Improvement using custom shaft?

[ronaldkuntoro]

Do you feel you make an improvement since upgrading to a custom shaft on your driver?

Do you feel stock shaft is a junk?

[Game]

I was getting fitted for clubs recently and they put in a number of different shafts. The stock shaft felt thick and unforgiving in the stiff but whippy and difficult to be consistent with in the regular flex. They gave me a shaft that was stiffer near the grip and more flexible near the shaft and I think that it ended up making a huge difference for me.

[TourSpoon]

Absolutely...here is a case in point.

I went in to hit the Diablo Edge Tour with the stock stiff. I didn't like the feel and was swinging it about 105 mph. The launch monitor was giving me a total of 250 which I thought was low. I asked if I could hit my current driver and given the same swing speed was carrying just over 250 for totals of 265-270. The sales guy comments on my green shaft and says it is one of his favorites and then tells me to keep what I am playing. The shaft was actually the reason I had bought that driver in the first place as most heads have maxed out and now the real difference is in the shafts.

[RC]

It all depends... you could be lucky and, by accident, your stock shaft might be just right for you, but using a good fitting session can prove or disprove this. I prefer to be fitted and have my driver optimized for my swing. You can clearly tell the difference when a shaft and head are dialed in for your swing (well, unless your swing changes a lot every time out.)

What I do is go by the numbers but also by what feels best. A very good launch monitor can give you good numbers but make sure you also like the feel of the shaft -- the best of both worlds.

[Leftygolfer]

The shafts make a huge difference. I don't know if the stock shafts are junk, but they aren't for everyone and don't fit everyone. I have a couple of drivers. One is a cleveland with the stock shaft and I like it more than my ft9 with the aftermarket shaft in it. I have a hard time being able to turn it over with the ft9 b/c it is pretty stiff for my swing speed. Right now I am playing a cut of the tee so this is actually good. But if I play a hole that demands a draw, I have a hard time with it. I'm probably either going to sell the callaway or replace the shaft. It is the I-fit model so I can make a change pretty easy, I just haven't done it.

[TourSpoon]

As for the question are stock shafts junk? No, it really depends on who makes the shaft and its specs. There are many fine shafts out there and you have to find which one is for you. With some companies you are better to upgrade, others have great shafts in their premium equipment. The point is you need to make sure it works for you before you buy it.