Golf Shafts FAQ

Welcome to the Golf Shafts FAQ on About.com, where we answer some of the most-commonly asked questions about the technical aspects of golf shafts. Correction: Actually, Tom Wishon answers the questions, and that's a good thing. Tom, of Tom Wishon Golf Technology, is one of the most innovative club designers and respected members of the golf equipment industry working today. So check out these frequently asked questions, then read Tom's answers.

• How are steel shafts made?

• How are graphite shafts made?

• How do steel and graphite shafts compare, and how do I know which is right for me?

• What do the letters X, S, R, A and L on the shaft mean?

• What makes finding the right shaft flex for my swing so important?

• What are the elements that go into choosing the correct shaft flex for a golfer?

• Are their industry-wide standards for shaft flex - is one company's "regular" flex the same as another's?

• What is "kickpoint"?

• Does a shaft's bend profile influence trajectory, and if so, how much?

• What is "torque," and how important a consideration is it?

• What is "frequency matching"?

• What is "spining"?

• How important a factor is the weight of the shaft?

• What is the typical lifespan of a golf shaft?

• Will heat or cold damage my graphite shafts?

• When should I have my shafts replaced?

• Do golf shafts become more or less flexible over time, or "wear out" with longterm use?

• What effect does trimming the shaft have on flex?

• If I want to cut down my shafts, should I trim from the grip end or the head end?

• I've heard the expression, "the shaft is the engine of the club." What does that mean? Is it true?

• Does the type of shaft in my putter have any effect on my putting?

About Tom Wishon
Tom Wishon has been a member of the golf equipment industry for more than three decades, specializing in clubhead design, shaft analysis, and clubfitting research and development. He is the only designer from the component clubmaking side of the golf industry whose clubhead designs have been used to win on the PGA Tour and in the Ryder Cup, having designed clubs used by Scott Verplank, Bruce Lietzke, Ben Crenshaw and Payne Stewart. Tom has written five books on clubmaking technology, he is a longstanding member of the Golf Digest Technical Panel, and serves as the Technical Advisor to PGA.com, the website of the PGA of America. Tom currently heads his own company, Tom Wishon Golf Technology, which specializes in the design of original, high-end component golf equipment for independent custom clubmakers worldwide.