphite shafts were designed and engineered to be a lighter weight alternative to steel shaft options, especially in the wood category. Graphite shafts were additionally offered in iron configurations, also in a lightweight package, contributing to graphite’s reputation as a product more suited for players seeking light weight, softer flex options for their clubs.

The truth is, the extreme advancements in graphite composite materials, designs, and technology have paved the way for designs and products that can appeal to all player levels and skill types. Just like we offer light weight models, we also offer mid-weight and heavy weight options in an array of flexes. The majority of our shaft catalog is offered from R2 (our softest flex) through X or TX (our stiffest flexes) in weights ranging from 40grams to 90grams. We even offer iron shafts in weights over 100grams, mimicking the weight of traditional steel iron shafts.

With the number of variations offered, graphite is an excellent option for any player. The ability to dial-in specific performance characteristics from weight, flex, torque, and bend profiles is second to none. Graphite offers the ability to unlock untapped performance in any golfer’s game.

Because graphite shafts are offered in such a range of weights, profiles, and flexes, the best recommendation is always to be fit by one of our Charter Dealers or a trusted club fitter. Club fittings are essential to dialing in the correct equipment for your game and can often open your eyes and guide you to options you may not have previously considered.

When doing research on shafts you might be interested in, focus on options with performance characteristics that seem in line with what’s needed for your game. For example: are you a player that spins the ball too much and seeking a lower trajectory, or is the opposite true? Do you prefer shafts that provide minimal flex and feel, or do you prefer something more tempo oriented that provides more feedback during the swing?

These are questions that can help guide you toward or away from certain options, but remember, when shafts are characterized by launch and spin characteristics and bend profile, that doesn’t necessarily hold true for every individual golfer. This is why it’s so important to spend time with a qualified club fitter.

When it comes to designing high-performance golf shafts, materials matter. Steel shafts are “isotropic”, making it very challenging to alter individual performance characteristics of a shaft independently from another. If the goal is to make a steel shaft profile more or less stiff, likely the weight of the product will need to increase or decrease accordingly. With graphite shaft designs, this isn’t always the case.

Because graphite composite shafts can be produced with a multitude of carbon materials, and in some cases multi-material designs, we’re able to independently adjust specific performance variables. We could make a product that’s lightweight and very stiff, or heavier and softer. Simply stated, graphite shafts allow for much more freedom in the design and manufacturing process to unlock unique performance benefits that are geared to a wider array of player types.

The misconception that graphite is only for slower swing speeds or lacks feedback at higher ball speeds is quickly becoming a thought of the past.

Early graphite iron shafts followed suit with their graphite wood predecessors by offering a lighter and softer alternative to steel. However, as time and technology have progressed, graphite iron shafts are no longer relegated to a particular player type. Now being offered in weight ranges from 40grams to over 100grams and flexes from R2 to Tour X-Stiff, there are graphite iron shaft options for any type of player.

Graphite is certainly able to hold up to the same level of aggressive swings as steel. Think of it this way, players with some of the highest ball speeds and swing speeds in the world utilize graphite shafts in their woods. There’s no reason that can’t translate into irons as well. In fact, one of the biggest benefits to graphite iron shafts is the integration of key technologies featured in wood shafts. Through integrated technologies and materials, graphite enhances a player’s consistency from shot-to-shot. Consistency in ball speed, spin rates, and launch windows is essential to optimizing scoring and iron performance. Even on mis-hit shots, graphite can allow for more expected and well-rounded results.

The combination of feel, stability, performance, and technology is what truly sets graphite apart from steel.

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