Conference 7.286::golf

Ray,

	Not all graphite shafts are created equal.  Take for example the Aldila
Low Torque.  This shaft retails for about $30 or so, but the average man will 
overpower that shaft.  The higher priced shafts will be more playable for the
average man.  There are several 'clones' that are quite good.  Paragon for 
example makes  several shafts that cost much less than the brand names, but play just 
as well.  Since you are having clones made, the club maker should be able to
advise you on what shafts would best fit you're game/swing/needs.  In general
I'd stay away from the lower priced graphite shafts.


						KO

    Graphite is not Graphite
    
    Your club builder should be able to tell from your swing etc. what
    shaft is best.  Graphite shafts have three characteristics, flex,torque
    and kick point.  Each is designed into the shafts to provide max power,
    control, etc.  Good luck, this is getting about as complicated as
    buying PC's and almost as many options.
    
    SCD

    Just an FYI...I played with a friend last year that had a "Jumbo"
    graphite clone driver made.  He has always been a long hitter and was
    poking the ball out there all day.  However, on 18 after hitting his
    shot, he hit a mulligan with my YONEX and and flew it 30 yards past his
    own ball!  There's a reason why the clones are "cheaper".
    
    JMHO

    Would the average club maker be able to advise on the correct shaft
    from seeing (me) swing or would this belong in the domain of a pro.  Or
    did the reply assume that it would be the pro giving the advice.
    
    So-Cal mentioned in a note similarities between baseball and golf in
    certain areas (use of large muscles) and I was fussy about the type of
    bat but have never worried about the type of shaft on my driver.
    
    In other words I am a hopeless slicer, often abandon the driver because
    of it and perked right up at the words "using this (shaft/club)
    straightened out my drives".
    
    Finally being left handed I shy away from professional advice because
    it is so right-hand (left-brain?) oriented.
    
    Bill
    

Hi,

As .2 said, there or LOTS of things to consider in a shaft before having 'bolted'
on to your favorite head.  In fact, there was an excellent article in an old
Golf Digest or Golf Magazing about 1-1.5 years ago on this very topic.  If you 
know of someone that keeps these mags (or have access to a GOOD library), you
might just check out the article.

I'd get advice from your EXPERIENCED club maker or pro on this.  The shaft can
make a BIG difference and shouldn't be taken lightly.  BUT, it can't correct an
outside-in swing, so it won't CORRECT a slice invoking swing.  If, however, you
have a swing with lots of power/club-head speed, a low torque, low flex shaft
may help.  Don't listen to me though, talk to a pro or an experienced club maker.
I'm still new to the club making game.  

Goin' to hit 'em now,

Donald

Bill,

	I'm not sure that the "average" club maker would give you good advice,
but a good one (like Gene Kelley) has made it a point to understand golf club
specifications and how they interrealate.  As for fixing a slice.... maybe.
It really depends on why you slice.  Most of the time it is an outside - in
swingplane but the slice is caused by an open clubface.  Swinging outside in
with the clubface closing down creates a hook. (trust me I know this swing
better than anybody :-( )  Some things about the club that can help
square up the face, are the face angle on the head, a softer (read 
more flexible) shaft,
swingweight, overall weight............  Buying a knockoff will save you money,
buying a knockoff from somebody that knows what they are doing will save money
and help your game.



						KO

    My turn to nit pick... I have a "real" Bridgestone J, and a "clone" J.
    
    The clone has a BETTER shaft than the "real" model, and plays more
    favorably also.  Do not assume clones are of "lesser" quality.
    
    Rick

I'm in the process of having a Big Bertha clone made for me and I'm having
trouble identifying the correct shaft to use.  I had the opportunity to
try a "real" Bertha last week and simply loved the club.  The shaft was
an RM-60 (not sure about the "RM", but I know the number was 60), graphite,
and made by Aldila.  Does anyone know the specific specs for this shaft?
Does Aldila, or any other shaft manufacturer, make a shaft that is available
to club makers that is similar to whats used on a Big Bertha?

Thanks.

                            - Dean -

    There are many, many makes and types of graphite shafts.   I was
    astounded at the variety after looking through GolfSmith and GolfWorks
    catalogs.  Don't have the info. in front of me but it sounds like an
    extra stiff shaft.  Don't know what the flex point would be though. 
    I'll check the catalog.

    I believe that the '60' shaft is last years model. It would come in
    Stiff and Firm. The '90' shaft is this years. Try the Harrison (sp)
    shaft is the one Chi Chi uses on a Big Bertha head.
    
    Big Boy makes a great clone head and combined with a Harrison shaft
    makes a great club. Bob Drew in Rochester N.y. does a good job for
    $129, shipped anywhere.....
    
    bob 

    Or you could invest $50, and buy the Big Bertha lookalike, with a
    stainless steel shaft from me........I just has the same club made up
    with graphite.  The steel shaft worked great for the 4 times I used it.
    
    TG