Variability in supposedly "identical" shafts

[arturo28mx]

To get an idea of the actual flex of a shaft I take a golf club in my hands, one hand holding the shaft right next to the hosel, the other hand holding the shaft right next to the grip, thumbs underneath, and applying a certain force and observing how much the shaft bows. The difference between a regular and a stiff shaft is usually very evident, as the stiff flex bows less and presents more resistance than a regular flex. I know this is not a very scientific test but with a little practice it gives good approximate  and consistent results, at least in my experience.

Well, the other day I was at a local golf store and grabbed three "identical" Titleist 913 D2 drivers, 9.5 degrees and Diamana Blue 62 shaft in regular flex. I did my usual flex test and guess what, one of the three shafts was considerably stiffer than the other two. More like a "stiff" than a "regular". I repeated the test several times and there was no doubt one of the shafts was a lot stiffer even though all three were marked "regular".

When I got home I checked on a couple of Ping i20 drivers I own, both "identical" 9.5 degrees and "regular" flex. Again, one of the shafts was considerably stiffer than the other. I had noticed they played differently (one launched lower) but did not pay much attention to it and thought it was due to a loft variation in the heads.

I knew the actual loft of driver heads often varies by one degree or more in relation to what is stamped on the head, but now I see the shafts can also show a great variability in their flex.

Anyway, just wanted to share this experience.

[Yukari]

As with all manufacturing processes, you cannot get identical shafts.

That is why pros try out many different shafts of "identical" specs to find one that works for them.