Shafts - worth it for a weekend player?

[CaptAmerica103]

 

Hey everyone,

 

I've given some thought about golf shafts, both for the woods and irons.  One of my immediate thoughts is, I "only" get to play a total of 8 times a month (4 range sessions, 2 Par-3 rounds, 2 regular rounds).  In my (potentially ignorant) opinion, I would think I am more of a glorified weekend warrior.  With all of that being said, based on my rate of play, is investing in aftermarket shafts that much worth if I am not playing all that much at this time?  Thanks a bunch.

[Norswedian]

I suppose the question to this is; What would you want the shafts to do for you?

 

What are you currently in and what else have you tried?

[CaptAmerica103]

10 minutes ago, Norswedian said:

I suppose the question to this is; What would you want the shafts to do for you?

 

What are you currently in and what else have you tried?

 

Generally speaking, I think I would want the shafts to support my swing tempo.  I would consider my tempo as "aggressive" (in lieu of smooth).

 

All my clubs have stock shafts in them.  For my driver, I did try the Ventus Blue Velecore+ (stiff).  It did not work out well.  That's probably more of a "me" problem.

[Norswedian]

Quick answer is go and get fitted. 🙂

There is really not enough information or data here as in what you’re playing and what results you’re expecting with a change of shafts. 
 

If you don’t want to go for a full fitting session you could maybe just swing by some proshop or golfstore and hit a few different alternatives with different shafts in them to see if anything feels better than your current setup. 
 

[Nessism]

Shaft fitting won't do a "High" handicapper a whole lot of good.  Wait until you are at least breaking 90 with regularity, and preferably, breaking 80.  At that point, small differences in shafts may help you.

[Johnny Biarritz]

I'd say you need to be fitted for the correct shafts. The price range on those is quite wide. Steel iron shafts are priced anywhere from $10 to $70 a shaft and driver shafts are anywhere between $50 and $400+. I'd say you could be fit for a decent set of new shafts for probably $600 installed. You could also probably spend $2500 on new shafts if you went top end on everything. But being fit for correct shafts is never a bad thing. Just know your budget.

[Piter]

28 minutes ago, Nessism said:

Shaft fitting won't do a "High" handicapper a whole lot of good.  Wait until you are at least breaking 90 with regularity, and preferably, breaking 80.  At that point, small differences in shafts may help you.

 I echo this. I am a high handicapper as well (21 currently) and the only "fitting" I would do is shaft length and lie (I am 6'4"). But you can use the Ping chart for that for a start or other manufacturers' online tools.

[Jeff58]

There are really two questions or considerations to keep in mind.

 

If you are a “casual golfer” and your clubs and shafts are moderately well matched to your swing characteristics as well as your physique, buying higher end expensive shafts will not likely have a significant effect on your performance.

 

However, if your fit is grossly deficient, both your current performance as well as progress moving forward will be sadly affected. In this case, “aftermarket” shafts would be an appropriate move.

[RSLP]

what shafts do you have?  what is your driver swing speed and 7I swing speed?  how high do each go?

[PedronNiall]

7 hours ago, Piter said:

 I echo this. I am a high handicapper as well (21 currently) and the only "fitting" I would do is shaft length and lie (I am 6'4"). But you can use the Ping chart for that for a start or other manufacturers' online tools.

 

Going to disagree. If the shaft doesn't work well for the tempo and timing someone prefers they'll have to spend time adjusting for it and may even cause themselves unnecessary issues in the long run grooving a swing that doesn't feel comfortable. Nothing wrong at all with at least hitting a range of offerings in flex and weight from a single line of a single brand to see what feels best and gives the highest level of consistency. It's an hour or less well spent and is the minimum someone should do given how easy it is to at least get a basic idea of what works. If I were starting over again I'd certainly want someone to point me in the direction of finding out what, if anything, suits my tendencies best. 

 

Wilson and Mizuno both offer tools to give an idea of what might work based on a few swings, so there's that as well for those who are open to taking the time trying shafts from a few different companies. 

 

I'm firmly in the camp of equipment being relatively optimal being far more important for less skilled players than better ones. A better player can get away with just about anything in their hand. Those still learning can be sent down a bad rabbit hole trying to make something that doesn't feel great work for them. 

Edited July 28 by PedronNiall

[Stuart_G]

17 hours ago, CaptAmerica103 said:

 

Hey everyone,

 

I've given some thought about golf shafts, both for the woods and irons.  One of my immediate thoughts is, I "only" get to play a total of 8 times a month (4 range sessions, 2 Par-3 rounds, 2 regular rounds).  In my (potentially ignorant) opinion, I would think I am more of a glorified weekend warrior.  With all of that being said, based on my rate of play, is investing in aftermarket shafts that much worth if I am not playing all that much at this time?  Thanks a bunch.

 

Completely depends on how good or bad a fit the stock shaft's that you are playing might be.      For many people stock shafts are perfectly fine and work well, for others not so much.   Which might be the case for you is not something anyone here can answer.  Only you can find that out through some trial and error testing (or go through an actual fitting - if you can find a decent fitter).

 

Fitting is largely about making sure the the club specs don't get in the way of you putting your best swing on the ball.   It's not about skill level or how much you play. The game is hard enough you don't want to be fighting the equipment.

 

If nothing else, a good fit for shaft weight can be very important for any player at any level.  Or really a better way to put it is that a bad fit for shaft weight can cause significant problems at any level of play.   Stiffness tends to be less important for the majority, although there are exceptions to that as well.  But if you were one of those exceptions, you'd probably already know it.

 

 

Edited July 28 by Stuart_G

[hattrickey]

As a fellow glorified weekend warrior, I can give you my take as someone who just did what you’re thinking of doing. For reference I’m an 11 hdcp and play 9 holes on Tuesday, practice once a week, and play 18 once a weekend. 
 

I found it to be overwhelmingly beneficial for my swing and game because it turns out the shafts I was using for all my clubs were a terrible fit for me (I typically buy all my clubs used). From everything including length, weight, flex, and shaft characteristics, my fitter and I dialed in a setup that I swing so much better and effortlessly. 
 

In short, it was worth it for me because I am now having a lot more fun on the golf course not fighting the clubs and shooting lower scores.

[betarhoalphadelta]

On 7/27/2025 at 1:20 PM, Nessism said:

Shaft fitting won't do a "High" handicapper a whole lot of good.  Wait until you are at least breaking 90 with regularity, and preferably, breaking 80.  At that point, small differences in shafts may help you.

 

On 7/27/2025 at 1:58 PM, Piter said:

 I echo this. I am a high handicapper as well (21 currently) and the only "fitting" I would do is shaft length and lie (I am 6'4"). But you can use the Ping chart for that for a start or other manufacturers' online tools.

 

I disagree... I think a fitting is useful nearly any golfer. But even for high handicappers, while you might have path / face / strike location variance that is pretty significant, your basic swing tempo and mechanics aren't changing much. So you CAN still be fit. 

 

Now, part of it for me is that I'm also very tall (6'5") and fairly strong, which means that both my proportions and my strength are a little outside the mainstream. I personally don't fit into any "light" clubs--it completely screws my tempo and it feels like I'm swinging air. Shaft weight for me is a huge thing.

 

My most recent fitting I was going into it knowing the head I wanted (Wishon EQ1-NX single length). We were fitting to +1" based on the testing, which boosts the feel of heft a bit. I went through the fitting the "right" way, meaning that I was trying to not look at or pay attention to the look or sticker on the shaft in any way that might bias me, and go based PURELY on how it was feeling and how good I felt hitting with it. 

 

The only three shafts that felt right were the Steelfiber i110s, Modus 120S, and KBS Tour 120S. Surprise surprise, they're all right in the same weight range! Everything else just felt "off". 

 

I kicked out the KBS as it didn't feel as good as the other two, which both felt "good". In truth, I probably could have played either just fine... At my skill level, being fit "perfectly" is less important than being fit "in the ballpark". But there were a lot of shafts that were *NOT* in the ballpark. 

 

So I absolutely do think shaft fitting is important. 

[betarhoalphadelta]

On 7/27/2025 at 10:47 AM, CaptAmerica103 said:

 

Generally speaking, I think I would want the shafts to support my swing tempo.  I would consider my tempo as "aggressive" (in lieu of smooth).

 

All my clubs have stock shafts in them.  For my driver, I did try the Ventus Blue Velecore+ (stiff).  It did not work out well.  That's probably more of a "me" problem.

 

In this case, you may be more sensitive to shafts than some... As mentioned above, I am as well. If I'm playing something too light, my tempo gets messy. 

 

Just one note about "aftermarket" shafts... There's nothing that says an expensive shaft works better than an inexpensive one. It's all about what shaft works for YOU. You don't need some bespoke $400(+?!) shaft in a driver to hit the ball well. I do well with the stock shaft in my [very old] driver because it works with my swing. An expensive shaft that didn't fit me would be worse than a stock shaft which did. 

 

[EddieEdwards]

I struggle to break 90 with lightweight iron shafts and break 80 on a regular basis with heavy shafts.  I hit many different driver combinations well.  It may or may not matter.  

[phizzy30]

Yes, it's worth it.  I find that it helps with golfers of all skill, however, I do believe that it would help the lower handicap golfer more so than the hacker who can't find the center of the face often enough.  

[bluedot]

On 7/27/2025 at 12:58 PM, CaptAmerica103 said:

 

Hey everyone,

 

I've given some thought about golf shafts, both for the woods and irons.  One of my immediate thoughts is, I "only" get to play a total of 8 times a month (4 range sessions, 2 Par-3 rounds, 2 regular rounds).  In my (potentially ignorant) opinion, I would think I am more of a glorified weekend warrior.  With all of that being said, based on my rate of play, is investing in aftermarket shafts that much worth if I am not playing all that much at this time?  Thanks a bunch.

“Worth it” is something only you can decide, and it’s a separate question from the potential benefits of doing a fitting and purchasing after-market shafts.

 

Even if you find out that an after-market shaft(s) adds distance and/or tighten dispersion, you’re still left with the decision of whether or not the gains are “worth it”.  To YOU…
 

When I do a fitting, I always tell the fitter the same thing at the outset; if you can beat what I’ve got, I’ll buy it, but also I’m happy to pay your fee to find out that what I’ve already got is the best I can do.  But that’s ME, and I have a lot of buddies who view the dollars:gains ratio very differently.  

[Howard_Jones]

On 7/27/2025 at 6:58 PM, CaptAmerica103 said:

 

Hey everyone,

 

I've given some thought about golf shafts, both for the woods and irons.  One of my immediate thoughts is, I "only" get to play a total of 8 times a month (4 range sessions, 2 Par-3 rounds, 2 regular rounds).  In my (potentially ignorant) opinion, I would think I am more of a glorified weekend warrior.  With all of that being said, based on my rate of play, is investing in aftermarket shafts that much worth if I am not playing all that much at this time?  Thanks a bunch.

Bear in mind, im a former Club fitter....(colored opinion)

Nobody here is able to tell if you can gain much, or how much, that realy depends on what you play now, and how far from your "ideal specs" those clubs are. Only a fitting can find the right clubs, then we can make a apple to apple compare of them, not before or without.

The amount of hours you spend on this sport, tells me you are dedicated, and if you combine a fitting & new clubs with swing lessions, basic specs alone will make it easier to progress, and take advantage of the swing education given. (Golf is hard enough as it is, dont add your clubs as one of the hinders to make it.)

Im not sure how much you use course management during play since you are high HDCP, but a decent score is mostly won or lost in the short game, or by controlled or crazy tee shots. If you have clubs in you bag who often fails for you, take them out of the bag, dont even bring them to the range. There is something about those clubs specs thats simply dont work for you.

So, it really starts "at home", where you ask yourselves, whats my favotite clubs in my bag?
- Those clubs who most often does the job like you want them, and what clubs belongs to the opposite end ? When you note that down, and find club specs on both this groups of clubs, you are a step closer to what seems to work for you, and what direction of specs that dont.

Many starts with a fitting of the driver, but for a high hdc player, " a safe tee club", who gets the ball in the fairway is what you really need. not good distance on 2 shots a round with 5 OOB and 5 lost balls per round.  I would start with the putter, then wedges and short irons.....

But OK, grab the driver you have, buy a roll of lead tapé and a whiteboard pen/dry erase marker, and read this post you can bookmark and bring to the range with your mobile. Its a complete DIY driver tune up guide, with no needs for pre-knowledge of fitting or club tech, and no other tools than lead tape, a white board pen, and some "tape" to set markers on the grip is needed. Its valid for all full swing clubs, the putter has its own chapter as post #9 in the same tread/link.

You might be in for a HUGE surprise, where you keep the driver, and rather spend the money on lessions and some equipment improvements in the short end of the bag. (Putter and wedges)


 

 

Edited July 30 by Howard_Jones

[NRJyzr]

On 7/27/2025 at 3:20 PM, Nessism said:

Shaft fitting won't do a "High" handicapper a whole lot of good.  Wait until you are at least breaking 90 with regularity, and preferably, breaking 80.  At that point, small differences in shafts may help you.

 

Having been there, I have to disagree.  In my early days, I had a fair amount of speed, and just learning meant I had no control.  I clearly needed something more than stock driver and wood shafts, and as it turned out, that's what it took for me to improve.

 

It doesn't have to be exotic; I would suggest our OP steer clear of that minefield at this point.  Something as straightforward as the NV75 or even 85 would be worth a look.

 

[Pepperturbo]

On 7/27/2025 at 9:58 AM, CaptAmerica103 said:

 

Hey everyone,

 

I've given some thought about golf shafts, both for the woods and irons.  One of my immediate thoughts is, I "only" get to play a total of 8 times a month (4 range sessions, 2 Par-3 rounds, 2 regular rounds).  In my (potentially ignorant) opinion, I would think I am more of a glorified weekend warrior.  With all of that being said, based on my rate of play, is investing in aftermarket shafts that much worth if I am not playing all that much at this time?  Thanks a bunch.

Ask yourself is your skill level and awareness sufficient to detect the new technology, and do you value your game despite seeing yourself as a weekend warrior?

 

I play 1-2 times per week, with no range time yet able to detect differences in technology, and I don't see myself as a weekend warrior.

[thetrick]

Just my experience as I had this same question a few weeks ago. I opted to go in for a fitting last week for my driver and I was skeptical about high end shafts. I ended up buying a Ventus blue 6s velocore+ and it has been my favorite purchase thus far, all my numbers improved across the board. The fitting also told me I needed to play a shorter driver because standard was way too long. I just feel more confident every time I pick up my driver now and actually look forward to using it. I only average 1 round per week and maybe 2-3 range sessions but the ~$350 shaft upgrade on my driver was definitely worth it for me. I still suck, but just a tad less.

Edited July 30 by thetrick

[rbpwrx]

1. What do you have in your irons right now? If it's S300s, you're probably OK for the time being.

2. If it's anything lighter, take note. Stock shafts have been trending lighter and longer these days. IMHO, both of those characteristics hurt more than they help the casual golfer. Just b/c it's stock does not mean it's good for you.

3. Shafts in particular can help *teach* a casual golfer a better move. We all want to improve, of course. I find that we neglect the role of the shaft in helping us find a decent path. If the club is too light, we can overpower it, generally with our dominant (trail) side. That's bad news. There's a reason most pros have 120-130g shafts in their irons. Whiffle bats make scores soar.

4. Grips are by far the most important part of the club, IMO. They need to be fresh, and they need to be the right size for you. How do your handles feel? Too thin? Too thick? Grippy enough?

5. You can pick up a used set of beautiful old blades very cheap these days. I saw a set of Hogan musclebacks go for $40 on the 'Bay recently. IMO, there is no better teaching tool. If you're young-ish and strong-ish, get something with X100s in them, put on fresh grips, and take em to the range occasionally. That's how Tiger learned. Shafts that are heavy and stiff will STING if you don't swing right. No faster way to practice getting better. Especially if you're only out once or twice a week.

6. Save any real money for your long clubs. Driver and fairway shafts can take some trial and error. Good luck!

[ShortGolfer]

The expensive shafts were worth it.  The fitter selected a ball flight that would allow me to hit and hold tiny postage stamp greens from 100 yards when I was first fitted, to 130 yards today!

I could now make birdies on short Par 3s, 100 yards or less.

 

I'm too short to use stock ladies clubs.

Edited July 31 by ShortGolfer

[Stuart_G]

10 hours ago, rbpwrx said:

1. What do you have in your irons right now? If it's S300s, you're probably OK for the time being.

 

s300's are not a bad starting point for someone who's above average in strength.   But IMO, they will be too heavy for the average amateur.   

 

Weight is certainly important, and going too light certainly can be problematic.   But going too heavy with shaft weight can be just as detrimental as going too light - particularly with those with less than ideal mechanics.  And that's backed up by more than just my opinion.  And it can be hard for those that can handle the heaviest shafts to understand since they've never experienced it.

 

10 hours ago, rbpwrx said:

 No faster way to practice getting better. Especially if you're only out once or twice a week.

 

Either that or a faster way to drive someone away from the game 😄  

 

My money would be on the later for the average amateur.    Feedback is certainly important to improvement but foot powder spray provides significantly better feedback on impact location than feel every will and doesn't result in the player having any fear in failing when trying something new or different.  And more importantly, feedback by itself is not enough.   It's much more important to understand how the motion needs to change to improve impact.  Some people with above average athletic ability can stumble upon it randomly or maybe even quasi-intuitively. But most will not, the golf swing is just not that intuitive for it to come naturally to most.   Instead they will just get frustrated even faster than they would otherwise.

 

Other than the oversimplification that a bad fit will hurt efforts to improve and a good fit will not, there are no universally useful generalizations on what equipment changes will help and what will hurt a golfer's efforts to improve.  It's just way too subjective.

Edited July 31 by Stuart_G

[ShortGolfer]

I've always been that terrible athlete that doesn't get picked.  I can't swing heavy shafts.  

 

But, I was the top player on the chess team of my High School.  Never lost a match in high school.   I went to an Ivy League school and lost a bunch of games every Tuesday night.  Member of three academic Honor societies.

I found a set of YouTube videos that explained how to set up a driver swing that answered all my questions.  It took just one week for me to learn the new swing!  Twenty practice sessions and three rounds of golf. 9/9/18=36 holes to become comfortable with the new swing.  I easily moved on to learning my 3HL from what I learned hitting driver.  The fitter was surprised that my swing allowed me to hit a 3HL off the deck despite a very slow swing speed.  Now driver and 3HL are working great.  It wasn't just a few weeks ago.