Shaft Question

[coltonwill]

Since I'm in high school, I don't have very much experience with custom fitting, or, more specifically, shaft selection. For a while, I've just used stock shafts, since my swing specs, and even mechanics, seem to change every season as I grow. However, I've realized that I've grown out of the Regular shaft in my 3-wood. My question is, when you buy a new wood shaft, do you use the same shafts in fairway woods as you would in drivers? At golfsmith.com they don't have a lot of specific "fairway wood shafts", just "wood shafts".

[Power_fade]

From what I've seen, most pros actually do use the same shaft in driver and 3-wood. However, I prefer a heavier, higher spinning shaft in my 3-wood. It all depends on what you use it for.

[ctw262]

Most people prefer a heavier shaft in their 3-woods than their driver. If possible, go to a reputable golf store and someone should be able to fit you for a shaft. I'm assuming you have a fairly high swing speed, so a stiff or x-stiff may be in order. Again, go get fit. It will do you wonders.

[elchene]

Technically, they are the same shafts. You may choose to go with a shaft heavier than your current driver shaft, but it's just an uncut shaft that may be used for fairway woods or drivers.

[Hidalgo]

Coltonwill, most of the high school players we see have clubs that are ill-fitted. This is especially a problem in fairway woods. Because of the nature of the 3W, it usually has a lower ball flight than what would be considered "optimal" for most players. You didn't mention what head you are using, so I have to assume that it isn't one of the Adams or similar that is terribly sole-weighted. If it is in fact a "normal" 3W, you would probably be better served to look for a driver shaft with a LOW kick-point. This will get you a little more initial lift off the fairway and will (in most cases) provide you with a little more distance. That is assuming that the shaft flex is correct for your game.

Pay special attention to the shaft instructions when trimming the shaft. Some shafts are designed to be butt trimmed...others are designed to be tip trimmed. You CAN (we have) trim the shaft a little long or short at the tip to alter the trajectory of the shot. Trimming a little LESS that the instructions say will give you a little higher trajectory. Trimming MORE will result in a lower ball flight. Once again...this is for shafts that recommend tip trimming for fairway wood applications.

Like has been said, some (most) prefer a little heavier shaft in their fwy woods. But before you make that decision, look at the manufacturers specifications for the shaft you are currently using and try to stay near that weight with the replacement shaft. Shafts of different weights can cause inappropriate swingweights when trimmed to the same lengths

Higgy.

[coltonwill]

Thanks for all the help, guys. Hidalgo, I have a Titleist 904 f 3-wood, with a Graphite Design YS-6+ shaft in it. I chose this (stock option) shaft a couple years ago when I bought the club, after trying out some of the other options. It didn't seem to launch too high, or too low, and even though I don't have much experience in the area, it seemed to be the right shaft for my game. from what you guys are saying, it also seems like (if I didn't get a full blown custom fitted club) that a YS-7+ would work pretty well?

[Hidalgo]

Young man, there isn't an asnwer that is definitive for the situation. In theory, the best replacement is the YS-6+ in a stiff flex, cut according to the Graphite Design instructions that come with the shaft. The reason I say that is because it seems that you are pleased with the trajectory of the current YS-6 but the regular flex is now too slow for your game. I would hesitate to go to the YS-7 series. As a general rule (but not always) when you go to a stronger flex, your trajectory will drop to a lower arc. Not only will the change from REG to STIFF flex cause a lower trajectory, but if you go to the YS-7 (which has a higher kick point than the 6 series) you are going to lower it even more. This makes me hesitant and concerned that you might reduce your carry distance with the club with the 7 series. Titleist fwy woods are notorious for being "finicky" with shafts, and that's another reason I would not recommend the 7 series.

Honestly...there's absolutely no one that can tell you what this change will do. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. But I fear that a change to the 7 series shaft rather than simply a flex change might be the wrong way to go for you. And I think that staying with the YS-6+ and going with a flex change would be the best "guess".

[coltonwill]

OK, that makes sense. Based on what you said, I think I will get a fitted shaft, too. I have also heard that about Titleist woods from another player. My driver swing speed is (currently) 104, so I'm guessing that stiff should be the right flex if I don't get custom fit, right? Thanks again for everybody's help.