What really happens when you tip a golf shaft!

Summary

In this 'Cool Clubs' podcast, hosts delve into the intricacies of golf shaft tipping, revealing how it affects performance metrics like frequency, torque, and launch angle. They discuss the common misconception that shafts stiffen with tipping and share insights from a decade of research. The conversation covers a wide range of shafts, from ladies' flex to tour-level stiff, highlighting surprising findings. For instance, some shafts show minimal changes post-tipping, while others, particularly high-launching ones, can behave unexpectedly. The hosts underscore the importance of this knowledge for custom club fitting, ensuring that golfers receive clubs that meet their specific needs and expectations.

Takeaways

• 🏌️‍♂️ Tipping golf shafts is a technique used to alter the performance characteristics of a golf club, including stiffness, launch angle, and torque.
• ⛳️ Professional golfers often tip their shafts an inch to increase stiffness, which can also affect other aspects of the club's performance.
• 🔍 The process of tipping involves cutting the end of the shaft that is installed into the club head, with changes measured in quarter-inch increments.
• 📊 Shafts can be categorized by flex, from ladies' flex to tour-level stiff shafts, and each responds differently to tipping.
• 📉 Some shafts show minimal changes in frequency or feel when tipped, while others can experience significant alterations in their performance characteristics.
• 📈 High-launching shafts with soft tips tend to change less when tipped compared to other types, which can be important for golfers seeking specific launch conditions.
• 📉 Tipping can either increase or decrease the launch angle of a golf shaft, contrary to the common assumption that it only stiffens the shaft.
• 🛠️ Custom club fitters use precise data from shaft tipping tests to ensure that the final club meets the golfer's specific needs and expectations.
• 💾 Fitting software is being updated to consider the effects of tipped shafts to provide more accurate recommendations for golf club setups.
• 🔑 The importance of understanding how individual shafts react to tipping is emphasized for both club fitters and golfers to optimize performance.

Q & A

What is shaft tipping in golf?

Shaft tipping in golf refers to the process of cutting and adjusting the tip end of a golf shaft, which is the end installed into the club head. This can affect the shaft's frequency, torque, and launch characteristics, among other performance factors.

Why do professional golfers tip their golf shafts?

Professional golfers tip their golf shafts to adjust the shaft's performance to their preferences. For instance, tipping an inch can make the shaft stiffer, which might be desired for certain players or conditions. It also allows for adjustments in launch angle and other characteristics.

How does shaft tipping affect the frequency and stiffness of a golf shaft?

Tipping a golf shaft can increase its frequency, which is a measure of stiffness. Generally, as you tip more from the tip end, the shaft becomes stiffer. However, the extent of this change varies by shaft model, with some shafts showing minimal changes and others showing significant increases in stiffness.

What is the significance of the frequency scale in golf shafts?

The frequency scale, or flex measurement, is significant in golf shafts as it indicates how stiff or flexible the shaft is. A higher frequency number correlates with a stiffer shaft, which can influence the golfer's swing and the club's performance.

Why do some shafts not change much when tipped?

Some shafts, particularly those with very soft tips or high-end materials, may not show significant changes when tipped. The construction and material properties of these shafts can make them less sensitive to tipping adjustments.

How does shaft tipping impact the launch angle of a golf club?

Shaft tipping can impact the launch angle of a golf club. Generally, tipping can lead to a lower launch angle as the shaft becomes stiffer. However, this is not a universal rule, and some shafts, especially those with very soft tips, might show little to no change or even an increase in launch angle.

What is the role of Cool Clubs in shaft tipping?

Cool Clubs is a company that specializes in custom golf club fittings. They have a machine and expertise to measure the effects of shaft tipping on various shafts. They use this data to ensure that the clubs they build for customers perform as intended after tipping.

Why is it important for club builders to know the effects of shaft tipping?

It is important for club builders to know the effects of shaft tipping because it ensures that the final product matches the fitter's intention and the customer's expectations. Accurate tipping information helps builders create clubs that perform optimally for the golfer.

How does shaft tipping affect the torque of a golf shaft?

Shaft tipping can affect the torque of a golf shaft, which is a measure of how much the shaft twists during a swing. Tipping can either increase or decrease torque, depending on the shaft's construction and material. This can influence the feel and performance of the club.

What is the significance of the S3 Flex in the context of shaft tipping?

The S3 Flex is a scale used by Cool Clubs to measure the flexibility of golf shafts. It provides a detailed and specific measurement that helps in understanding how a shaft will perform after being tipped, allowing for more precise fittings and adjustments.