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We always advise you on what happens when golf shafts are not right for your swing.  A lot of golfers that have never been through our fitting process, think that the majority of their miss-hits are caused by their swing.  Fortunately, that is not always the case!  I will make some predictions for misses based upon a right-handed golfer.  Of course the swing direction makes a big impact.  

Let me summarize what we see by type of club with the wrong shafts:

Driver:   Misses both left and right:  Shaft too flexible in butt section (A flex when should be an R, for example).  Misses mostly right(push or slice):  Shaft may be too stiff in the butt section (S flex when should be an R) or shaft is too heavy.  Misses mostly left(pull or pull hook):   Shaft is too flexible in the butt section and/or shaft is too light.  Misses off the Top of the ClubFace:  Too steep of swing (negative attack angle) or way too soft of butt section or tip section causing toe droop at impact.  Misses mostly low:  Too much positive attack angle (swinging up on the ball with tee height too low) or shaft butt section and tip section are too stiff.

Fairway Metals:  Misses are fat shots or thin shots:  Shaft is too light and/or too flexible in the butt section.  Misses both left and right:  Shaft too flexible in butt section (A flex when should be an R, for example).  Misses mostly right(push or slice):  Shaft may be too stiff in the butt section (S flex when should be an R) or shaft is too heavy.  Misses mostly left(pull or pull hook):   Shaft is too flexible in the butt section and/or shaft is too light.  Misses off the Top of the ClubFace:  Too steep of swing (negative attack angle) or way too soft of butt section or tip section causing toe droop at impact.  Misses mostly low:  Too much positive attack angle (swinging up on the ball) or shaft butt section and tip section are too stiff.

Hybrids:  Misses are fat shots or thin shots:  Shaft is too light and/or too flexible in the butt section.  Misses both left and right:  Shaft too flexible in butt section (A flex when should be an R, for example).  Misses mostly right(push or slice):  Shaft may be too stiff in the butt section (S flex when should be an R) or shaft is too heavy.  Misses mostly left(pull or pull hook):   Shaft is too flexible in the butt section and/or shaft is too light.  Misses off the Top of the ClubFace:  Too steep of swing (negative attack angle) or way too soft of butt section or tip section causing toe droop at impact.  Misses mostly low:  Too much positive attack angle (swinging up on the ball) or shaft butt section and tip section are too stiff.

Irons:  Misses are off the toe:  Shaft is too short, butt section and/or tip section is too stiff, or shaft is too light.  Misses are off the heel:  Shaft is too long, butt section and or tip section is too flexible, or shaft is too heavy.  Misses are low trajectory and low on the face:  Shafts are too short, too stiff and/or too light.  Misses are fat (hit behind the ball):  Shafts are too flexible in the butt and or tip section, too long or too heavy.

Wedges:  Misses are off the toe:  Shaft is too short, butt section and/or tip section is too stiff, or shaft is too light.  Misses are off the heel:  Shaft is too long, butt section and or tip section is too flexible, or shaft is too heavy.  Misses are low trajectory and low on the face:  Shafts are too short, too stiff and/or too light.  Misses are fat (hit behind the ball):  Shafts are too flexible in the butt and or tip section, too long or too heavy.

Ok.  Now the caveats to these observations.  If your swing direction is dramatically left or right of target (usually more than 7 degrees when using a launch monitor), misses left and right of target can be exaggerated!  That is where we as fitters come in.  In a lot of cases, these dramatic inside-out or outside-in moves can be reduced with the right shaft weight and swing weight.

GET FIT!    If you are using our MyGolfShafts app or our TrueFitClubs Fitting Wizard, the shafts recommended will be based upon the key factors of your swing:  Tempo, Transition and Release in addition to your distance and shot tendencies.

If you are getting fit at one of our fitting studios,  our trained fitters will use these observations in addition to the recommendations of the BGF (Better Golf...Faster) fitting system to make the best test clubs during your fitting session.  This will give you more distance, improve your accuracy and give you more consistency.  Either way, you will be FAR better off than buying clubs off-the-rack!

Dan Sueltz

The usual suspects were on the 2025 Golf Digest Equipment Hot List , but a the biggest news is the Maximum MOI - 10K drivers from almost every manufacturer and DS-Adapt Fitting Tips from Cobra.  Various forums, and ourselves as well publish a list of the best drivers.  Some are very independent and some are not.  Doesn't matter.  What our customers are looking for is what are the best driver and shaft combinations that we have fit so far in 2025.  In addition, we believe that the shaft is the part of the club that has the most impact on distance, consistency and accuracy, so that is why we are including our shaft recommendations in this list.

This list will be updated throughout the year as new shaft offerings are released. 

We have four distinct categories based upon swing speed and distance. 

Swing Speed 106+, Distance > 250 yards

Swing Speed 95-105, Distance 211 - 250 yards

Swing Speed 80 - 94, Distance 175 - 210 yards

Swing Speed Under 80, Distance < 175 yards

We think there are more shafts and heads in the mix for slower swing speeds.  We have also thrown in our Honorable Mentions in both heads and shafts.  So here goes:

Take our FREE Fit Quiz for Driver Specs

Swing Speed 106+, Distance > 250 yards

Fitting Tips:  Typically 65 to 75 gram shafts but smoother tempos can play lighter weights.  We are seeing a lot of longer hitters trying new sub 50 gram shafts from TPT, FreeFlex, Autoflex, Graphite Design, Fujikura and more!  Firm mid section and low launch, low spin is the norm for more control.  Driver lofts 8 to 10.5 degrees depending upon angle of attack.  The new Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond is adjustable down to 7 degrees! 

Best Heads:  Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond, especially the new Triple Diamond Max and Draw, TaylorMade Qi 35 LS and Max, Ping G440 LST,  Titleist GT 3 and GT 4, Cobra Dark Speed X and LS,  and Srixon ZXi and ZXi LS 

Best Shafts - Low Launch:   NEW Aretera EC1 Gray or AO2 Gray 65 or 75,   NEW Diamana WB 53, 63 and 73,  Mitsubishi TENSEI Pro White 1K and Orange 1K 50, 60, 70, Mitsubishi Kai'Li Dark Waves White 60 and 70, ACCRA TZ Five Gen 2 60, OBAN  Tour LTD Blue, Devotion 6 and 7, Project X Denali Black 60 or 70, ,  Fujikura Ventus with Velocore+ Black 6 and 7, Ventus TR Black 6 and 7, TPT Red Range 14 and 15 LO.  NEW Graphite Design Tour AD VF 6 and 7.

Best Shafts - Mid Launch:  NEW Aretera EC1 or AO2 Blue 55, 65 or 75, Mitsubishi Diamana BB 53, 63, 73 , ACCRA TZ Six Gen 2 60 and TZ Six Gen 2 ST 60, Project X Denali Blue 60 or 70,   Graphite Design Tour AD HD and XC 6 and 7, KBS PGW Graphite 60 and 70, Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 and 7 with Velocore+, Blue TR 6 and 7,  OBAN  Airburst and Isawa Red, TPT Red Range 19 and 20 HI, AUTOFLEX SF505XX, BRAVA 95

Honorable Mention Heads:  Tour Edge C723

Take our FREE Fit Quiz for Driver Specs

Swing Speed 95-105, Distance 211 - 250 yards

Fitting Tips:  Typical shaft weights in 55 to 65 grams but some players with fast transitions may like a heavier 70+ gram shaft.  If you think you are losing distance, try a lighter, 55 gram shaft or a counter balanced shaft.    Typically 9 to 10.5 degree lofted drivers with face bias dependent upon swing characteristics and what appeals to the golfer.

Best Heads:  Callaway Elyte and Elyte Triple Diamond Max and Draw, TaylorMade Qi 35 LS and Max, Ping G440 LST and G440 Max,  Titleist GT 3 and GT 2, Cobra Dark Speed X and LS, Tour Edge Exotics Max and LS, and  Srixon ZXi and LS.

Best Shafts - Low-Mid Launch:  NEW Aretera EC1 or AO2 Gray 55, 65 or 75, Mitsubishi Diamana BB 53, 63, 73 ,  Mitsubishi TENSEI 1K PRO White,  Mitsubishi Kai'Li Dark Waves White,  ACCRATZ Five Gen 2 60, Graphite Design Tour AD HD and XC 6 or 7,  OBAN  Kiyoshi White and Devotion 6, 7, Project X Denali Black 60 or 70,  Fujikura Ventus Blue with Velocore+ 6 and 7, Blue TR 6 and 7, TPT Red Range 16 and 17 LO

Best Shafts - Mid Launch:  NEW Aretera EC1 or AO2 Blue 55 or 65, Mitsubishi Diamana BB 53, 63, 73 and Vanquish 5,  ACCRA TZ Six Gen 2 60, OBAN  Revenge, Isawa Red, Project X Denali Blue 60 or 70,  Fujikura Ventus Blue with Velocore+ 5 and 6, Graphite Design  Tour AD DI and XC,  KBS TD Graphite 60 and 70, TPT Red Range 16 and 17 HI, AUTOFLEX SF505XX, BRAVA 95 or 85

Honorable Mention Heads:   Tour Edge E723

Take our FREE Fit Quiz for Driver Specs

Swing Speed 80 - 94, Distance 175 - 210 yards

Fitting Tips:  Lighter shafts (55 to 65 grams) but launch and spin depend on swing characteristics and attack angle.  Slightly higher lofted drivers but not necessarily draw biased as there are a lot of better golfers with low handicaps in this category.

Best Heads:  Callaway Elyte, Elyte X and Max Fast , TaylorMadeQi 35, 35 Max and Lite , Ping G430 Max 10K, G440 Max and SFT, Titleist GT2, GT 3 and GT 1, Cobra Dark Speed X and Max D and Max K,  Srixon  Zxi and ZXi Max ,  Tour Edge Exotics Max and LS,

Best Shafts - Low to Mid Launch:  NEW Aretera EC1 or AO2 45, 55 or 65,   Mitsubishi Diamana BB 53, 63 , Fujikura Ventus Blue with Velocore+ 5 and 6,  Mitsubishi Vanquish 4 or 5 , ACCRA TZ Five Gen 2 50 and 60, FX 3.0 250 and 260 , Graphite Design  Tour AD DI and XC, OBAN  Kiyoshi Purple 55, Project X Denali Blue or Red 50 or 60, Fujikura Ventus Blue 5 and 6, Blue TR 6,  TPT Power or Nitro 18 LO

Best Shafts - Mid to Mid-High Launch:  NEW Aretera EC1 or AO2 45, 55 or 65, Mitsubishi Diamana BB 53, 63 , Vanquish 4 or 5,  Project X Denali Red 50 or 60, ACCRA TZ Six Gen 2 50 and 60, ACCRA FX 3.0 150 and 160,  Fujikura Ventus Red 5, KBS TD Graphite 50 and 60, Graphite Design UB and GC, Tour AD DI and , Veylix Alpina Black 573 and 673, TPT Power or Nitro 18 HI, AUTOFLEX SF505XX, BRAVA 85 or 75, FreeFlex 38 or 45

Honorable Mention Heads:   Tour Edge E723

Take our FREE Fit Quiz for Driver Specs

Swing Speed Under 80, Distance < 175 yards

Fitting Tips:  Typically lighter weight shafts, 39 to 50 grams with higher launch and spin.  Head lofts at least 11 degrees and up to 17 for juniors.  Try a shorter length shaft as well.  For junior golfers, do NOT go to heavy standard heads too early as the swing may be harmed!

Best Heads:  Callaway Elyte X or Max Fast,  XXIO 13 and Prime, TaylorMade Qi 35 Max or Max Lite ,  Ping G430 Max 10K, G440 Max or SFT and G Le3,   Titleist GT 1, Cobra Dark Speed Max D or Max K,  Srixon ZXi and ZXi Max,   US Kids TS5. 

Best Shafts - Mid to Mid-High Launch:  Mitsubishi Diamana TB 40, Vanquish 4, Grand Bassara , True Temper Cypher 2.0 40 or 50, ACCRA TZ Six Gen 2 50, FX 3.0 140 ,  Graphite Design Tour AD IZ and aG33-3,  KBS TD Graphite 40 and 50, Project X Denali Red 40, 50 or 60, TPT Nitro  19 and 20 HI, AutoFlex 405 or 505X, FreeFlex 38 or 45

Best Shafts - Mid-High to High Launch:  Mitsubishi Grand Bassara 39,  ACCRA FX SRT 2.0, True Temper Cypher 2.0 40 or 50,  Graphite Design aG33-3, Fujikura  Air Speeder or Ventus White,   TPT Red Range 20 and 21 HI, BRAVA 75

Honorable Mention Heads:   Tour Edge E723,

Take our FREE Fit Quiz for Driver Specs

Once again, we feel that the shaft is of critical importance to getting optimum performance out of any club, but especially the driver.  Proper length (shorter is better) weight and flex can give you more distance, accuracy and consistency!

How to Select YOUR New Clubs 

Aesthetics - Look, Sound and Feel

In our experience in clubfitting over the years, you have to select a club head that looks good to your eye, sounds good when you hit it in the fitting and has the feel you desire.  It is pretty strange but sometimes a golfer will not be able to make solid contact with a club that supposedly matches them perfectly from a fitting perspective but the aesthetics are not right.  Be sure you take a look at 3 to 5 heads to make sure that at least 3 will give you good results.  It could be as simple as top line on an iron, color of a driver, finish (glossy paint or matte finish).  All of these can make a difference.

Performance - Distance, Accuracy and Consistency

Now we start getting into the meat of a fitting for new clubs.  The majority of the golfers we fit are looking for consistency, but whatever you do, make sure you add a little distance as well!  That is not difficult in a new fitting, however, sometimes getting added distance for a customer that has been fit within the last year or so.  Our goal in a fitting is to cut shot dispersion by 50% and add 5-10% more distance.  The factors we look at are club length, shaft weight, shaft flex, trajectory, spin, swing weight and loft and lie.  Our BGF and Fit Quiz systems make predictions based upon your swing characteristics for each of those parameters.  We then test our golfers in a fitting with clubs that are assembled to those specifications.  The results of the fitting do not lie...only when the aesthetics do not match do we have to change up the testing configuration.

So pick your initial choices based on aesthetics, but the final decision based on the improved performance you get!

Dan Sueltz

The question of "should you play forged or cast irons" is becoming quite a bit less controversial these days due to modern technology.  Let's take a look at what forging and casting processes mean and why they used to be very distinctly different:

Forged Irons

A typical forged iron is made from a single piece of soft steel called a billet that is heated until it becomes maleable.  The billet is then pressed into a shape that can then be ground to a precise shape for that model of iron.  This process is time consuming and typically more expensive but can produce irons that have a better feel and performance.  The most well-known forged irons are from Mizuno and Miura, both manufactured in Japan.  Others that are really strong in the forged iron space are Srixon and Epon, both manufactured in the Endo plant in Japan.  New models of irons may have multiple parts that are "forged" but not from the same material.  For example, a Callaway APEX iron may have a forged soft steel body for feel, but a forged thin cup-face maraging steel face for more distance.

See The Mizuno Forging Process Here

Cast Irons

The casting process requires a mold for a club head that is filled with molten steel.  The mold is allowed to cool and then broken off so that the club can be ground into shape for each iron.  This process is fairly fast and economical so these clubs are usually less expensive.  Most boxed sets of irons are cast.  While these clubs are usually very forgiving, they can have a little harsher feel.  Performance can also be less consistent if there is a big tolerance between each iron in terms of loft and lie.

Use Our FREE Fit Quiz Recommendations

Get Our 2025 Iron Shaft Recommendations

How to Decide in an Iron Fitting

In all of our fittings, we look at the golfers level of play, where they want to go with their game and what time commitment they have for their game.  Let's use the Golf Digest 2025 Hot List definitions of clubs to separate our recommendations:

Super Game Improvement Irons - mostly cast models with a very few forged.  Larger, more forgiving irons.

If you are scoring in the 90's or low 100's and just looking for more consistency and accuracy,  we would start with Game Improvement or Super Game Improvement irons like the Callaway Elyte, TaylorMade Qi 10 or Titleist T350.  These are cast irons, less expensive, yet can take a golfer to shooting much lower scores with a proper fitting.  The most important aspect for the golfer is look sound and feel.

Ping G440 - Cast Iron

Game Improvement Irons - a few forged combination models (forged body, harder steel face inserts.  Large, forgiving irons.

For golfers that are scoring the the low 90's or 80's, we would look at Game Improvement or Players Distance irons.  These can be either cast like the Callaway Elyte, Mizuno JPX-925 HotMetal, Ping G440 or combination forged body and face like the Callaway Ai 300, TaylorMade P790, Ping i240, or Srixon ZXi 4 or 5.  Again, look sound and feel are what the golfer needs to decide.

Mizuno JPX-925 Hotmetal - Cast Iron

Players Distance Irons - mostly forged bodies, forged faces, and hollow body designs.  Smaller but still forgiving.

Almost all of the Players Distance irons have forged bodies but many different face plates or inserts.  Most popular are the Callaway APEX Ai 150,  Ai 200, TaylorMade P790, Ttileist T150, T250 and Srixon ZXi 5.  New entrants include the Miura IC-602.

TaylorMade P790 - Forged Hollow Body

Players Irons - almost all forged models.  Smaller design with less forgiveness.  Typical to blend models for player preferences.

Here is where you start getting players that are definitely looking at a combination of feel and performance.  Feel comes from the very soft steel used in the Mizuno S-1 and S-3, the Srixon ZXi 7 and ZXi 5 or Ping Blueprint S and T.  It is easy to blend these models so the "cavity back", more forgiving model is used in the longer irons while the scoring clubs us the muscle-back design.  Miura and Epon are known for their soft feel and performance in Players Irons.

Mizuno S3 - 2025 - Pure Forged

Get Our FREE Fit Quiz Recommendations

Get Our 2025 Iron Shaft Recommendations

Dan Sueltz

Thank you again, I'm really enjoying my driver and woods and I know my brother is super excited about his.

You've been awesome to work with so thank you again for making everything so easy.

Heath

When you are looking for a "custom" club or set of clubs, we will answer any questions you may have about our fitting and building process.  Our FitQuiz will help dial you in to the proper length, shaft weight, shaft flex, trajectory, spin and swing weight based upon your information.  And, if you have questions, we can answer your chats or reply quickly with an in-depth email.  We are here to help you get equipment that improves your game!

Take our FREE Fit Quiz !

Dan Sueltz

The Cobra DS-ADAPT drivers are bringing a new dimension in performance and fitting technology.  The four drivers  offer something for every golfer in terms of performance and forgiveness.  And the FF33 shaft adapter allows us as fitters to fit for both loft and lie independently.  That is actually pretty cool!

DS-ADAPT LS

The LS (low spin) driver is designed for golfers that need less spin for a variety of reasons.  We typically fit golfers with this driver if their club path is significantly outside-to-inside or if their attack angle is negative.  These two swing factors create more spin.  The ability to change both loft and lie with the new adapter will be a great help for these swing profiles.  Available in 9.0 and 10.5 degree lofts, Right and Left Handed.

DS-ADAPT X

The most adaptable driver in the DS-ADAPT line is designed for mid handicap players seeking lower spin but higher launch.  Additional flexibility in fitting with adjustable weights for launch and spin control.  Available in 9.0 and 10.5 degree lofts, Right and Left Handed.

DS-ADAPT MAX-K

The most forgiving driver in the DS-ADAPT line, this driver has the highest MOI.  This feature creates a much tighter shot dispersion on miss-hits versus any other DS-ADAPT driver.  The spin and launch will increase but the accuracy will out-weigh any potential loss in distance.  A true fairway finder!  Available in 9.0, 10.5 and 12.0 degree lofts, Right and Left Handed.

DS-ADAPT MAX-D 

This driver has heel weighting to promote a draw bias for those golfers that fight a fade or slice.  Again, the combination of the FF33 shaft adapter will also allow us to minimize the fade/slice effect of the golf swing with a more upright lie.  This is the lightest weight head in the DS-ADAPT line.  Available in 10.5 and 12 degree lofts, Right and Left Handed.

Here is a great video to check out the actual shot results of each driver:

Shop Now!

Dan Sueltz

These are the Best Hybrid Golf Shafts - 2024 that we have tested and built. Our recommendations are based on swing categories for the Strongest, Strong, Average and Slow swing speeds.

We know that with hybrid golf clubs, many golfers have a love-hate relationship.  In our opinion, the reason is that most off-the-rack hybrid shafts are too long, too light and too soft of flex for the average golfer.  See our related blog on Finding the Right Hybrid Shaft below.

Should  YOU Play Long Irons or Hybrids?

Finding the Right Hybrid Shaft

Get the right shaft for your hybrid golf club. Use our FREE Fit Quiz to See our Recommendations for Length, Shaft Weight, Flex, Trajectory, Spin and Swing Weight for Every Club in your Bag!

Start a FREE Online Club Fitting

And, remember, we can re-shaft your current hybrid(s) to make them perform so much better! So, let's find the best shaft for you based upon your strength (distance), desired trajectory and fit to your current irons:

• Strongest Players - 3 Hybrid carries 240+ yards
• Strong Players - 3 Hybrid carries 210 - 240 yards
• Average Players - 3 Hybrid carries 175 - 205 yards
• Shorter Distance Players

Shop For Hybrids NOW!

The best hybrid golf shafts - 2024 and our recommendations in each category

Strongest Players: 3 Hybrid - 240+ yards

See Which Hybrid Shaft Works Best for YOUR Swing!

The strongest players typically play a driver, 3 or 4 wood and a 17 to 19 degree hybrid.  We have had great experience fitting these low lofted hybrids in a mid-trajectory steel shaft that is slightly lighter than their iron shafts.  If that still feels too heavy, we've had great success going to a 100 - 110 gram graphite shaft based upon desired trajectory.

Strong Players: 3 Hybrid - 210 - 240 yards

See Which Hybrid Shaft Works Best for YOUR Swing! For strong players, we typically fit graphite shafts that are slightly lighter than their iron shafts.  Trajectory is important as some golfers in this range use long hybrids on longer par 3 holes.  Thus, you want a hybrid shaft that helps get the ball in the air and allows the shots to land softly on the green.  Strong players can still launch a low-mid shaft at a good trajectory.

Average Distance Players: 3 Hybrid - 175 - 205 yards

See Which Hybrid Shaft Works Best for YOUR Swing! This is where the majority of our golfers exist. Unfortunately, this group of golfers typically buy hybrids off-the-rack with 60 to 70 gram shafts that are also way too flexible.   This causes duck hooks, high fades, topped or fat shots.  With a slightly heavier 75 to 85 gram shaft and a little stiffer flex, accuracy and consistency will improve dramatically! 

Shorter Distance Players: 3 or 4 Hybrid < 175 yards

See Which Hybrid Shaft Works Best for YOUR Swing! For shorter distance players, we also use combination hybrid/iron shafts so that the weight of the hybrid shaft is very similar to the weight of the iron shafts the golfer is playing.  This is especially useful for slower swings we see from some of our junior, senior and lady golfers.

When you select a shaft using our club selector, we always verify the specifications from your fitting profile to make sure it will match your swing characteristics.  We have over 35 years of fitting experience so we are confident we can make the proper recommendation for YOUR swing!

Shop For Hybrids NOW!

Dan Sueltz