Golf putters are one of the most important clubs in a golfer’s bag. They are used to roll the ball on the putting green, which is where the majority of strokes are taken. The putter shaft is an essential component of a putter as it connects the golfer’s hands to the putter head. The stiffness of the putter shaft is a critical factor in the performance of a putter.
What is an Extra Stiff
Putter Shaft? An extra stiff putter shaft is a putter shaft with a high level of stiffness. It is designed to reduce the amount of flex in the shaft, resulting in more stability and control in the putter head. The extra stiffness can help golfers with a faster putting stroke or those who struggle with a consistent putting stroke due to too much flex in their putter shaft.
Benefits of an Extra Stiff Putter Shaft
There are several benefits to using an extra stiff putter shaft, including:
- Improved Accuracy: An extra stiff putter shaft can help reduce the amount of twisting in the putter head during the stroke, leading to improved accuracy.
- More Control: Extra stiff putter shafts offer more control over the putter head, allowing golfers to better regulate the speed and direction of their putts.
- Consistency: Golfers who struggle with consistency in their putting stroke may benefit from the stability provided by an extra stiff putter shaft.
Considerations for Choosing an Extra Stiff Putter Shaft
When choosing an extra stiff putter shaft, there are several factors to consider:
- Swing Speed: Golfers with faster swing speeds may benefit more from an extra stiff putter shaft than those with slower swing speeds.
- Stroke Type: Golfers with a more aggressive or firm putting stroke may benefit from an extra stiff putter shaft, while those with a more gentle or passive stroke may prefer a softer shaft.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the choice of an extra stiff putter shaft is a matter of personal preference. Golfers should try out different stiffness levels to determine which one works best for their game.
Different Types of Extra Stiff Putter Shafts
There are several different types of extra stiff putter shafts on the market, including:
- Steel Shafts: Steel is a common material for putter shafts, and extra stiff steel shafts can provide a firm and stable feel.
- Graphite Shafts: Graphite is a lighter material than steel and can provide additional vibration dampening for a smoother feel. Extra stiff graphite putter shafts can offer stability while still being lightweight.
- Multi-Material Shafts: Some putter shafts combine multiple materials, such as steel and graphite, to offer a balance of stability and feel.
Drawbacks of Extra Stiff Putter Shafts
While extra stiff putter shafts can offer significant benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Less Feel: Extra stiff putter shafts can provide less feel or feedback than softer shafts, which may make it harder for golfers to gauge the distance and speed of their putts.
- Uncomfortable: Some golfers may find extra stiff putter shafts uncomfortable to use due to their lack of flex, which can lead to increased hand and wrist strain.
Tips for Using an Extra Stiff Putter Shaft
Using an extra stiff putter shaft requires some adjustment for golfers who are accustomed to using softer shafts. Here are some tips for using an extra stiff putter shaft:
- Experiment with Grip Pressure: Golfers may need to adjust their grip pressure when using an extra stiff putter shaft to maintain control without losing feel.
- Practice Putting Drills: Golfers can practice putting drills to develop the muscle memory needed for a consistent putting stroke with an extra stiff putter shaft.
- Take Your Time: Golfers may need to take more time to set up and execute their putts with an extra stiff putter shaft to maintain control and accuracy.
Maintenance of Extra Stiff Putter Shafts
To ensure the best performance from an extra stiff putter shaft, golfers should maintain and care for their equipment properly. Here are some tips for maintaining extra stiff putter shafts:
- Regular Cleaning: Golfers should clean their putter shafts regularly with a soft cloth to remove dirt and debris.
- Avoid High Temperatures: Extreme temperatures can cause damage to extra stiff putter shafts, so golfers should avoid leaving their clubs in hot or cold environments.
- Proper Storage: Golfers should store their clubs in a dry, temperate location, preferably in a golf bag or club rack.
Alternatives to Extra Stiff Putter Shafts
While extra stiff putter shafts can offer significant benefits, they may not be the right choice for every golfer. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Soft Putter Shafts: Golfers who prefer a softer feel or who have a slower putting stroke may benefit from a softer putter shaft.
- Mid-Stiffness Putter Shafts: Mid-stiffness putter shafts can offer a balance of stability and feel for golfers who want some flex in their shaft.
Custom Fitting
Custom fitting is an essential consideration when choosing an extra stiff putter shaft. A professional club fitter can help golfers determine the ideal length, weight, and balance of a putter shaft, as well as the appropriate stiffness level for their game.
Product Comparison
Brand | Model | Material | Length | Weight (grams) |
---|---|---|---|---|
KBS | CT Tour | Steel | 35″ | 140 |
True Temper | Stepless | Steel | 34″ | 127 |
Project X | PXi | Steel | 36″ | 150 |
Graphite Design | Tour AD | Graphite | 33″ | 90 |
Nippon | N.S. Pro | Steel | 35″ | 130 |
Kuro Kage | Black | Graphite | 34″ | 110 |
UST Mamiya | Recoil | Graphite | 35″ | 100 |
Aldila | Rogue | Graphite | 33″ | 95 |
Fujikura | Speeder | Graphite | 36″ | 115 |
ACCRA | iSeries | Steel | 34″ | 125 |
Performance Comparison
Brand | Model | Launch | Spin | Feel | Overall Performance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
KBS | CT Tour | Low | Low | Firm | Excellent |
True Temper | Stepless | Low | Low | Firm | Excellent |
Project X | PXi | Low | Low | Firm | Excellent |
Graphite Design | Tour AD | Mid | Low | Soft | Very Good |
Nippon | N.S. Pro | Low | Low | Firm | Excellent |
Kuro Kage | Black | Mid | Low | Soft | Very Good |
UST Mamiya | Recoil | Low | Low | Soft | Very Good |
Aldila | Rogue | Mid | Low | Soft | Very Good |
Fujikura | Speeder | Mid | Low | Soft | Very Good |
ACCRA | iSeries | Low | Low | Firm | Excellent |
Price Comparison
Brand | Model | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|
KBS | CT Tour | 75 |
True Temper | Stepless | 50 |
Project X | PXi | 100 |
Graphite Design | Tour AD | 125 |
Nippon | N.S. Pro | 70 |
Kuro Kage | Black | 90 |
UST Mamiya | Recoil | 80 |
Aldila | Rogue | 110 |
Fujikura | Speeder | 95 |
ACCRA | iSeries | 120 |
Player Profile Comparison
Brand | Model | Recommended Player Profile |
---|---|---|
KBS | CT Tour | Advanced Players |
True Temper | Stepless | All Players |
Project X | PXi | Advanced Players |
Graphite Design | Tour AD | All Players |
Nippon | N.S. Pro | Advanced Players |
Kuro Kage | Black | All Players |
UST Mamiya | Recoil | All Players |
Aldila | Rogue | All Players |
Conclusion
An extra stiff putter shaft can be a valuable addition to a golfer’s bag, providing improved accuracy, control, and consistency on the putting green. Golfers should consider their swing speed, stroke type, and personal preference when choosing an extra stiff putter shaft to ensure the best fit for their game.