We have 4 different shafts here that we put on the Frequency Analyzer and they were all labeled STIFF. However, the range of frequency went from a low of 251cmps to a high of 267cpms. So, you can already see that just because a shaft has a particular flex nomenclature painted on it, you really have no idea what it means.
The shafts that I examined in this video included a Graffaloy ProLaunch Blue 65S and it had a frequency of 265cpms. The UST V2 70S shaft had a frequency about 2 flexes softer by normal standards. However, the truth of the matter is that the UST shaft will play considerably stiffer than the Graffaloy shaft even though it has a much higher frequency. Frequency is measured by clamping the shaft and taking a reading so all you are getting is the frequency of the first 5 inches of the shaft. The playing properties of the Graffaloy shaft are such that it has a much lower kick point (hits the ball higher) and a much higher torque, the resistance to twist when force is applied, which gives the tip a much softer feel. There are other subtle differences and nuances that make shafts play differently regardless of the fact that they may be listed at the same flex.
So, you walk into a retail establishment to buy a club. How in the world do you know just what to purchase? It is an daunting task at best. Professional club fitters/builders profile the entire shaft so that we can
match up the dynamics of your swing with the dynamics of the shaft. The initial cost of this may be just slightly higher than purchasing from a retail location but in the long run you should save money since you won't be going back and buying another driver in 6 months because you're unhappy with the driver that they convinced you would have you “bombing” drives past your buddies!
We appreciate all of you and your continued support. As always, if you have a club fitting question that you'd like to have addressed, please feel free to ask just as Craig63 did and who knows, you may just see it answered here.
Better Golf Is Just A Fit Away!
J. Lynn Griffin, Master Fitter/Builder