Shaft Weight Questions?

[SVTGolfer]

I dont quite understand what the difference in shaft weight is and how it affects the club. Can anyone explain that? If my driver comes with a 60 gram shaft, what would a 70 gram shaft do to change it?

[WUTiger]

Shaft weight affects total club weight.

People who are stronger than average or have have very high clubhead speed may opt for a heavier shaft so they don't lose control on their swings. If you had trouble with overswinging, or swinging so hard you "lose your stance," a heavier shaft might help you.

Also, shaft weight combined with flex help determine clubhead speed. An example from the True Temper shaft family:

• Dynamic Gold S300 weights 127 grams.
• Dynamic Gold SL (superlight) S300 weighs 106 grams.

So, a person who was on the line between Regular and Stiff flex might opt for the DG SL S300. The SL version shaft only weighs 83% as much as the standard S300. Less weight means less resistance during the swing, which would increase the player's clubhead speed.

Caution on the superlight driver and FW shafts: A manufacturer's rep at a recent golf expo was worried that the superlights may cause problems for stronger golfers. The superlights - to save weight - are softer in the tip, and may cause control problems. (You hit the ball deeper into the treeline with greater distance but less control).

[SVTGolfer]

Thanks for that info. It does make sense. Im just trying to figure out why a manufacturer would place a 60 gram shaft in a club and not a 65 or 70 or something else. My shaft (60 gram) isnt working for me and as Im looking at shafts Im seeing a lot of 70 gram shafts on stock drivers. Without having actually tried one in my driver I think I want an Aldila RIP alpha stiff shaft in 70 gram or my favorite shaft so far the UST Mamiya Axivcore tour red or tour green in 69 gram. All my other woods have the UST Axivcore shafts, so Im thinking why not polish it off with putting one in my driver.