Seven Unique Shaft Loading Patterns

In our testing of over 10,000 golfers on the True Temper Shaft Lab, we identified seven unique shaft loading patterns.  Shaft loading patterns are helpful in determining what type of shaft profile may be required to optimize performance for the golfer.  By combining these shaft loading patterns that show Tempo and Release with a golfer’s strength indicator (club head or swing speed and ball speed), a fitter can pick the proper shaft weight, trajectory and release characteristics of the shaft.

Cast (Early Release)

Casting or Early Release Shaft Load

With this type of shaft load and early release, the golfer will benefit from a shaft with a soft tip section and higher launch in order to create a little more energy at impact since most of the energy from loading the shaft has been lost early in the downswing.

Cast/Re-Load  (Middle to Late Release)          

Cast with Re-Load

This profile is hard to determine with the Mizuno Shaft Optimizer and is very unique.  The golfer shows an immediate load from the top which appears to be a casting, early release, but then loads the shaft aggressively prior to impact.  This golfer will benefit from a shaft that has a firm mid-section to absorb the reloading and mid to stiff tip section depending upon the amount of load prior to impact.

Pop Load

“Pop” Load Profile

This is a loading profile usually shown by a novice golfer or a very athletic golfer that has very little load during the downswing but a lot of “pop” (late release) prior to impact.  This golfer will usually benefit from a shaft that has a softer butt and mid section but a stiffer tip section for stability at impact.

Peak Profile

Peak Loading Profile

This profile is similar to a Cast or Early Release but the loading is much smoother throughout the swing.  This golfer will benefit from a lighter shaft with a softer middle and tip section.

Double Pro Load Profile

Double Pro-style Load

Again, this profile is relatively unique but it is usually exhibited by a stronger, taller golfer with an early load from the top and then a strong load again prior to impact.  This golfer will benefit from a shaft that has a firm midsection and mid to stiff tip section.

Pro Load Profile

Pro Load Profile

After testing several low handicap and professional players, we named the Pro loading profile.  A smooth load from the top is followed by a very aggressive wrist release prior to impact.  Depending upon the feel desired by this player, a shaft with either a mid or stiff mid section with either a mid or stiff tip section.  This is the golfer that you look at their swing and say “how does this guy generate that much club head speed?”.

Ramp Load Profile

Smooth, Ramp Load

This golfer loads the shaft very smoothly during the downswing with a smooth release prior to impact.  Depending upon feel and actual release, this golfer will benefit from a soft to mid-stiff mid section and a soft to mid tip section.

Without the benefit of the True Temper Shaft Lab, the Mizuno Shaft Optimizer is the next best way to initially determine the Tempo, Transition and Release of a golfer’s swing.  Even with this data, you should go to an experienced clubfitter because there are a lot of other factors that will determine the proper match of shaft and clubhead for the golfer to optimize their performance.