Every couple of years, it is good practice to review your golf swing and decide if it’s time for a new driver shaft. Not because golf shafts wear over time, but because your swing speed can slow as you age.
Choosing the correct shaft for your driver can be difficult. There are quite a few driver shaft options on the market that can make the decision overwhelming.
There are multiple factors to think about when buying a new driver shaft. Golfers typically think of the driver shaft’s length and flex as the primary factors when buying a new shaft. However, golf shaft weight is an equally important component to consider.
60-gram and 70-gram driver shaft weights are two of the most common weights to choose from. The difference between these two weights may seem insignificant but they can make a tremendous difference in your swing.
In the article below, we are going to cover what you need to know about driver shaft weight. We will look at how driver shaft weight affects your swing, and we will look at how to choose the right weight for your swing. We have a lot to cover so let’s jump in!
How Does A Driver Shaft Weight Affect Your Swing
A driver shaft’s weight is often overlooked by the average golfer, but it’s extremely important. The shaft weight will affect the club head speed and consistency along with ball spin and trajectory.
Lighter driver shaft weights lead to higher club head speeds, but with this speed comes inconsistency. The reverse is true for heavy shafts. You will swing a heavier shaft slower, but it should help you create a more consistent swing.
How To Choose The Right Driver Shaft Weight
The unfortunate answer here is that everyone’s swing is different. It will take some trial and error to figure out the best driver shaft weight for your swing.
For best results, golfers need to find the speed they produce with their driver, the spin, and the trajectory.
However, there are some general rules you can follow to find the right weight faster. A good rule is to play the lightest weight shaft where you can still make consistent swings.
You want a light shaft for faster club speeds, but not at the cost of inconsistency. The average golfer buying a regular or stiff shaft will need to try out multiple shafts before determining which fits their swing best.
It takes years of experience to correctly fit someone for a golf shaft. Because of this, we recommend taking a lesson with your local PGA professional to find the appropriate shaft weight for you. Take advantage of your local pro shop for the best results.
How Many Grams Should My Driver Shaft Be?
Most driver shaft weights range between 40 and 70 grams. A typical golfer with an average swing speed of 90-105 mph will be well suited for a 60-gram shaft.
Someone with a faster swing should choose a heavier driver whereas slower swings will need a lighter driver.
It is also important to know that driver shaft weights are rarely an exact weight of 40, 50, 60, or 70 grams. You will usually find shaft weight increasing as the flex increases.
So, a regular flex at 60 grams may weigh 62 grams for stiff and 64 grams for extra stiff flex. This is why it is so important to test out your shaft prior to purchasing.
| Shaft Weight (grams) | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 |
| Swing Speed (mph) | <75 | 75-90 | 90-105 | 105+ |
| Shaft Flex | Flex | Flex/Regular | Regular/Stiff | X- Stiff |
What Happens If The Golf Shaft Is Too Heavy Or Too Light?
Playing the wrong driver shaft weight will negatively impact your tee shots. If the driver shaft is too heavy or too light, golfers will encounter a number of challenges.
Impact Of A Driver Shaft That is Too Heavy
A driver shaft this is too heavy can make it difficult for the golfer to generate swing speed and force, resulting in shots that don’t travel as far as they could.
In addition, the golfer may struggle to square the clubface at impact, causing the ball to drag to the left of the target.
This is because a heavier shaft might make it more difficult for the golfer to maintain proper timing and sequencing in their swing, resulting in a hook or pull shot.
Impact Of A Driver Shaft That is Too Light
On the other hand, using a driving shaft that is too light can result in the opposite problem. Although the golfer may be able to achieve faster swing speeds, they may struggle to control the clubface and strike the ball straight.
This is because a lighter shaft can cause the golfer to lose control of the clubhead throughout the swing, causing the ball to drift to the right of the target.
Furthermore, the reduced weight may force the golfer to swing too quickly, resulting in timing concerns and inconsistent ball striking.
It’s important to note that the impact of utilizing a driver shaft that’s too heavy or too light may vary depending on the golfer’s specific swing mechanics and preferences.
Some golfers may be able to compensate for a shaft that is too heavy or too light by modifying their swing, whilst others may fail to adapt and see a considerable reduction in performance.
All this depends on the golfer’s swing mechanics and how they compensate their swing to the new shaft weight. This is why fine-tuning is so important during the initial fitting.
Can Drive Shaft Weight Fix A Slice Or Hook?
At this point, we have established that the weight of your driver shaft is very important. Given this importance, many golfers may wonder if the weight of the drive shaft is causing the hooks or slices in their swing.
In most cases, adjusting your driver shaft weight wont fix your hook or slice. While shaft weight may play a small role, your swing mechanics are still the main culprit for hooks or slices of the tee.
To correct a hook or slice, golfers should focus on improving their swing mechanics through instruction or practice.
Adjusting the weight of the driver shaft may provide some benefit for a few golfers, but it’s not a guaranteed fix for a slice or hook.
It’s also worth noting that the weight of the driver shaft is just one factor to consider when struggling with a club. Other factors like the flex, length, and material of the shaft can also impact the feel and performance of the club.
Golfers should work with a professional club fitter to find the right combination of factors that suit their swing style and needs.
Final Thoughts
Adding a new driver or driver shaft to your golf bag is a big deal. Chose the wrong shaft type and weight and your game will really suffer.
However, those willing to take their time and test different shaft weights and flexes should see a huge improvement in accuracy and distance. Use the tips above when buying a new driver shaft for the best results on the course.
Hopefully, you liked this article and found it informative. Check out our other blog posts if you liked this one!
