Custom-Fitting Manual - Taylor Made Golf

DYNAMIC
It’s vital that the player’s shaft fl ex be correct, otherwise it will be diffi cult for him to square the clubface
at impact. If the shaft is too stiff the clubface will tend to be open at impact, resulting in shots that fl y
to the right. If the shaft is too soft, the clubface will tend to be closed through impact, resulting in shots
that fl y to the left. Swing tempo plays a critical role in determining shaft fl ex. A player with a faster, more
aggressive tempo may require a fi rmer shaft fl ex, while a player with a slower and smoother tempo may
benefi t from a softer shaft fl ex.
Bear in mind that fl ex designations aren’t always consistent from one shaft brand to the next. In other
words, one brand’s R-fl ex may be softer or stiffer than another brand’s R-fl ex.
Kick Point
“Kick point” (also known as the fl ex point or bend point) refers to the point in the shaft where it bends
during the forwardswing. To optimize a player’s launch angle you have to fi t him with the proper fl ex
point. A shaft with a low kick point usually features a fl exible tip that promotes a higher launch angle
and higher trajectory. A shaft with a high kick point generally features a stiffer tip that promotes a lower
launch angle for a lower trajectory.
Players with slower clubhead speeds typically benefi t from a lower kick point, which helps them get the
ball in the air more easily, resulting in a higher trajectory, longer carry and greater distance. Players with
higher clubhead speeds typically benefi t most from shafts with a higher kick point, which promote a lower
launch angle for a lower, more controllable trajectory.
Torque
“Torque” refers to the shaft’s resistance to twisting. Torque is measured in degrees; a higher degree of
torque means that the shaft twists more during the swing. Proper torque helps ensure that the clubface
is square at impact. Generally, golfers with higher clubhead speeds require shafts with less torque, while
golfers with slower clubhead speeds require shafts with more torque. However, other factors — clubhead
size, total weight and CG location — play a role in determining proper torque.
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