The driver shaft is a critical component of any golfer’s equipment, directly impacting the performance, feel, and consistency of their shots. One of the key factors to consider when selecting a driver shaft is its weight, and in this article, we’ll compare the 60 gram and 70 gram driver shafts to help you make the best decision for your game.
Swing Speed and Weight Considerations
A golfer’s swing speed has a significant influence on the ideal weight of their driver shaft. Golfers with a faster swing speed, typically above 100 mph, may benefit from a heavier shaft like a 70 gram one. Conversely, golfers with a slower swing speed (below 100 mph) might find a lighter 60 gram shaft more suitable.
Ball Flight and Spin Rates
The weight of the driver shaft can also affect the ball flight and spin rates. Generally, a heavier shaft (70 grams) can promote a lower trajectory and reduced spin, making it ideal for players looking for a more penetrating ball flight. A lighter shaft (60 grams), on the other hand, tends to generate a higher trajectory and increased spin, which can be advantageous for players who require more carry and want to maximize distance.
Feel and Control
The feel and control of a golf club are subjective aspects, but they play a crucial role in determining the golfer’s comfort level and confidence. Heavier shafts, like the 70 gram, tend to provide a more stable and controlled feel during the swing, which can be beneficial for players seeking accuracy and consistency. In contrast, lighter shafts (60 grams) offer a faster and more responsive feel, which might be preferred by players looking for extra clubhead speed and distance.
Fatigue and Physical Factors
Another factor to consider when choosing a driver shaft weight is the golfer’s physical strength and stamina. A heavier 70 gram shaft may be more tiring over the course of an entire round, especially for players with less strength or who fatigue easily. On the other hand, a lighter 60 gram shaft can help reduce fatigue, allowing for a more consistent swing throughout the round.
Custom Fitting
When selecting a driver shaft, it’s essential to undergo a custom fitting process with a professional club fitter. They will take into account your swing speed, launch angle, spin rates, and physical factors, among other variables, to recommend the best shaft weight and flex for your specific swing characteristics and golfing goals.
Shaft Flex
| Brand | Model | Flex | 60 Gram | 70 Gram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titleist | TSi3 | Stiff | X | |
| Callaway | Epic Max | Regular | X | |
| Ping | G425 | Extra Stiff | X | |
| TaylorMade | SIM2 Max | Senior | X | |
| Cobra | Radspeed | Regular | X | |
| Mizuno | ST-Z | Stiff | X | |
| Wilson | Staff Model | Regular | X | |
| Srixon | ZX7 | Extra Stiff | X | |
| Bridgestone | Tour B JGR | Senior | X | |
| Honma | TR20 | Stiff | X |
Shaft Weight
| Brand | Model | Weight | 60 Gram | 70 Gram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titleist | TSi3 | 65 g | X | |
| Callaway | Epic Max | 70 g | X | |
| Ping | G425 | 65 g | X | |
| TaylorMade | SIM2 Max | 60 g | X | |
| Cobra | Radspeed | 70 g | X | |
| Mizuno | ST-Z | 65 g | X | |
| Wilson | Staff Model | 70 g | X | |
| Srixon | ZX7 | 60 g | X | |
| Bridgestone | Tour B JGR | 70 g | X | |
| Honma | TR20 | 65 g | X |
Shaft Length
| Brand | Model | Length | 60 Gram | 70 Gram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titleist | TSi3 | 45.5″ | X | |
| Callaway | Epic Max | 45.75″ | X | |
| Ping | G425 | 45.25″ | X | |
| TaylorMade | SIM2 Max | 45.5″ | X | |
| Cobra | Radspeed | 45.5″ | X | |
| Mizuno | ST-Z | 45.5″ | X | |
| Wilson | Staff Model | 45.5″ | X | |
| Srixon | ZX7 | 45.5″ | X | |
| Bridgestone | Tour B JGR | 45.5″ | X | |
| Honma | TR20 | 45.25″ | X |
Shaft Torque
| Brand | Model | Torque | 60 Gram | 70 Gram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titleist | TSi3 | 3.2 | X | |
| Callaway | Epic Max | 3.5 | X | |
| Ping | G425 | 3.5 | X | |
| TaylorMade | SIM2 Max | 4.0 | X | |
| Cobra | Radspeed | 3.7 | X | |
| Mizuno | ST-Z | 3.2 | X | |
| Wilson | Staff Model | 3.5 | X | |
| Srixon | ZX7 | 3.0 | X | |
| Bridgestone | Tour B JGR | 3.5 | X | |
| Honma | TR20 | 3.2 | X |
Weight and Torque
| Shaft Weight | Torque | Launch Angle | Spin Rate | Ball Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60g | Low | High | Low | High |
| 70g | High | Low | High | Low |
| 60g | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| 70g | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| 60g | High | Low | High | Low |
| 70g | Low | High | Low | High |
| 60g | Low | High | Low | High |
| 70g | High | Low | High | Low |
| 60g | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| 70g | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Distance and Accuracy
| Shaft Weight | Distance | Accuracy | Shot Shape | Swing Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60g | Long | Low | Straight | High |
| 70g | Short | High | Fade | Low |
| 60g | Medium | Medium | Draw | Medium |
| 70g | Long | Low | Straight | High |
| 60g | Short | High | Fade | Low |
| 70g | Medium | Medium | Draw | Medium |
| 60g | Long | Low | Straight | High |
| 70g | Short | High | Fade | Low |
| 60g | Medium | Medium | Draw | Medium |
| 70g | Long | Low | Straight | High |
Flex and Kick Point
| Shaft Weight | Flex | Kick Point | Trajectory | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60g | Regular | Low | High | Soft |
| 70g | Stiff | High | Low | Firm |
| 60g | Stiff | Medium | Medium | Firm |
| 70g | Regular | High | Low | Soft |
| 60g | X-Stiff | High | Low | Firm |
| 70g | Regular | Medium | Medium | Soft |
| 60g | Stiff | Low | High | Firm |
| 70g | Stiff | Medium | Medium | Firm |
| 60g | Regular | High | Low | Soft |
| 70g | X-Stiff | Low | High | Firm |
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between a 60 gram and 70 gram driver shaft. It depends on your swing speed, ball flight preferences, feel, physical strength, and fatigue levels. By understanding these factors and working with a club fitter, you can ensure that you select the ideal shaft weight for your game, ultimately improving your performance on the course.
