The golf club may be one of the most important components of a golf club, but there are still some players today who try to downplay its role in club performance and trends.
I’m not saying it’s more important than the club head itself, but you have to understand what each does and how the club head and shaft work together. Just like a high-performance car, the engine (club head) has the speed and power, but without the proper transmission (shaft) to manage it, you’ll get nowhere.
When looking at a shaft, it is usually divided into three separate areas: the tip section, the middle section, and the sole section. Understanding each person’s role and how that translates to the player is probably one of the most important jobs of a club fitter, like us here at True Spec Golf.
What is a shaft flex profile?
It can be difficult for players to try and figure this out on their own, as we all react differently to these flex profiles. Three players using the same shaft may get three completely different results.
The good thing is that manufacturers present this information openly to consumers, and some even simplify it so that it can be understood by the everyday golfer. Each part of the shaft is labeled with a term that represents feel, such as soft, stiff, or firm, which allows players to understand how that part of the shaft feels during the swing. It also gives the installer an idea of how it should react.
Example of different axis profiles
Diamana WB: Butt = Firm / Mid = Firm+ / Tip = Medium+
Diamana BB: Butt = Med+ / Midsection = Med+ / Tip = Med
Diamana RB: Butt = Medium / Medium = Medium / Tip = Soft
Some manufacturers simplify it further and give the shafts launch and spin designations, such as “low launch/low spin” or “mid launch/medium high launch.” These are useful for trying to understand what the shaft profile is for, but just trying to match performance to these parameters can be frustrating and costly. Like I mentioned, three different players can produce three different launch characteristics from the same shot.
There are also more in-depth methods, such as the EI profile chart, which will show the actual progression of the shaft from tip to tip. This is useful for the fitter to better understand how the shaft will match your swing dynamics. It’s also a useful tool for comparing various axes side by side.
Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana BB wooden shaft
Diamana BB (Blue Board) is the second profile in the latest generation of Diamana shafts. It features the legacy branding that made Diamana so popular, including a return to the original 53/63/73/83 weight class designations. This shaft incorporates advanced engineering and material innovations, making it a top choice on tour. Key features: Maximum energy transfer: Ultra-high modulus 80-ton Dialead pitch fiber in the butt section. Greater stability: High-modulus 46-ton fiber in the corner layers of the shaft to reduce torque. ENHANCED FEEL AND DURABILITY: Mitsubishi’s proprietary Xlink Tech system increases the overall strength and durability of the shaft while increasing the carbon fiber volume for superior feel.
View Product
Now, what do these different parts mean and what role do they play?
Here’s a simple breakdown of each, along with where you might “feel” it during your swing and its expected results.
Hip part: This section is typically used to control the initial feel of the shaft, especially in transition at the top of the swing and at impact. Players who generate a lot of power and speed may gravitate toward a stiffer hip section that feels more stable and provides more control. While players with a smoother rhythm may prefer something softer to help them create more speed and a smoother feel with their shots.
Middle section: The midsection can help control the overall feel of the shaft throughout the swing and can help promote or reduce launch. Some faster players may want to minimize the “loading” feel and get a more stable all-in-one feel. Players with a smoother rhythm or slower speed may want to feel more “load” in the shaft during the downswing and help increase speed. It also serves as a starting point for how the shaft launches and spins, as you can manipulate how the shaft “kicks” and in return how much loft is transmitted at impact.
Tips section: The last part of the shaft is also the most active and plays an important role in overall launch and spin as well as the propensity of the club head through impact. A “softer” head helps promote more launch, but it can also make the head feel easier through impact. A stiffer tip feels more stable at impact, but it can also reduce launch. This is why you’ll see this part of the shaft often reinforced with different materials to function as consistently as possible. This is where aftermarket shafts rise above the rest, as they give players a better feel but use special materials to stabilize the tips.
Even after understanding these and the roles they play, it is still highly recommended that you visit a fitter to help determine which one is best for you. I’ve learned over the years that the label on each shaft tells us more about how it feels in the swing, but not always how it performs for every golfer because we all offer different clubs.
Visit your local True Spec today and save yourself some time, money and hassle.
True Spec Golf Club Accessories
With more than 70,000 club head and shaft combinations, True Spec Golf can tailor and create a precise set of clubs just for you.
Want to find the best shaft for your game in 2025? Find a club fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.
