Latest Lineup of Top-Ranked Golf Shafts for the Year 2025
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Finding the perfect driver shaft is crucial for optimal performance on the golf course. Here's a guide to help you understand the factors to consider when choosing a driver shaft.
Torque and Kick Point
Torque in a driver shaft refers to how much it twists laterally during the downswing. Higher torque shafts twist more, promoting a draw bias, while lower torque shafts twist less, providing more control for players who naturally draw and want straighter shots. A low kick point will launch the ball higher, and a club with a high kick point should produce a lower trajectory.
Torque significantly affects the clubface angle at impact, influencing ball flight. Lower torque values mean the shaft twists less under force, making the shaft feel stiffer and reducing unwanted face opening or closing. This stiffness helps improve shot accuracy and consistency by stabilizing the clubface. Conversely, shafts with higher torque provide more forgiveness and can help players with slower or more inconsistent tempos achieve better ball flight control.
Swing Speed and Shaft Weight
Golfers with a swing speed between 90 and 105mph will tend to prefer a shaft weight of around 60g. For players who swing the club around 105 to 115, 70g shafts are a better fit. Faster swingers should opt for stiffer shafts, as the faster you swing, the stiffer your shafts should be. Choosing a shaft too flexible can lead to missed shots high and left, while choosing a shaft too stiff can lead to missed shots low and right.
Shaft Length
A shorter driver shaft often produces a strike more towards the toe, while a longer driver shaft hinders consistency and the strike is usually more towards the heel. Custom fitting is the easiest way to ensure you're using the right length of shaft for your swing.
Recommended Shafts
The Project X Smoke HZRDUS Smoke Yellow driver shaft is perfect for golfers with a smooth tempo who like to flight it lower. It is a counterbalanced shaft, offering stability and consistency. The Project X Smoke HZRDUS Smoke Green driver shaft is the stiffest in the HZRDUS line, designed to reduce spin for fast swingers.
The KBS TD driver shaft offers mid launch and low spin, making it suitable for players of all swing speeds. It is very stable, which aids consistency. The Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro Orange driver shaft expands the CK Series, featuring a multi-material design and a counterbalanced design for added versatility for stronger players.
The Fujikura Ventus Black driver shaft has a flex of S-TX, a weight range of 58g-85g, and a length of 46". It features Fujikura's VeloCore technology and is designed to tighten shot dispersion and maximize ball speed. The Autoflex Pink Shaft is a lightweight and whippy driver shaft that promises extra distance, built upon how fast a golfer swings the golf club.
For more information on some of the best drivers on the market, check our guides to the best Callaway drivers, best TaylorMade drivers, and best Titleist drivers.
Testing and Custom Fitting
The performance of shafts is gauged not only in a controlled environment with a launch monitor, but also out on the golf course. Shafts are tested thoroughly in hitting sessions, especially when many drivers are being tested. Custom fitting is the easiest way to gain understanding about driver shafts and which will be best suited to you.
Our reviews and buyers' guides are based on a rigorous testing procedure and the knowledge of the test team. At our publication, no manufacturer can buy a good review from our team.
Colourful Options
The Autoflex driver shafts come in a variety of colours, including pink, rainbow, black, yellow, and special edition finishes. The Project X Smoke HZRDUS Smoke Yellow comes as a stock option in the TSR4, one of the best Titleist drivers.
In conclusion, choosing the right driver shaft depends on a player's swing characteristics and desired ball flight. Understanding torque, kick point, and shaft weight will help you make an informed decision and improve your game on the course.
- For golfers who want a lower ball flight and prefer a counterbalanced shaft, the Project X Smoke HZRDUS Smoke Yellow driver shaft is ideal.
- The KBS TD driver shaft, offering mid launch and low spin, is suitable for players of all swing speeds as it provides stability and aids consistency.
