Golf shafts are hollow taper tubes that from the butt end to the tip end reduce in their outside diameters. Shafts vary in their wall thickness as well because the tip is slightly thicker than the butt end for reinforcement since the tip diameters are smaller in cross-section. Graphite shafts will require thicker wall diameters than steel shafts and can vary greatly from one pattern of shaft

to the next depending upon the weight and modulus of material that is used for the shaft. You

probably are already aware of this if you routinely extend clubs. A .600” steel shaft extender almost universally fits into any .600” steel shaft. However, a .600” butt end graphite shaft may need different sized extenders or one that need sanded, or in some cases shimmed to fit properly.

The wall thickness variation also applies to the tip end of graphite shafts. There is a certain breed of shafts that are considered “tip heavy”, where the manufacturer has intentionally shifted the balance point (weight distribution) closer to the tip of the shaft. This is done intentionally for a couple of reasons.

One reason is for swingweighting. Generally, graphite-shafted clubs are built to longer lengths than steel-shaft clubs as manufacturers will only produce a head with a certain weight instead of two for steel or graphite assemblies. At the same length, lighter shafts will yield lighter swingweights in general because there is less material that extends beyond the 14” fulcrum point on the scale. However, if the graphite shaft is made with a balance point closer to the tip, it can yield the same swingweight as a steel shaft without having to make the club any longer. By maintaining a shorter assembly length, the club may be easier for the golfer to control as increased distance may not be a priority.

The second reason for shafting the balance point of the shaft is for stiffness distribution. By making the walls thicker, then it will have the effect of making that portion of the shaft more reinforced and less likely to deflect. Tip heavy shafts will create shafts which will possess a higher “kick point” to promote a lower launch angle. Another byproduct of the thicker walls is a lower torque and it is no wonder why tip heavy graphite shafts are typically suggested for those who possess higher swing speeds and / or trajectory, but looking for either a lighter overall weight club or the natural shock dampening properties.

These types of shaft will not be necessarily touted as tip heavy, but one look at the tip and you will notice the difference. From an assembly standpoint, you will not be able to use a weighted tip pin as the inside diameter of the shaft is much too narrow to accept it. For obvious safety reasons, we do not suggest drilling the tip out to have the weighted tip pin fit as this can weaken the tip of the shaft and lead to breakage.

Hireko will offer three Tip Heavy graphite shafts in the 2007 catalog. Two of these that are in the average weight range for graphite iron shafts, which are the Aldila Gamer Iron and the Grafalloy ProLaunch Red shafts. These two shafts can be made to the same lengths and swingweights as a steel shaft, along with the Aldila NV Pro 105, which is approximately the same weight as an ultra-lightweight steel shaft. For strong golfers wanting a head heavy feel, the Aldila NV Pro 105 will provide that, plus it was one shaft that had the highest kick point of virtually any iron shaft we have ever measured.

For clubmakers, you may want to have one of these shafts in your demo iron shafts for your customers to try. For consumers wanting a lightweight club, but doesn’t want to lose the control they are familiar with steel these tip heavy graphite shafts may just be the ticket for better performance.

by Jeff Summitt
Hireko Technical Director
jsummitt@hirekogolf.com