Are Upgraded shafts worth it?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 18, 2026
The expensive shaft gave me a slightly higher ball flight, a little bit more spin, and all that resulted in about 5 yards of extra distance. Obviously, if you're competing in tournaments you'll need all the help you can get and it might be worth it for you.
Are shaft upgrades worth it?
Because of the material and production differences, there's usually a price tag difference as well. While they may look identical on the outside, the aftermarket version of a shaft is housing better performance and for most golfers, that's worth a slight increase in cost.
Do aftermarket golf shafts make a difference?
Bottom line, differences exist. It could be torque, slight changes in overall weight or how the shaft is designed to launch/spin. I think everyone can agree these are important aspects. If you are playing a “made for” shaft, it's worth testing out the aftermarket version to see if noticeable variances exist.
How much difference does a shaft make?
Shafts can range anywhere from 40 to 135 grams. Typically the rule of thumb is that a golfer with a slower swing speed will benefit from using a lighter shaft, and you would add weight as swing speed increases. As you might expect at this point, there are always exceptions.
Are iron shafts worth changing?
Reshafting your clubs is worth it if you like your current clubs but your swing has changed and you now require a different shaft. Having the right shaft for your swing is more important than the club itself, and it's something you should look into if you want to improve your game.
39 related questions foundShould I Reshaft my old irons?
Reshafting is just one way to keep your clubs performing at a high level. You can also benefit from regripping your clubs. Replacing worn-out golf grips can help make your clubs feel new again. Adding the right shaft to your favorite clubs can get you back on the course and working toward a new personal low round.
Are steel or graphite shafts better?
Typically, steel shafts are much heavier, more durable and are generally less expensive than their graphite counterparts. They are more often than not made from stainless steel and they tend to weigh in between around 90g-120g. Torque or lateral twisting found in all graphite shafts is lower in steel irons.
Does 10 grams make a difference in golf shaft?
While most focus more on shaft flex, shaft weight is equally important. 10 grams may not sound like a big deal, but during the golf swing, it can make a big difference. This weight can make a big difference to feel, clubhead speed and dispersion (the accuracy of your drives).
What happens if shaft is not stiff enough?
When the golf ball is struck it will generally have too much spin if the shaft is too flexible, this will cause a 'ballooning' effect on the shot and it will tend to go quite high. You might have an inconsistent shot shape if the shaft is too flexible.
Are Aldila shafts good?
Much smoother and easier to load. It was a stiff flex like I normally play, but just felt really good. On the tee box I found this shaft hit higher than the stock shaft, but spin was still about the same. While I didn't have an accuracy problem with the stock shaft, the Blue was just a little tighter yet.
How much do shafts matter in golf?
Put simply, the higher the rating, the more the shaft is prone to twisting. It is the torque that also determines how the shaft feels to every player, which means that the higher the rating, the softer the shaft will feel. A shaft with a 3-degree torque will feel much stiffer than a 5-degree torque, for example.
How important is the shaft on a driver?
The heavier a shaft is, the more likely it is that your golf ball will fly low and with less spin. If it's lighter, the ball will tend to fly higher and spin more. As Briand explains, the weight of a shaft has less impact on swing speed than golfers think, but that lighter shafts could increase the rate of closure.
Are golf shafts expensive?
Some of these upgraded shafts can run you $300+. If I'm going to spend that on a shaft it better do a whole lot more than 5 yards. For pro players, it'll be well worth it but for the average player like me (and probably you) I don't think it's necessary.
Should I upgrade my driver?
Keep in mind that 3 to 5 years of use is a general guideline and differs for all golfers. If you play 30 to 40 rounds per year then based on normal wear and tear you should consider getting a new driver every 5 years. If you play less than that, then you could wait for 5 to 7 years.
When should I replace my driver shaft?
Checking in every two to three years is plenty. Similar to drivers, it's unlikely you'll wear out a fairway wood or hybrid head. However, if you use one of these clubs multiple times per round, you might take shaft wear into account after several years.
Should I change my driver shaft?
Often golfers change the shaft on their driver for reasons other than fitting the best shaft. The reason could be as simple as the golfer likes the look of the shaft or a favorite professional golfer uses the shaft. The detrimental effect on your game can be avoided by visiting a professional club fitter.
What happens if your iron shafts are too soft?
It also will be hard to square the clubhead at impact, meaning you will have a tendency to hit your shots to the right. "Play the most flexible shaft you can control," said Scott Hennessey, president of True Temper shafts. "If it's too soft, you'll spray the ball all over the place."
What happens if your golf shaft is too flexible?
When a golf shaft is too flexible, you will not be able to hit the ball straight. You will also end up losing a bit of distance. When a golf shaft is too flexible, it isn't easy to control the clubface and get it to square up at impact.
What happens if golf shaft is too stiff?
If your golf shaft is too stiff and your swing speed is too slow, your well-struck shot will be limited on both carry distance and shot trajectory; a too-stiff golf shaft will most often lead to weak fades or slices.
How far should you hit a 7 iron?
A standard amateur golfer can hit a 7 iron from 128 yards to 158 yards. The lower range will be for women and senior golfers. To hit the ball over 150 yards in total distance with a 7 iron club, an amateur golfer will have to have a good swing and be physically fit.
How many grams should my shaft be?
The shafts in most drivers typically weigh between 40 grams and 85 grams. Shaft manufacturers will offer stiff and regular flex in nearly all weight classes while most light and ladies flex clubs will weigh no more than 55 or 60 grams, but could be as light as 40 grams.
Why do pros use heavier shafts?
Heavy shafts tend to produce more distance, accuracy, and lower ball trajectory for a golfer with faster swing speeds.
Do any pros use graphite shafts?
Graphite iron shafts have been used by PGA TOUR professionals for decades including FedExCup Champion Brandt Snedeker and US Open Champion Bryson DeChambeau. There's also a third option in iron shafts which may eventually fall into the “best of both worlds” category.
What shafts does DeChambeau use?
DeChambeau's driver is Cobra's King Speedzone with an L.A. Golf prototype shaft made just for DeChambeau. The loft is 5.5 degrees—similar to what most long-drive competitors use.
What shaft is best for irons?
5 Best Iron Shafts
- True Temper Elevate Shafts. First up is the True Temper Elevate Tour iron shafts. ...
- KBS C Taper Lite. The KBS C Taper Lite is a great shaft for mid-handicap players who want a steel shaft with a lightweight design. ...
- Project X 10. ...
- Nippon N.S. Pro Zelos. ...
- Project X Cypher.