Re-shafting questions

[DocPangloss]

Howdy all,

A few questions about getting a club re-shafted, since I've never had to before:

Steel or graphite?

How much should I expect to pay?

Where should I get the club re-shafted? Golf course pro shop, Golfsmith, PGA Superstore...?

For reference, the club is a Taylor Made Ti Bubble 2 3-wood (from way back in the 90s ), and the original shaft is a Bubble 2 Shaft S-90. Through some research, it seems this shaft was designed for swing speeds up to 90mph... my swing speed is certainly over 100, though I haven't had it tested in more than a few years. Which would probably explain why it broke in half finishing a swing.

Many thanks

[WUTiger]

These days, most everyone uses graphite in drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids. These clubs have longer shafts, and graphite allows for a smoother, more efficient transfer of power for most golfers.

The S-90 shaft might have become damaged, especially if you were second or third owner. 10 mph over the "swing-speed limit" would hurt accuracy, not the shaft itself.

Graphite shafts usually cost more to replace, maybe $25-30 or so. Graphite shafts for woods vary in price. The Aldila VL "value series" graphites cost $10.99 each, while the Fubuki K-Series and Fubuki α models cost $359 each. (Prices from GolfWorks 2012 catalog). And, I hear that a couple of super shafts can cost $500 each.

(Note: Some graphite shaft groups have separate versions for woods (driver), fairways and hybrids. No law says you can't put a fairway in a hybrid head, but you should probably consult with a clubsmith on this).

If you're going through all this effort to reshaft, you might want to spend another $50 to get on a launch monitor and see which shafts would fit you best.

Any skilled clubfitter could do this reshaft - you might negotiate and see if you could get a free launch monitor with a shaft replacement. If you have taken lessons from a pro who also does club repair, you might use this person.

[DocPangloss]

Thank you, that's a big help.

The club was on at least its third owner, one of them being my temperamental father... I'd be hesitant to put a pricey shaft on it. My driver has a GBB System 60 Firm Flex shaft, I hope to find something similar in flex since it has worked great for years.

Do clubfitters usually charge to reshaft a single club?

I don't take lessons or know any pros personally to do this... would I be best off visiting a pro at a golf club or visiting a retail outlet like Golfsmith or a  PGA Tour Superstore?

[Leftygolfer]

I had the exact same flex and shaft on my current 5 wood, a big bertha 2.  I broke it and had it replaced with a UST pro force comp 75 stiff and it is very similar.  Not an expensive shaft at all, maybe 30.

But if your not in love with the club you could buy a new used club for the same price after instalation.