The construction of your golf club shaft primarily affects your golf swing speed. Stiffer shafts are typically more suitable for players with swing speeds of 100mph and above. The first thing you need to decide is whether you need a steel or graphite shaft. Second, you need to decide on what type of shaft flex you want. Both of these elements are important in choosing your new or replacement club shafts. In this article we will discuss the options available to you and what they mean.

What is the difference between steel shafts and graphite shafts? The biggest difference between the two types is that graphite shafts are lighter. The lighter the golf club, the higher the swing speed the golfer will be able to generate. The difference in material will typically translate into an additional 3 miles per hour of club speed. In turn, this can translate into about 10 additional yards of distance when you use a graphite shaft. Graphite shafts also send less vibrations up the shaft to your hands, wrists, and elbows. This can be good if you want to prevent wear and tear on your joints.

Some players, however, like to feel the impact, as it gives them feedback on their shot. Tom Wishon said, "If gaining more distance is a primary goal for the golfer, they should definitely be fit with the proper graphite shaft design in their woods and irons to match their swing. On the other hand, if distance is not the main focus for the golfer because they already have a high swing speed, if they like the feel of steel and their swing tempo matches a little better to the higher total weight steel shafts bring to the clubs, then steel is the better option."

Graphite shafts are more expensive, however more and more golfers prefer graphite shafts, primarily because they are seeking as much yardage as they can get out of their clubs. In 2004, Tiger woods switched to a graphite shaft in his driver.

A shaft's "Flex" refers to the its ability to bend as the golfer swings it through the air. There are 5 commonly used ratings for shaft flex: Extra Stiff, Stiff, Regular, Senior and Ladies. You want to make sure you have a flex tha tmatches the needs of your swing. Otherwise, your clubface may be off-center at impact, and will leave your shots off target.

Shaft flex impacts, the trajectory, distance, and accuracy of your shot. As the shaft flexes throughout the swing, the position of your clubhead changes. You want your clubface to be straight at ball impact. If your swing is smooth, then you might benefit more fro a softer flex, and on the other hand, if you have a fast swing, you might have better results with a stiff shaft. Your best bet is to go to a club shop and try out different shafts. See which one works best with your natural swing and go with what works. If you can work with a golf professional to get club fitted, that would be ideal. He or she will take a lot of measurements, analyze your swing, clock your swing speed, and will recommend which flex is best for you. Second to this option, hit a lot of different clubs with different flexes, and watch the effects of your shots. Find one that feels good, and run with it.

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Joshua Belden uses Fujikura golf shafts. Contact him at Diamana Golf Shafts.