What difference does shaft weight make?

[Golfer gal]

I searched the site, but didn't see my question answered... Can someone explain how shaft weight works, and what differences would I notice with different shaft weights, and should all my clubs have the same or similar shaft weights?

Barbara

[iacas]

Shaft weights vary. They're usually lighter in the longer clubs, partly because the extra length increases the swingweight, and then go up to heavier in the irons.

For example a common set of clubs for an adult male:

Driver: 65g
3W: 75g
Hybrids: 85g
Irons: 110-125g

Iron heads get heavier (a 3-iron head weighs much less than a PW head) to help maintain swing weight with the same weight shaft as the shaft gets shorter.

[Club Rat]

31 minutes ago, Golfer gal said:

what differences would I notice with different shaft weights

Lighter shaft weights are used for Women and Junior clubs typically. Seniors also lean towards lighter weight shafts for easier swings and to increase swing speed (Also noted for Women)
 

32 minutes ago, Golfer gal said:

should all my clubs have the same or similar shaft weights?

Not really, most golfers are more interested in having "Same Swing Weighted Club Iron sets"
Different shaft weight used in Drivers and FW woods help a player feel the club head when swinging generally. Also, with irons for stronger, younger players.

In your situation, I would suggest trying the lightest weight clubs.

OT...
OH' congrats on your Hole in One last year and please do continue writing your - Goal #3)  fire up golfgirl.net again
Ps. if you are interested in tracking your game, you should look into using Game Golf.
It would help you realize the areas which you concentrate on improving.

[WUTiger]

Additional information on shaft weight:

Shaft weight also has to do with feel during the swing. Too light a shaft, and the golfer has trouble telling when he/she is at the top. This can lead to overswinging.

Too heavy a shaft, and the golfer is fighting to maintain control of it, which can disrupt swing rhythm.

[Golfer gal]

2 hours ago, iacas said:

 

Shaft weights vary. They're usually lighter in the longer clubs, partly because the extra length increases the swingweight, and then go up to heavier in the irons.

 

Mine are a bit backwards, then. My driver and 3W are 50, and all the others are 45, even my wedges! And the 5H I just ordered is 55; that's why I asked, I'm wondering if I would notice it is heavier.

1 hour ago, Club Rat said:

suggest trying the lightest weight clubs.

OT...
OH' congrats on your Hole in One last year and please do continue writing your - Goal #3)  fire up golfgirl.net again
Ps. if you are interested in tracking your game, you should look into using Game Golf.
It would help you realize the areas which you concentrate on improving.

Thanks! My Hole in One was so UGLY, that I swore to improve my golf so that I actually deserve it if it happens again!

I'm pretty nerdy about tracking my stats, and interested in Game Golf or something like that which will pair with a gps watch to track shots. I know I'm still inconsistent, but getting better, and I think I'm at a point where that knowledge would be more helpful than frustrating.

what I've done recently to improve is note the most frustrating shots in my rounds, and working on that one thing for a practice session hopefully before the next round.

Back to shaft weight:

52 minutes ago, WUTiger said:

Additional information on shaft weight:

Shaft weight also has to do with feel during the swing. Too light a shaft, and the golfer has trouble telling when he/she is at the top. This can lead to overswinging.

Too heavy a shaft, and the golfer is fighting to maintain control of it, which can disrupt swing rhythm.

I have close to ZERO feel! 

Thanks for your help, guys. At some point maybe soon or this year, I'll probably go get fitted for clubs, but I'm still too nervous for that.

 

[dennyjones]

4 hours ago, Club Rat said:

OH' congrats on your Hole in One last year and please do continue writing your - Goal #3)  fire up golfgirl.net again

Congrats on your upcoming anniversary!   I really enjoyed your blog...

[Lihu]

2 hours ago, dennyjones said:

Congrats on your upcoming anniversary!   I really enjoyed your blog...

I didn't know @Golfer gal had a website dedicated to her golf improvement. This is way cool!

http://www.golfgirl.net/429478896

Best wishes from me as well.

[Golfer gal]

Well now the pressure’s on to get over there and update it! So I will... going to work right now, but after golf tomorrow I will post.