When it comes to choosing the right golf shaft, one key factor that can make or break your game is often overlooked: shaft torque. Even small variations in how much the shaft twists during your swing can have a significant impact on your ball flight, control, and overall feel. Ignoring torque could lead to inconsistent shots and missed fairways, while selecting the right torque can help you dial in both distance and accuracy.
Understanding golf shaft torque is essential if you want to elevate your performance on the course. In this guide, we’ll break down what shaft torque is, how it affects your shots, and most importantly, how to choose the right torque for your unique swing style. Whether you’re looking for more control, added distance, or a better feel, knowing how torque works will help you make informed decisions and get the most out of your clubs.
What is Golf Shaft Torque?
Golf shaft torque refers to the amount of twisting that occurs in a golf club shaft when force is applied, primarily during your swing. Golf shaft torque plays a significant role in how a golf club feels and performs, particularly when it comes to control, accuracy, and ball flight. A shaft with less torque resists twisting, meaning the clubface is less likely to open or close dramatically during the swing; the opposite is true for shafts with higher torque.
Understanding Golf Shaft Torque Ratings
Shaft torque is measured in degrees to indicate how much the shaft twists when pressure is applied during your swing. Generally, the lower the torque rating, the less the shaft will twist and the higher torque means more twisting. Here’s how the torque ratings break down.
Low Torque (1-3 degrees)
- Stiff, Stable Feel: A low-torque shaft feels firmer and more stable in your hands. The reduced twisting means the clubface remains more square through impact, resulting in better control.
- Maximum Control: Because the shaft twists less, it helps players keep the clubface in line with the target, offering greater accuracy. This makes low-torque shafts ideal for golfers who prioritize precision over distance.
- Lower Ball Flight: Low torque shafts typically produce a lower, more penetrating ball flight. They reduce spin on the ball, which helps create a trajectory that cuts through the wind and stays on a straighter path.
- Ideal for Fast Swing Speeds: Golfers with fast swings (100+ mph) generate more force, which can cause high-torque shafts to twist excessively. Low-torque shafts resist this twisting, helping fast-swing players maintain control.
Mid Torque (3-4 degrees)
- Balanced Feel: Mid-torque shafts provide a combination of the stiffer feel of low-torque shafts and the softer, more flexible feel of high-torque shafts. This makes them versatile and suitable for a wide range of golfers.
- Moderate Control: While mid-torque shafts are not as stable as low-torque shafts, they still offer decent control over the clubface. This can help golfers keep their shots relatively straight while allowing for some forgiveness.
- Good for Moderate Swing Speeds: Golfers with moderate swing speeds (around 85-100 mph) often benefit from mid-torque shafts. The shaft provides enough flexibility to aid in launching the ball, while still offering sufficient stability for consistent shots.
- Versatility: Mid-torque shafts are a great option for golfers who don’t have extreme swing characteristics (very fast or very slow swings). They offer a balance that works well for players who want a blend of control, feel, and forgiveness.
High Torque (5-6+ degrees)
- Soft, Flexible Feel: High-torque shafts feel softer and more flexible during the swing. The added twisting provides a smoother, more responsive sensation, which can be more comfortable for golfers with slower swings or those who want a smoother feel.
- More Forgiveness: With more shaft twisting, high-torque shafts offer greater forgiveness, especially for golfers with less consistent swings. The shaft can help square the clubface more easily at impact, reducing the likelihood of mis-hits.
- Higher Ball Flight: High torque often leads to a higher ball flight, which can help players who struggle to get the ball airborne. The additional twisting can add spin, allowing for more loft and a softer landing.
- Ideal for Slow Swing Speeds: Golfers with slower swings (<85 mph) don’t generate enough force to require a low-torque shaft. High-torque shafts help add distance and launch by increasing the shaft’s flexibility, making it easier for slower swingers to generate power.
How to Measure Golf Shaft Torque
Measuring golf shaft torque typically requires specialized equipment and is not something most golfers can do at home without the help of a professional or the proper tools. Here's how torque is generally measured and why a professional might be necessary.
How Golf Shaft Torque is Measured
Manufacturers and professionals use a torque testing machine to measure how much a shaft twists when force is applied. The shaft is clamped at one end, and a weight is applied at the other. The machine applies a specific amount of rotational force (torque), and the twist (in degrees) is measured to see how resistant the shaft is to twisting.
Why You Might Need a Professional
The machines that measure torque are precise and expensive, so they are typically found in professional fitting centers or with manufacturers. A professional fitter can assess your swing speed, ball flight, and feel preferences to recommend a shaft with the right torque level for your game. This is especially useful because torque affects both feel and performance, and choosing the right one requires understanding how it interacts with other shaft characteristics (e.g., shaft flex, weight, kick point).
Learn more about the pros and cons of getting clubs professionally fitted →
How to Pick the Right Shaft Torque For Your Game
Choosing the right golf shaft torque is an important part of optimizing your club for performance and feel. The ideal torque level for you depends on your swing speed, ball flight preferences, and feel. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you pick the right shaft torque.
Understand Your Swing Speed
- Fast Swing Speed (100+ mph): If you have a fast swing speed, you will likely benefit from a low-torque shaft (1°-3°). Lower torque helps control the clubface better at higher speeds, minimizing unwanted twisting, which can improve your accuracy and consistency.
- Moderate Swing Speed (85-100 mph): Players with moderate swing speeds can benefit from mid-torque shafts (3°-4°). These shafts offer a good balance of control and flexibility.
- Slower Swing Speed (<85 mph): Golfers with slower swing speeds generally perform better with higher-torque shafts (4°-6° or more). The added twist helps the clubface to square more easily, helping to generate better launch conditions and forgiveness.
Consider Your Desired Ball Flight
- Lower Ball Flight: If you want a more penetrating trajectory with less spin, a low-torque shaft is ideal. Low torque helps keep the clubface stable and reduces twisting, promoting a more controlled, lower launch.
- Higher Ball Flight: If you need help getting the ball in the air or want more spin, a higher-torque shaft will help. The additional twisting adds more flex during the swing, increasing launch angle and helping generate more spin for a higher ball flight.
Find the Feel You Like
- Stiff, Stable Feel: If you prefer a shaft that feels stable and firm in your hands, you’ll want to opt for low torque. This reduces the amount of twisting in the shaft, which can make the club feel more rigid and provide greater feedback on shots.
- Soft, Flexible Feel: For a smoother, more forgiving feel, higher-torque shafts produce more twisting and flex, making the club feel softer during the swing. This is ideal for golfers looking for comfort or more vibration absorption (e.g., older players or those with joint pain).
Understand Your Shot Tendency (Hook/Slice)
- Struggling with a Slice (Ball Curves Right): If you tend to slice the ball, a higher-torque shaft can help you close the clubface more easily at impact. The added twist gives you a bit more time to square the face.
- Struggling with a Hook (Ball Curves Left): If you tend to hook the ball, you may benefit from a lower-torque shaft. Less twisting will keep the clubface from closing too much at impact, helping reduce unwanted right-to-left ball flight.
Factor in Shaft Material (Graphite vs. Steel)
- Graphite Shafts: These generally have higher torque ratings due to the more flexible nature of the material. If you're choosing a graphite shaft, keep in mind that torque levels will be higher, which may be ideal for players who need more feel and distance.
- Steel Shafts: Steel shafts usually have lower torque because they are stiffer and heavier. Players looking for control and precision often prefer steel because of the lower torque.
Learn more about the differences between steel and graphite shafts →
Consider Your Experience Level
- Beginners or High Handicappers: If you're a beginner or have a higher handicap, you might benefit from higher-torque shafts that offer more forgiveness and help square the clubface more easily.
- Low Handicappers or Pros: Experienced players with better control over their swings may prefer lower-torque shafts, as they provide more stability and accuracy, enabling more precise shot shaping.
Find the Perfect Balance for Your Swing
Golf shaft torque plays a critical role in determining how your clubs perform and feel during your swing. Whether you need more control, forgiveness, or a specific ball flight, choosing the right torque can help you fine-tune your game and achieve better results on the course. By understanding how low, mid, and high torque levels affect your shots, you can make more informed decisions when choosing the ideal shaft for your swing style and performance goals.
Looking for a set of clubs you can grow into? Our 12-Club Perform set is fully customizable, offering the perfect balance of flex, forgiveness, and torque so you can dial in your game just the way you want. If you’re searching for the set that will help you start crushing fairways, this is the one.
Shop all Stix golf club sets today →
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