What are the characteristics of the shafts

[Talisker]

I'm looking for some basic infos regarding shafts.
What does a shaft do, regarding trajectory and swing speed?
I got fitted about 4 yrs ago with TT S-90, hitting the 5i 180yrds with a high trajectory.

Now I crave a bit more knowledge about shafts and their magic...

Thanks

[LowPost42]

Re: What are the characteristics of the shafts

I'm not sure what information you're looking for, so I'll try my best to interpret (all info subject to change as my education continues):

A shaft mostly offers feel. In the proper flex, it can also effect distance. I have yet to determine if the two are related (ie a shaft that gives you best feel also gives you best distance).

I find I can feel the clubhead better with my swing and a soft 'R' flex. But I like my accuracy better with a strong 'S'. (FWIW, I'm basing this off the Royal Precision shaft rating, where 5.5 is S and 4.5 is R)

The thing that will effect trajectory the most is loft. After that, shaft bend point and tip softness add minimal effect to trajectory. But even before we look to shafts, we should look to clubhead design to effect trajectory. Since we can't do much in the world of loft and since we'll assume you have a clubhead design that works for you, we look to the shaft. So for maximum trajectory, we select a low kickpoint, soft tipped shaft. To bring it down the most, we go high kick, hard tipped shaft.

I hope I've covered what you're looking for.

[Talisker]

Re: What are the characteristics of the shafts

I was researching the whole thing a bit. It very much mirrors your thread.
According to a Golfsmith test the Bend or Kickpoint hardly does anything (lauch angle). The Softer Flex helps increasing distance on slower swings to around 5% (Guess, that would make sense). I did read about soft flex gives you better feel. Like you mentioned. (I have not had the chance to compare that)
So...... Ball flight depends of your ability to deloft your Clubs, loft angle and quality of impact......?

I was wondering if the Shaft thing is more of a Hype or actually useful for the average golfer...