Graphite shafts - $12-300 what's the difference?

[chriskzoo]

I have a 4 wood that I need to get reshafted and, although I've golfed for over 20 years and am a 9 handicap, I really don't know the real difference between less expensive and more expensive graphite shafts.

Disclaimer - I'm not dropping $300 on a shaft, EVER.

So what's the real difference between something like a Golfsmith house brand for $12, an Aldila NV 65 for $65 and a Diamana Whiteboard/Aldila Voodoo for $300 as long as they are properly installed? I'm sure there is a consistency issue in manufacturing, but with the new shaft puring, you can basically find the optimal position to install the shaft for $12.

[chriskzoo]

Whoops, this should have been in the Equipment forum

[walfice]

Like you say, better consistency in manufacturing. A direct result of this will be tighter shot dispersion amongst other things (others may be able to elaborate). An expensive shaft will be no better for you than a cheap one if it is not the correct fit for you. In my opinion the mid price shafts such as the aldila nv is a pretty good compromise.

[Power_fade]

In my experience I did the NV better than the voodoo, so price really isn't important. So long as it's a reliable brand, just go with what fits you.

[pshizz]

There is not much of a difference when talking about name brand shafts. Just go with what works best for you. Many pros use cheap shafts ($65), because they work best for them. Just because something is $300 doesn't mean it will hit the ball further than something that is $50.

[Pat007]

make sure you get fitted on a launch monitor. That'll tell you which shaft is best for you based on swing speed, launch angle and ball speed. It'll even tell you your total carry distance as well as your dispersion pattern.

[02saleen346]

Best thing to do is get fitted for a shaft. It would be a good decision. I have been fitted for a shaft for me and it made a big difference. I tried out my friends club with a $300 shaft and I couldnt hit it to save my life.

[indacup]

A few reason for shaft price disparities....

1) Sponsor/marketing expenses. Most of the top brands are not "Top" due to performance, but often who they pay to play their products...the trickle down expenses is passed along to the end user.

2) Illusion. Many companies control MSRP to points obscenely higher that of normal market practices.....They do so to reward dealers for pushing their products.

3) Mfg/material differences. Specifically sheet rolled vs. Fiber Wound....Sheet wrapped graphite has to be stored flat and climate controlled environment...whereas Fiber would is tightly rolled and doesn't require rigid storage conditions.

Sheet rolled is manufactured by hand which is costly and often includes a more pronounced spine and, in many cases less tolerance control.

Fiber wound is spun rolled by computer, rapid production, minimal spines and extremely tighter tolerance....yes, in most cases the less expensive fiber wound maintains tighter tolerances than the expensive sheet rolled....and much cheaper...but the trade off is they often don't have the nice feel a quality hand rolled shaft has.

[iacas]

2) Illusion. Many companies control MSRP to points obscenely higher that of normal market practices.....They do so to reward dealers for pushing their products.

Here's another thing: artificially controlled prices in general.

A $300 shaft might cost $2 more to make than a $70 shaft, but if there's a perception it's better, well, $300 it is...

[Big_M]

good cheap shaft... the old school UST proforce golds, they run about $30-40 and are a fantastic shaft. Play more like some of the upper end shafts, nice stiff tips and mid-low launch.

[indacup]

Here's another thing: artificially controlled prices in general.

Boy, is THAT ever true!