Shaft Torque

[hypergolf]

What is considered low torque for driver shafts, fairwaywood and hybrids?

From my understanding low torque for driver is 3.5 or below.

For fairway it is 3.2 or below.

For hybrid it is 2.8 or below.

Does this sound right or am I completely off?

Also I see some premium shafts like Diamana have higher torque compared to
some other shafts of a similar launch characteristic so what does this really
accomplish in a shaft?

From my knowledge I also understand that higher torque is for smooth
swingers with mid to slow tempo and lower torque for hard hitters with
fast tempo. Is this correct?

Also any low handicappers/pros playing with higher torque driver,
fairwaywood, hybrid shafts?

I know what a torque is so please do not write the definition of a torque
but rather please share your experiences. Thanks.

[golf_junkie27]

I use an Accra SC 75 M4 Shaft on my driver. The specs:

Torque-2.0
CPM-275
Weight-74 Grams

I was fitted for this shaft. Few things I have noticed. One, I don't slice the ball. Number two, and more importantly, the club stays with me throughout the swing. Sometimes, with my previous driver, I would lose "feeling" at the top and get a little off plane on my swing. That's not the case, now.

A lot of questions, I hate to sound repetitive, are resolved by getting fitted by a certified fitter. He/She should be able to answer all of the why's you may have. Believe me, I had plenty.

My swing speed is between 102 and 106 MPH (with driver)
My ball speed is between 146-150 MPH.

The great thing is that my new shaft, combined with the balls that I use, create very little sidespin. That's what you should be looking for, regardless of torque.

[rrassoc]

I use an Accra SC 75 M4 Shaft on my driver. The specs: Torque-2.0 CPM-275 Weight-74 Grams I was fitted for this shaft. Few things I have noticed. One, I don't slice the ball. Number two, and more importantly, the club stays with me throughout the swing. Sometimes, with my previous driver, I would lose "feeling" at the top and get a little off plane on my swing. That's not the case, now. A lot of questions, I hate to sound repetitive, are resolved by getting fitted by a certified fitter. He/She should be able to answer all of the why's you may have. Believe me, I had plenty. My swing speed is between 102 and 106 MPH (with driver) My ball speed is between 146-150 MPH. The great thing is that my new shaft, combined with the balls that I use, create very little sidespin. That's what you should be looking for, regardless of torque.

Golf_Junkie, Good post! I will say that when I got my driver reshafted last year, I got the feeling that the guy was earning minimum wage, spouting stuff he was taught to say. My new shaft was definitely better for me than the one I had previously, but I credit the launch monitor for most of the work. I won't go back there next time. I WILL look for a certified fitter.

[g-funk13]

I use an Accra SC 75 M4 Shaft on my driver. The specs:

Dear golf_junkie27

I am in northern NY and would love to get a recommendation for a fitting. Where did you go, how long did it take, and how much $$? Thanks for the post, by the way. Very informative. Garrett

[gas_can]

hypergolf,

There are no industry standards for torque rating. One company's 3.2 could be another's 2.8. Torque means very little and from what I've found - if all other specs of a shaft will fit you, so will the torque.

What torque is a somewhat decent predictor of is feel. Typically higher torque shafts will have a smoother, more perceptible kick, while higher torque ones typically are stouter and sometimes described as boardy.

Of course even this can go out the window because shafts such as Accra can be extremely low torque and still have a smooth feel.

I used to measure standardized shaft torque for my own fitting purposes, but gave up when I realized how little it mattered for fitting.

[golf_junkie27]

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A good fitter will make sure that the launch monitor is specified to the equipment you are testing. When I first got fitted, I hit in a launch monitor and all I saw was swing speed and distance. More recently, the fitter actually listed all the equipment info: club, shaft, ball that I was using, etc. Make sure your guy does, too.