The basics
Basic shaft specifications such as dimensions, weight and flex are easily identifiable shaft attributes. Fine tuning shaft specifications such as torque and bend profile are much more nuanced changes. The average golfer probably would not notice the difference if you change these specs around. However, knowing about torque and bend profile will give you a better understanding when talking to a club fitter when these topics are discussed.
What is Torque?
Torque is the resistance of the shaft to twisting at impact. No you don’t need a torque wrench to adjust the torque on your shaft as the featured image would suggest. Although, some content out there does make the topic remarkably complicated. Torque used to be a big marketing point on shafts 20 years ago however, the last few years manufacturers have pivoted away from using torque as a selling point.
Torque = Feel
Torque can be better described as the feel of the shaft.
- Lower torque shaft feels more stout, “heavier”
- Higher torque shaft feels smoother, more “active”
It is also important to note that there is no standard way to measure torque and this complicates the topic. Focus on the feel of the shaft as opposed to a specific torque number.
What is Bend Profile, Bend Point and Kick Point?
Bend profile essentially details how the shaft bends along its entire length. The EI curves are line graphs designating the stiffness of the butt section versus the mid-section versus the tip section. All of them essentially telling you how the shaft flexes. This gives you an understanding of how the shaft may launch the ball either slightly higher or slightly lower.
Bend point otherwise known as kick point or flex point determines the trajectory of the shaft.
- High bend point= Lower trajectory
- Mid bend point= Mid trajectory shaft
- Lower bend point= Higher trajectory shaft
If you need to change your trajectory, a better starting point would be to work on the impact position on the club face when you strike the ball. You can also change the loft of your driver. These changes will have a bigger impact on ball trajectory as opposed to marginal improvements based on changing the shaft for a higher trajectory shaft.
In our view, the majority of golfers should spend their time figuring out basic shaft specifications best suited to their swing. These include shaft weight and flex. Fine tuning shaft specifications such as torque and bend profile are secondary attributes in your search for your ultimate golf shaft. Aesthetics and price of the shaft should also be a contributing factor to shaft selection, but more on this in part 3.
