Driver shafts aren’t exciting. Hen most of us go to the sporting good stores, we don’t pay any mind to what’s below the chrome head of the golf club. The problem? You probably should.
Realistically, the driver shaft accounts for forty percent of the club’s ultimate performance. And of course, if your old shaft has become broken or outdated, there is no questioning the fact that you need to get an upgrade.
In the guide today, we look at some of the best driver shafts on the market. We also explore some of the key factors that go into choosing the perfect piece of equipment for your needs.
Read on for some driver shaft reviews!
Best Shafts for Drivers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Project X New HZRDUS Driver Shaft Stiff Flex |  EDITOR’S CHOICE |
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Fujikura Vista Pro 60 R-Flex Shaft + |  BEST VALUE |
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MATRIX NEW Radix-S Flex Driver Wood Shaft |  BUDGET CHOICE |
| View Latest Price |
Best Driver Shaft Reviews – (Updated List)
In the list below you will find my five favorite driver shafts that are on the market. There are both budget picks and top-shelf options, meaning buyers of every variety should be able to find something that they like.
Read on to find the right driver shaft for your needs!
1. Project X New HZRDUS Smoke Black
- Attractive design that will look cool and inspire confidence.
- Intuitive engineering will make it suitable for many swing types.
- A reputable manufacturer that you can trust.
- Perfectly weighted for most swing weights.
Pros
I loved just about everything about this shaft. It’s intuitive, it looks cool, and it gets the job done.
Cons
This is one of the pricier shafts on our list today.
Project X has been one of the best shaft manufacturers in the game for about the last decade or so. Pros like Rory Mcilroy and Phil Mickelson have popularized their equipment, but they are more than just a good marketing campaign.
These shafts really work. In the case of the HZRDUS (likely a clever way of saying hazardous), we find a product that looks attractive and plays really well. The design will inspire confidence at address, while the overall engineering concept is intuitive enough to suit the needs of most players.
Whether you are a high handicapper or someone with a little bit more experienced, you should be able to make good use out of this club.
It’s also just optimally weighted at 60 grams, making it the perfect shaft for just about any swing speed.
There really isn’t much to say against the Project X shaft. This is one of the pricier options on our list today, but if you want the best that you can get, this is a strong contender.
2. Aldila New NV 65 R/S/X Flex Shaft
- Very reasonably priced.
- Attractive design.
- Appropriate for most skill levels.
- Flex point naturally promotes higher ball flight.
Pros
The best thing about this club is likely the price. It’s a good deal on a piece of equipment that will produce consistent, reliable results.
Cons
Flex options are somewhat limited. If you have a slower swing speed, this might not be the right club for your needs.
Aldila is kind of a middle-of-the-road shaft manufacturer. It’s not quite the best option on the market, but it is made to do a few things very well. For one thing, the lower flex point naturally gives you a higher ball flight. Moderate swing speeds will be able to hit the ball higher in the air without straining themselves. As a result, you will find that you get better distance and more consistency.
I also liked that it features an attractive design. The lime green element may not be suitable for everyone but it certainly does make the club stand out.
The biggest selling point, however, is going to be the price. It’s an extremely affordable driver shaft that will be more than suitable for budget buyers.
There is, however, one major issue that may eliminate this an option for some buyers. The problem? The number of flexibility options is limited. If you swing the club fast/moderately fast, it should suit your needs just fine.
However, if you have a moderate swing speed, you shouldn’t have any problems. Bottom line? This shaft doesn’t really push the envelope, but it does make for a reliable, consistent option that most players will be happy with.
3. New Mitsubishi Bassara E42 X5ct Driver/Fairway Shaft Lite
- Very affordable.
- Reputable manufacturer.
- Optimal for slower swing speeds.
- Moderate length for perfect control.
Pros
This is an affordable and extremely moderate shaft that will suit the needs both of buyers on a budget, and players with slow swing speeds. If you’re a senior golfer, you will probably like this option a lot.
Cons
This isn’t going to be a great option for players with slower swing speeds.
The Bassara shafts are both affordable, and reliable. They are made to be lightweight and flexible. The combination makes them optimal for players with slower swing speeds. Senior golfers, in particular, will get a lot out of this unique design concept.
I also really liked that this shaft comes in at a moderate length. The standard cut is 45 inches long which gives you the optimal combination of distance and control. This may not sound like a big deal, but it’s actually surprisingly rare.
Many manufacturers like to jack up the length of their shafts to give you more distance from the tee. However, doing so gives you lots less control over your shots. you won’t run into that problem here.
And finally, you’re simply getting the benefit of a trusted brand name. In the world of golf, the brand isn’t everything, but it does help. In this case, it guarantees durable materials that should stand up well to the test of time.
The only thing I didn’t like was the fact that this is not a particularly inclusive shaft. It will be great for slower swing speeds. This is mostly thanks to the lighter weight and the whippiness of the shaft.
However, if you have a quicker swing speed, you’ll effectively be out of luck.
4. New Integra SoooLong Ultralite 45 G Graphite Shaft R/S/A Flex
- Moderate price.
- Lightweight perfect for slower swing speeds.
- Flex options ranging from senior shafts all the way to extra stiff.
- Specifically optimized for Callaway Clubs.
Pros
I liked the fact that it’s a versatile club with specifications that are perfect for players of every variety.
Cons
The weight feels a little bit off. It’s somewhat hard to establish a smooth, consistent tempo with this club.
If you’ve found the best Callaway driver for higher handicaps out there, this might be the shaft that you decide to use with it. It’s not every day that you find a shaft that is designed specifically for a certain type of club manufacturer. However, here we have something that is custom-designed to suit the specs of Callaways latest clubs.
Can you use it with other clubs? It’s possible that you can, though to do so may require a little bit of tweaking in your workshop. Best practices may indicate, however, that you’re better off just sticking to the recommendations of the manufacturer.
A nice thing about this shaft is that it’s versatile enough to work with swings of every speed. Flex options range from senior to stiff, ensuring that there is something out there for everyone.
It’s also just pretty affordable. If you’re looking for a good deal, this may be a solid option to consider.
There are two problems. For one thing, I found the weight to be a little bit awkward, making it hard to establish a clean, repeatable tempo. Granted, if you have a slower swing speed, this may not be as much of a problem.
The “Callaway only” element of the shaft is also very limiting. Unfortunately, if you don’t have a Callaway driver, you might not be able to make use of this shaft.
These things aside, it’s a solid pick that most buyers (with Callaway clubs) will appreciate.
5. Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana D+ 72.335 Graphite Wood Driver Shaft
- Stiff shaft and higher weight make it ideal for super fast swing speeds.
- Sophisticated flex point for optimal piercing trajectory.
- One of the best driver shafts for a low spin.
- May help low handicap golfers increase their distance.
Pros
As a golfer with a higher swing speed, I loved the design concept here. This shaft is made to reduce spin and create a beautiful, boring trajectory that helps you hit it deep down into the fairway.
Cons
This is by far the most expensive shaft on our list today. You’ve got to be really serious about your game to even consider it.
This shaft won’t be for everyone. It’s not even marketed for universal application. The specifications are engineered with the low handicapper in mind. The stiff shaft and the sophisticated ensuring guarantee lower spin, thus producing a boring trajectory that will help you produce longer, straighter shots.
Players with high swing speeds are painfully aware of the fact that it can be easy to get too much height on your shots. When you swing fast enough, the ball launches high instead of far creating the disappointing pop-up effect.
Chances are pretty solid that you won’t experience that with this club. If you’ve been struggling to develop the right trajectory, this may very well be the antidote to your problem.
There are two problems with this club. First, and most obvious, it’s just not very inclusive. It will be a nightmare for players with slower swing speeds.
It’s also the most expensive club on our list today. If you’re serious about your game, the money will be well spent. Otherwise, consider one of the more affordable picks on our list today.
Things That Matter the Most When Buying Best Driver Shafts
Now that we have seen what is out there, it’s time to go over some important buying considerations that will help you find the best driver shafts for distance.
Materials
These days, virtually all drivers are made out of graphite. The reason for this is pretty simple. Graphite shafts are lightweight, and they can also be as flexible or stiff as you need them to be.
What’s more, it is also easy to engineer the shaft for specific flex points that suit a variety of different swings.
However, back in the day, steel shafts were also fairly common. Steel is heavier, and simply not as intuitive as graphite, but it will get the job done in a pinch.
Some people also just prefer the feel of a stiff, steel shaft. Tiger Woods is a well-known case of this. Yes, it is true that his driver and other woods are made of graphite now, but he was one of the last people on the tour to make the switch over.
If you’re more comfortable with steel, more power to you. It may come at the cost of some distance, but it will also save you a little bit of money.
And of course, it’s also worth mentioning that steel is radically more durable than graphite. Unless you bend a steel shaft over your knee (which has been known to happen to even the best of us) you should be able to count on it lasting for a very long time.
Flexibility
You’ll also find driver shafts in a variety of different flex options. In this section, I’ll go over how you can choose between the variety of different options that are out there on the market.
Stiff: Best Driver Shaft For 105 MPH Swing Speed
Yep. Stiff shafts are going to be optimal for players that have a really quick swing speed. The faster you swing the club, the more the tip of the shaft will whip through the ball at impact This whipping feature actually generates lots of speed, but if it’s overdone, you’ll find that you snap hook the ball a lot more.
You don’t want that. A stiffer shaft means that you can swing out of your shoes without worrying about the club itself betraying you.
On the other hand, if you play with a stiffer shaft and you don’t generate good clubhead speed, you might be in for a problem. Without the extra speed, the clubhead will have a harder time rotating through the ball. As a result, you may very well, push, or even slice your shots off to the right (or to the left if you’re a left-handed golfer).
Length
The standard driver shaft length is around 45 inches. This length gives you the optimal balance of control and distance. However, you will find options that go longer and shorter.
I’m particularly partial to some of the shorter shafts that we see hitting the market these days. Some woods are being made to replicate the shaft length of mid-irons.
The purpose of this feature is to give you an incredible amount of control over your shots. There is, however, a trade-off. The shorter the shaft of the club, the less distance you are going to get.
Still, if you’re looking to hit more fairways, an unconventionally short driver shaft may be an option that you want to explore.
Weight
The weight of your shaft is also going to have a big impact on how the club plays. The good news is that most shafts are weighted so that they can be played by the majority of golfers.
The only time you need to really be careful is when you start looking at extra lightweight clubs. These options will be great for senior players, or just people with notably slow swing speeds.
However, they won’t be particularly appropriate for players that generate a ton of clubhead speed.
Why? Underweight clubs make it very difficult to establish a steady, repeatable tempo.
Get a driver with a standard shaft weight, and you will be in good shape.
Cost
Driver shafts can be relatively affordable, or roughly the cost of a new club. Most players will probably favor an option that’s somewhere in the middle of the price range. The truth of the matter is that pricier shafts probably won’t produce results that are in line with their cost.
If you’re an average player, look into options that are affordable but effective. The most important considerations are the length, flex levels, and weight. Find the right combination there, and it really won’t matter how much you paid for it.
Do It Yourself?
So, now you’ve got this new shaft, but what are we supposed to do with it? Installing a driver shaft is not incredibly challenging, but most people opt to have it done professionally. The reason for this is simply that pro installation is moderately priced, and it virtually guarantees that you get good results.
However, if you do want to install it yourself, you can do so with a relatively moderate arsenal of equipment.
To install the driver shaft, you will need a solvent, a vice grip, and special golf club glue. These are all things that you should be able to find either online or at your local golf retail store.
Start by attaching the shaft of your club to your vice grip. Then, using high heat, you can loosen up the glue and remove your old shaft from the head of the club.
Once the shaft has been removed you can clear out any remaining glue from the clubhead using a solvent.
Next, simply pour new shaft glue into the hosel of your club, then quickly insert the shaft before said glue sets. Finally, carefully turn the shaft so that it is lined up perfectly with the hosel. And that is that!
Keep in mind that even though the club shaft is now installed, you aren’t quite done. You’ll also need to invest in a grip, and some glue, and golf tape.
Fortunately, this is relatively affordable gear that you can also pick up at the golf shop.
*Note*
Some shafts do not come precut. It might be delivered as 50 inches. It is then up to you to cut it down to the length that you prefer. Measure carefully before performing the cut. Then sand the altered area until it is smooth.
If you are uncomfortable with this part of the process, it may be to your benefit to simply have a professional do the work for you. A bad cut can render the shaft completely useless making it well worth your time and money to ensure that it is done properly.
But Why?
Now that we’ve talked over how you can install, let’s also consider why you might do so. Is the process actually worthwhile? It depends on the sort of player that you are.
If you are a tinkerer then that alone might be enough of a reason to go the DIY route. Some of us just like o head out to the workshop with the radio and fiddle for a few hours when we get home from work. It’s a route many golfers, including lots of professionals, take.
Learning how to do your own club maintenance is also just a good way to save some money. For instance, a pro shop may charge you five dollars per club in labor just to install a grip. Installing a shaft can be even pricier.
After a lifetime of playing, the amount of money you save on labor can really add up.
Appearance
Last but not least, give some thought to the appearance of the shaft. Golf is 90% mental (an arbitrary statistic that I just made up) and therefore it can help a lot to give yourself as many advantages as possible. Invest in something you like the looks of and you’ll be in good shape.
Frequently Asked Question & Answer
Are there any special rules pertaining to driver shafts that I should know about?
Yes. It is important for you to keep in mind that drivers are not supposed to exceed 48 inches in length. The good news is that most of the time manufacturers will sell their shafts premeasured so there is no risk of breaking the rules.
Are driver shafts compatible with any driver?
Pretty much! Unless it’s an unconventional shaft, you shouldn’t have any problems.
How long do driver shafts last?
In theory, a driver shaft should be able to last indefinitely. However, if you play a lot, you may find that it wears out quicker.
Conclusion
We’ve looked the options over, now it’s time to close the deal. The five shafts that we’ve looked at on this list today are all good for someone. Now comes the time where we lock in on what driver shaft will be right for you.
As far as I was concerned, the best driver shaft on the market is probably Project X. It’s intuitive, sophisticated, and great for pretty much any swing type.
However, you can also land yourself a really solid deal with the Aldila. At the end of the day, it’s all about deciding on the shaft that’s most suitable for your needs. The good news is that with this list, there really is something for everyone which means it’s a pretty low-stakes decision.
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