Custom Shaft Advice (Drivers)

[cmojibi]

Good Afternoon,

I'm happy to say I just found these forums and got through my 3 "newbie" posts. I'm looking forward to getting some advice and hopefully giving a bit as well.

On to my question.

I am a 6.1 index and have been playing for about 15 years. To date, I have always been a stock shaft in whatever driver I'm using guy. I've never been club fitted or swing analyzed. I'm pretty much self taught with some tips from my 18 handicap dad while growing up. I have recently decided to get into some more custom clubbing and I was wondering if I could get some help on what kind of shaft I would want in my driver.

My swing speed is fast (110+) with a pretty short backswing and relatively good tempo given how fast I swing. I am a long hitter, bottoming out around 280 and creeping up to 330+ on big hits. Unfortunately, given my time, a large majority of my golf is spent playing in Oil industry scrambles. While scrambles are fun, it is a lot of grip it and rip it which is where my high swing speed is coming from.

Right now I'm using a Calloway Hyper X, 8.5degree driver with a stock stiff shaft. My preffered play is a high fade but when I get into some bad swings, I tend to overswing and hook it left. From what I'm reading, I might be wanting to use an X stiff given my swing speed. I've been researching and have heard good things about the Diamana Blueboard series. Would I be correct in assuming I wanted a bit heavier shaft with X stiffness?

What would you guys recommend?

Thanks in advance.

[golf_junkie27]

One choice you have is to get a shaft custom made that has less flex towards the bottom of the shaft. I've read where many golfers have their shafts "tipped" and "stepped on" that helps with that problem.

One recommendation that I do have is go to a good, reputable fitter that is not affiliated with a particular OEM or retail outlet. The one thing they will all recommend is puring your shaft to a particular CPM. CPM is the exact flex point that is producing your optimal shots. Getting tied into a general flex, IMHO, is not enough. There are too many variables, the biggest being that not all stiff, xstiff shafts, etc. play to the listed flex. For info on puring: WWW.SSTPURE.COM

I don't know how much you want to spend but each OEM produces a high end shaft that will suit your needs: UST, ACCRA, OZIK, Diamana.

Based upon your speed, I would take a look at the above listed, with a lower torque and low kick point with anything near the 73 gram weight. That would be a good place to start but a fitter would know more.

Try contacting "Everado" on this board. He's a reputable fitter and he really knows his stuff.