Ava Romero
Golf shaft torque refers to the amount of twisting that occurs in a golf club shaft when force is applied, primarily during the swing. The ideal torque level for a golfer depends on their swing speed, ball flight preferences, and feel. A shaft with a lower torque rating resists twisting better, while a shaft with a higher torque rating is more prone to twisting. While a high torque shaft is beneficial for golfers with slower swing speeds, it can be detrimental for golfers with faster swing speeds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shaft torque | The amount of twisting that occurs in a golf club shaft when force is applied, primarily during the swing |
| Shaft material | Steel or graphite |
| Steel shaft torque | The torque range is from a little more than 2° to a little under 4° |
| Graphite shaft torque | The torque range is from 1° to 8° |
| Shaft weight | The lighter the shaft, the higher the torque value |
| Shaft flexibility | Higher torque shafts are softer and more flexible |
| Shaft resistance | A shaft with lower torque is better at resisting twisting |
| Shaft performance | Shaft torque impacts the performance of the club in terms of control, accuracy, and ball flight |
| Ideal torque level | Depends on swing speed, ball flight preferences, and feel |
| Fast swing speed | Benefit from low-torque shafts (1°-3°) |
| Moderate swing speed | Benefit from mid-torque shafts (3°-4°) |
| Slow swing speed | Benefit from high-torque shafts (4°-6° or more) |
| Slicing the ball | A higher-torque shaft can help close the clubface more easily at impact |
| Hooking the ball | A lower-torque shaft can help reduce unwanted ball flight |
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What You'll Learn
Torque and shaft weight
Torque refers to the amount of twisting that occurs in a golf club shaft when force is applied, primarily during the swing. Shaft weight plays a significant role in determining the amount of torque. Lighter shafts tend to have higher torque values, as less material is used, leaving less material available to control torque or resist twisting.
The ideal torque level for a golfer depends on their swing speed, ball flight preferences, and feel. Golfers with a fast swing speed will likely benefit from a low-torque shaft (1°-3°), as it helps control the clubface better at higher speeds, minimizing unwanted twisting, and improving accuracy and consistency. Moderate swing speed players (85-100 mph) can benefit from mid-torque shafts (3°-4°), which offer a good balance of control and flexibility. Golfers with a slower swing speed tend to perform better with high-torque shafts (4°-6° or more), as the added twist helps the clubface to square more easily, generating better launch conditions and forgiveness.
The type of shaft material also affects torque. Graphite shafts are made with a wide variety of different graphite fibre strength, stiffness, and position on the shaft, allowing for a torque range from 1° to 8°. In contrast, steel shafts have a much narrower torque range, typically from 2° to 4°, as the type of steel material is the same throughout the shaft. Therefore, torque is a more critical factor to consider when selecting a graphite shaft.
It is important to note that while shaft torque is essential in golf club fitting, it is not the only factor to consider. Variables such as consistency, clubface, accuracy, launch angle, loft, downswing tempo, ball flight, and spin all contribute to how the shaft feels during the swing.
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Shaft material
There are several materials used for golf shafts, with steel and graphite being the most common. Steel shafts are known for their durability, strength, and consistency. They are typically heavier, providing more stability for swift swings, and are often preferred by stronger golfers who value control. Steel shafts are commonly used in irons and tend to be less expensive than graphite shafts. The type of steel used can vary, with carbon steel being the most common, while stainless steel is also an option.
Graphite shafts, on the other hand, are lighter and more flexible. They enhance clubhead speed and distance, making them ideal for slower swings. Graphite shafts offer improved accuracy due to their flexibility and are often used in drivers and fairway woods. They are also better at absorbing vibrations, which can be beneficial for golfers with joint issues. However, graphite shafts are generally more expensive and less durable than steel shafts. The torque, or twisting, that occurs in graphite shafts due to their flexibility, can be a factor to consider when choosing a shaft.
In addition to steel and graphite shafts, there are also composite shafts that combine the benefits of both materials. Composite shafts aim to provide strength, flexibility, and vibration dampening, and are often found in premium golf clubs. Titanium is another shaft material that has gained popularity. Titanium shafts are strong, stiff, and lighter than steel, making them suitable for stronger golfers who prioritize accuracy.
The choice between steel and graphite shafts depends on the golfer's swing speed, playing style, and skill level. Steel shafts are recommended for players with standard swing speeds who want more control, while graphite shafts are better suited for slower swings and golfers who prioritize flexibility and distance. It's important for golfers to test different shafts to see which material and specifications work best for their individual game.
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Golfers with slow swing speeds
Golfers with slower swing speeds can still achieve impressive results and should not be deterred from seeking to improve their game. While it is true that a higher swing speed generally results in the ball being driven further, there are other factors at play that can help golfers with slower swing speeds maximise their performance.
Firstly, golfers with slower swing speeds should focus on optimising launch and spin, which are the biggest factors in maximising distance. It is also important to consistently find the centre of the clubface, or the "sweet spot", as this will help to achieve better results. Golfers who struggle with this should consider a driver with more stability, such as the TaylorMade M2 driver, which has a higher MOI (moment of inertia) than other clubs on the market.
When it comes to choosing the right equipment, golfers with slower swing speeds should be wary of manufacturers pushing drivers that are "lighter and longer". While a lighter driver can be swung faster and a longer shaft can create more clubhead speed, these characteristics may make it harder for golfers with slower swing speeds to find the sweet spot. Instead, these golfers should prioritise finding a driver that best fits them and seek out expert advice from club fitters.
It is also worth noting that golfers with slower swing speeds can benefit from focusing on their technique and getting fitted for their equipment. There are training programs available that can help golfers increase their swing speed, and it is possible to see significant improvements in a short amount of time.
Finally, when considering the torque of a golf shaft, golfers with slower swing speeds should be mindful of the potential impact on their game. Torque refers to the shaft's resistance to twisting during the swing, and a lower torque rating means the shaft better resists twisting. For graphite shafts, which have a wider range of torque than steel shafts, the torque should generally be between 3.5 and 5.5 degrees to suit most golfers. However, a strong golfer with a late release may want a lower torque to prevent the clubface from being more open at impact, which can cause a shot to hang or fade.
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Golfers with moderate swing speeds
Shaft torque refers to the amount of twisting that occurs in a golf club shaft when force is applied, usually during the swing. A shaft with less torque resists twisting, meaning that the clubface is less likely to open or close dramatically during the swing. Conversely, shafts with higher torque will twist more, resulting in a softer, more flexible feel.
The ideal torque level for a golfer depends on their swing speed, ball flight preferences, and feel. Golfers with moderate swing speeds should look for shafts with a weight of 58 to 70 grams, depending on their swing tempo.
For moderate swing speed golfers who tend to slice the ball, a higher-torque shaft can be beneficial. The added twist will help to close the clubface more easily at impact, improving accuracy. Similarly, golfers with moderate swing speeds who struggle with a hook (where the ball curves left) may benefit from a lower-torque shaft, as less twisting will keep the clubface from closing too much at impact.
It is worth noting that torque is particularly important to consider when using graphite shafts due to their construction. The layers of carbon fibre in graphite shafts lie in different configurations, and the lighter weight allows the shaft to flex and rotate more than a steel shaft. As a result, graphite shafts can have torque ratings ranging from 1° to 8°, while steel shafts typically fall within a narrower range of 2° to 4°.
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Golfers with fast swing speeds
A shaft with less torque resists twisting, meaning the clubface is less likely to open or close dramatically during the swing. This is particularly important for golfers with fast swing speeds, as the clubface is more prone to twisting at higher speeds.
The Fujikura FK0112 shaft model is an example of a shaft with a stiff flex that is also lightweight at 58 grams. Its torque is low at 3.3 degrees, with a mid-high trajectory, making it suitable for golfers with fast swing speeds.
It is important to note that while torque is an important consideration when choosing a golf shaft, it should not be the only factor. Other variables such as consistency, clubface, accuracy, launch angle, loft, downswing tempo, ball flight, and spin also contribute to how the shaft feels during the swing.
Additionally, the type of shaft material can impact the torque. Graphite shafts, for example, have higher torque ratings due to the more flexible nature of the material, and the way they are constructed with layers of carbon fibre. Steel shafts, on the other hand, have a narrower torque range due to the consistent material used throughout the shaft.
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Frequently asked questions
Torque in golf refers to the amount of twisting that occurs in a golf club shaft when force is applied, primarily during the swing.
High torque is not necessarily bad for golf. The ideal torque level depends on the golfer's swing speed, ball flight preferences, and feel. Golfers with slower swing speeds (85 mph) generally perform better with higher-torque shafts (4°-6° or more) as they help add distance and launch by increasing the shaft's flexibility. However, golfers with faster swing speeds (100 mph) will likely benefit from lower-torque shafts (1°-3°) as they help control the clubface better at higher speeds, improving accuracy and consistency.
If you tend to slice the ball (ball curves right), a higher-torque shaft can help you close the clubface more easily at impact. On the other hand, if you tend to hook the ball (ball curves left), you may benefit from a lower-torque shaft as it will help reduce unwanted right-to-left ball flight. Additionally, the type of shaft material, such as graphite or steel, can also impact the torque and should be considered when choosing the right shaft for your needs.
