In golf, the driver is the club that is used to hit the longest shots. The driver shaft plays an important role in determining the accuracy, distance, and trajectory of these shots. One of the key factors that affects the performance of a driver shaft is its torque.
What is Torque in Golf?
In golf, torque refers to the twisting force that is applied to the shaft during the swing. When a golfer swings a club, the clubhead exerts a force on the ball, which in turn exerts a force on the shaft. This force causes the shaft to twist or “torque”. The amount of torque that a shaft experiences during the swing affects the accuracy and consistency of the shot.
What are Low Torque Driver Shafts?
Low torque driver shafts are shafts that have been designed to minimize the amount of twisting or torque that occurs during the swing. These shafts have a stiffer profile than regular shafts, which reduces the amount of bending and twisting that occurs during the swing. This, in turn, leads to a more consistent and accurate ball flight.
Who Should Use Low Torque Driver Shafts?
Low torque driver shafts are ideal for golfers who have a faster swing speed and generate a lot of power. These golfers tend to put more stress on their shafts during the swing, which can cause the shaft to twist and result in inconsistent shots. Golfers who struggle with accuracy off the tee may also benefit from using a low torque driver shaft.
However, it’s important to note that low torque driver shafts may not be suitable for all golfers. Golfers with a slower swing speed or who prefer a softer feel may find that a regular or high torque driver shaft is a better fit for their game.
How to Choose a Low Torque Driver Shaft
Choosing a low torque driver shaft requires consideration of several factors, including swing speed, ball flight preferences, and feel. Golfers should also consider the material of the shaft, as different materials (such as graphite or steel) can have different characteristics that affect performance.
Getting fitted for a low torque driver shaft is recommended to ensure that the shaft is a good match for your swing. During a fitting, a professional will analyze your swing and recommend a shaft that suits your swing characteristics and preferences.
Benefits of Using Low Torque Driver Shafts
The main benefit of using a low torque driver shaft is increased accuracy and consistency. By reducing the amount of twisting that occurs during the swing, low torque shafts help golfers achieve a more stable and consistent ball flight. This can lead to more fairways hit and fewer wayward shots, which can ultimately result in lower scores.
Another benefit of using a low torque driver shaft is increased distance. While low torque shafts may not be designed specifically for distance, their stiffer profile can help golfers generate more clubhead speed and power, resulting in longer shots off the tee.
Different Types of Low Torque Driver Shafts Available
There are several different types of low torque driver shafts available on the market, each with their own characteristics and benefits. Some popular low torque shafts include the Aldila Rogue, Fujikura Speeder, and Mitsubishi Diamana. It’s important to research and compare different shafts to find one that is a good fit for your swing.
Getting Fitted for a Low Torque Driver Shaft
Getting fitted for a low torque driver shaft is an important step in optimizing your driver performance. During a fitting, a professional will analyze your swing and recommend a shaft that is the best match for your swing characteristics and preferences. They may consider factors such as swing speed, ball flight, feel, and material when making their recommendation.
Top 10 Low Torque Driver Shafts
| Rank | Brand | Model | Torque | Weight | Flex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fujikura | Ventus Black 6X | 3.0° | 65g | X |
| 2 | Project X | HZRDUS Smoke Yellow | 3.5° | 63g | 6.5 |
| 3 | Mitsubishi | Tensei AV Blue | 3.4° | 65g | S |
| 4 | Aldila | Rogue Silver 130 MSI | 3.1° | 70g | X |
| 5 | Graphite Design | Tour AD DI-6X | 3.0° | 64g | X |
| 6 | True Temper | Project X HZRDUS Black | 3.0° | 63g | 6.0 |
| 7 | UST Mamiya | Proforce V2 6F5 | 3.2° | 65g | S |
| 8 | Accra | Tour Z ST65 | 3.3° | 66g | X |
| 9 | Oban | Kiyoshi Black 65 | 3.3° | 66g | X |
| 10 | KBS | TD Driver | 3.5° | 70g | X |
Low Torque Driver Shafts Comparison by Brand
| Brand | Model | Torque | Weight | Flex |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fujikura | Ventus Black 6X | 3.0° | 65g | X |
| Mitsubishi | Tensei AV Blue | 3.4° | 65g | S |
| Graphite Design | Tour AD DI-6X | 3.0° | 64g | X |
| Aldila | Rogue Silver 130 MSI | 3.1° | 70g | X |
| UST Mamiya | Proforce V2 6F5 | 3.2° | 65g | S |
| Project X | HZRDUS Smoke Yellow | 3.5° | 63g | 6.5 |
| True Temper | Project X HZRDUS Black | 3.0° | 63g | 6.0 |
| Accra | Tour Z ST65 | 3.3° | 66g | X |
| Oban | Kiyoshi Black 65 | 3.3° | 66g | X |
| KBS | TD Driver | 3.5° | 70g | X |
Low Torque Driver Shafts by Weight
| Rank | Brand | Model | Torque | Weight | Flex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Graphite Design | Tour AD DI-6X | 3.0° | 64g | X |
| 2 | True Temper | Project X HZRDUS Black | 3.0° | 63g | 6.0 |
| 3 | Project X | HZRDUS Smoke Yellow | 3.5° | 63g | 6.5 |
| 4 | Fujikura | Ventus Black 6X | 3.0° | 65g | X |
| 5 | UST Mamiya | Proforce V2 6F5 | 3.2° | 65g | S |
| 6 | Mitsubishi | Tensei AV Blue | 3.4° | 65g | S |
| 7 | Accra | Tour Z ST65 | 3.3° | 66g | X |
| 8 | Oban | Kiyoshi Black 65 | 3.3° | 66g | X |
| 9 | Aldila | Rogue Silver 130 MSI | 3.1° | 70g | X |
| 10 | KBS | TD Driver | 3.5° | 70g | X |
Low Torque Driver Shafts by Torque Rating
| Rank | Brand | Model | Torque | Weight | Flex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fujikura | Ventus Black 6X | 3.0° | 65g | X |
| 2 | Graphite Design | Tour AD DI-6X | 3.0° | 64g | X |
| 3 | True Temper | Project X HZRDUS Black | 3.0° | 63g | 6.0 |
| 4 | Aldila | Rogue Silver 130 MSI | 3.1° | 70g | X |
| 5 | UST Mamiya | Proforce V2 6F5 | 3.2° | 65g | S |
| 6 | Mitsubishi | Tensei AV Blue | 3.4° | 65g | S |
| 7 | Accra | Tour Z ST65 | 3.3° | 66g | X |
| 8 | Oban | Kiyoshi Black 65 | 3.3° | 66g | X |
| 9 | Project X | HZRDUS Smoke Yellow | 3.5° | 63g | 6.5 |
| 10 | KBS | TD Driver | 3.5° | 70g | X |
Low Torque Driver Shafts by Flex Rating
| Rank | Brand | Model | Torque | Weight | Flex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Project X | HZRDUS Smoke Yellow | 3.5° | 63g | 6.5 |
| 2 | True Temper | Project X HZRDUS Black | 3.0° | 63g | 6.0 |
| 3 | Fujikura | Ventus Black 6X | 3.0° | 65g | X |
| 4 | Graphite Design | Tour AD DI-6X | 3.0° | 64g | X |
| 5 | UST Mamiya | Proforce V2 6F5 | 3.2° | 65g | S |
| 6 | Mitsubishi | Tensei AV Blue | 3.4° | 65g | S |
| 7 | Accra | Tour Z ST65 | 3.3° | 66g | X |
| 8 | Oban | Kiyoshi Black 65 | 3.3° | 66g | X |
| 9 | Aldila | Rogue Silver 130 MSI | 3.1° | 70g | X |
| 10 | KBS | TD Driver | 3.5° | 70g | X |
Conclusion
Low torque driver shafts can be a great option for golfers looking to improve the accuracy and consistency of their tee shots. However, it’s important to choose a shaft that is a good match for your swing characteristics and preferences. With the right shaft and proper fitting, golfers can enjoy a more consistent and enjoyable golf game.
